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Prudential Bancorp
Annual Report 2010

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FY2010 Annual Report · Prudential Bancorp
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PRUDENTIAL PLC  

ANNUAL  
REPORT 2010

Long-term thinking

HK Stock Code: 2378

Prudential delivered a very strong performance  
in 2010, with results significantly ahead of 2009. Our 
disciplined approach to capital allocation, proactive 
risk management and focus on profitability are 
generating both growth and cash for our shareholders.

On the statutory International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) basis, our operating profit before tax 
from continuing operations increased by 24 per cent 
to £1,941 million.  On the European Embedded Value 
basis, Group operating profit before tax increased by  
20 per cent to £3,696 million.

In view of the progress that the Group has made in 
recent years to improve IFRS operating profitability 
and free surplus generation, the Board has decided to 
rebase the full year dividend upwards by 4 pence per 
share, equivalent to an increase of 20 per cent. In line 
with this, the directors recommend a final dividend of 
17.24 pence per share, which brings the total dividend 
for the year to 23.85 pence per share.

We believe our proven strategy, our discipline in putting 
value ahead of volume and our focus on execution will 
continue to allow us to grow profitably and to generate 
significant returns for our shareholders.

The directors’ report of 
Prudential plc for the year 
ended 31 December 2010 is set 
out on pages 1 to 121, pages 353 
to 374 and on pages 438 to 442 
and includes the sections of 
the Annual Report referred 
to in these pages.

VIEW OUR REPORT ONLINE

www.prudential.co.uk

OVERVIEW  >  CONTENTS

1

OVERVIEW

BUSINESS REVIEW 

GOVERNANCE 

2 
4 
6 
8 

18 
20 
26 

54 
80 
87 
91 

Highlights
Business overview
Chairman’s statement
Group Chief Executive’s report

Financial highlights
Chief Financial Officer’s review
Business unit review
•  Insurance operations: Asia, US, UK
•  Asset management: M&G, Asia, US
Financial review
Risk and capital management
Other corporate information
Corporate responsibility review

100 
104 
121 
122 

Board of directors
Governance report
Additional disclosures
Index to principal Directors’ Report disclosures

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

124 

Directors’ remuneration report

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND  
EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV)  
BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 

150 

152 
153 
154 
155 
157 
159 
160 
354 
375 
376 
387 

388 

389 
395 
434 

435 

Summary of statutory and supplementary 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
basis and EEV basis results

Index to Group financial statements
Consolidated income statement
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Consolidated statement of financial position
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Notes on the Group financial statements
Additional unaudited information
Balance sheet of the parent company
Notes on the parent company financial statements
Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect 
of the Annual Report and the financial statements
Independent auditor’s report to the members 
of Prudential plc
EEV basis supplementary information
Notes on the EEV basis supplementary information
Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect 
of the EEV basis supplementary information
Independent auditor’s report to Prudential plc 
on the EEV basis supplementary information 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

438 
443 
445 

Risk factors
Shareholder information
How to contact us

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2

OVERVIEW  >  HIGHLIGHTS

HIGHLIGHTS

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

ANNUAL PREMIUM EQUIVALENT 
NEW BUSINESS PREMIUMS1

EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE 
OPERATING PROFIT FROM 
LONG-TERM BUSINESS2

+23%
£3,485m

+20%
£3,840m

£2,844m

£3,202m

2009

2010

2009

2010

EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE 
NEW BUSINESS PROFIT1

+25%
£2,028m

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL 
REPORTING STANDARDS 
OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON 
LONGER-TERM INVESTMENT 
RETURNS3

+24%
£1,941m

£1,619m

£1,564m

2009

2010

2009

2010

EXTERNAL FUNDS 
UNDER MANAGEMENT

+24%
£111.374bn

£89.780bn

2009

2010

1  Excludes Japan, which ceased writing 

new business in 2010.

2  Including Solvency II implementation, 
restructuring, Asia development and 
Asia Regional Head Office costs.
3  The Company has amended the 

presentation of IFRS operating profit for 
its US insurance operations to remove 
the net equity hedge accounting effect 
(incorporating related amortisation of 
deferred acquisition costs) and include 
it in the supplementary analysis of profit 
in short-term fluctuations in investment 
returns. 2009 amounts have been 
amended accordingly.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

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BUSINESS UNIT PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

  PRUDENTIAL CORPORATION ASIA
•  Regional leader with more market leading positions 
in the life insurance and asset management sectors 
than anyone else

•  Well diversified platform as no one country, 

distribution channel or product drives performance

•  APE sales up 24 per cent to £1,501 million

•  New business profit up 24 per cent to £902 million

•  IFRS operating profit up 29 per cent to £536 million

  JACKSON
•  Record total APE retail sales of £1,164 million – highest level 

in Jackson’s history

•  Top three provider of variable annuities in US

•  Rated as a ‘World Class’ service provider for five successive 

years by Service Quality Measurement Group 

•  ‘Highest Customer Satisfaction by Industry’ award from 

Service Quality Measurement Group

  PRUDENTIAL UK
•  Strength and investment performance of With-Profits 
Fund allowed Prudential to deliver strong annualised 
returns for policyholders

•  Retained ‘Five Star’ rating for excellent service in 
the Investment category at the Financial Adviser 
Service Awards

•  IFRS total operating profits up nine per cent to £719 million

•  Retail new business margin increased from 31 per cent to 

35 per cent

  M&G
•  M&G’s retail business was awarded the prestigious 2010 

Global Group of the Year award at the 15th annual Investment 
Week Fund Manager of the Year Awards. This is the second 
time in three years that M&G has received this award 

•  M&G’s institutional business was also recognised for 

its investment performance, winning the 2010 UK Asset 
Management Firm of the Year award at Financial News’ 
Awards for Excellence in Institutional Asset Management

•  Record full year profits of £246 million, 8 per cent higher 

than previous record achieved in 2008

•  External net fund inflows of £9.1 billion

4

OVERVIEW  >  AT A GLANCE

PRUDENTIAL
AT A GLANCE

Prudential plc is an international financial services group with significant 
operations in Asia, the US and the UK. We serve over 25 million customers 
and have £340 billion of assets under management. The Group is structured 
around four main business units: Prudential Corporation Asia, Jackson 
National Life Insurance Company, Prudential UK and M&G. 

OVERVIEW

PRUDENTIAL CORPORATION ASIA
Prudential is a leading life insurer in Asia operating 
in 12 markets. We are in the top three for market 
share of new business in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, 
Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam. 

JACKSON
Jackson is one of the largest life insurance 
companies in the US, providing retirement savings 
and income solutions to more than 2.8 million 
customers.

In Asia we provide a comprehensive range of savings, 
protection and investment products tailored to meet 
customers’ needs in each market. 

Prudential’s Asian asset management business manages 
investments across a broad range of asset classes for  
internal, retail and institutional clients. We are one of the 
region’s leaders of Asian sourced assets under management. 
We are also the largest onshore mutual fund manager in Asia.

KEY STATISTICS

Jackson is also one of the top three providers of variable 
annuities in the US.

Founded 50 years ago, Jackson has a long and successful 
record of providing advisers with the products, tools 
and support to design effective retirement solutions  
for their clients.

ASIA
www.prudentialcorporation-asia.com

UNITED STATES
www.jackson.com

15m+

customers

320,000+
agents

16,400
employees

2.8m+

customers

3,700
employees
including 
affiliates

% OF GROUP OPERATING PROFITS

EEV*

IFRS†

EEV*

IFRS†

38%

25%

38%

35%

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

LIFE ASSURANCE
% of Group APE new 
business premiums1

% of Group new 
business profit1

43%  Asia
33%  US
24%  UK

44%  Asia
38%  US
18%  UK

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ASSET MANAGEMENT
% of Group external funds 
under management

80%  M&G
20%  Asia

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www.prudential.co.uk

PRUDENTIAL UK
Prudential UK is a leading life and pensions 
provider to approximately 7 million customers 
in the United Kingdom. 

M&G
M&G is Prudential’s UK and European fund 
management business with total assets under 
management of £198 billion (at 31 December 2010). 

Our expertise in areas such as longevity, risk management 
and multi-asset investment, together with our financial 
strength and highly respected brand, means that the 
business is strongly positioned to continue pursuing a 
value-driven strategy built around our core strengths 
in with-profits and annuities.

M&G has been investing money for individual and 
institutional clients for 80 years. Today it is one of 
Europe’s largest active investment managers as well 
as being a powerhouse in fixed income.

UNITED KINGDOM
www.pru.co.uk

UNITED KINGDOM & EUROPE
www.mandg.co.uk

7m

customers

2,700
employees

335,000
customers  
through M&G 
Investments

1,400
employees

EEV*

IFRS†

IFRS†

24%

29%

11%

1  Excludes Japan, which ceased writing new 

business in 2010.

*  % of Group EEV long-term operating profits.
†  % of Group IFRS operating profits, based 

on longer-term investment returns before 
restructuring costs and other income and 
expenditure.

6

OVERVIEW  >  CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

CHAIRMAN’S
STATEMENT

HARVEY MCGRATH
CHAIRMAN

FULL YEAR DIVIDEND 

+20%
23.85p

19.85p

2009

2010

“ Prudential is uniquely 
positioned in the 
industry, delivering 
both rapid, profitable 
growth in emerging 
markets and generating 
strong cash flows.”

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

I am delighted to welcome you to Prudential’s 2010 Annual Report. We have 
followed our excellent year in 2009 with another very strong performance.

In 2010, our proven strategy of focusing on the most attractive markets and products, 
together with the discipline with which the Group manages risk and capital, has again 
delivered outstanding results. The Board has therefore recommended a final dividend 
of 17.24 pence per share, which brings the total dividend for the reporting period to 
23.85 pence per share, 4 pence (20 per cent) higher than the 2009 total dividend. 
The scrip dividend scheme is not being offered in respect of this dividend. In its 
place shareholders will be offered a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP).

As a company, our purpose has remained the same since our foundation in 1848. 
We meet our customers’ changing needs for savings, income and protection wherever 
we do business. Prudential is uniquely positioned in the industry, delivering both 
rapid, profitable growth in emerging markets and generating strong cash flows. 

Following Board approval, in December we announced new growth and profitability 
objectives for our Asia business and new cash remittance objectives for the Group. 
These are challenging but achievable given the Group’s strategy and the potential 
of our businesses in our chosen markets. These objectives are clear evidence of the 
Group’s commitment to provide both growth and cash to shareholders. The Board’s 
recommendation for the final dividend is consistent with that commitment.

One of the key events in the first half of the year was our proposed transaction with 
AIA. This led to significant focus on Prudential. The decision to pursue this transaction 
was in line with our strategy, which is to concentrate our resources on the highest growth 
and highest return markets, many of which are in Asia. The Board spent considerable 
time reviewing, challenging, questioning and validating the deal, including months 
of due diligence. I would like to thank the non-executive directors for their extensive 
contribution to the process. As I said at the 2010 AGM, the whole Board strongly 
believed this was an opportunity worth pursuing as part of our wider strategy. We 
greatly regret that we were not successful in completing the deal, however while it 
would have accelerated our growth, the 2010 results show our ability to deliver a 
first-class performance without it. 

There have been a number of changes to the Board during the year. In October, we 
announced the appointment of Howard Davies and Paul Manduca as non-executive 
directors. Paul has replaced James Ross as the Board’s Senior Independent Director. 
James will retire from the Board at Prudential’s AGM on 19 May 2011. Howard has 
become Chairman of the Group Risk Committee. Both have extensive experience 
in the financial sector. 

We also announced the appointment of Mike Wells as President and Chief Executive 
Officer of Jackson National Life Insurance Company and as an executive director on the 
Board of Prudential with effect from 1 January 2011. Mike, who has been with Jackson 
for 15 years and was Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, succeeds Clark 
Manning, who decided to step down after 15 years with Jackson. 

In December, John Foley was appointed Group Chief Risk Officer and he became an 
executive director on the Board of Prudential with effect from 1 January 2011. John 
was previously Chief Executive, Prudential Capital and Group Treasurer. The decision 
to make the position of Group Chief Risk Officer a Board role underlines the importance 
of risk management to the Group.

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I am very pleased to welcome Mike, John, Howard and Paul to the Board of Prudential 
and I look forward to working with them. I would like to thank Clark and James for their 
invaluable service and significant contribution over their time on the Board.

I would also like to pay tribute to Mick Newmarch, who died in April 2010. Mick was 
instrumental in shaping the Group during his time as Chief Executive from 1990 to 
1995. Mick refocused and re-energised our business in Asia, laying down the 
groundwork for our outstanding success in the region today. 

Our performance should not only be judged by our financial return. Prudential is 
committed to being an active and supportive member of the community. We encourage 
our businesses to establish projects and partnerships around education (particularly 
financial education) and social welfare. Our approach to community investment is to 
support charitable organisations and appropriate NGOs, not only through funding, but 
also with the experience and expertise of our employees. In 2010, around one in four 
employees volunteered in their community, many of them through our Group-wide 
flagship volunteering programme, the Chairman’s Challenge. Over the last five years, 
since the Chairman’s Challenge was launched, more than 100 annual projects have 
been supported by our employees in partnership with charities including Help Age 
International, Plan International and Junior Achievement. 

Looking at the performance of the Group around the world, our strategy, the quality of 
our people and the strength of our brands, I remain confident we will continue to deliver 
profitable growth and sustainable value for our shareholders. We have emerged from 
the economic turbulence of the past few years as one of the strongest insurers in the 
world and I would like to express my thanks to all our employees for their continued 
contribution to the Group’s success.

8

OVERVIEW  >  GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT

GROUP CHIEF 
EXECUTIVE’S REPORT

TIDJANE THIAM
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE

“ At the centre of our strategy 
is the acceleration of our 
profitable growth in Asia, 
which offers many of the 
highest growth and return 
opportunities.”

“ We have focused on 
allocating capital with 
total discipline to the 
highest return and 
shortest payback 
opportunities across 
the Group.”

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

I am pleased to report a very strong performance in 2010, with results 
significantly ahead of 2009. We achieved this by remaining focused on 
rigorous capital allocation and effective management of our balance sheet. 

These principles have served us well during the financial crisis allowing us to 
emerge from the 2008-2009 period with a stronger balance sheet, higher profits, 
higher cash flows and an increased dividend. Our 2010 results confirm that our 
strategy, underpinned by our operating principles, should increasingly allow us to 
differentiate ourselves through our ability to combine growth and cash generation, 
as we announced at our Investor Day on 1 December 2010.

Our strategy
At the centre of our strategy is the acceleration of our profitable growth in Asia, which 
offers many of the highest growth and return opportunities. The emerging markets of 
South-East Asia – such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand, 
together with Hong Kong and Singapore – are particularly attractive. They remain the 
priority destination for our new capital investment. With our compelling platform of 
distribution, brand and product development capabilities in the high growth markets 
of Asia, we believe we are particularly well positioned to take advantage of the 
considerable opportunity that the region offers. 

In the US, we continue to build on the strength of our operations to make them a more 
significant component of the Group in terms of IFRS earnings as well as cash generation. 
In the UK, we remain focused on generating cash and capital and providing resilience 
to the Group’s balance sheet. 

In asset management, our strong track record, both at M&G and in our asset management 
business in Asia, is enabling us to grow our funds under management. These businesses 
make an increasingly important contribution to our profits and cash generation.

Each part of the Group plays a key role in our strategy. Our flexibility and diversification 
were instrumental in allowing us to navigate successfully the economic and market 
cycle in 2008 and 2009.

In executing this strategy, we are guided by three clearly defined Group-wide operating 
principles. The first of these is that from 2008, we decided to take a more balanced 
approach to performance management across the three key measures of Embedded 
Value (EEV), IFRS and cash, with an increased emphasis on IFRS and cash. When this 
operating principle was introduced, it was a clear break with how our industry, and our 
company, had operated previously. As a consequence of this new focus, we have been 
able in 2010, for the third year in a row, to report results that are in fast progression 
across all three key measures – EEV, IFRS and cash. 

Second, we have focused on allocating capital with total discipline to the highest return 
and shortest payback opportunities across the Group. This means that we restrict new 
business to areas of the market where these stringent criteria are met. As a result, we 
have not hesitated to take and implement a number of challenging decisions. 

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OVERVIEW  >  GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT  >  CONTINUED

GROUP CHIEF 
EXECUTIVE’S REPORT

“ We have significantly more 
capital today than before the 
financial crisis.”

IFRS OPERATING PROFIT 
BEFORE TAX

+24%
£1,941m

£1,564m

2009

2010

TOTAL EEV OPERATING  
PROFIT BEFORE TAX

+20%
£3,696m

£3,090m

2009

2010

Even in our preferred region of Asia, we acted decisively when necessary for the Group, 
as illustrated by our decision to sell our back book of business in Taiwan, to curtail 
writing new life business in Japan, or exchange short-term sales volume in Korea for 
long-term shareholder value. In the UK, we have closed down the equity release 
business and significantly increased our minimum return criteria for bulk purchase 
annuities. In the US, we have managed our sales of annuities, fixed and variable, with a 
clear focus on returns and payback periods, not hesitating to lose market share when 
necessary and putting value ahead of volume. 

Finally, our third operating principle – of equal importance – is to take a proactive 
approach to managing risk across the cycle. We have transformed the capital position 
of the Group during the last three years, closing 2010 with more than £4 billion of 
Insurance Groups Directive (IGD) capital surplus against £1.5 billion at the end of 2008. 
We have significantly more capital today than before the financial crisis, and we have put 
in place a set of processes to hedge and manage the key risks to which we are exposed.

Our strategy and the disciplined implementation of our operating principles have 
produced excellent results.

Group performance
In 2010, APE sales1 were up 23 per cent in life insurance to £3,485 million (2009: 
£2,844 million) and new business profit1 has increased by 25 per cent to £2,028 million 
(2009: £1,619 million) as our new business margins increased to 58 per cent  
(2009: 57 per cent).

Net inflows in our asset management businesses were £8.9 billion, following an 
exceptional year in 2009 (2009: £15.4 billion). These continued strong inflows underpin 
the robust performance of our asset management operations during the year and are a 
direct driver of the growth in our profits.

On the statutory IFRS basis, our operating profit before tax from continuing operations 
increased by 24 per cent in 2010 to £1,941 million (2009: £1,564 million). IFRS profit for 
the year after tax increased by 112 per cent to £1,431 million (2009: £676 million). IFRS 
shareholder funds increased 28 per cent in 2010 to £8.0 billion (2009: £6.3 billion).

On the EEV basis, Group operating profit before tax increased by 20 per cent in 
2010 to £3,696 million (2009: £3,090 million). New business profit1 for the year was 
£2,028 million, an increase of 25 per cent (2009: £1,619 million), and we continued to 
deliver very strong margins of 58 per cent (2009: 57 per cent). Our total investment 
in new business1 in 2010 was £643 million (2009: £660 million), a reduction of 3 per 
cent. As a result of our focus on rigorous capital allocation, we are delivering higher 
returns on capital invested for our shareholders, while managing to use less capital 
in absolute terms. 

Since 2008, we have been using free surplus as the primary indicator of our ability to 
generate cash and capital. In 2010, free surplus increased 32 per cent to £3.3 billion, 
up from £2.5 billion at the end of 2009 and £0.9 billion at the end of 2008. 

As these results show, we achieved strong growth on our three key metrics of EEV, IFRS 
and cash simultaneously. From 2009 to 2010, both our IFRS and EEV operating profits 
have grown by 20 per cent or more, while consuming less capital in absolute terms.

Our ability to generate significant growth while providing increasing cash returns to 
our shareholders – ‘growth and cash’ – is the result of our differentiated strategy. 
This strategy and the quality of our teams, both in our business units and our head 
office, allows us to provide value to our customers and shareholders. Each of our 
businesses is a clear leader in its market. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

Note
1  Excluding Japan, which ceased writing new business in 2010.

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FREE SURPLUS

+32%
£3.3bn

£2.5bn

2009

2010

“ In the US, we have 
maintained our focus on 
value over sales volume 
growth, ensuring sales 
are delivered at highly 
profitable margin levels.”

A year ago, we announced an agreement with AIG to acquire its Asia operations, AIA. 
The proposed acquisition was a unique opportunity to accelerate our strategy of focusing 
on the fast growing markets in Asia. We could not agree a purchase price that was 
acceptable to the AIG Board. The costs associated with the transaction were announced 
at our half year results and are detailed in the full year results statement.

Our operating performance by business unit
Our aim across all our businesses is to develop and market a suite of products that 
deliver good value solutions that meet our customers’ needs, in a way that is profitable 
and capital efficient for the Group. 

Prudential Corporation Asia
In 2010, in line with our strategy, our core investment was in the fast growing and 
highly profitable markets of South-East Asia and Hong Kong and Singapore. Due to the 
long-term structural changes taking place in these economies, we continue to believe 
they offer the most attractive opportunity in the global life insurance market today. 

Distribution remains critical to our business in Asia, and our unique combination of 
proprietary agency distribution and bank partnerships continues to deliver excellent 
results. Agency will remain the dominant and most profitable channel in Asia for 
many years to come. It is clear that Prudential’s agency distribution platform compares 
favourably to our peer group, whether in terms of scale, training or productivity. 
In addition, we will continue developing our presence in the bancassurance channel. 
The performance of our new partnership with UOB reinforces our view that the 
bancassurance channel will be increasingly important as Asian middle classes become 
wealthier and increasingly use banks and their services. This, together with our strategy 
of growing health and protection business, has been central to increasing our 
profitability and margins. 

Our financial performance in Asia will continue to be based on three principal drivers. 
First, as a result of our strong new business growth, and its contribution to the increase 
in our in-force policies book, net inflows will be a major contributor to our IFRS 
earnings. Second, there will continue to be a contribution from investment returns, 
which will increase as the business grows. Third, as the scale of the business increases, 
our profitability will continue to benefit from the efficiency of our Asian platform, with 
revenues growing faster than our cost base. These three drivers support our 
confidence in our ability to double our 2009 IFRS profits by 2013. 

Jackson
In the US, we have maintained our focus on value over sales volume growth, ensuring 
sales are delivered at highly profitable margin levels. We have maintained our pricing 
discipline and have been consistent in our approach of not chasing market share for 
its own sake. In 2010 we continued to benefit from the market changes following the 
financial turmoil in 2008 and 2009. As part of a trend, mostly driven by distributors who 
guide their customers towards the companies that held firm through the crisis and never 
closed to business, Jackson has significantly improved its position in the key variable 
annuity market. This flight to quality has allowed the Jackson team to increase sales 
volumes and market share. Our consistent pricing approach, product flexibility and 
Jackson’s strong credit rating, which has remained unchanged for eight years, have 
served us well. 

We have continued to grow the number of advisers appointed to sell our products, 
increasing licensed agents and registered representatives in 2010 to more than 130,000.

12

OVERVIEW  >  GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT  >  CONTINUED

GROUP CHIEF
EXECUTIVE’S REPORT

Prudential UK 
Our business in the UK is highly disciplined and generates differentiated returns 
relative to the market. We continued to be a market leader in both individual annuities 
and with-profits business. We maintained our focus on balancing the writing of new 
business with the generation of cash and capital, successfully delivering attractive 
returns on capital employed. This strategy led the UK to deliver net cash of £420 million 
to the Group in 2010.  

Our emphasis on value and generating strong returns saw the UK business continue 
to prioritise the retail market, while selectively participating in the wholesale market. 
Wholesale market opportunities have only been pursued when they meet our strict 
financial criteria and deliver an appropriate return on the capital invested both in terms 
of quantum but also, and equally important, of payback period. In 2010 we also 
continued to make good progress against our cost reduction plans, meeting our 2010 
savings target of £195 million per annum six months early. 

Asset management 
M&G had a very good 2010, a performance which is all the more impressive as it 
comes after an exceptional year in 2009. M&G continues to focus on offering customers 
superior investment performance over the longer term, building on its proven track 
record of success in the retail investment market through ongoing expansion in Europe. 
M&G’s retail business achieved net inflows of £7.4 billion. M&G’s IFRS operating profit 
was £284 million, up 19 per cent compared to 2009.

In Asia, our asset management business also had a very successful year, with operating 
profits of £72 million, 31 per cent ahead of 2009. It is a key feature of our strategy that 
asset management profits are very capital efficient and are ‘cash rich’ profits. For the 
first time, funds under management passed the £50 billion mark, up from £42.4 billion 
in 2009, a trend that should also lead to continued profit growth. 

These achievements underline the potential we see for asset management across Asia. 
We continue to believe that this is one of the most exciting opportunities for the Group 
today. In 2010, we appointed a new Chief Executive, and we are determined to 
continue to invest to capture a significant share of the growth and profits available in 
asset management in Asia. The priorities for our asset management business in Asia 
are: to build and develop institutional relationships, securing pan-Asia discretionary 
mandates; to increase our focus on Japan and China, as the region’s largest and fastest 
growing markets respectively; and, finally, to grow our offshore funds business.

Capital and risk management
A strong capital position is key to our development. It gives confidence to our 
customers in what is a long-term business, and it allows us to write large amounts 
of new business. Strict management and allocation of capital remain a core focus 
for our Group. Using the regulatory measure of the IGD, our Group capital surplus 
at 31 December 2010 was estimated at £4.3 billion (31 December 2009: £3.4 billion). 
The Group’s required capital is covered 3.0 times. This ratio means we continue to 
be one of the world’s best-capitalised insurers. 

We have strengthened our risk management practices by forming a Group Risk 
Committee headed by Howard Davies reporting directly to the Board. We also 
appointed a new Chief Risk Officer (CRO), John Foley, and have elevated the CRO 
position to board level. 

“ In the UK, we maintained 
our focus on balancing the 
writing of new business 
with the generation of cash 
and capital.”

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
“ M&G continues to focus 
on offering customers 
superior investment 
performance over the 
longer term, building on 
its proven track record.”

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Dividend
In view of the progress that the Group has made in recent years to improve IFRS 
operating profitability and free surplus generation, the Board has decided to rebase 
the full year dividend upwards by 4 pence per share, equivalent to an increase of 
20 per cent. In line with this, the directors recommend a final dividend of 17.24 pence 
per share, which brings the total dividend for the year to 23.85 pence per share 
(2009: 19.85 pence per share). 

The scrip dividend scheme is not being offered in respect of this dividend. In its place 
shareholders will be offered a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP). 

The Board will maintain its focus on delivering a growing dividend from this new 
higher base, which will continue to be determined after taking into account the Group’s 
financial flexibility and our assessment of opportunities to generate attractive returns 
by investing in specific areas of the business. The Board believes that in the medium 
term a dividend cover of around two times is appropriate. 

Our financial objectives1 
In December 2010, we announced new objectives for the Group that reflect our 
determination to accelerate growth in Asia and our belief that we can continue to 
deliver both growth and cash sustainably to our shareholders. 

Our core objectives are:

(i) 
In Asia, to double the 2009 value of IFRS life and asset management pre-tax 
operating profit in 2013 (2009: £465 million) and to double the 2009 value of new 
business profits in 2013 (2009: £713 million).

(ii)  For each business unit to remit net cash to the Group: Asia to deliver £300 million of 
net cash remittance to the Group in 2013 (2009: £40 million); Jackson to deliver £200 
million of net cash remittance to the Group in 2013 (2009: £39 million); UK to deliver 
£350 million of net cash remittance to the Group in 2013 (2009: £2842 million). 

(iii) All business units in aggregate to deliver cumulative net cash remittances of at 
least £3.8 billion over the period 2010 to end-2013. These net remittances are to be 
underpinned by a targeted level of cumulative underlying free surplus generation 
of £6.5 billion over the same period.

These objectives are clear evidence of our determination to provide – through our 
strategy and disciplined execution – both growth and cash to our shareholders at 
a sustained pace.

Notes
1  The following discussion and the discussion under ‘Outlook’ below, contain forward-
looking statements that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Prudential’s actual 
future financial condition or performance or other indicated results may differ 
materially from those indicated in any such forward-looking statement due to a 
number of important factors (including those discussed under the heading ‘Risk 
factors’ in this report). See the discussion under the heading ‘Forward-looking 
statements’ at the end of this report. The objectives assume current exchange rates 
and a normalised economic environment consistent with the economic assumptions 
made by Prudential in calculating the EEV basis supplementary information for 
the half year ended 30 June 2010. They have been prepared using current solvency 
rules and do not pre-judge the outcome of Solvency II, which remains uncertain.

2 Representing the underlying remittances excluding the £150 million impact of 

pro-active financing techniques used to bring forward cash emergence of the in-force 
book during the financial crisis.

14

OVERVIEW  >  GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT  >  CONTINUED

GROUP CHIEF
EXECUTIVE’S REPORT

Outlook
By continuing to implement our strategy with discipline, allocating capital to the most 
attractive markets and products, and managing risk and capital prudently, but proactively, 
we have generated differentiated performance from our peers. 

The outlook for economic growth in Asia, particularly in our preferred markets in 
South-East Asia, remains positive. The prospects for sustainably growing our leading 
platform in the region continue to be strong. Our confidence is reflected in the ambitious, 
yet achievable, objectives we have set for our business in Asia in December 2010. 

Regarding Western economies, we continue to be more cautious about the outlook, with 
some clear differences between the US and Europe. The US economy is recovering, and 
the combination of the transition of 78 million ‘baby boomers’ into retirement, and our 
skill base and products, creates a unique and exciting opportunity for us. The economic 
outlook in Europe is more challenging. However, having focused our UK business, and 
relying largely on our existing seven million customers, we believe that we will continue 
to achieve our objectives in terms of margins and capital and cash generation.

Strategy and operating principles

D M ET RIC S

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O P E R A T I NG PRINCIPLES

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A

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ACCELERATING
ASIA

STRENGTHENING 
UNITED  
STATES

STRATEGIC 
FRAMEWORK

OPTIMISING
ASSET 
MANAGEMENT

FOCUSING
UNITED
KINGDOM

PROACTIVE RISK M A N A G E M E N T

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
15

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Our disciplined process of capital allocation will, I believe, enable us to continue to 
deliver improved cash returns to shareholders. Our diversification, combined with 
our flexibility to choose where to allocate our capital, have proved to be significant 
sources of competitive advantage. We successfully navigated the extreme economic 
and market cycle of the past two years and are confident we will continue to 
outperform in the markets where we compete in the future. 

I believe that the quality of our strategic options, our discipline in putting value ahead 
of volume and our focus on execution will continue to allow us to grow profitably and 
to generate significant returns for our shareholders.

GROUP

2011 PRIORITIES

2013 FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES

•  Continue to implement strategy with discipline, 
allocating capital to the most attractive markets 
and products

•  Manage risk and capital prudently, but proactively
•  Focus on delivering a progressive dividend, 

determined after taking into account the Group’s 
financial flexibility and opportunities to invest 
in areas of business offering attractive returns

•  All business units in aggregate to deliver 

cumulative net cash remittances of at least  
£3.8 billion over the period 2010 to end-2013

•  Net remittances underpinned by targeted  

level of cumulative underlying free surplus 
generation of £6.5 billion over the period 2010  
to end-2013

ASIA

•  Continue expanding multi-channel distribution 

platform and improving its productivity
•  Focus on regular premium products with 
comprehensive suite of protection riders
•  Drive value through operational efficiency

•  Double 2009 value of IFRS life and asset 
management pre-tax operating profit

•  Double 2009 value of new business profits
•  Deliver £300 million of net cash remittance  

to the Group

UNITED  
STATES

•  Continue to drive positive net retail flows
•  Innovate around our key variable annuity 

•  Deliver £200 million of net cash remittance  

to the Group

product

•  Further enhance operational efficiency

UNITED  
KINGDOM

•  Balance writing profitable new business at 

•  Deliver £350 million of net cash remittance  

to the Group

attractive returns on capital with sustainable 
cash generation and capital preservation
•  Continue to pursue a value-driven strategy 

built around our core strengths in with-profits 
and annuities

•  Deliver further improvements to operational 
performance and customer service while 
maintaining a strict focus on costs
•  Continue building complementary 

distribution channels

M&G

•  Maintain superior long-term investment performance for both internal and external funds
•  Continue growth in third-party retail and institutional businesses

 
16

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

BUSINESS 
REVIEW

18 
20 
26 

54 
80 
87 
91 

Financial highlights
Chief Financial Officer’s review
Business unit review
•  Insurance operations: Asia, US, UK
•  Asset management: M&G, Asia, US
Financial review
Risk and capital management
Other corporate information
Corporate responsibility review

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18

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL 
HIGHLIGHTS

LIFE NEW BUSINESS: DELIVERING GROWTH IN VALUE AND VOLUME – 
BALANCING CAPITAL CONSUMPTION AND VALUE OPTIMISATION  £m

Life APE new business sales

New business profit

+23%

2,844
723

912

1,209

3,485
820

1,164

1,501

+25%

2,028
365

761

902

1,619
230
664

725

2009

2010

2009

2010

Asia1

US

UK

Group

2010

2009

2010

2009

 2010

2009

 2010

2009

New business profit 

margin

Payback period2
Internal rate of return

60%

60%

57%
3 years 3 years 1 year 2 years  4 years 5 years 2 years 3 years
>20% >20% >20% >20% >20% >15% >20% >20%

73%

32%

45%

58%

65%

Free surplus investment 
in new business

  Asia1  

  US 

  UK

2009
(103)

(326)

(231)

(660)

+3%

2010
(65)
(300)

(278)

(643)

SHAREHOLDER-BACKED POLICYHOLDER LIABILITIES  £m

  Asia 

  US 

  UK 

  Other movements

92,189
33,853

45,361

12,975
At 1 Jan
2009

2,055

5,189

(73)

701

100,061
38,700

1,298

7,368

1,029

12,427

Net liability flows3

48,311

Net liability flows3

13,050
At 1 Jan
2010

122,183
43,944

60,523

17,716

At 31 Dec
2010

ASSET MANAGEMENT NET INFLOWS AND PROFITABILITY  £m

IFRS operating profit

External funds under 
management

Total asset management
Net inflows

M&G net inflows 

  M&G 

  Other asset management business 

  Total asset management

+27%

378

284

297

238

+24%

111,374

89,780

70,306

89,326

15,417

–42%

8,890 

13,478

–32%

9,105

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

19

IFRS OPERATING 
PROFIT 4

EEV OPERATING 
PROFIT

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE – BASED ON OPERATING PROFIT 
AFTER TAX AND NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS 5 

  IFRS 

  EEV

+24%

+20%

£1,941m

£3,696m

£1,564m

£3,090m

+20%

+31%

88.8p

47.5p

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

106.9p

62.0p

2010

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BALANCE SHEET, CASH AND CAPITAL

Underlying free surplus 
generated 6

IGD Capital before final 
dividend 7

Dividend per share relating to the 
reporting year

+21%

£1,714m

£1,414m

+26%

£4.3bn

£3.4bn

+20%

23.85p

19.85p

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS 
(INCLUDING GOODWILL ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS)

EEV SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS PER SHARE

EEV shareholders’ funds

IFRS shareholders’ funds

  Excluding goodwill 

  Including goodwill

  Return on shareholders’ funds8

£18.2bn

£8.0bn

£15.3bn

£6.3bn

2009
15%  

2010
18%

2009
23%  

2010
25%

603p

551p

2009

+19%
+19%

715p

658p

2010

Notes
1  Asia new business amounts exclude Japan, which ceased writing new 

business in 2010.

it in the supplementary analysis of profit in short-term fluctuations in investment 
returns. 2009 amounts have been amended accordingly.

2  Payback: Expected period over which future undiscounted free surplus 

5  2010 excludes an exceptional tax credit of £158 million which primarily relates 

generation from shareholder-backed business recoups initial new business 
investment.

to the impact of a settlement agreed with the UK tax authorities.

6  Underlying free surplus comprises underlying free surplus generated from 

3  Net liability flows defined as movements in shareholder-backed policyholder 

in-force business less investment in new business. 

liabilities arising from premiums, surrenders, maturities and deaths. 
4  The Company has amended the presentation of IFRS operating profit for 

7  For 2010, IGD amounts are estimated.
8  Operating profit after tax and non-controlling interests (but excluding 

its US insurance operations to remove the net equity hedge accounting effect 
(incorporating related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include  

in 2010 exceptional tax credit of £158 million) as percentage of opening 
shareholders’ funds.

 
  
20

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S OVERVIEW

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S 
OVERVIEW

NIC NICANDROU
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

APE SALES

+23%
£3,485m

£2,844m

2009

2010

£2,028m

New business profit

58%

New business margin

2010 was a good year for Prudential as we delivered strong performance 
in our key growth metrics. EEV new business profit (‘new business profit’) 
was up 25 per cent to £2,028 million (2009: £1,619 million) and IFRS 
operating profit based on longer-term investment returns (‘IFRS operating 
profit’) increased 24 per cent to £1,941 million (2009: £1,564 million). 

On our capital metric of net underlying free surplus generation we improved 21 per 
cent to £1,714 million (2009: £1,414 million). Prudential’s ability to deliver on all of these 
metrics is testament to the quality of our businesses and marks us out among our peers. 
Our ongoing focus on driving value over volume coupled with our advantaged product 
and geographic business footprint and the financial discipline that is ingrained within all 
of our businesses has resulted in the Group delivering excellent performance in the 
year and gives us confidence as we look into 2011 and beyond.

Growth
In life insurance, APE sales1 in 2010 were up 23 per cent to £3,485 million (2009: £2,844 
million) and new business profit has increased by 25 per cent to £2,028 million (2009: 
£1,619 million) as our new business margins1 increased to 58 per cent (2009: 57 per cent). 

Asia produced APE sales1 of £1,501 million (2009: £1,209 million) and new business 
profit1 of £902 million (2009: £725 million) in 2010, both figures up 24 per cent on the 
prior year. AER sales performance across Asia was strong, particularly in Indonesia 
(up 49 per cent), Malaysia (up 40 per cent), Hong Kong (up 19 per cent) and Singapore 
(up 37 per cent) where we have a powerful market presence. Our agency and 
bancassurance channels both continue to flourish, each growing at a rate in excess 
of 25 per cent, and our health and protection rider strategy remains highly successful, 
with health and protection products representing 27 per cent of new business 
premiums in 2010. 

Jackson delivered APE sales of £1,164 million (2009: £912 million) and £761 million of 
new business profit (2009: £664 million), up 28 per cent and 15 per cent respectively 
on the prior year. The decline in our new business margin in the US from 73 per cent 
in 2009 to 65 per cent in 2010 was expected. Nevertheless, Jackson successfully 
defended most of the exceptional margin gains achieved in 2009 in taking advantage 
of the extreme dislocation prevalent in the corporate bond market. Jackson has 
capitalised on the weakened competitive environment in the US life insurance market 
and has emerged as one of the top three players in the variable annuity market in terms 
of sales and number two in terms of net flows. However, our expansion in variable 
annuities has been opportunistic and this market share may not be sustained as 
competition re-emerges over the medium term.

In the UK, we delivered total retail and bulk annuity APE sales of £820 million 
(2009: £723 million) and new business profit of £365 million (2009: £230 million), 
up 13 per cent and 59 per cent respectively. At a retail level, new business profit of 
£257 million was up 15 per cent from £223 million in 2009 at an expanded margin 
of 35 per cent versus 31 per cent in the prior year. This reflects improved margins on 
with-profits bond sales where we have seen volumes 11 per cent higher on improved 
demand and the strong annuity margins experienced in 2009 continuing into 2010.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

Note
1  Excluding Japan which ceased writing new business in 2010.

“ In terms of profitability, 
we have successfully built 
on the momentum seen last 
year and delivered another 
strong performance thanks 
to a continued focus on 
our core disciplines of 
value creation and capital 
conservation.”

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In asset management, we have delivered £8.9 billion of net inflows over 2010 compared 
with £15.4 billion in 2009, a year which benefited from exceptionally high flows into 
M&G’s fixed income funds due to the credit spread environment at the time. M&G is the 
driver of our inflows in asset management, producing £9.1 billion (2009: £13.5 billion) 
of net inflows in the period (£7.4 billion retail, £1.7 billion institutional). M&G’s track 
record in attracting positive net inflows is highly impressive, ranking number 1 in the 
UK retail market for the last nine consecutive quarters, making it one of the leading 
asset managers in Europe. At the end of 2010 it had external funds under management 
of £89.3 billion, an increase of £19.0 billion from the position at the beginning of the 
year; adding these funds to internal amounts, M&G’s total funds under management 
were £198.3 billion. Asia asset management continues to make great strides forward 
attracting £1.8 billion of retail and institutional inflows in 2010 (2009: £556 million). 
These were offset by £2.1 billion of outflows (2009: £1.4 billion inflows) in low margin 
money market funds where sales and redemptions tend to be highly volatile.

It is encouraging to note that we continue to grow our balance sheet with shareholder-
backed policyholder liabilities up by 22 per cent to £122 billion, benefiting from both 
net inflows and investment market movements. We continue to see positive net inflows 
into our life businesses, with a net £9.7 billion being received in 2010, an increase from 
the net £7.2 billion received in 2009. In asset management our Group net inflows as a 
percentage of opening external funds under management stands at 9.9 per cent for 
2010. Both measures emphasise the significant organic growth we are delivering across 
the Group. In addition, the returns we expect to generate on the capital we invest in 
writing life new business have also reached a new high. For every £1 we invested in new 
business strain in 2010 we expect to generate £2.2 of post-tax new business profit and 
our initial capital investment is expected to be paid back within two years.

Profitability
In terms of profitability, we have successfully built on the momentum seen last year and 
delivered another strong performance thanks to a continued focus on our core disciplines 
of value creation and capital conservation. We have delivered record profitability in 
2010 with Group IFRS operating profit up 24 per cent to £1,941 million (2009: £1,564 
million) and Group EEV operating profit based on longer-term investment returns (‘EEV 
operating profit’) up 20 per cent to £3,696 million (2009: £3,090 million) equivalent to 
an annual return on embedded value of 18 per cent (2009: 15 per cent).

Central to this achievement is the active management of our portfolio of products 
and businesses, which in 2010 saw us cease writing new business in our Japanese 
life operations, exit from the equity release market in the UK, reduce our appetite 
for sales of fixed annuities in the US and target, instead, the highly profitable markets 
in South-East Asia (including Hong Kong) and variable annuities in the US. We have 
also remained opportunistic in the UK bulk annuity market and entered into 
one large transaction which comfortably exceeded our high return and short 
payback requirements.

In Asia, long-term business IFRS operating profit was up 29 per cent to £536 million in 
2010 (2009: £416 million), a strong performance in and of itself, even before factoring 
in the £63 million one-off credit to the 2009 result from a change in reserving basis in 
Malaysia. The result benefited notably from strong performance in Indonesia, Malaysia, 
Singapore and Vietnam. In addition, management actions to close Japan to new 
business and refocus our operations in Korea and Taiwan have also helped to eliminate 
some of the negatives that were holding back our profitability. The ongoing build-out 
of distribution across South-East Asia, the success of our health and protection rider 
strategy, and the underlying strength of the economies in which we operate should 
drive continuing strong growth in Asia IFRS operating profit going forward. Asia’s 
long-term EEV operating profit, a measure of the economic value creation in the year, 
grew by 31 per cent in 2010 to £1,450 million (2009: £1,105 million) further underlining 
the creation of sustainable value by these operations.

 
22

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S OVERVIEW  >  CONTINUED

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S 
OVERVIEW

In the US, long-term business IFRS operating profit was up 35 per cent from 
£618 million in 2009 to £833 million in 2010. Jackson’s impressive growth in the variable 
annuity market is a key driver behind its improved profitability. The ‘fees on assets’ that 
Jackson earns on separate account assets are the highest across the Group’s unit-linked 
businesses, and these revenues have increased significantly as these assets have grown 
by over 51 per cent during 2010 to £31 billion at the end of the year. The majority of this 
asset growth has come from £5.8 billion of net inflows in the period (2009: £3.6 billion). 
Jackson’s general account has also contributed to the growth in IFRS profits during the 
period. The size of the general account was up slightly during 2010, and closed the year 
with policyholder liabilities of £29 billion but the average spread margin that we earn 
on these liabilities increased from 179 bps in 2009 to 243 bps in 2010. This included a 
£108 million benefit from various transactions undertaken during 2010 to more closely 
match the overall asset and liability duration, as well as management actions to lower 
crediting rates on fixed annuities. These actions also had the effect of improving the 
2010 EEV operating profits by 18 per cent to £1,458 million (2009: £1,233 million).

In the UK long-term business IFRS operating profit was up by 11 per cent from 
£606 million in 2009 to £673 million in 2010. Our UK business continues to optimise 
the balance between growth and cash generation. The improvement in IFRS operating 
profit reflects the benefit of cost saving initiatives, higher with-profits income and 
increased annuity profits arising principally from a bulk annuity contract which 
contributed £63 million to the total. At eight per cent, growth in EEV operating earnings 
to £936 million (2009: £870 million) was in line with our strategy. 

In asset management IFRS operating profit was up 27 per cent to £378 million compared to 
£297 million in 2009. M&G had a strong year benefiting from rising markets and the strong 
inflows described above, resulting in IFRS operating profit up 19 per cent to £284 million 
in 2010 (2009: £238 million). Asia asset management produced IFRS operating profit 
of £72 million up 31 per cent on the prior year (2009: £55 million), also benefiting from 
rising markets and an element of improving mix as £1.8 billion of high margin retail and 
institutional net inflows offset £2.1 billion of low margin money market net outflows.

Capital generation
Our strategy of efficiently deploying our capital to those products and geographies 
with the most attractive profitability characteristics has, over the past three years, 
transformed the capital position of our business. Across the Group, we are now 
producing very significant amounts of free capital, which we measure as free surplus 
generated. Our first priority for the use of this capital is reinvestment in new business 
as we can achieve attractive internal rates of return (IRRs) and rapid paybacks on this 
investment. However, such is the scale and efficiency of our businesses, we are now 
producing significant amounts of free surplus over and above that which we can 
reinvest in new business. This excess free surplus generation is being used to continue 
to strengthen our balance sheet and to increase cash returns to our shareholders. 

In 2010, we generated £2,359 million of underlying free surplus from our in-force 
business, up 13 per cent from £2,089 million in 2009, and we reinvested £645 million of 
this into writing new business. Asia is the priority destination when it comes to reinvesting 
our capital and Prudential Corporation Asia (PCA)’s growth is not constrained by the 
supply of capital from the Group. In the US, we invest in an opportunistic manner 
reflecting the market and competitive environment at the time. In the UK, we take a 
selective approach and focus only on lines of business where we believe we have both 
the scale and expertise to compete successfully. In asset management, our businesses 
require minimal capital to fund growth. Thus, the split of the investment in new business 
in 2010 was £280 million into Asia, £300 million into the US and £65 million into the UK. 
The IRRs on this invested capital were more than 20 per cent in Asia, the US and the 
UK; with payback periods of three years, one year and four years respectively. 

“ Our strategy of efficiently 
deploying our capital 
to those products and 
geographies with the most 
attractive profitability 
characteristics has, over 
the past three years, 
transformed the capital 
position of our business.”

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

23

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Of the remaining free surplus generated after reinvestment in new business, 
£935 million was remitted from the business units to Group. This cash was used 
to meet central costs (including those associated with Solvency II implementation) 
of £180 million, service net interest payments of £231 million and meet dividend 
payments (net of scrip) of £449 million. In 2010, we also incurred significant exceptional 
cash outflows relating to the AIA transaction costs of £377 million (pre-tax) and we 
utilised our central resources to fund the acquisition of UOB Life of £276 million. Our 
central cash resources amounted to £1,232 million at the end of the year, comfortably 
above the £1 billion holding company cash buffer we seek to retain.

The remaining free surplus generated in the period was retained within our businesses 
and this will bolster local capital ratios. The total free surplus balance deployed across 
our life and asset management operations increased from £2,531 million at the 
beginning of the period to £3,338 million at the end of the period.

New financial objectives – ‘Growth and Cash’ 
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve inherent 
risks and uncertainties. Prudential’s actual future financial condition or performance or 
other indicated results may differ materially from those indicated in any such forward-
looking statement due to a number of important factors (including those discussed 
under the heading ‘Risk factors’ in this report). See the discussion under the heading 
‘Forward-looking statement’ at the end of this report.

At our 2010 investor conference entitled ‘Growth and Cash’ we announced new 
financial objectives demonstrating our confidence in continued rapid growth in Asia, 
and increasing levels of cash remittances from all of our businesses. These objectives 
were defined as follows:

(i)  Asia growth and profitability objectives1:

•  To double the 2009 value of IFRS life and asset management pre-tax operating 

profit in 2013 (2009: £465 million); and

•  To double the 2009 value of new business profits in 2013 (2009: £713 million).

(ii)  Business unit cash remittance objectives1:

•  Asia to deliver £300 million of net cash remittance to the Group in 2013 

(2009: £40 million);

•  Jackson to deliver £200 million of net cash remittance to the Group in 2013 

(2009: £39 million); and 

•  UK to deliver £350 million of net cash remittance to the Group in 2013 

(2009: £284 million2). 

(iii)  Cumulative net cash remittances1:

•  All business units in aggregate to deliver cumulative net cash remittances of at 
least £3.8 billion over the period 2010 to end-2013. These net remittances are 
to be underpinned by a targeted level of cumulative underlying free surplus 
generation of £6.5 billion over the same period.

Notes
1  The objectives assume current exchange rates and a normalised economic 

environment consistent with the economic assumptions made by Prudential 
in calculating the EEV basis supplementary information for the half-year ended 
30 June 2010. They have been prepared using current solvency rules and do not 
pre-judge the outcome of Solvency II, which remains uncertain.

2 Representing the underlying remittances excluding the £150 million impact of 

proactive financing techniques used to bring forward cash emergence of the in-force 
book during the financial crisis.

 
24

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S OVERVIEW  >  CONTINUED

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S 
OVERVIEW

The table below shows our progress towards these objectives from our results in 2010. 
We believe we have made a strong start towards achieving these objectives.

ASIA GROWTH OBJECTIVES 
Value of new business (including Japan)
IFRS operating profit*
BUSINESS UNIT NET REMITTANCE OBJECTIVES
Asia
Jackson
UK†
M&G‡

Total

CUMULATIVE NET CASH REMITTANCES FROM 2010 

ONWARDS

CUMULATIVE UNDERLYING GROUP FREE SURPLUS 
GENERATION NET OF INVESTMENT IN NEW 
BUSINESS

Actual

Objective

2009
£m

2010
£m

2013
£m

713
465

40
39
434
175

688

901
604

233
80
420
202

935

1,426
930

300
200
350

3,800

6,500

* Total Asia operating profit from long-term business and asset management after 

development costs.

† In 2009, the net remittances from the UK include the £150 million in 2009 arising from the 
pro-active financing techniques used to bring forward cash emergence of the in-force book 
during the financial crisis. The 2010 net remittances include an amount of £120 million 
representing the releases of surplus and net financing payments.

‡ Including Prudential Capital.

In 2010 net remittances from business operations increased to £935 million, equivalent 
to 55 per cent of underlying free surplus generated (after investment in new business) of 
£1,714 million. The increased level of net remittances further illustrates both the strong 
and improving capital generative nature of our business, with a greater proportion of this 
capital being returned to the corporate centre in the form of dividends. The delivery of 
the 2010 to 2013 financial objectives will see this trend continue.

Capital position, financing and liquidity
The Group has continued to maintain a strong capital position. At the end of 2010 our 
IGD surplus stood at £4.3 billion (2009: £3.4 billion), with coverage a very strong 3.0 
times the requirement. All of our subsidiaries maintain strong capital positions at the local 
regulatory level. In particular, Jackson’s RBC ratio has continued to strengthen throughout 
the period under review and at the end of 2010 this ratio stood at 483 per cent. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

“ These results demonstrate 
that we are maximising the 
growth opportunities of our 
high quality franchises in 
Asia, the US, and the UK.”

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Solvency II, which is expected to be implemented from 1 January 2013, represents 
a complete overhaul of the capital adequacy regime for European insurers. We 
welcome the risk-based focus of the Solvency II regime but, along with our European 
peers, we do have concerns about the degree of prudence built in within the 
proposed calibrations for the standard formula. We are engaging directly with our 
peers, politicians and regulators to ensure a fair and reasonable outcome before 
the regime becomes law. 

Our financing and liquidity position has remained strong throughout the period. 
The next call on external financing is in December 2011 on the ¤500 million Tier 2 
subordinated notes. In early 2011 we successfully issued US$550 million Tier 1 
subordinated debt in anticipation of calling the ¤500 million Tier 2 notes. 

We continue to engage with rating agencies in order to provide insurance financial 
strength ratings for the Group. Prudential is currently rated A+ by S&P, A2 (negative 
outlook) by Moody’s and A by Fitch.

Embedded value
EEV shareholders’ funds increased by 19 per cent during 2010 to £18.2 billion 
(2009: £15.3 billion). On a per share basis EEV at the end of 2010 stood at 715 pence, 
up 19 per cent from the end of 2009 (2009: 603 pence). 

2010 dividend 
In view of the progress that the Group has made in recent years to improve IFRS 
operating profitability and free surplus generation, the Board has decided to rebase 
the full year dividend upwards by 4 pence per share, equivalent to an increase of 
20 per cent. In line with this, the directors recommend a final dividend of 17.24 pence 
per share, which brings the total dividend for the year to 23.85 pence per share 
(2009: 19.85 pence per share). The scrip dividend scheme is not being offered 
in respect of this dividend. In its place shareholders will be offered a Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan (DRIP).

The Board will maintain its focus on delivering a growing dividend from this new higher 
base, which will continue to be determined after taking into account the Group’s 
financial flexibility and our assessment of opportunities to generate attractive returns 
by investing in specific areas of the business. The Board believes that in the medium 
term a dividend cover of around two times is appropriate.

Summary
2010 was a good year for the Group in uncertain conditions as global economies 
emerged from the financial crisis. These results demonstrate that we are maximising 
the  growth opportunities of our high quality franchises in Asia, the US, and the UK. 
We remain disciplined in our approach of optimising value and are very focused on 
improving the quality of our earnings. We have accelerated the generation of free 
surplus and we are signalling our confidence in the future potential of our business 
by proposing an increase in the payout to shareholders.  

 
26

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  ASIA

ACCELERATING
ASIA

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

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BUSINESS REVIEW  >  INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  ASIA  >  CONTINUED

ASIA

BARRY STOWE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE 
PRUDENTIAL CORPORATION ASIA

The Asian economies continue to lead the world in terms of current and 
prospective growth and it is clear that Asia’s historic reliance on exports  
is increasingly balanced with rapidly growing domestic consumption. 
Across the region, we are seeing major demographic and socioeconomic 
changes – with the emergence of a sizeable and growing middle class. 

The Asian Development Bank estimates that there are now over 1.9 billion middle  
class Asians, a threefold increase since 1990 and this means that, within a generation, 
hundreds of millions of households in the region have ascended from poverty to living 
standards and lifestyle aspirations that are consistent with those seen in Western 
Europe and the US. These are urbanised households that are smaller, that are better 
educated, that want good quality housing, consumer goods, access to good medical 
services, transport, holidays, entertainment, education, to provide a quality of life for 
their children that is better than the one they had and not least to have a long life with  
a comfortable retirement. 

Household savings rates in Asia have historically been multiples of those in the UK and 
US and in markets where little exists in the way of state backed social security benefits 
or welfare support, the need to save in case of an unplanned life changing event such  
as a medical incident involving hospitalisation is real and strong. As households have 
become wealthier the quantum of these emergency funds has increased materially, 
resulting in significant amounts of undeployed or under-deployed capital waiting to be 
brought into the formal economy as they migrate to insurance companies’ and banks’ 
balance sheets. Life insurance companies are ideally placed to provide some financial 
protection and security to household balance sheets. 

Although there will inevitably be some short-term fluctuations in demand for life 
insurance and asset management products as other factors come into play, the 
fundamental social and political drivers for growth in these sectors will continue  
to support long-term growth.  

Market overview 
Overall, Asia’s life insurance industry saw a sharp recovery in new business volumes 
during 2010 as markets moved beyond the 2008/2009 crisis. 

The competitive landscape for the life sector varies by market but has largely remained 
consistent with that seen in prior years. Most markets feature a mix of local and 
multinational players whose definitions of business success may differ. 

Competition is primarily around securing distribution. With insurance penetration 
rates being generally low, growth is less constrained by the size of the market than by 
companies’ ability to further expand it by adding distribution and making their products 
available to parts of the population who have never used them. A large proportion of 
sales in markets with low penetration are to consumers who have never bought a policy 
before, thus expanding the market itself.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

29

£536m

Total IFRS  
operating profit*

2011 PRIORITIES

•  Continue expanding multi-

channel distribution platform 
and improving its productivity

•  Focus on regular premium 

products with comprehensive 
suite of protection riders

•  Drive value through operational 

efficiency

APE SALES

+24%
£1,501m

£1,209m

2009

2010

£902m

New business profit

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

APE sales (excluding Japan) 
NBP (excluding Japan)
NBP margin (excluding Japan) (% APE)
Total IFRS operating profit*
Total EEV operating profit*

2010
£m

1,501
902
60%
536
1,450

2009
£m

Change
%

2009
£m

Change
%

CER

1,209
725
60%
416
1,105

24
24

29
31

1,300
783
60%
451
1,190

15
15

19
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Tied agency continues to dominate although distribution through banks is becoming 
increasingly significant, with examples like HSBC Life and Bank of China Life in Hong 
Kong. Across the region there is little direct competition on products; there are no 
patents or copyrights in life insurance, or on product pricing, where regulators 
typically define the parameters for the industry.

The region’s life insurance regulators tend to adopt a conservative stance and remain 
focused on driving development of the sector in a way that balances the need to ensure 
consumers have, first and foremost, access to appropriate products that are sold in a fair 
and transparent manner with the need to reward shareholders for taking on the risks  
of investing in the development of a relatively young and capital intensive industry. 
The industry also employs millions of people in the region, an important consideration 
when high unemployment rates can be a catalyst for political friction. India saw the 
most impactful regulatory change during 2010, which in summary, was designed to 
shift the emphasis of the industry away from products which are mostly investment 
orientated and encourage more traditional savings and protection. 

A positive development in a number of markets has been the development of the 
financial press. Many leading publications carry regular sections on personal financial 
planning and there is healthy debate on the uses of particular types of product. 
Prudential is a champion of improving standards of financial literacy.

Strategy overview
The overarching objective for Prudential in Asia is to continue building scale profitably, 
leveraging our advantaged platform. The strategic priorities articulated in 2006 remain 
entirely relevant and continue to be driven in a highly focused and disciplined way. 
While market outperformance in terms of new business growth is an indicator of scale, 
we do not pursue volume for its own sake as we put profitability, returns on capital and 
capital efficiency ahead of topline growth. 

One of the key components of our strategy is driving agency distribution scale and 
productivity. Our agency structures are differentiated by market depending upon 
their size and maturity with the management emphasis balanced between recruitment 
(newer markets like Indonesia and Vietnam) and productivity growth (more established 
markets like Hong Kong and Singapore). However this is a simplification as those two 
priorities are always present and not mutually exclusive; local management will always 
focus on both. 

Prudential’s agency management competencies drive effective selection discipline and 
training designed to ‘fast start’ new agents and improve the skills and productivity of 
the more experienced ones. Our combination of training programmes, comprehensive 
product suites, specialised support allowing agents to address the evolving needs of 
existing customers and technology solutions to facilitate the fact finding and proposal 
submission processes combine to add value to agents, shareholders and customers. 

* Operating profit from long-term operations including Japan but excluding asset 
management operations, development costs and Asia regional head office expenses.

 
 
30

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  ASIA  >  CONTINUED

ASIA

“ Prudential currently 
insures over 11 million life 
customers in Asia and has 
15 million in-force policies. 
Highlighting the value 
Prudential policies have 
for our customers, we paid 
out £2.6 billion in claims 
and maturities during 2010.”

2013 FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES

•  Double 2009 value of IFRS life 
and asset management pre-tax 
operating profit

•  Double 2009 value of 
new business profits

•  Deliver £300 million of net 

cash remittance to the Group

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

During 2010 total average agent numbers excluding India at 154,000 were up 7.5 per 
cent over 2009. In India, where significant regulatory changes were introduced during 
the year, agent numbers were down 27 per cent to 168,000 at the end of December 2010. 
This is in line with our strategy to rationalise expense levels and focus on productivity 
improvements, which puts us in a strong position to respond to the recent regulatory 
changes. Excluding India, our agency productivity in terms of average APE per agent 
increased by 10 per cent.

Prudential is a pioneer and regional leader in partnership distribution in Asia. Key success 
drivers are our expertise in developing, training and motivating in branch insurance 
specialists and our investment in enduring and mutually beneficial relationships with our 
partners, including Standard Chartered Bank across the region, E.Sun in Taiwan and most 
recently United Overseas Bank in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.

Prudential’s product mix continues its emphasis on regular premium policies and 
protection riders. The high proportion of health and protection, standalone and 
riders, at 27 per cent of new business premiums in 2010, supports the new business 
profit margins and reflects the higher proportion of risk based products in our book 
than some competitors who focus on single premium investment orientated policies.

Prudential currently insures over 11 million life customers in Asia and has 15 million 
in-force policies. Highlighting the value Prudential policies have for our customers, 
we paid out £2.6 billion in claims and maturities during 2010. This customer base is 
a tremendously valuable asset as over 40 per cent of new business APE came from 
existing customers in 2010 (excluding India). This reflects our enduring relationship 
with our customers and how our solutions are meeting their needs over time. The 
customer retention rate continues to improve and at 91 per cent it is one per cent 
up on 2009.

Financial performance
New business for the fourth quarter was a new record at £435 million, up eight per cent 
on the same period last year, which was already a record quarter and the full year 2010 
was £1,501 million up 24 per cent on 2009 and an impressive 44 per cent ahead of 2007, 
the last full year to be unaffected by the 2008/2009 financial crisis. Agency remains the 
largest distribution channel accounting for 66 per cent of new business volumes and 
with the proportion from bancassurance increasing from 25 per cent to 26 per cent. 
The proportion of linked and protection business remained broadly in line with prior 
year at 41 per cent and 27 per cent respectively. With the economic recovery, the size 
of average cases, excluding India, increased nine per cent. Importantly, our continued 
emphasis on regular premium business is reflected in its 93 per cent contribution to total 
APE, which is also in line with prior year. 

New business market share statistics for full year 2010 are not yet available but based  
on our estimates and market intelligence we expect to have retained or improved our 
market rankings in most markets across the region.

Consistent with our ‘value over volume’ priority we have maintained our product and 
pricing disciplines. New business profits of £9021 million are up 24 per cent over 2009. 
Average new business profit margins have remained the same as prior year at 60 per 
cent, with the positive impacts of country mix changes having largely been offset by 
operating assumption changes.

In-force operating profits from long-term business of £549 million are up 40 per cent on 
prior year. This increase reflects the growing size of the in-force book and a significantly 
reduced level of net negative operating experience variance at £1 million compared to 
negative £85 million in 2009, which, in part, reflects lower adverse persistency variances 
of negative £48 million compared with the 2009 level of negative £76 million. The net 
negative variance level of £1 million is small relative to the size of the EEV shareholders’ 
funds (before goodwill) of £7.4 billion.

Note 
1  Excluding Japan which ceased writing new business in 2010.

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Full year 2010 operating profits from long-term business reported under the IFRS basis 
were £536 million, up 29 per cent over 2009 reflecting increased crystallisation of profits 
from the in-force book and lower new business strain of four per cent of APE compared 
to six per cent last year1. All operations aside from Japan, China and Taiwan made an 
IFRS profit in 2010. 

Underlying free surplus net of investment in new business has improved to £326 million 
in 2010 compared to £119 million in 2009 driven principally by growth in in-force profits 
reflecting the increasing size and inherent profitability of the in-force book.

The life business significantly increased remittance of cash to the Group in 2010, 
at £267 million up from £80 million in 2009. This includes an exceptional £130 million 
from Malaysia representing the remittance of distributable earnings accumulated over 
recent years. Whilst this one-off type of remittance will not be repeated, it further 
demonstrates our ability to upstream cash from the region.

Looking at individual countries:

CHINA

APE sales 

AER

2009
£m

45

2010
£m

58

CER

Change
%

2009
£m

Change
%

29

46

26

In China, Prudential’s 50 per cent share of new business volumes for 2010 was £58 million 
up 29 per cent on prior year. Agency remains the largest distribution channel although 
bank distribution grew at a slightly faster pace, up 35 per cent. Leading bank partners are 
SCB, CITIC and ICBC. In a market where bank sales are overwhelmingly dominated by 
single premium investment products it is important to note that 25 per cent of our bank 
channel APE is now regular premium unit-linked business.

CITIC-Prudential remains one of the leading foreign joint ventures and we continue to 
pursue our strategy of quality sales and sustainable value creation rather than trying to 
achieve short-term sales volume growth. 

HONG KONG

APE sales 

AER

2009
£m

241

2010
£m

287

CER

Change
%

19

2009
£m

244

Change
%

18

Hong Kong delivered an excellent result in 2010 with new business APE of £287 million 
up 19 per cent on prior year. Our continuing success in this market is underpinned by the 
quality of both our distribution and product development. In 2010 some 42 per cent of 
our new business sales were from new products launched in the year. 

Our average agency headcount increased by 15 per cent, principally through organic 
recruitment initiatives, closing the year with an agency count in excess of 5,000. Our 
long-term bancassurance relationship with Standard Chartered Bank saw a strong 
rebound following the 2008/2009 crisis. In-branch insurance specialists continue to 
focus on recurring premium savings and protection products and the profitability of the 
product mix continues to improve. Bancassurance now accounts for 37 per cent of our 
total sales, growing by 24 per cent in 2010.

Note 
1  Excluding Japan which ceased writing new business in 2010.

 
32

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  ASIA  >  CONTINUED

ASIA

INDIA

APE sales 

AER

2009
£m

168

2010
£m

188

CER

Change
%

12

2009
£m

179

Change
%

5

The India market has been through a significant period of change during 2010, 
particularly with the regulatory driven refocus on savings and protection products, 
which came into effect on 1 September. Sales have fallen by 56 per cent in the last 
quarter of the year and we expect that the unit-linked market will remain disrupted in 
the short-term. Nevertheless during 2010 ICICI-Prudential grew new business APE 
by 12 per cent to £723 million (Prudential’s 26 per cent share is £188 million). Agency 
remains the largest distribution channel and following reductions in the size of the 
agency force, initiatives to improve agency productivity are delivering good results.

INDONESIA

APE sales 

AER

2009
£m

190

2010
£m

283

CER

Change
%

49

2009
£m

219

Change
%

29

Prudential’s business in Indonesia where we sell both conventional and takaful products, 
continues to be a clear market leader. New business volumes for 2010 of £283 million were 
driven by a very effective agency management approach that prioritises not only disciplined 
recruitment but also professional training and activation programmes. Average agency 
numbers have increased by 5 per cent during 2010 (to 81,000) and APE per active agent is 
higher by 21 per cent. Our agency generates over 90 per cent of total new business and this 
is predominantly regular premium unit-linked with protection riders.

During 2010 we have added new bancassurance agreements with UOB, SCB and 
Permata.

KOREA

APE sales 

AER

2009
£m

122

2010
£m

96

CER

Change
%

(21)

2009
£m

135

Change
%

(29)

In Korea we remain focused on writing profitable business and remain resolute in our 
unwillingness to compete in the low margin, capital-intensive guaranteed products sector. 
New business volumes of £96 million for 2010 are 21 per cent lower than last year. We 
remain confident in our approach and the value this is generating for shareholders. The 
fourth quarter 2010 APE sales at £27 million were four per cent higher than the fourth 
quarter 2009. Persistency in Korea continues to improve.

MALAYSIA

APE sales 

AER

2009
£m

146

2010
£m

204

CER

Change
%

40

2009
£m

163

Change
%

25

Our traditional and takaful businesses in Malaysia had a record 2010 with new business 
APE of £204 million. In local currency terms we are the first insurer in the history of the 
industry to pass RM1 billion in new business APE in a year. This growth has been driven 
primarily by the agency channel where the strategy to expand into the Bumi and takaful 
sectors has proven to be successful with our average agent numbers increasing by nine 
per cent (to 13,000 of which 46 per cent are Bumi). 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

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Productivity initiatives targeting the enhancement of existing policies have also been very 
effective, for example a recent offer to upgrade a health plan resulted in a 30 per cent take 
up rate. Average APE per agent is 16 per cent higher reflecting both renewed confidence 
in the market and the impact of these cross selling initiatives.

SINGAPORE

APE sales 

AER

2009
£m

128

2010
£m

175

CER

Change
%

37

2009
£m

138

Change
%

27

Singapore also had a very strong 2010 with new business of £175 million up 37 per cent 
on prior year with improvements in agency productivity (APE per agent up 15 per cent) 
and the very successful launch of bancassurance with UOB that generated 11 per cent 
of new business.

TAIWAN

APE sales 

AER

2009
£m

107

2010
£m

 120

CER

Change
%

12

2009
£m

114

Change
%

5

Following our exit of the agency channel in 2009, Taiwan is now successfully focused 
on bank distribution principally with partners E.Sun and SCB. New business volumes of 
£120 million for the year are up 12 per cent on prior year and Taiwan remains a material 
contributor to Asia’s results. 

OTHERS – PHILIPPINES, THAILAND AND VIETNAM

APE sales 

AER

2009
£m

62

2010
£m

90

CER

Change
%

2009
£m

Change
%

45

62

45

Vietnam delivered a very strong result in 2010, up 17 per cent on the prior year, driven 
by improvements in agency manpower and productivity. Although still relatively small 
both Philippines and Thailand delivered excellent results with APE up 109 per cent 
and 63 per cent respectively. Our new distribution agreement with UOB in Thailand has  
made a strong start, contributing 41 per cent of total APE and helping to nearly double  
our market share. 

JAPAN

As previously announced, PCA Life Japan ceased writing new business with effect from 
15 February 2010. Sales for Japan in 2010 amounted to £7 million (2009: £52 million). In 
order to reflect the results of our ongoing Asian operations, APE sales and NBP metrics 
included in this report exclude the contribution from Japan.

 
34

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  UNITED STATES

STRENGTHENING
UNITED STATES

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

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BUSINESS REVIEW  >  INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  UNITED STATES  >  CONTINUED

UNITED STATES

MIKE WELLS
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
JACKSON NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

The United States is the world’s largest retirement savings market. Each 
year, more of the 78 million baby boomers1 reach retirement age, triggering 
a shift from savings accumulation to retirement income generation for 
more than US$10 trillion of accumulated wealth over the next decade.2 

During 2010, the US financial services industry continued to face many challenges. 
The recovery witnessed in the first quarter reversed in the second quarter but was more 
visible again in the third and fourth quarters. At half year, the S&P 500 index was down 
7.6 per cent, 10-year Treasury rates had dropped below three per cent, swap rates had 
declined to near historic lows, AA corporate spreads had increased slightly and volatility 
had risen to levels more consistent with the first half of 2009. By year-end, the S&P 500 
index was up 12.8 per cent for the year. Rates on 10-year Treasuries, which continued 
to decline through the third quarter before increasing in the fourth quarter, finished the 
year at 3.3 per cent, down from 3.9 per cent at the end of 2009. Swap rates also declined 
through the third quarter before rebounding slightly in the fourth quarter, although 
they still were near historic lows at year-end. Corporate AA spreads and volatility 
both declined through the second half of the year to fall below year-end 2009 levels.

We believe these unstable market conditions continue to provide a competitive 
advantage to companies with strong financial strength ratings and a relatively 
consistent product set. Companies that were hardest hit by the market disruption 
over the last few years are in general still struggling to regain market share as customers 
and distributors continue to seek product providers that offer consistency, stability and 
financial strength. Jackson continues to benefit significantly from this flight to quality 
as its financial strength ratings from the four primary rating agencies have remained 
unchanged for more than eight years. Through its financial stability and innovative 
products that provide clear value to the consumer, Jackson has enhanced its reputation 
as a high-quality and reliable business partner, with sales increasing as more advisers 
have recognised the benefits of working with Jackson.

Jackson’s strategy continues to focus on balancing volume and capital consumption for 
both variable and fixed annuities. Jackson continued to sell no institutional products during 
2010, as available capital was directed to support higher-margin variable annuity sales. 

“ Jackson’s strategy 
continues to focus on 
balancing volume and 
capital consumption 
for both variable and 
fixed annuities.”

2011 PRIORITIES

•  Continue to drive positive net 

retail flows

•  Innovate around our key 
variable annuity product

•  Further enhance operational 

efficiency 

Notes   
1  Source: US Census Bureau.
2 Source: McKinsey.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

37

£833m

Total IFRS  
operating profit*†

“ In 2010, for the fifth 
consecutive year, Jackson 
was rated as a ‘World 
Class’ service provider 
by Service Quality 
Measurement Group1. ”

APE SALES

+28%
£1,164m

£912m

2009

2010

£761m

New business profit

2013 FINANCIAL OBJECTIVE

•  Deliver £200 million of net 

cash remittance to the Group

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

APE sales 
NBP
NBP margin (% APE)
Total IFRS operating profit*† 
Total EEV operating profit*

2010
£m

1,164
761
65%
833
1,458

AER

CER

2009
£m

Change
%

2009
£m

Change
%

912
664
73%
618
1,233

28
15

35
18

924
673
73%
626
1,249

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Business overview
Initiatives in 2010
Continue to innovate around our key variable annuity product
Jackson continues to be innovative in its product offerings, implementing various 
changes in 2010 to increase sales, to comply with revised regulations or to enhance 
risk management flexibility and/or increase profitability. 

In 2010, Jackson added two new optional lifetime guaranteed minimum withdrawal 
benefits (GMWBs) to its variable annuity products. LifeGuard Freedom 6 Net GMWB, 
introduced in May, gives investors the opportunity to help offset their tax liability by 
increasing their available withdrawal amounts to generate more income. LifeGuard 
Freedom Flex, introduced in October, is the industry’s first customisable guaranteed 
minimum withdrawal benefit. Freedom Flex extends the menu-driven construction that 
Jackson offers in its variable annuity products, which gives investors the ability to build 
a personalised benefit based on their individual retirement planning objectives, while 
paying only for those options elected. Additionally, Jackson added six portfolios from 
American Funds and added BlackRock, managing two portfolios, to its variable annuity 
fund line-up during the year.

Continue to focus on improving efficiency of operations
Jackson continues to invest in its back office staffing and systems to provide world  
class customer service in an efficient and cost effective manner. In 2010, for the fifth 
consecutive year, Jackson was rated as a ‘World Class’ service provider by Service 
Quality Measurement Group1. Jackson was able to provide this level of service 
in 2010 while processing record retail sales and maintaining its ratio of statutory 
general expenses to average assets (one measure of efficiency) at the 2009 level  
of 44 basis points.

Expand retail operation
With consistent, high-quality wholesaling support and customer service, combined 
with stability in product offering, pricing and financial strength ratings and the ability  
to bring new products to market swiftly, Jackson continues to be an attractive business 
partner for its long-term distributors, as well as attract new distributors. During 2010, 
Jackson increased the number of licensed agents and registered representatives to 
more than 130,000.

Financial performance
IFRS pre-tax operating profit for the long-term business was £833 million in 2010,  
up 35 per cent over the £618 million in 2009. This increase was primarily due to higher 
separate account fee income due to substantial positive net flows and the improved 
equity markets and higher spread income. 

 * Based on longer-term investment returns and excluding broker-dealer, fund 
management and Curian.
 † The Company has amended the presentation of IFRS operating profit for its US 
operations to remove the net equity hedge accounting effect (incorporating related 
amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include it in short-term fluctuations. 
2009 amounts have been amended accordingly.

Note 
1  Source: Service Quality Measurement Group.

 
38

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  UNITED STATES  >  CONTINUED

UNITED STATES

“ Jackson ranked third 
in new variable annuity 
sales in the US in 2010 
with a market share 
of 11 per cent, up from 
fourth and a market 
share of eight per cent 
in 20091.”

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

At 31 December 2010, Jackson had £31 billion in separate account assets, more than 
doubling the balance in the last 18 months. Separate account assets in 2010 averaged 
£9 billion higher than during 2009, reflecting the impact of sales and the higher average 
market levels. This growth resulted in variable annuity separate account fee income of 
£506 million in 2010, up 56 per cent over the £324 million in 2009.

Total spread income, including the expected return on shareholders’ assets, of 
£817 million increased 31 per cent over the £622 million in 2009, primarily due to 
decreased crediting rates on fixed annuities and higher income on the growing 
general account assets. Jackson undertook various interest rate swap transactions 
during 2010 to more closely match the overall asset and liability duration, benefiting 
spread income in 2010 by £108 million. 

Acquisition costs have increased in absolute terms compared to 2009 due to the 
significant increase in sales. However, acquisition costs as a percentage of APE has 
fallen from 76 per cent in 2009 to 73 per cent in 2010 as more advisors are electing to 
take asset based commissions which are paid over the life of the policy based on fund 
value. This asset based commission is not a deferrable acquisition cost and is expensed 
in the current period as an administration expense. 

DAC amortisation of £334 million in 2010 compared to £223 million in 2009. 2010 includes 
£11 million additional amortisation as equity market returns fell below assumed rates 
(2009: £39 million benefit from improved equity markets). Excluding this effect, the 
underlying amortisation increased £61 million due to higher gross profits.

Administration expenses totalling £344 million in 2010 compared to £259 million in 
2009, with the increase due primarily to higher asset based commissions which are 
excluded from acquisition costs. 

With the improvement in the bond markets in 2010, and active management of the 
investment portfolio to reduce certain investment risks, Jackson realised net gains of 
£11 million in 2010 compared to net realised losses of £506 million in 2009. Jackson 
incurred losses, net of recoveries and reversals, on credit related sales of bonds of 
£89 million (2009: less than £1 million). Write downs were £124 million (£630 million 
in 2009), including £71 million on RMBS and £39 million on ABS. More than offsetting 
these losses were interest related gains of £224 million (2009: £125 million), primarily 
due to sales of lower rated CMBS and corporate debt.

Gross unrealised losses improved from £966 million at 31 December 2009 to 
£370 million at 31 December 2010. The net unrealised gain position has also 
improved significantly, from £4 million at 31 December 2009 to £1,210 million at 
31 December 2010 due primarily to a decline in the US Treasury rates.

Jackson delivered record retail APE sales of £1,164 million in 2010, representing a 
28 per cent increase over 2009. With no institutional sales in 2010, total APE sales were 
also £1,164 million, the highest total in the company’s history. This achievement further 
demonstrates the resilience of Jackson’s business model, as well as stability of our 
high-quality product offerings, exceptional wholesaling support and consistency 
demonstrated throughout the economic downturn.

While the equity markets rebounded in 2010, reaching two-year highs in December, 
and in light of continued volatility in US equity markets and historically low interest 
rates, customers continue to seek to mitigate equity risk while receiving an acceptable 
return through the purchase of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits. 
Jackson is a beneficiary of this trend while being well placed to benefit from the huge 
wave of baby boomers starting to retire, as they increasingly use variable annuities to 
structure their retirement income.

In 2010, record variable annuity APE sales of £948 million were up 48 per cent from 
2009. Jackson ranked third in new variable annuity sales in the US in 2010 with a 
market share of 11 per cent, up from fourth and a market share of eight per cent in 20091. 
With significant sales increases and continued low surrender rates, Jackson held steady 
with its ranking of second in variable annuity net flows in 20104.

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Fixed annuity APE sales of £84 million were down 20 per cent from the prior year, 
as consumer demand for the products fell due to the continued low interest rate 
environment. Jackson’s new business opportunities were balanced with the goals of 
capital and cash conservation. Jackson ranked eighth in sales of traditional deferred 
fixed annuities through the third quarter of 2010, with a market share of three per cent 
compared to 13th with a two per cent market share for the full year 20092.

Fixed index annuity (FIA) APE sales of £109 million in 2010 were down 24 per cent 
from 2009 as Jackson focused its marketing efforts on the higher margin variable 
annuity products. Jackson ranked sixth in sales of fixed index annuities through the 
first three quarters of 2010, with a market share of five per cent, down from fourth 
and a market share of eight per cent for the full year 20093.

Retail annuity net flows increased 38 per cent, benefiting from record sales and 
continued low levels of surrender activity.

Jackson achieved extraordinary EEV new business margins in 2009, partially as a result 
of our ability to take advantage of the extreme dislocation prevalent in the corporate 
bond market. While the recovery in the corporate bond market has led to somewhat 
lower EEV new business margins due to lower spreads in 2010, we continue to write 
new business at internal rates of return in excess of 20 per cent.

The exceptionally high EEV spread levels in 2009 included an allowance that crediting 
rates and spreads would normalise in the future.

EEV basis new business profits of £761 million were up 15 per cent on 2009, reflecting  
a 28 per cent increase in APE sales offset somewhat by lower new business margins. 
Total new business margin was 65 per cent, compared to 73 per cent achieved in 2009.

The variable annuity new business margin of 72 per cent in 2010 decreased somewhat 
from 81 per cent in 2009, as lower assumed separate account returns and lower 
assumed spreads on the guaranteed funds were partially offset by an increase 
in-the take-up rate on guaranteed benefits – particularly guaranteed minimum 
withdrawal benefits.

The fixed index annuity new business margin decreased from 51 per cent in 2009 to  
41 per cent in 2010 due to decreased spread assumptions and lower interest rates, 
offset somewhat by longer maturity contracts sold in 2010. These same interest rate 
and spread factors also caused the fixed annuity new business margin to normalise from 
57 per cent to 34 per cent. For both products, the spread assumptions decreased due 
primarily to abnormally high investment yields during 2009. 

Total EEV basis operating profit for the long-term business in 2010 was £1,458 million, 
compared to £1,233 million in 2009. In-force EEV profits of £697 million for 2010 were 
22 per cent higher than 2009 profit of £569 million. During 2010, EEV basis operating 
profit benefited as a result of the interest rate swap transactions noted earlier. Including 
this benefit, experience variances and other items were £201 million higher in 2010 due 
primarily to favourable spread and persistency variances that were partially offset by 
lower expense and mortality variances.

In 2010, Jackson invested £300 million of free surplus to write £1,164 million of new 
business (2009: £326 million and £912 million, respectively). The reduction in capital 
consumption year-on-year was caused predominantly by the differing business mix 
in 2010, when Jackson wrote a higher proportion of variable annuity business, which 
consume lower levels of initial capital, while maintaining a disciplined approach to 
fixed and fixed index annuity pricing. 

Notes   
1  Source: Morningstar
2 Source: LIMRA
3 Source: AnnuitySpecs
4 Source: SimFund 

 
40

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  UNITED KINGDOM

FOCUSING
UNITED KINGDOM

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

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BUSINESS REVIEW  >  INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  UNITED KINGDOM  >  CONTINUED

UNITED KINGDOM

ROB DEVEY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
PRUDENTIAL UK AND EUROPE

Prudential UK competes selectively in the UK’s retirement savings and 
income market. The focus of the business is to balance writing profitable 
new business at attractive returns on capital with sustainable cash 
generation, which is key for the Group and capital preservation. It is this 
discipline that has enabled Prudential UK to deliver another strong 
performance in 2010.

The UK has a mature life and pensions market which is characterised by an ageing 
population – in particular, through two waves of baby-boomers born after World  
War II and in the 1960s – with wealth distribution significantly skewed and very  
much concentrated in the 45-74 age group. In this context, the retirement and  
near-retirement segments are highly attractive. 

UK consumers are insufficiently prepared as they will have to face increasingly long 
periods of retirement. This will result in longer working lives and a more flexible approach 
towards retirement. It will also mean that the baby-boomers will need to target their 
wealth on the provision of dependable retirement income. Prudential UK’s expertise 
in areas such as longevity risk management and multi-asset investment, together with 
its financial strength and strong brand, mean that the business is strongly positioned 
in the retirement planning space with a particular focus on with-profits and annuities.

Business overview
Selective participation in the retirement income and savings market 
Prudential UK has a strong individual annuity business, built on a robust pipeline of 
internal vestings from maturing individual and corporate pension policies. The internal 
vestings pipeline is supplemented by sales through intermediaries and strategic 
partnerships with third parties where Prudential is the recommended annuity provider 
for customers vesting their pensions at retirement. 

Total individual annuity sales of APE £205 million were six per cent lower than in 2009, 
mainly due to lower sales of conventional annuities where Prudential UK proactively 
managed the flow of new business to control capital consumption. This was partially 
offset by strong sales of with-profits annuities which represented 22 per cent of total 
annuity sales, compared with 15 per cent last year, due to the continuing success of the 
innovative Income Choice Annuity (ICA). The ICA is a with-profits product, launched 
in March 2009, which offers consumers security with a potential for income growth. 

Internal vestings annuity sales of APE £124 million were nine per cent down on 2009, 
principally due to the number of customers retiring being lower than in 2009. Although 
fewer Prudential customers invested in conventional annuities, there continues to be 
a positive increase in the number of customers choosing an ICA, with sales of APE 
£16 million resulting in a 38 per cent increase in with-profits annuity sales.

“ Prudential UK’s expertise 
in areas such as longevity 
risk management and 
multi-asset investment, 
together with its financial 
strength and strong brand, 
mean that the business is 
strongly positioned in the 
retirement planning space.”

2011 PRIORITIES

•  Balance writing profitable new 
business at attractive returns 
on capital with sustainable 
cash generation and capital 
preservation

•  Continue to pursue a value-

driven strategy built around 
our core strengths in with-
profits and annuities

•  Deliver further improvements 
to operational performance 
and customer service while 
maintaining a strict focus 
on costs

•  Continue building 
complementary 
distribution channels

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

43

£719m

Total IFRS  
operating profit

2013 FINANCIAL OBJECTIVE

•  Deliver £350 million of net 

cash remittance to the Group 

TOTAL IFRS OPERATING PROFIT

+9%
£719m

£657m

2009

2010

£365m

New business profit

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

APE sales 
NBP
NBP margin (% APE)
Total IFRS operating profit
Total EEV basis operating profit

AER

CER

2009
£m

Change
%

2009
£m

Change
%

723
230
32%
657
921

13
59

9
7

723
230
32%
657
921

13
59

9
7

2010
£m

820
365
45%
719
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Onshore bond sales of APE £166 million were up 15 per cent, including with-profits 
bond sales of APE £146 million which increased 11 per cent with an exceptionally 
strong fourth quarter. PruFund made up 78 per cent of our total with-profits bond sales. 
Demand for Prudential UK’s with-profits products remains resilient and the business 
has continued to innovate to maintain and enhance its position in the market. This 
includes broadening access to PruFund across its retail savings product range and 
PruFund now has over £3 billion invested.

Unit-linked bond sales of APE £20 million were 61 per cent up on 2009, helped by the 
launch of PruDynamic portfolio funds in January 2010 and the continued success of the 
PruSelect fund range. 

Individual pension sales of APE £69 million (including income drawdown) were three 
per cent up on 2009. Sales of the Flexible Retirement Plan, Prudential UK’s RDR-
compliant individual pension and income drawdown product, grew by four per cent 
to APE £22 million. PruFund Cautious, launched in the fourth quarter of 2009, and 
the new PruDynamic portfolio funds, launched in January 2010, together made up 
34 per cent of individual pension sales.

Corporate pension sales of APE £221 million were five per cent above 2009 levels. 
Prudential UK administers corporate pensions for over 600,000 scheme members 
sponsored by some of the UK’s largest employers and has also built a very strong 
position in the provision of with-profits Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) 
arrangements. Prudential UK provides AVCs to 66 of the 99 Local Government 
Authorities in England & Wales. During 2010, Prudential UK continued to focus on 
strengthening existing relationships through further improvements to online servicing 
capabilities as well as targeted marketing activity. 

In August 2010, Prudential UK’s joint venture partner Discovery SA announced the 
completion of the acquisition of Standard Life Healthcare and its combination with the 
PruHealth business. As part of the transaction, Prudential UK reduced its shareholding 
in the combined PruHealth and PruProtect businesses from 50 per cent to 25 per cent of 
the enlarged Group and sales are included on a proportionate basis from 1 August 2010. 
PruProtect sales had previously been included at 100 per cent and PruHealth sales at 
50 per cent. The effect of this reporting change is that Prudential UK’s share of PruProtect 
sales is reported at APE £16 million, an increase of 18 per cent. Prudential UK’s share of 
PruHealth sales of APE £12 million was nine per cent higher than in 2009, and at the end 
of 2010, the combined health business covered approximately 680,000 lives.

 
44

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  UNITED KINGDOM  >  CONTINUED

UNITED KINGDOM

“ Demand for Prudential 
UK’s with-profits products 
remains resilient and the 
business has continued 
to innovate to maintain 
and enhance its position 
in the market.”

Capitalising on our competitive advantages 
The strength and investment performance of Prudential UK’s With-Profits Fund is 
widely recognised in the industry and was demonstrated by the 12.7 per cent pre-tax 
investment return achieved for policyholder asset shares in the Fund in 2010. The Fund 
has delivered investment returns of 82.1 per cent over ten years, which compares 
favourably with other with-profits funds and the FTSE All-Share Index (total return) 
of 43.3 per cent over the same period. This strong performance has shown that 
with-profits, when invested in an actively managed, and financially strong fund like 
Prudential’s, continues to be a very attractive medium to long-term investment, offering 
strong annualised returns compared with other investment options. Prudential’s 
with-profits customers benefit from the security offered by Prudential’s large inherited 
estate, with the free assets of the with-profits fund valued at approximately £6.8 billion 
at the year end, valued on a realistic basis. 

In the Wholesale market, Prudential UK’s aim is to continue to participate very selectively 
in bulk and back-book buyouts using its financial strength, superior investment track 
record and annuitant mortality risk assessment and servicing capabilities. In line with this 
approach, in the fourth quarter of 2010, Prudential UK signed a bulk annuity buy-in 
insurance agreement of £88 million APE.

Building capabilities
In September 2010, Prudential UK announced a five-year exclusive agreement with 
Santander to distribute its market-leading investment bonds in the UK. Prudential 
UK’s Flexible Investment Plan, including PruFund, will be available to Santander’s UK 
customers in 1,300 high street branches throughout the country. 

This new agreement, which is expected to go live in the second half of 2011, forms 
part of Prudential UK’s continuing strategy to develop diversified and complementary 
distribution across its Direct, Intermediary and Partnership channels. 

Prudential UK’s focus on delivering improved levels of customer service was recognised 
again at the 2010 Financial Adviser Service Awards, where it retained its 5-Star rating for 
excellent service in the Investment category. 

Financial performance
Retail APE sales of £725 million were up one per cent on 2009, with the new business 
margin increasing from 31 per cent to 35 per cent. This performance was entirely 
consistent with Prudential UK’s strategy of not pursuing top-line sales growth but 
instead deploying capital to opportunities that play to the core strengths of the business 
and generate the best returns.

Total APE sales increased by 13 per cent to £820 million and included the bulk annuity 
buy-in insurance agreement. This transaction generated EEV new business profit of 
£104 million and IFRS operating profits of £63 million. Prudential UK will continue to 
maintain a very strict focus on value and only participate in capital-efficient transactions 
that meet its strict return on capital requirements. Including this transaction, Prudential 
UK’s new business margin increased from 32 per cent to 45 per cent. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

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Higher sales and margins resulted in total EEV new business profits increasing by 
59 per cent to £365 million. This improvement included the impact of the bulk annuity 
transaction, but also reflected improved retail margins, in particular on with-profits 
bonds. Retail EEV new business profits at £257 million were 15 per cent up on 2009 
(£223 million). 

IFRS total operating profits before restructuring costs were up nine per cent at 
£719 million, reflecting increased sales. Commission received on Prudential-branded 
General Insurance products contributed £46 million to IFRS operating profits in 2010, 
£5 million lower than 2009 as the book of business originally transferred to Churchill 
in 2004 is decreasing as expected.

EEV total operating profit of £982 million was up seven per cent mainly due to an 
increase in new business profits. In-force EEV operating profit included £37 million from 
renewal expense assumptions and £41 million from the change in the long-term tax rate 
assumption from 28 per cent to 27 per cent. These positive impacts were offset by a 
£40 million negative net impact from the strengthening of mortality improvement 
assumptions, partially offset by the release of excess margins previously held.

Prudential UK continues to manage actively the retention of the in-force book. During 
2010, the experience at an aggregate level has been in line with long-term assumptions.

Prudential UK writes with-profits annuity, with-profits bond and with-profits corporate 
and individual pensions business in its Life Fund, with other products backed by 
shareholder capital. The weighted average post-tax IRR on the shareholder capital 
allocated to new business in the UK was in excess of 20 per cent. The average free 
surplus undiscounted payback period for shareholder backed business written in 2010 
was four years.

As announced at the half-year, the business met its cost savings target of £195 million 
per annum, six months early. Prudential UK has commenced a number of cost saving 
initiatives to reduce costs by a further £75 million per annum on a consistent basis by 
the end of 2013. The business has already made good progress towards this objective  
in 2010.

During 2010 Prudential UK remitted cash of £420 million to the Group, comprising 
£202 million from the annual with-profits transfer to shareholders and £218 million from 
the shareholder backed business, which included £120 million from one-off releases of 
surplus and net financing repayments. The business expects to generate £350 million 
per annum sustainable cash remittances by 2013, supported by the strength of the 
with-profits business and surpluses arising from the large book of shareholder backed 
annuities, maintained into the future by the pipeline of maturing individual and 
corporate pensions.

 
46

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  ASSET MANAGEMENT

OPTIMISING
ASSET MANAGEMENT

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

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48

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  ASSET MANAGEMENT  >  M&G

ASSET MANAGEMENT
M&G

MICHAEL McLINTOCK
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
M&G

M&G is the UK and European fund manager of the Prudential Group 
with responsibility for £198 billion of investments as at 31 December 2010 
on behalf of both internal and external clients. M&G is an investment-led 
business whose aim is to generate superior long-term returns for its 
third-party investors and the internal funds of the Prudential Group.

This aim is achieved by creating an environment that is attractive to investment talent. 
The core focus on investment performance, combined with a well-diversified business 
mix and established distribution capabilities, has helped M&G achieve strong net sales 
performance, growth in funds under management and increased profitability.

In the retail market, M&G’s aim is to operate a single fund range and to diversify the 
distribution base by accessing a wide variety of channels and geographies. In recent 
years, key themes have included growing the proportion of business sourced from 
intermediated channels and the increased sales of UK-based funds in European and 
other international markets. 

In the institutional marketplace, M&G’s approach centres on leveraging capabilities 
developed primarily for the Prudential internal funds to create higher margin external 
business opportunities. This has allowed M&G to offer third-party clients an innovative 
range of specialist fixed income strategies, including leveraged finance and 
infrastructure investment.

Sales performance
2009 was an exceptional year for M&G in terms of net sales. The Retail business 
experienced unprecedented net purchases of its top-performing bond funds by 
investors seeking to exploit a near unique opportunity in fixed income markets. On the 
institutional side, M&G benefited in particular from winning a very substantial single 
institutional mandate. It was not expected that the business would be able to repeat 
these levels of net sales in 2010. In the event, the Retail business achieved full year net 
inflows of £7.4 billion, a decrease of only one per cent compared to the record level of 
£7.5 billion in 2009. On the institutional side, M&G still achieved very healthy net sales 
of £1.7 billion.

Gross fund inflows for the full year rose six per cent to £26.4 billion. This set a  
new record for the M&G business, surpassing the £24.9 billion achieved in 2009. 
Maintaining this strong sales performance over 2010, and in some highly volatile 
markets, demonstrates M&G’s strength in depth across all the main asset classes and 
distribution channels. 

M&G’s Retail business in the UK has been number one for gross and net retail sales 
over nine consecutive quarters based on data to the end of December 20101. As already 
highlighted, it was sales of M&G’s top-performing fixed income funds that accounted 
for the lion’s share of net inflows in 2009 with 68 per cent of the net retail flows. During 
2010, fixed income products continued to sell extremely well, accounting for 43 per 
cent of flows, but, with market sentiment turning more bullish, investor appetite for our 
equity and property funds increased. Net inflows into equity funds have increased in 
share from 26 per cent in 2009 to 48 per cent of total net retail sales in 2010. Over the 
same period, property funds’ share of total net sales trebled to nine per cent.

“ The Retail business 
achieved full year net 
inflows of £7.4 billion, 
a decrease of only 
one per cent compared 
to the record level of 
£7.5 billion in 2009.”

2011 PRIORITIES

•  Maintain long-term 

investment performance 
for both internal and 
external funds

•  Continue growth in 

third-party retail and 
institutional businesses

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

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FUNDS UNDER MANAGEMENT

M&G

+14%
£198bn

£174bn

2009

2010

£198bn

Funds under  
management

£284m

Total IFRS  
operating profit

GLOBAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

The consistency and 
excellence of its performance 
resulted in M&G being awarded 
the prestigious 2010 Global 
Group of the Year award at the 
15th annual Investment Week 
Fund Manager of the Year 
Awards. This is the second 
time in three years that M&G 
has received this award.

Net investment flows
Revenue
Other income
Staff costs
Other costs

Underlying profit before 
  performance-related fees 
Performance-related fees

Operating profit from asset 
  management operations
Operating profit from Prudential Capital

Total IFRS operating profit
Funds under management

AER

CER

2010
£m

2009
£m

Change
%

2009
£m

Change
%

9,105
612
3
(263)
(123)

13,478
457
13
(205)
(100)

229
17

246
38

165
12

177
61 

284
198bn

238 
174bn

(32)
34
(77)
(28)
(23)

39
42

39
(38)

19
14

13,478
457
13
(205)
(100)

165
12

177
61

238
174bn

(32)
34
(77)
(28)
(23)

39
42

39
(38)

19
14

The improved diversification of sales by asset class was matched by an increased 
diversification of sales performance by region. In 2009, 19 per cent of net retail flows 
were from M&G’s distribution business outside of the UK, primarily based in Europe. 
This figure had increased to 39 per cent by the end of 2010.

The retail investment market in Europe is substantially larger than the UK market. In 
further response to this opportunity, M&G’s European Retail business registered its 
core OEIC fund range for distribution in the Netherlands and Sweden in the fourth 
quarter of 2010. Registration in both markets has already boosted sales results with 
M&G being able to leverage off existing client relationships established in other 
European markets. M&G already has a proven track record of success in distributing 
into Europe with its registration in France in 2007, for example, having already 
generated funds under management of £1.3 billion and achieved status as a top ten 
cross border player in the French market2. Total funds under management sourced 
outside of the UK amounted to £13.4 billion at the end of 2010, equivalent to 31 per 
cent of total retail external funds managed by M&G.

The consistency and excellence of its performance resulted in M&G being awarded the 
prestigious 2010 Global Group of the Year award at the 15th annual Investment Week 
Fund Manager of the Year Awards. This is the second time in three years that M&G has 
received this award. 

In the institutional market, M&G also attracted healthy net new business on the back of 
outstanding investment performance with inflows of £1.7 billion. This compares with 
net inflows of almost £6.0 billion in 2009, although this latter figure was dominated by  
a single £4 billion fixed income mandate. Like M&G’s retail distribution, the institutional 
business also benefits from an increasingly diverse investor base with distribution 
activities covering Scandinavia and the Netherlands.

M&G’s institutional business was also recognised for its investment performance 
winning the 2010 UK Asset Management Firm of the Year award at Financial News’ 
Awards for Excellence in Institutional Asset Management. 

M&G’s total funds under management at 31 December 2010 were at a record level of 
£198.3 billion, up 14 per cent on the 2009 year end. External funds under management 
at the end of 2010 of £89.3 billion were 27 per cent higher than the start of the year and 
now represent 45 per cent of M&G’s total funds under management. 

Notes   
1  Source: Fundscape Pridham Report.
2  Source: Lipper FMI Saleswatch.

 
50

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  ASSET MANAGEMENT  >  M&G  >  CONTINUED

ASSET MANAGEMENT
M&G

UK ASSET MANAGEMENT 
FIRM OF THE YEAR 

M&G’s institutional business 
was also recognised for its 
investment performance 
winning the 2010 UK Asset 
Management Firm of the 
Year award at Financial News’ 
Awards for Excellence 
in Institutional Asset 
Management.

Financial performance
M&G’s IFRS operating profit rose to £246 million, an increase of 39 per cent compared 
with the 2009 result of £177 million. 

The full year 2010 result was a record profit level for M&G, being eight per cent higher 
than the previous record achieved in 2008. If performance-related fees and carried 
interest on private equity investments are excluded, M&G’s operating profit would 
actually display underlying growth of 24 per cent over 2008. Equity market levels have 
boosted business results, with the FT All Share averaging three per cent higher over 2010 
compared to 2008. It is also the exceptionally strong net inflows over 2009 and 2010, 
particularly from the Retail business that have contributed to the increased profit levels.

M&G remains focused on cost control with the cost/income ratio1 at 63 per cent over 
the full year, an improvement on the 2009 result of 65 per cent. A key aspect to cost 
management is to create a more flexible operational cost base, where appropriate, to 
enable the business to react to significant changes in its business profile. During 2010, 
M&G outsourced fund accounting, taxation and pricing operations for its UK regulated 
retail funds to an external supplier. The transition of these services has secured for 
M&G access to a scalable global platform to support both the current and future needs 
of its funds. Outsourcing this element of its operational platform to a dedicated 
provider of these services also ensures that M&G can focus on the continued delivery 
of strong investment performance and winning new business.

M&G continues to provide capital efficient profits and cash generation for the 
Prudential Group, as well as strong investment returns on the internally managed 
funds. Cash remittances of £150 million in 2010 provided strong support for the 
Group’s corporate objectives.

PRUDENTIAL CAPITAL

Prudential Capital (PruCap) manages Prudential Group’s balance sheet for profit 
by leveraging Prudential Group’s market position. This business has three strategic 
objectives: to provide professional treasury services to the Prudential Group; to 
operate a first-class wholesale and capital markets interface; and to realise profitable 
proprietary opportunities within a tightly controlled risk framework. PruCap generates 
revenue by providing bridging finance, managing investments and operating a securities 
lending and cash management business for the Prudential Group and its clients.

The business has consolidated its position in a period of difficult and volatile markets, 
focusing on liquidity across the Prudential Group, management of existing asset 
portfolio and conservative levels of new investment. Development of new product 
and infrastructure has continued, helping to maintain the dynamism and flexibility 
necessary to identify and realise opportunities for profit within acceptable risk 
parameters. PruCap is committed to continuing to work closely with other business 
units across the Prudential Group to exploit opportunities and increase value creation 
for Prudential as a whole. In particular, PruCap offers to the Prudential Group a holistic 
view on hedging strategy, liquidity and capital management.

PruCap has a diversified earnings base derived from its portfolio of secured loans, debt 
investments and the provision of wholesale markets services. As a result of lower net 
operating revenue and prevailing market conditions, IFRS operating profits decreased 
by 38 per cent to £38 million, however PruCap still delivered a cash remittance to the 
Group holding company of £52 million.

Note   
1  Excluding performance related fees and carried interest on private equity investments.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  ASSET MANAGEMENT  >  ASIA

51

ASSET MANAGEMENT
ASIA

£72m

Total IFRS  
operating profit

FUNDS UNDER MANAGEMENT

+22%
£51.9bn

£42.4bn

2009

2010

B
U
S
I

N
E
S
S
R
E
V

I
E
W

ASIA ASSET MANAGEMENT

Retail and institutional business net inflows
Money Market Funds net (outflows)/ 

inflows (MMF)

Funds under management
Total IFRS operating profit

AER

2009
£m

556

2010
£m

1,838

CER

Change
%

231

2009
£m

569

Change
%

223

(2,053)
51.9bn
72

1,443
42.4bn
55

(242)
22
31

1,550
47.2bn
58

(232)
10
24

Prudential’s asset management business in Asia manages investments for 
UKIO and the Asian life companies and has also successfully leveraged 
these investment capabilities to build a strategically significant and 
market leading third party funds management business. 

Business overview
Under the leadership of a new Chief Executive, the team has driven strong 
improvements in the business.

Investment performance is a key driver of success and for 2010, 68 per cent of our 
funds outperformed their peer medians or benchmarks1. Accolades received during 
the year included the PCA Indonesia Equity Open Fund being recognised as ‘Fund of 
the Year 2010’ in Japan by Morningstar amongst 557 open-ended funds in the domestic 
market, as well as the PCA China Dragon A-share Equity Fund being named ‘Best fund 
in overseas equity category’ in Korea’s 2010 MoneyToday – Morningstar Fund Awards. 
In India and China, funds offered by our joint venture businesses were ranked top-
decile by their respective local rating agencies.

The business has been actively implementing its strategy of targeting higher-margin 
equity and bond asset classes. Third party net inflows of £1.8 billion were driven 
predominantly by Japan, which saw strong interest for its white-labelled Asia Oceanic 
High Dividend Equity and its open-ended Indonesian Equity Open funds. In addition, 
positive bond fund flows resulted from Taiwan and China’s successful new product 
launches and strong demand for our offshore product range. Money market funds 
saw net outflows totalling £2.1 billion in 2010, mainly attributed to redemptions 
in India as a result of tighter liquidity conditions. 

Financial performance
Prudential’s Asian asset management business’ total FUM crossed the £50 billion mark 
for the first time and closed the year at £52 billion which includes a core £25 billion 
from Prudential Corporation Asia’s life funds, £5 billion of assets from the Group and 
£22 billion from third-party customers. Compared to 2009, the overall FUM increased 
by 22 per cent, driven by net inflows of £1.8 billion and a total of £7.7 billion of positive 
market and currency related movements.

IFRS operating profit from fund management of £72 million is 31 per cent higher than 
in the prior year. The Funds business remitted a net £33 million of surplus capital to the 
Group during 2010.

Note   
1  Based on a blend of 1-year and 3-year performance.

 
 
52

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  ASSET MANAGEMENT  >  UNITED STATES

ASSET MANAGEMENT
UNITED STATES

PPM AMERICA

Total IFRS operating profit

AER

CER

2010
£m

10

2009
£m

Change
%

2009
£m

Change
%

6

67

5

100

Business overview
PPM America (PPMA) manages assets for Prudential’s US, UK and Asian affiliates. 
PPMA also provides other affiliated and unaffiliated institutional clients with investment 
services including collateralised debt obligations (CDOs), private equity funds, 
institutional accounts, and mutual funds. PPMA’s strategy is focused on managing 
existing assets effectively, maximising the benefits derived from synergies with our 
international asset management affiliates, and leveraging investment management 
capabilities across the Prudential Group. PPMA also pursues third-party mandates  
on an opportunistic basis.

Financial performance
IFRS operating profit in 2010 was £10 million, compared to £6 million in 2009. 

At 31 December 2010, funds under management of £54 billion were as follows:

AER

2010

2009

US
£bn

31
1
1

33

UK
£bn

15
1
–

16

Asia
£bn

Total
£bn

–
5
–

5

46
7
1

54

US
£bn

29
–
1

30

UK
£bn

12
1
–

13

Asia
£bn

Total
£bn

–
4
–

4

41
5
1

47

Insurance
Unitised
CDOs
Total funds under 
  management

CURIAN

Gross investment flows
Revenue
Costs
Total IFRS operating profit/(loss)
Total funds under management

AER

CER

2010
£m

2009
£m

Change
%

2009
£m

Change
%

1,361
39
(38)
1
3,457

796
25
(31)
(6)
2,260

71
56
23
117
53

806
26
(32)
(6)
2,331

69
50
19
117
48

Business overview
Curian Capital, Jackson’s registered investment advisor, provides innovative fee-based 
managed accounts and investment products to advisers through a sophisticated 
technology platform. Curian expands Jackson’s access to advisers while also 
complementing Jackson’s core annuity product lines with Curian’s retail asset 
management products.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

53

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Financial performance
At 31 December 2010, Curian had total assets under management of £3.5 billion, 
compared to £2.3 billion at the end of 2009. Curian generated deposits of £1,361 
million in 2010, up 71 per cent over 2009. The increase in both deposits and assets 
under management was mainly due to an expansion of Curian’s investment platform 
with the addition of two new investment strategies, plus an expansion of the firm’s 
wholesaling team, in addition to a rebound from the difficult conditions in the equity 
markets in early 2009.

Curian’s assets under management surpassed the break-even point during the year, 
resulting in the firm reporting its first full-year IFRS basis operating profit in 2010, with  
a net profit of £1 million versus a loss of £6 million during 2009.

US BROKER DEALER

NATIONAL PLANNING HOLDINGS, INC.

AER

CER

Revenue
Costs
Total IFRS operating profit

2010
£m

449
(438)
11

2009
£m

Change
%

2009
£m

Change
%

390
(386)
4

15
13
175

395
(391)
4

14
12
175

Business overview
National Planning Holdings, Inc. (NPH) is Jackson’s affiliated independent broker-
dealer network. The business is comprised of four broker-dealer firms, including 
INVEST Financial Corporation, Investment Centers of America, National Planning 
Corporation, and SII Investments. 

NPH continues to grow the business and revenue per representative. By utilising 
high-quality, state-of-the-art technology, we provide NPH’s advisers with the tools  
they need to operate their practices more efficiently. At the same time, through its 
relationship with NPH, Jackson continues to benefit from an important retail 
distribution outlet, as well as receive valuable insights into the needs of financial 
advisers and their clients.

Financial performance
NPH generated revenues of £449 million in 2010, up from £390 million in 2009, on 
gross product sales of £9.3 billion. The network continues to achieve profitable results, 
with 2010 IFRS operating profit of £11 million, a 175 per cent increase from £4 million in 
2009. At 31 December 2010, the NPH network had 3,461 registered advisers, down 
slightly from 3,478 at year-end 2009.

 
54

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  FINANCIAL REVIEW
BUSINESS REVIEW  >  FINANCIAL REVIEW

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

RESULTS SUMMARY 

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) basis results* 
Statutory IFRS basis results 

Profit after tax attributable to equity holders of the Company 
Basic earnings per share 
Shareholders’ equity, excluding non-controlling interests 

Supplementary IFRS basis information 

Asian operations 
US operations 
UK operations: 

UK insurance operations 

  M&G 
Other income and expenditure 
Restructuring and Solvency II implementation costs 

2010

2009

£1,431m
56.7p
£8.0bn

£676m
27.0p
£6.3bn

2010  £m

2009 £m
note i

604 
855 

719 
284 
(450) 
(71) 

465 
622 

657 
238 
(395) 
(23) 

OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM INVESTMENT RETURNS* note i

1,941 

1,564 

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business 
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes 
Costs of terminated AIA transaction 
Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth 
Loss on sale and results of Taiwan agency business 

Profit from continuing operations before tax attributable to shareholders 

Operating earnings per share*note ii

European Embedded Value (EEV) basis results*  

Asian operations 
US operations 
UK operations: 

UK insurance operations 

  M&G 
Other income and expenditure 
Restructuring and Solvency II implementation costs 

OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM INVESTMENT RETURNS* 
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns 
Mark to market value movements on core borrowings 
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes 
Effect of changes in economic assumptions 
Costs of terminated AIA transaction 
Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth 
Profit on sale and results of Taiwan agency business 

PROFIT FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAX  
(INCLUDING ACTUAL INVESTMENT RETURNS) 

Operating earnings per share*note ii

Shareholders’ equity, excluding non-controlling interests 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

(123) 
(10) 
(377) 
30 
– 

1,461 

62.0p

(123) 
(74) 
– 
– 
(621) 

746 

47.5p

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,518 
1,480 

982 
284 
(494) 
(74) 

3,696 
(30) 
(164) 
(11) 
(10) 
(377) 
3 
– 

1,154 
1,237 

921 
238 
(433) 
(27) 

3,090 
351 
(795) 
(84) 
(910) 
– 
– 
91 

3,107 

106.9p

18.2bn

1,743 

88.8p

15.3bn

 
 
 
 
 
 
55

B
U
S
I

N
E
S
S
R
E
V

I
E
W

2010

2009

20.17p
23.85p
£340bn
£4.3bn

19.20p
19.85p
£290bn
£3.4bn

DIVIDENDS PER SHARE DECLARED AND PAID IN REPORTING PERIOD
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE RELATING TO REPORTING PERIOD
FUNDS UNDER MANAGEMENT
INSURANCE GROUPS DIRECTIVE CAPITAL SURPLUS (AS ADJUSTED)*

Notes
i 

The Company has amended the presentation of IFRS operating profit for its US insurance operations to remove the net equity hedge 
accounting effect (incorporating related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include it in the supplementary analysis of profit 
in short-term fluctuations in investment returns. The 2009 amounts have been amended accordingly. As explained below and in Note C 
to the IFRS financial statements. 

ii  Operating earnings per share reflects operating profit based on longer-term investment returns after related tax and non-controlling 

interests but excludes in 2010 an exceptional tax credit of £158 million which primarily relates to the impact of a settlement agreed  
with the UK tax authorities. 

 * Basis of preparation

Results bases
With the exception of the adoption of IFRS 3 (Revised) on 
business combinations and associated amendments to other 
standards and the altered basis of presentation for Jackson’s 
IFRS operating profit referred to below, the basis of preparation 
of the statutory IFRS basis results and supplementary IFRS 
basis information is consistent with that applied for the 2009 
results and financial statements.

The EEV basis results have been prepared in accordance 
with the European Embedded Value Principles issued by the 
CFO Forum of European Insurance Companies in May 2004. 
Life insurance products are, by their nature, long-term and 
the profit on this business is generated over a significant 
number of years. Accounting under IFRS alone does not, in 
Prudential’s opinion, fully reflect the value of future profit 
streams. Prudential considers that embedded value reporting 
provides investors with a measure of the future profit streams 
of the Group’s in-force long-term businesses and is a valuable 
supplement to statutory accounts. With the exception of the 
presentation of the new business results of the Japan life 
operation which ceased writing new business in February 
2010, there has been no change to the basis of presentation of 
the EEV results from the 2009 results and financial statements. 

Exchange translation – Actual Exchange Rate (AER) 
and Constant Exchange Rate (CER)
The comparative results have been prepared using 
previously reported exchange rates (AER basis) except 
where otherwise stated.

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns
Consistent with previous reporting practice, the Group provides 
supplementary analysis of IFRS profit before tax attributable 
to shareholders and analyses its EEV basis results, so as to 
distinguish operating profit based on longer-term investment 
returns from other elements of total profit. On both the IFRS and 

EEV bases, operating earnings per share are calculated using 
operating profits based on longer-term investment returns, 
after related tax and non-controlling interests. 

These profits exclude short-term fluctuations in 

investment returns and the shareholders’ share of actuarial 
and other gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes. 
The operating profit based on longer-term investment returns 
for 2010 also excludes the costs associated with the terminated 
AIA transaction and the gain arising upon the dilution of the 
Group’s holding in PruHealth. Consistent with the prior year 
presentation, the effect of disposal and the results of the 
Taiwan agency business are shown separate from operating 
profit based on longer-term investment returns for 2009. 

In 2010 the Company amended its presentation of IFRS 
operating profit for its US insurance operations to exclude the 
net equity hedge accounting effect of negative £367 million 
(2009: negative £159 million) relating principally to its variable 
annuity business and reclassified it as a short-term fluctuation. 
Prior year comparatives have been amended accordingly. 
This is a presentational change and it has no impact on the IFRS 
profit before tax or the IFRS shareholders’ funds. The change 
also has no impact on our EEV financial statements.

Under the EEV basis, where additional profit and loss effects 
arise, operating profit based on longer-term investment returns 
also excludes the mark to market value movements on core 
borrowings and the effect of changes in economic assumptions. 
After adjusting for related tax and non-controlling interests, 

the amounts excluded from operating profit based on longer-
term investment returns are included in the calculation of basic 
earnings per share.

Insurance Groups Directive capital surplus (as adjusted) 
The surpluses shown for 2010, which is estimated, and 2009 
are before allowing for the final dividends for 2010 and 2009 
respectively.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
56

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  FINANCIAL REVIEW  >  CONTINUED

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

IFRS RESULTS  

IFRS basis operating profit based on longer-term investment returns  

AER

CER 

2010  £m

2009  £m

Change  %

2009  £m

Change  %

Insurance business  
Long-term business:

Asia 
USnote i
UK 

  Development expenses 

536 
833 
673 
(4)

416 
618 
606 
(6) 

LONG-TERM BUSINESS OPERATING PROFIT 

2,038 

1,634 

UK general insurance commission 
Asset management business: 
  M&G 

Asia asset management 
Curian 
US broker-dealer and asset management 

Other income and expenditure 
Solvency II implementation costs 
Restructuring costs 

46 

284 
72 
1 
21 

51 

238 
55 
(6) 
10 

2,462 

1,982 

(450)
(45)
(26)

(395) 
– 
(23) 

29 
35 
11 
33

25 

(10)

19 
31 
117
110 

24 

14 
100 
13 

451 
626 
606 
(6)

1,677 

51 

238 
58 
(6)
10 

2,028 

(396)
–
(23)

TOTAL IFRS BASIS OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON 
LONGER-TERM INVESTMENT RETURNSnote i

1,941 

1,564 

24 

1,609 

19 
33 
11 
33

22 

(10)

19 
24 
117
110 

21 

14 
100 
13 

21 

Note
i 

The Company has amended the presentation of IFRS operating profit for its US insurance operations to remove the net equity hedge 
accounting effect (incorporating related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include it in the supplementary analysis of profit 
in short-term fluctuations in investment returns. 2009 amounts have been amended accordingly. 

Group IFRS operating profit before tax based on longer-term 
investment returns after Solvency II implementation and 
restructuring costs was £1,941 million, an increase of 
24 per cent on 2009. 

In Asia, IFRS operating profit for long-term business increased 
by 29 per cent from £416 million in 2009 to £536 million in 2010, 
with the £416 million in 2009 being inclusive of a £63 million 
one-off credit relating to changes to the Malaysia reserving 
basis. Profits from in-force business grew by 20 per cent 
from £494 million in 2009 to £593 million in 2010, reflecting 
the continued build-up of the business in the region and the 
positive impact of currency fluctuations. New business strain 
of £56 million1 (2009: £72 million) was 3.7 per cent of APE new 
business sales, a significant improvement compared to last year 
(2009: 6.0 per cent1) demonstrating management’s continued 
focus on capital efficient growth.

There was a continued strong performance across the 
Asian region. Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia 
accounted for 81 per cent or £434 million of operating profits 
(2009: £390 million, including the impact of the one-off credit 
recorded in Malaysia). Strong underlying improvements 
were reported in Indonesia with operating profits higher by 
54 per cent to £157 million, reflecting both the success of our 
product offering and the growing maturity of this business. 
Malaysia operating profits, excluding the one-off credit in 
2009, were also higher by 49 per cent to £97 million, reflecting 
the growing size of our book of business and the strong earnings 
profile of our health and protection business. The contribution 
to IFRS profits from the other Asian businesses is also improving. 
The closure of Japan to new business has substantially reduced 
the IFRS losses of this business and Taiwan saw an improvement 
in the year as it refocused on bancassurance business. Korea 
benefited from improved in-force profits in the period and 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

Note
1  Excluding Japan which ceased writing new business in 2010. 
IFRS new business strain including Japan was £57 million 
(2009: £78 million). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
57

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Vietnam was up 43 per cent to £43 million. Changes to reserving 
bases in India and China contributed a £19 million one-off profit, 
with both countries showing improvement in their underlying 
results excluding this change.

Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit (GMWB) with 
‘for-life’ features. This mismatch creates additional short-term 
volatility in our profit which does not reflect changes in the 
underlying economic position.

The US long-term business operating profit increased by 
35 per cent from £618 million in 2009 to £833 million in 2010, 
reflecting strong growth in spread and fee income, up £195 
million and £182 million respectively, as Jackson’s policyholder 
liability balances grew. Jackson undertook various transactions 
in 2010 to more closely match the overall asset and liability 
duration. This contributed £108 million to operating profit in 
the period. These positive contributions to profits have been 
partially offset by increased costs and DAC amortisation 
primarily reflecting Jackson’s growth.

Over the long-term the impact of this accounting distortion 
should cumulatively net out to a broadly neutral effect, but in 
the short-term the impact to the IFRS total profit can be highly 
volatile. The recent growth in Jackson’s variable annuity business 
has resulted in this short-term effect having a greater impact on 
our IFRS operating profit than in prior years. In the 2010 half 
year financial statements this accounting mismatch produced a 
positive contribution to the IFRS operating profit of £123 million 
for the first six months as compared to a negative contribution of 
£367 million for the full year.

Jackson’s operating profit net of related DAC amortisation 
excludes the net equity hedge accounting effect of negative 
£367 million (2009: negative effect of £159 million) following a 
change in the presentation of operating profit based on longer-
term investment returns. Jackson’s hedging approach has 
always focused on optimising the economic outcome ahead 
of accounting results, which means we accept an element of 
variability in accounting outcomes in order to ensure we achieve 
the right economic result. We believe this presentational change, 
which reclassifies net equity hedge accounting effects as 
short-term fluctuations in investment returns, will ensure that 
Jackson’s operating results better reflect its unchanged and 
continued focus on optimising economic value. 

Accounting volatility previously arose within the reported IFRS 
operating profit due to the difference between the movement in 
the fair value of free standing derivatives within Jackson’s equity 
hedging programme for annuity business and the movement 
in the accounting value of Jackson’s liabilities for variable and 
fixed index annuity guarantees. Typically, under IFRS, reserves 
are not fair valued, which for the US variable annuities business 
produces a distorting accounting effect on the IFRS operating 
profit that is not representative of the true economics of 
Jackson’s hedging programme. Jackson’s economically based 
hedges are marked-to-market. As a result, when the marked-
to-market value of the hedges changes, there are offsetting 
changes in the economic value of the hedged liabilities which 
are not reflected in our accounts. This is particularly relevant 
for the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (GMDB) and the 

In our UK business, total IFRS operating profit grew by nine per 
cent to £719 million in 2010, reflecting higher retail profits and 
the bulk annuity transaction agreed in the last quarter of 2010. 
Profit from UK general insurance commission decreased by 
£5 million to £46 million in 2010 in line with the decline in the 
in-force policy numbers as the business matures. 

M&G’s operating profit for 2010 was £284 million, an increase 
of 19 per cent from £238 million in 2009, primarily reflecting 
the continuation of exceptionally strong net inflows, including 
increased sales of higher margin equity products and higher 
equity market levels. In 2010 M&G had net inflows of £9.1 billion, 
the second highest annual level of flows after 2009.

The Asian asset management operations reported operating 
profits of £72 million, up by 31 per cent from £55 million in 2009, 
driven by increased operating revenues as a result of higher 
funds under management (FUM). Strong net inflows for retail 
and institutional business of £1.8 billion together with positive 
market and currency movements have contributed to a 
22 per cent increase in FUM (including internal funds) to 
£52 billion at the end of 2010. 

The £55 million increase in the charge for other income and 
expenditure to £450 million primarily reflects an increase in 
interest payable on core structural borrowings.

We incurred £45 million of Solvency II implementation costs 
in  2010.

 
58

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  FINANCIAL REVIEW  >  CONTINUED

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

IFRS basis results – Analysis of long-term insurance business pre-tax IFRS operating profit based on longer-term 
investment returns by driver 

Margin ii
bps

 Operating
profit
£m

Margin ii
bps

 Operating
profit
£m

AER

2009 i

Average
liability
£m

51,000 
43,373 
84,063 

148 
106 
37 

2,896 
94,373 

(51)%
(86)

CER 

2009 i

Average
liability
£m

49,735 
43,153 
83,964 

Margin ii
bps

153 
109 
37 

2,947 
92,888 

(52)% 
(91)

2010

Average
liability
£m

53,858 
57,496 
89,693 

 Operating 
profit
£m

1,013 
688 
342 
592 
1,241 

Spread income
Fee income 
With-profits
Insurance margin
Margin on revenues
Expenses

188 
120 
38 

Acquisition costs iii
Administration expenses

(1,674) 

3,492 
(924)  111,354 

(48)%
(83)

  DAC adjustments
Expected return on 

shareholder assets
Non-recurrent release of 

reserve for Malaysia Life

Operating profit

518 

242 

– 

2,038 

753 
458 
310 
448
1,041

(1,487)
(814)
614 

248

63 

1,634 

762 
469 
311 
466 
1,112 

(1,547)
(844)
628 

250 

70 

1,677 

Notes
i 

The Company has amended the presentation of IFRS operating profit for its US insurance operations to remove the net equity hedge 
accounting effect (incorporating related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include it in short-term fluctuations.  
2009 amounts have been amended accordingly.

ii  Margin represents the operating return earned in the period as a proportion of the relevant class of policyholder liabilities excluding 

unallocated surplus. Opening and closing policyholder liabilities have been used to derive an average balance for the period.

iii  Acquisition cost ratio represents shareholder acquisition costs as a percentage of total APE, including Japan APE new business sales of  

£7 million (2009: £52 million). 

Spread income has increased by £260 million to £1,013 million, 
an increase of 35 per cent. This is higher than the six per cent 
increase in average liabilities, leading to an increase in margin, 
from 148 bps in 2009 to 188 bps in 2010. The increase in spread 
income arises primarily in the US, where investment spread has 
increased by £168 million. This reflects transactions in the period 
to more closely match the overall asset and liability duration in 
2010, with an overall impact of £108 million, as well as decreased 
crediting rates on fixed annuities.

Fee income has increased by £230 million to £688 million. This 
principally reflects improved equity market performance and net 
cash inflows into unit-linked liabilities of £6.7 billion during 2010, 
equivalent to an increase on opening liabilities of 13 per cent. 
The increase in fee margin from 106 bps to 120 bps reflects a 
richer mix of the higher fee variable annuity business.

Insurance margin has increased £144 million to £592 million 
in 2010. This increase is driven by growth in the in-force 
book in Asia which has a relatively high proportion of  
risk-based products.

Margin on revenues principally comprises amounts deducted 
from premiums to cover acquisition costs and administration 
expenses and has increased by 19 per cent from £1,041 million  
in 2009 to £1,241 million in 2010. This is driven by the growth of 
the business in Asia.

Acquisition costs have increased in absolute terms by 
£187 million to £1,674 million in 2010, but as percentage of APE 
new business sales they have fallen from 51 per cent in 2009 to  
48 per cent in 2010. This is primarily due to Asia’s continuing 
improvements to new business strain, and in the US a move away 
from up front commission to on-going asset based commission, 
which is treated as an administration expense.

Administration expenses have increased by £110 million to 
£924 million in 2010 reflecting the growth of the business in the 
year. Overall the margin in 2010 is 83 bps, lower than the prior 
year margin of 86 bps.The improvement in this margin reflects 
operational leverage benefits in Asia and UK cost savings which 
have more than offset the effect of the move towards asset 
based commission in the US as described above.

DAC adjustments represents the level of costs deferred in 
the year offset by amortisation in the period. The year-on-year 
movement reflects changes in business mix and, in part, the 
acceleration of DAC amortisation in US.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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IFRS basis results – Analysis of asset management pre-tax IFRS operating profit based on longer-term  
investment returns

Operating income*
Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns

Average funds under management (FUM)†
Margin based on operating income†
Cost/income ratio‡

M&G

632 
246 

Asia

191 
72 

£186.5bn 
34 bps 
63% 

£47.2bn 
40 bps 
64% 

2010  £m

PruCap

88 
38 

US

229 
22 

Total

1,140
378 

Operating income*
Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns

M&G

482 
177 

2009  £m

PruCap

89 
61 

Asia

160 
55 

US

183 
4 

Total

914 
297 

Average funds under management (FUM)†
Margin based on operating income†
Cost/income ratio‡

£157.5bn 
31 bps 
65% 

£39.6bn 
40 bps 
67% 

* Operating income is net of commissions and includes performance related fees.
† Margin represents operating income as a proportion of the related funds under management (FUM). Opening and closing FUM have been used to 

derive the average. 

‡ Cost/income ratio is calculated as cost as a percentage of income excluding performance-related fees.

M&G increased its asset management fee margin during the year 
from 31 bps in 2009 to 34 bps in 2010. This reflects increased 
sales of higher margin equity funds in the year.

Asia maintained its margin at 40 bps from 2009 to 2010. This is 
driven by an improvement in the retail margin following positive 
inflows into higher margin equity and bond funds, offset by a 
decline in institutional margin caused by net outflows of money 
market funds.

PruCap’s operating profit fell during 2010, reflecting market 
conditions and higher funding costs. 

The increase in US asset management operating income 
principally arises in PPMA, reflecting increased performance 
fees and higher management fees. 

 
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BUSINESS REVIEW  >  FINANCIAL REVIEW  >  CONTINUED

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

IFRS basis profit after tax 

OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM INVESTMENT RETURNS 
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns:note i

Insurance operations 
IGD hedge costs 
  Other operations 

Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes 
Costs of terminated AIA transaction 
Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth 
Loss on sale and results of Taiwan agency business 

PROFIT BEFORE TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS ATTRIBUTABLE  

TO SHAREHOLDERS 

Tax charge attributable to shareholders’ profit note ii
Discontinued operations (net of tax) 
Non-controlling interests 

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY 

AER

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,941 

1,564 

(148)
– 
25 
(123)
(10)
(377)
30 
– 

1,461 
(25)
–
(5)

1,431 

7 
(235)
105 
(123)
(74)
– 
– 
(621)

746 
(55)
(14)
(1)

676

Notes
i 

The Company has amended the presentation of IFRS operating profit for its US insurance operations to remove the net equity hedge 
accounting effect (incorporating related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include it in short-term fluctuations. 2009 
amounts have been amended accordingly.

ii  Tax charge attributable to shareholders’ profit includes a credit of £158 million which primarily relates to the impact of a settlement agreed 

with the UK tax authorities. 

IFRS basis profit after tax 
The total profit before tax from continuing operations 
attributable to shareholders was £1,461 million in 2010, 
compared with £746 million in 2009. The improvement reflects 
the increase in operating profit based on longer-term investment 
returns and the impact of one-off items. The profit in 2010 was 
reduced by the terminated AIA transaction costs of £377 million, 
whereas 2009 was adversely impacted by the £621 million loss 
recorded as part of the disposal of the Taiwan Agency business 
and IGD hedge costs of £235 million.

In calculating the IFRS operating profit, we use longer-term 
investment return assumptions rather than actual investment 
returns arising in the year. The difference between actual 
investment returns recorded in the income statement and 
longer-term returns is shown in the analysis of profits as 
short-term fluctuations in investment returns.

IFRS short-term fluctuations in investment returns
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns for our 
insurance operations of negative £148 million comprise 
positive £114 million for Asia, negative £378 million for 
US operations and positive £116 million in the UK. 

The positive short-term fluctuations of £114 million for our 
Asian operations primarily reflect unrealised gains on the 
shareholder debt portfolio, as well as a £30 million unrealised 
gain on the Group’s 8.66 per cent stake in China Life Insurance 
Company of Taiwan.

The negative short-term fluctuations of £378 million for our  
US operations principally arise on derivative and embedded 
derivative value movements. They include the negative net 
equity hedge accounting effect (net of related DAC amortisation) 
of £367 million (2009: negative £159 million). The strong rise 
in the S&P Index in the last quarter of 2010 resulted in fair 
value reductions in the free-standing derivatives backing the 
guarantees embedded in Jackson’s variable and fixed index 
annuity products. As a substantial proportion of these 
guarantees are not fair valued for accounting purposes, there  
is no accounting offset to these losses. Other US short-term 
fluctuations were negative £11 million. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
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As a result of this dilution in holding and the consequential loss  
of control, PruHealth has been reclassified from a joint venture  
to an associate and the entity is no longer proportionally 
consolidated from the date of the transaction. In accordance with 
IAS 31 ‘Interests in joint ventures’ a gain of £30 million arises 
upon the dilution, representing the difference between the fair 
value of the enlarged 25 per cent investment still held and the 
IFRS book value of the original 50 per cent investment holding. 

Effective tax rates
The effective rate of tax on operating profits, based on longer-
term investment returns, was 11 per cent (2009: 24 per cent). 
Adjusting the reported tax rate to exclude the exceptional tax 
credit of £158 million which primarily relates to the impact of a 
settlement agreed with the UK tax authorities, the underlying 
tax rate on 2010 operating profits was 19 per cent. This is lower 
than 2009 primarily due to 2010 benefiting from revisions to prior 
period tax returns in the UK and an increase in the proportion of 
income in Asia which attracts lower tax. The effective rate of tax 
at the total IFRS profit level for continuing operations was two 
per cent (2009: seven per cent). Adjusting the rate in 2010 to 
exclude the exceptional tax credit of £158 million gives an 
underlying tax rate at the total IFRS profit level for 2010 of  
13 per cent. In both 2009 and 2010, we have benefited from 
utilising carried forward tax losses for which no deferred tax 
asset had been previously recognised. 

The positive short-term fluctuations of £116 million for our UK 
operations reflect principally value movements on fixed income 
assets backing the capital of the shareholder-backed annuity 
business, brought about by the falls in yields during 2010.

Short-term fluctuations for other operations were positive 
£25 million and mainly represent unrealised appreciation on 
Prudential Capital’s debt securities portfolio offset by unrealised 
value movements on centrally held derivatives. The 2009 result 
included £235 million costs incurred in respect of the hedge 
temporarily put in place during the first quarter to protect the 
IGD capital position in exceptional market conditions.

Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains  
and losses on defined benefit pension schemes
The shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses 
on defined benefit pension schemes of negative £10 million 
reflects the impact of assumption changes, being primarily  
a lower discount rate applied to the liabilities of the Scottish 
Amicable and M&G schemes, partially offset by actual asset 
returns being higher than the long-term rate assumed.

Costs of terminated AIA transaction
During the period the Group incurred pre-tax costs in relation  
to the AIA transaction of £377 million. This comprises the 
termination break fee of £153 million, the costs associated with 
foreign exchange hedging of £100 million, underwriting fees  
of £58 million and adviser and other fees totalling £66 million. 
After expected tax relief, the post-tax cost is £284 million.

Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth 
On 1 August 2010, Discovery Holdings of South Africa, the 
Group’s joint venture partner in its investment in PruHealth, 
completed the acquisition of the entire share capital of Standard 
Life Healthcare, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Standard Life 
Group, for £138 million. Discovery funded the purchase of  
the Standard Life Healthcare transaction, and contributed 
Standard Life Healthcare to PruHealth as a capital investment  
on completion. As a result of the transaction, Discovery  
have increased their shareholding in PruHealth from the  
previous level of 50 per cent to 75 per cent, and Prudential’s 
shareholding reduced from 50 per cent of the previous joint 
venture structure to 25 per cent of the new structure of the  
much enlarged business. 

 
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BUSINESS REVIEW  >  FINANCIAL REVIEW  >  CONTINUED

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

EEV RESULTS  

EEV basis operating profit based on longer-term investment returns

Insurance business:

Asia 
US 
UK 

  Development expenses 

LONG-TERM BUSINESS PROFIT 

UK general insurance commission 
Asset management business: 
  M&G 

Asia asset management 
Curian 
US broker-dealer and asset management 

Other income and expenditure 
Solvency II implementation costs 
Restructuring costs 

TOTAL EEV BASIS OPERATING PROFIT 

AER

CER 

2010  £m

2009  £m

Change  %

2009  £m

Change  %

1,450 
1,458 
936 
(4) 

3,840 

46 

284 
72 
1 
21 

1,105 
1,233 
870 
(6) 

3,202 

51 

238 
55 
(6) 
10 

4,264 

3,550 

(494) 
(46) 
(28) 

(433) 
–
(27) 

3,696 

3,090 

31 
18 
8 
33 

20 

(10) 

19 
31 
117 
110 

20 

14 
100 
4 

20 

1,190 
1,249 
870 
(6) 

3,303 

51 

238 
58 
(6) 
10 

3,654 

(434) 
–
(27) 

3,193 

22 
17 
8 
33 

16 

(10) 

19 
24 
117 
110 

17 

14 
100 
4 

16 

In 2010, Prudential Group’s total EEV basis operating profit 
based on longer-term investment returns was £3,696 million,  
an increase of 20 per cent from the same period in 2009.

Long-term business profits generated by the Group increased  
by 20 per cent to £3,840 million. These profits comprise:

•  New business profits1 of £2,028 million (2009: £1,619 million); 
•  In-force profits of £1,817 million (2009: £1,601 million); and
•  Negative £5 million of other items including development 

expenses (2009: negative £18 million).

New business profits1 at £2,028 million, were 25 per cent higher 
than last year, reflecting both a 23 per cent increase in sales 
volumes as compared to 2009. This represents a one percentage 
point increase in the average Group new business APE profit 
margin from 57 per cent in 2009 to 58 per cent in 2010. 

Strong new business APE profit margins were recorded across 
the Group. The margin for the Asian business was maintained  
at 60 per cent and the UK new business margin increased by 
13 percentage points to 45 per cent, benefiting both from the 
bulk annuity buy-in agreement written in December and higher 
underlying margins on retail business. The US maintained much 
of the high margins achieved in 2009, with margins falling by 
eight percentage points to 65 per cent, due primarily to 
anticipated reductions in spread margins on fixed and fixed 
index annuities and the impact of lower assumed equity return 
assumptions on variable annuities.

The contribution to operating profit from in-force business 
increased by £216 million to £1,817 million. This includes a 
£71 million increase in the unwind discount and other expected 
returns from £1,421 million in 2009 to £1,492 million in 2010, 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

principally reflecting the growing maturity of the Asian 
in-force book. In-force profit in 2010 also includes the effect 
of operating assumption changes, experience variances 
and other items which had an aggregate positive impact of 
£325 million (2009: positive impact of £180 million). Of this 
amount, £328 million arises in the US, primarily reflecting 
positive mortality, persistency, expense and spread 
experience variances. The most significant of these relates to 
spread experience, contributing £158 million in 2010, arising 
principally from transactions undertaken in the year to more 
closely match the overall asset and liability duration, the effect 
of which is expected to persist in 2011, but at a reduced level.

Overall the impact of operating assumption changes, experience 
variances and other items on Asia was negative £24 million, with 
adverse expense and persistency changes being offset by 
positive mortality and morbidity amounts.

In the UK operating assumption changes, experience variances 
and other items had an overall impact of positive £21 million, 
which is not significant in the context of the size of this business.

Operating profit from the asset management business and 
other non-long term businesses increased to £424 million, 
up 22 per cent from £348 million in 2009.

Other income and expenditure totalled a net expense of 
£494 million compared with £433 million in 2009. The £61 million 
increase principally reflects the higher interest payable on core 
structural borrowings.

Note
1  Excludes Japan which ceased writing new business in 2010.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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2010  £m

2009  £m

3,696 

3,090 

(55) 
– 
25 
(30) 
(164) 
(11) 
(10) 
(377) 
3 
– 

3,107 
(530) 
– 
(4) 

2,573 

481 
(235) 
105 
351 
(795) 
(84) 
(910) 
–
–
91 

1,743 
(481) 
(14) 
(3) 

1,245 

EEV basis profit after tax and non-controlling interests

EEV basis operating profit based on longer-term investment returns
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns:
– Insurance operations
– IGD hedge costs
– Other operations

Mark to market value movements on core borrowings
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes 
Effect of changes in economic assumptions 
Costs of terminated AIA transaction 
Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth 
Profit on sale and results of Taiwan agency business

PROFIT BEFORE TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Tax charge attributable to shareholders’ profitnote i
Discontinued operations (net of tax)
Non-controlling interests

PROFIT AFTER NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

Note
i 

Tax charge attributable to shareholders’ profit includes a credit of £158 million which primarily relates to the impact of a settlement agreed 
with the UK tax authorities. 

EEV basis profit after tax and non-controlling interests
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns
EEV operating profit is based on longer-term investment return 
assumptions rather than actual investment returns achieved. 
Short-term fluctuations represent the difference between the 
actual investment return and those assumed in arriving at the 
reported operating profit.

For our US business, short-term fluctuations in investment 
returns were negative £678 million (2009: negative £401 million), 
principally reflecting a reduction in expected yields on assets as  
a result of derisking activities within the portfolio and higher 
hedging costs, partially offset by separate account return in 2010 
of 14.5 per cent being higher than the long-term expected level 
of 6.8 per cent. 

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns for insurance 
operations of negative £55 million comprise a positive 
£287 million for Asia, negative £678 million for our US 
operations and positive £336 million in the UK. 

For our Asian business, short-term fluctuations of positive 
£287 million (2009: positive £437 million) primarily reflected 
the improvement in equity markets in 2010 and unrealised 
gains on the bond portfolio.

For our UK business, the short-term fluctuations in investment 
returns were positive £336 million (2009: positive £445 million), 
principally due to the 2010 return on the investments of the 
with-profits life fund (covering policyholder liabilities and 
unallocated surplus) of positive 12.0 per cent being higher  
than the long-term assumed return of 6.7 per cent and to the 
unrealised gains arising on corporate bonds held as part of the 
annuity portfolio. 

Mark to market movement on core borrowings
The mark to market movement on core borrowings was a 
negative £164 million, as credit spreads continued to narrow  
to more normal levels. 

 
 
 
 
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FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

EEV basis profit after tax and non-controlling  
interests  > continued
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses 
on defined benefit pension schemes
The shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on 
defined benefit pension schemes on the EEV basis comprises the 
IFRS charge attributable to shareholders, and the shareholders’ 
share of movements in the scheme assets and liabilities 
attributable to the PAC with-profits fund. On the EEV basis there 
was a charge of negative £11 million (2009: negative £84 million) 
which mainly reflects the impact of assumption changes, being 
primarily a lower discount rate to the liabilities of the Scottish 
Amicable and M&G schemes partially offset by actual asset 
returns being higher than the long-term rate assumed.

Effect of changes in economic assumptions
The effect of changes in economic assumptions of negative 
£10 million comprises negative £71 million for Asia, negative 
£1 million for the US and positive £62 million for the UK.

In our Asian business, economic assumption changes were 
negative £71 million mainly reflecting the impact of falls in 
interest rates and the derisking of the portfolios in Hong Kong 
and Singapore.

In our US business, economic assumption changes were negative 
£1 million, with the fall in the separate account return being 
offset by the beneficial effect arising from the decrease in the  
risk discount rate following a reduction of 0.6 per cent in the US 
10-year Treasury rate during the period. 

In our UK business, economic assumption changes were positive 
£62 million, where the impact of the lower risk discount rate 
more than offset the effect of lower expected long-term  
rates of return following a reduction in UK Gilt rates of 
0.4 per cent during 2010.

Costs of terminated AIA transaction 
As previously discussed, the Group incurred pre-tax costs of 
£377 million in 2010 (£284 million post-tax) related to the 
terminated AIA transaction. 

Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth
As previously discussed, the Company’s holding of PruHealth 
has been reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent, following  
the injection into PruHealth of Standard Life Healthcare by  
the Group’s joint venture partner, Discovery Holdings of  
South Africa. 

On an EEV basis, a gain of £3 million arises upon the dilution, 
representing the difference between the fair value of the 
enlarged investment still held and the embedded value of the 
original 50 per cent investment holding. From 1 August 2010 
the Group incorporates 25 per cent of PruHealth’s new business 
sales, profits and EEV in-force results into its consolidated EEV 
financial results.

Effective tax rates 
The fall in the total tax rate, excluding the impact of the 
exceptional tax credit, from 28 per cent in 2009 to  
22 per cent in 2010 arises from the effect of the mark to 
market value movements on core borrowings. As noted above, 
these movements gave rise to a charge in the EEV income 
statement of £164 million in 2010 and £795 million in 2009.  
As the liabilities are generally held to maturity or for the 
long-term, no deferred tax asset or liability is established on  
the market value adjustments and therefore, in 2010 and 2009 
no deferred tax credits were established. The underlying tax rate 
on profits excluding the mark to market value adjustment on 
core borrowings and the exceptional tax credit was 21 per cent 
in 2010 as against 19 per cent in 2009.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

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EARNINGS AND DIVIDEND PER SHARE

Earnings per share  (EPS)

2010
Excluding 
exceptional 
tax credit  i
pence

2010 
Including 
exceptional 
tax credit
pence

2009 

pence

Basic EPS based on 

operating profit after 
tax and non-controlling 
interests:
IFRSnote ii

  EEV

62.0 
106.9 

68.3
113.2

47.5 
88.8 

Basic EPS based on total profit after 

non-controlling interests:
IFRS 
  EEV

2010 
pence

2009 
pence

56.7
101.9

27.0
49.8

Notes
i 

The exceptional tax credit in 2010 relates to a £158 million credit 
which primarily relates to the impact of a settlement agreed with 
the UK tax authorities.

ii  The Company has amended the presentation of IFRS operating 

profit for its US insurance operations to remove the net equity 
hedge accounting effect (incorporating related amortisation of 
deferred acquisition costs) and include it in short-term 
fluctuations. 2009 amounts have been amended accordingly.

Dividend per share 
Interim dividends are recorded in the period in which they are 
paid. Final dividends are recorded in the period in which they  
are approved by shareholders. The second interim dividend of 
13.56 pence per ordinary share for the year ended 31 December 
2009 was paid to eligible shareholders on 27 May 2010 and the 
2010 interim dividend of 6.61 pence per ordinary share was paid 
to eligible shareholders on 23 September 2010.

Following the Board’s decision to rebase the dividend upwards 
and subject to shareholders’ approval, the 2010 final dividend  
of 17.24 pence per ordinary share will be paid on 26 May 2011  
in sterling to shareholders on the principal and Irish branch 
registers at 6.00pm BST on Friday, 1 April 2011 (the ‘Record 
Date’), and in Hong Kong dollars to shareholders on the Hong 
Kong branch register at 4.30pm Hong Kong time on the Record 
Date (‘HK Shareholders’). Holders of US American Depositary 
Receipts (‘US Shareholders’) will be paid their dividends in  
US dollars on or about five days after the payment date of the 
dividend to shareholders on the principal register. The final 
dividend will be paid on or about 2 June 2011 in Singapore 
dollars to shareholders with shares standing to the credit of their 
securities accounts with The Central Depository (Pte.) Limited 
(‘CDP’) at 5.00pm Singapore time on the Record Date (‘SG 
Shareholders’). The dividend payable to the HK Shareholders 
will be translated using the exchange rate quoted by the WM 
Company at 4.00pm UK time on 8 March 2011. The exchange 
rate at which the dividend payable to the SG Shareholders will  
be translated into SG$ will be determined by CDP. The dividend 
will distribute an estimated £439 million of shareholders’ funds.

The scrip dividend is not being offered in respect of this 
dividend. In its place shareholders will be offered a Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan (DRIP).

The final dividend of 17.24 pence per share brings the total 
dividend for the reporting period to 23.85 pence per share, 
four pence per share (20 per cent) higher than the 2009 total 
dividend. 

The Board will maintain its focus on delivering a growing 
dividend from this new higher base, which will continue to  
be determined after taking into account the Group’s financial 
flexibility and our assessment of opportunities to generate 
attractive returns by investing in specific areas of the business. 
The Board believes that in the medium term a dividend cover  
of around two times is appropriate.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

MOVEMENT ON SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS  

IFRS

EEV

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns 
Items excluded from operating profit 

TOTAL PROFIT BEFORE TAX 
Exceptional tax credit
Tax, discontinued operations and non-controlling interests 

PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD 
Exchange movements, net of related tax 
Unrealised gains and losses on Jackson securities classified as 

available for salenote  a

Dividends 
New share capital subscribed 
Other 

NET INCREASE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS 
Shareholders’ funds at beginning of year 

SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS AT END OF YEAR 

Comprising 

Long-term business
Free surplus note b
Required capital 

Net worth note c
Value of in-force 

Total 
Other business note d

TOTAL note f

2010

£m

 1,941 
(480) 

 1,461 
158 
(188) 

 1,431 
251 

478 
(511) 
75 
36 

 1,760 
 6,271 

 8,031 

2009
note e 
AER
£m

1,564 
(818) 

746 
–
(70) 

676 
(195) 

1,043 
(481) 
141 
29 

1,213 
5,058 

6,271 

2010

£m

3,696 
(589) 

3,107 
158 
(692) 

2,573 
693 

–
(511)
75 
104 

2,934 
15,273 

18,207 

2,748 
3,415 

6,163 
12,051 

18,214 
(7) 

2009

AER
£m

3,090 
(1,347) 

1,743 
–
(498) 

1,245 
(750) 

–
(481) 
141 
162 

317 
14,956 

15,273 

2,065 
2,994 

5,059 
10,283 

15,342 
(69) 

18,207 

15,273 

Notes
a  Net of related changes to deferred acquisition costs and tax.
b 

The increase in free surplus of £683 million from 2010 arises primarily from £1,284 million being generated by the long-term business, off-set 
by cash paid to the holding company and other items.
The increase in net worth in the period principally reflects the free surplus generated in the period, offset by cash paid to the holding 
company, changes to required capital and other items.
Shareholders’ funds for other than long-term business of negative £7 million (2009: negative £69 million) comprises £1,787 million for asset 
management operations (2009: £1,659 million), including goodwill of £1,230 million (2009: £1,230 million), holding company net borrowings 
of £2,212 million (2009: £1,780 million) and net other shareholders’ funds of £418 million (2009: £52 million).
The Company has amended the presentation of IFRS operating profit for its US insurance operations to remove the net equity hedge 
accounting credit effect (incorporating related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include it in short-term fluctuations. 
2009 amounts have been amended accordingly. 
EEV shareholders’ funds excluding goodwill attributable to shareholders is £16,741 million (2009: £13,963 million).

c 

d 

e 

f 

IFRS
Statutory IFRS basis shareholders’ funds at 31 December  
2010 were £8.0 billion. This compares to the £6.3 billion at 
31 December 2009, an increase of £1.7 billion, and equivalent  
to 28 per cent. 

The movement reflects the profit for the year after tax and 
non-controlling interests of £1.4 billion, exchange translation 
gains of £0.3 billion, the improvement in the level of net 
unrealised gains on Jackson’s debt securities of £0.5 billion 

from the position at 31 December 2009 and other items of £0.1 
billion, offset by dividend payments of £0.5 billion.

EEV
On an EEV basis, which recognises the shareholders’ interest in 
long-term business, shareholder funds at 31 December 2010 
were £18.2 billion, an increase of £2.9 billion from the 2009 level, 
equivalent to 19 per cent. This increased level of shareholders’ 
funds primarily reflects the profit after tax of £2.6 billion, the 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
67

positive effects of exchange movements of £0.7 billion offset  
by the dividend payments of £0.5 billion.

The shareholders’ funds at 31 December relating to long-term 
business of £18.2 billion comprise £7.4 billion (up 29 per cent 
from 2009) for our Asian long-term business operations, 
£4.8 billion (up 16 per cent from 2009) for our US long-term 
business operations and £6.0 billion (up 10 per cent from 2009) 
for our UK long-term business operations.

At 31 December 2010, the embedded value for our Asian 
long-term business operations was £7.4 billion, with £6.0 billion 
(up 31 per cent from 2009) being in the South East Asia countries 
of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, 
Vietnam together with Hong Kong. For Prudential’s other Asian 
markets, the embedded value was £1.4 billion (up 21 per cent 
from 2009) in aggregate.

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FREE SURPLUS AND HOLDING COMPANY CASH FLOW 

The total movement in free surplus net of tax in the year can be analysed as follows:

Free surplus generation
Expected in-force cash flows (including expected return on net assets)
Changes in operating assumptions and variances

UNDERLYING FREE SURPLUS GENERATED IN THE PERIOD FROM IN-FORCE BUSINESS
Market related items
Investment in new business:

Excluding Japan
Japan

Total investment in new business

FREE SURPLUS GENERATED IN THE PERIOD FROM RETAINED BUSINESSES 
Effect of disposal and trading results of Taiwan agency business
Net cash remitted by the business units
Other movements and timing differencesnote  1

TOTAL MOVEMENT DURING THE PERIOD
FREE SURPLUS AT 1 JANUARY

FREE SURPLUS AT 31 DECEMBER

Comprised of:

Free surplus relating to long-term insurance business
Free surplus of other insurance business
IFRS net assets of asset management businesses excluding goodwill

Total free surplus

Note
1 

Included within other movements and timing differences is £18 million arising on the acquisition of UOB.

AER

2010  £m

2009  £m

2,139 
220 

2,359 
(94)

(643)
(2)

(645)

1,620 
–
(935)
122 

807 
2,531 

3,338 

2,748 
33 
557 

3,338 

1,914 
175 

2,089 
(198)

(660)
(15)

(675)

1,216 
987 
(688)
157 

1,672 
859 

2,531 

2,065 
37 
429 

2,531 

Overview
The Group manages its internal cash flow by focusing on the free 
surplus generated by the life and asset management businesses 
as defined below and the percentage of net underlying free 
surplus that is remitted to the holding company as cash (‘the 
remittance ratio’). The tables below set out the Group’s free 
surplus generation for 2010, the holding company cash flow 
statement and a table showing the remittance ratio for each of 
the business operations.

Free surplus generation
Sources and uses of free surplus generation from the 
Group’s insurance and asset management operations
Group free surplus at the end of the period comprises free 
surplus for the insurance businesses, representing the excess 
of the net worth over the required capital included in the EEV 
results, and IFRS net assets for the asset management businesses 
excluding goodwill. The free surplus generated during the 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
68

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  FINANCIAL REVIEW  >  CONTINUED

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

period comprises the movement in this balance excluding 
foreign exchange, capital movements, and other reserve 
movements. Specifically, it includes amounts maturing from 
the in-force operations during the period less the investment 
in new business, the effect of market movements and other 
one-off items.

For asset management operations we have defined free surplus 
generation to be total post-tax IFRS profit for the period. Group 
free surplus generated also includes the general insurance 
commission earned during the period and excludes 
shareholders’ other income and expenditure, and centrally 
arising restructuring and Solvency II implementation costs.

During 2010 we generated total free surplus from the retained 
businesses of £1,620 million (2009: £1,216 million). Underlying 
free surplus generated from the in-force book increased 
13 per cent from £2,089 million in 2009 to £2,359 million in 2010, 
principally reflecting the underlying growth of the portfolio and 
positive changes in operating assumptions and variances of 
positive £220 million for our life businesses (2009: positive 
£175 million). These positive changes include positive £3 million 
in Asia (2009: negative £98 million), £26 million arising in the UK 

(2009: positive £158 million), £191 million in the US, principally 
reflecting favourable spread experience (2009: positive 
£115 million). 

Underlying free surplus generated has been used by our life 
businesses to invest in new business. Investment in new 
business1 has fallen by three per cent to £643 million in 2010. 
This compares to a 23 per cent increase in sales1 and a 
25 per cent increase in new business profits1. The strong 
improvement in capital efficiency is primarily the result of 
continuing the active management of the product and 
geographical mix of the new business sold, in line with the 
Group’s disciplined approach to capital conservation and 
cash optimisation.

Market-related movements have improved from negative 
£198 million in 2009 to negative £94 million in 2010, of which 
negative £192 million relates to the US, principally reflecting 
investment returns on variable annuity business and related 
hedging activity. In addition, negative £74 million relates to the 
UK and is offset by positive £146 million relating to Asia principally 
related to favourable equity markets during 2010 and positive 
£26 million relating to our asset management businesses.

Note
1  Excludes Japan which ceased writing new business in 2010.

Value created through investment in new business by life operations  

2010  £m

Asian operations

Excluding 
Japan

Japan

Total

US 
operations

UK 
insurance 
operations

 Group
total 
excluding 
Japan

 Group
total 
including 
Japan

Free surplus invested in new 

business

Increase in required capital

Net worth invested in new 

business

Value of in-force created by 

new business

Post-tax new business profit for 

the year

Tax

Pre-tax new business profit for 

the year

(278)
84 

(194)

866 

672 
230 

902 

(2)
– 

(2)

1 

(1)
– 

(1)

(280)
84 

(196)

867 

671 
230 

(300)
270 

(30)

525 

495 
266 

(65)
107 

(643)
461 

(645)
461 

42 

(182)

(184)

224 

1,615 

1,616 

266 
99 

1,433 
595 

1,432 
595 

901 

761 

365 

2,028 

2,027 

New business sales (APE)
New business margins (% APE)
Internal rate of return*

1,501 
60%
>20%

1,508 
60%
>20%

1,164 
65%
>20%

820 
45%
>20%

* The internal rate of return is equivalent to the discount rate at which the present value of the post-tax cash flows expected to be earned over 

the lifetime of the business written in shareholder-backed life funds is equal to the total invested capital to support the writing of the business. 
The capital included in the calculation of the IRR is equal to the amount required to pay acquisition costs and set up statutory reserves less 
premiums received, plus required capital. The impact of the time value of options and guarantees is included in the calculation.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
69

Value created through investment in new business by life operations  > continued

AER

2009  £m

Asian operations

Excluding 
Japan

Japan

Total

US 
operations

UK 
insurance 
operations

 Group
total 
excluding 
Japan

 Group
total 
including 
Japan

B
U
S
I

N
E
S
S
R
E
V

I
E
W

Free surplus invested in new 

business

Increase in required capital

Net worth invested in new 

business

Value of in-force created by 

new business

Post-tax new business profit for 

the year

Tax

Pre-tax new business profit for 

the year

New business sales (APE)
New business margins (% APE)
Internal rate of return*

(231)
69 

(162)

707 

545 
180 

725 

1,209 
60%
>20%

(15)
–

(15)

3 

(12)
–

(12)

(246)
69 

(177)

710 

533 
180 

713 

1,261 
57%
>20%

(326)
300 

(26)

458 

432 
232 

664 

912 
73%
>20%

CER

2009  £m

(103)
82 

(21)

187 

166 
64 

(660)
451 

(675)
451 

(209)

(224)

1,352 

1,355 

1,143 
476 

1,131 
476 

230 

1,619 

1,607 

723 
32%
>15%

Asian operations

Excluding 
Japan

Japan

Total

US 
operations

UK 
insurance 
operations

 Group
total 
excluding 
Japan

 Group
total 
including 
Japan

Free surplus invested in new 

business

Increase in required capital

Net worth invested in new 

business

Value of in-force created by 

new business

Post-tax new business profit for 

the year

Tax

Pre-tax new business profit for 

the year

New business sales (APE)
New business margins (% APE)
Internal rate of return*

(245)
75 

(170)

759 

589 
194 

783 

1,300 
60%
>20%

(16)
–

(16)

3 

(13)
–

(13)

(261)
75 

(186)

762 

576 
194 

770 

1,356 
57%
>20%

(330)
304 

(26)

464 

438 
235 

673 

924 
73%
>20%

(103)
82 

(21)

187 

166 
64 

(678)
461 

(694)
461 

(217)

(233)

1,410 

1,413 

1,193 
493 

1,180 
493 

230 

1,686 

1,673 

723 
32%
>15%

* The internal rate of return is equivalent to the discount rate at which the present value of the post-tax cash flows expected to be earned over 

the lifetime of the business written in shareholder-backed life funds is equal to the total invested capital to support the writing of the business. 
The capital included in the calculation of the IRR is equal to the amount required to pay acquisition costs and set up statutory reserves less 
premiums received, plus required capital. The impact of the time value of options and guarantees is included in the calculation.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
70

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  FINANCIAL REVIEW  >  CONTINUED

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

Overall, the Group wrote £3,485 million of sales on an APE basis1 
in 2010 (2009: £2,844 million) generating a post-tax new 
business contribution to embedded value of £1,433 million 
(2009: £1,143 million). To support these sales, we invested 
£643 million of capital (2009: £660 million). By focusing on sales 
of products and in geographies which are less capital intensive, 
the Group has increased the amount of post-tax new business 
profit contribution1 to embedded value per £1 million of 
free surplus invested by 29 per cent to £2.2 million 
(2009: £1.7 million). We estimate the Group’s internal rate  
of return for the 12 months ended 31 December 2010 to be 
greater than 20 per cent. The amount of capital invested covers 
both new business strain, including commissions, of £182 million 
(2009: £209 million) and the required capital of £461 million 
(2009: £451 million). Management will continue to focus on 
capital preservation and investment in those areas which add 
most value to the Group.

In Asia, investment in new business1 was £278 million, which was 
up 20 per cent compared to 2009 (£231 million). This compares 
to a 24 per cent increase in new business sales (APE). For each 
£1 million of free surplus invested we generated £2.4 million of 
post-tax new business contribution to embedded value broadly 
consistent with 2009, excluding Japan (2009: £2.4 million)1. The 
average free surplus undiscounted payback period for business 
written in the 12 months to 31 December 2010 was three years 
(2009: three years).

In the US, investment in new business was £300 million, 
eight per cent lower than 2009 (£326 million) and considerably 
lower than the 28 per cent increase in APE new business sales. 
For each £1 million of free surplus invested we generated 
£1.7 million of post-tax new business contribution to embedded 
value (2009: £1.3 million). This higher return reflects a change 
in business mix with a higher proportion of variable annuity 
business and a reduced proportion of more capital intensive 
fixed annuities. The average free surplus undiscounted payback 
period for business written in the 12 months to 31 December 
2010 was one year (2009: two years).

In the UK, investment in new business decreased by 37 per cent 
from £103 million in 2009 to £65 million in 2010. This decrease 
compares with a 13 per cent increase in APE new business sales 
in the period. For each £1 million of free surplus invested we 
generated £4.1 million of post-tax new business contribution to 
embedded value (2009: £1.6 million). This increase reflects the 
UK’s disciplined approach to pricing which has led to higher 
retail margins across the product range in 2010. It is also 
improved by the large bulk annuity transaction undertaken in 
2010, the size of which may not be repeated in future years.  
The average free surplus undiscounted payback period for 
shareholder-backed business written in the 12 months to 
31 December 2010 was four years (2009: five years). 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

Note
1  Excludes Japan which ceased writing new business in 2010.

71

B
U
S
I

N
E
S
S
R
E
V

I
E
W

The preceding tables focused on actual free surplus in the year 
from the in-force book of business and the level of investment in 
new business. The tables below show how the VIF generated by 
the in-force long-term business and the associated required 
capital is modelled as emerging into free surplus over future 
years. The modelled cash flows use the same methodology 
underpinning the Group’s embedded value reporting and so 
are subject to the same assumptions and sensitivities.

In addition to showing the amounts, both discounted and 
undiscounted, expected to be generated from all in-force 
business at 31 December 2010, the tables also present the 
expected future free surplus to be generated from the 
investment made in new business during 2010. 

Expected transfer of value of in-force (VIF) and required capital business to free surplus 

Expected period of emergence

2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
2020 
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031–2035
2036–2040
2041–2045
2046–2050
2050+

Total

Undiscounted expected generation from all
in-force business at 31 December*

Undiscounted expected generation from 
2010 long-term new business written*

2010  £m

Asia

635 
 598
 573
 558
 554
 554
 541
 521
 495
478
468
461
446
439
429
438
433
425
422
416
2,040
1,992
2,007
2,021
10,453

US

852
546
490
440
449
380
371
349
288
274
255
216
178
162
138
123
113
106
88
84
303
171
–
–
–

UK

Total

Asia

US

UK

Total

436 
 407
 516
 451
 443
 433
 432
 428
 424
 416
409
405
406
401
393
383
375
368
361
350
1,445
1,040
510
301
344

1,923
1,551
1,579
1,449
1,446
1,367
1,344
1,298
1,207
1,168
1,132
1,082
1,030
1,002
960
944
921
899
871
850
3,788
3,203
2,517
2,322
10,797

93 
 106
 132
 99
 91
 78
 79
 80
 79
 74
73
68
69
67
65
62
64
61
64
57
303
271
269
279
1,997

313
134
85
(18)
97
72
56
89
73
63
59
49
38
32
27
23
19
17
14
9
27
4
–
–
–

21 
 28
 27
 24
 26
 28
 26
 25
 26
 37
24
24
25
24
24
24
24
25
24
26
115
118
75
50
41

427
268
244
105
214
178
161
194
178
174
156
141
132
123
116
109
107
103
102
92
445
393
344
329
2,038

28,397 

6,376  11,877

46,650

4,680 

1,282

 911

6,873

* The analysis excludes amounts incorporated into VIF at 31 December 2010 where there is no definitive timeframe for when the payments will be 
made. In particular it excludes the value of the shareholders’ interest in the estate. All amounts have been translated at year end exchange rates.

 
72

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  FINANCIAL REVIEW  >  CONTINUED

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

The above amounts can be reconciled to the new 2010 business amounts as follows:

2010 New business

Undiscounted expected free surplus generation 
Less: discount effect

Discounted expected free surplus generation 
Less: Free surplus investment in new business
Other items†

Post-tax EEV new business profit
Tax 

PRE-TAX EEV NEW BUSINESS PROFIT 

Asia* 
£m

4,680
(3,713) 

967 
(280) 
(16) 

671 
230 

901 

US 
£m

1,282 
(434) 

848 
(300) 
(53) 

495 
266 

761 

UK 
£m

911 
(582) 

329 
(65) 
2 

266 
99 

365 

Total 
£m

6,873 
(4,729) 

2,144 
(645) 
(67) 

1,432 
595 

2,027 

* Includes Japan.
† Other items represents the impact of the time value of options and guarantees on new business, foreign exchange effects and other non-

modelled items. Foreign exchange effects arise as EEV new business profit amounts are translated at average exchange rates and expected free 
surplus generation uses year end closing rates. 

The equivalent discounted amounts of the totals shown in the table on the preceding are outlined below:

Discounted expected generation from all
 in-force business at 31 December

Discounted expected generation from 
2010 long-term new business written

2010  £m

Asia

575 
 510
 444
 405
 370
 343
 310
 280
 249
 225
207
190
170
157
142
139
128
117
108
99
400
275
195
139
152

US

UK

Total

800
481 
 408
 344
 325
 258
 237
 207
 161
 144
125
99
78
66
53
45
40
35
28
25
79
40
–
–
– 

403 
 348
 405
 333
 303
 274
 255
 234
 215
 195
177
163
151
138
126
113
102
93
84
76
240
109
29
11
6

1,778 
1,339 
1,257 
1,082 
998 
875 
802 
721 
625 
564 
509
452
399
361
321
297
270
245
220
200
719
424
224
150
158

6,329 

4,078 

 4,583

14,990 

Asia

88 
 91
101
 70
 59
 47
 44
 41
 38
 33
30
27
25
22
19
19
18
16
15
12
53
35
24
18
22

967 

US

292
116
68
(13)
68
48
35
50
39
31
27
21
15
11
9
7
6
5
4
2
5
2
–
–
–

848

UK

18 
 24
 22
 18
 19
 19
 16
 15
 14
 19
12
11
11
9
9
8
8
7
7
7
25
18
8
4
1

Total

398
231
191
75
146
114
95
106
91
83
69
59
51
42
37
34
32
28
26
21
83
55
32
22
23

329 

2,144

Expected period of emergence

2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
2020 
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031–2035
2036–2040
2041–2045
2046–2050
2050+

TOTAL

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

The above amounts can be reconciled to the Group’s financial statements as follows:

Discounted expected generation from all in-force business at 31 December 2010 
Add: Free surplus of life operations held at 31 December 2010 
Less: Time value of options and guarantees 
Other non-modelled items*

Total EEV of life operations

73

B
U
S
I

N
E
S
S
R
E
V

I
E
W

Total  £m 

14,990 
2,748 
(369) 
845 

18,214 

* These relate to items where there is no definitive timeframe for when the payments will be made and are, consequently, excluded from the 
amounts incorporated into the tables above showing the expected generation of free surplus from in-force business at 31 December 2010. 
In particular it excludes the value of the shareholders’ interest in the estate.

In recent years, our strategic focus on capital conservation and 
value optimisation has enabled us to transform the free surplus 
generation profile of the Group. The undiscounted in-force free 
surplus generation ability of the Group is now significant, with all 
businesses contributing material amounts. 

Our disciplined approach to writing low strain, high return, short 
payback new business, produces an expected free surplus 
generation profile with sizeable free surplus releases in the early 
years, thereby ensuring that the initial investment is paid back 
quickly and incremental profits are earned thereafter. 

The combination of the long-term business in-force releases 
depicted in the previous tables, coupled with asset management 
profits, returns on excess assets together with the impact of 
future new business, reinforces our confidence that we remain 
on track to deliver a cumulative net free surplus after new 
business investment of £6.5 billion in the 2010 to 2013 period. 

 
74

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  FINANCIAL REVIEW  >  CONTINUED

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

Holding company cash flow 

NET CASH REMITTED BY BUSINESS UNITS:

UK Life fund paid to Group
Shareholder-backed business:
  Other UK paid to Group
  Group invested in UK

Total shareholder-backed business

UK NET

US paid to Group
  Group invested in US

US NET

Asia paid to Group

Long-term business

  Other operations

  Group invested in Asia
Long-term business

  Other operations

ASIA NET
M&G PAID TO GROUP 
PRUCAP PAID TO GROUP

NET REMITTANCES TO GROUP FROM BUSINESS UNITS
Net interest paid
Tax received
Corporate activities
Solvency II costs

TOTAL CENTRAL OUTFLOWS

OPERATING HOLDING COMPANY* CASH FLOW BEFORE DIVIDEND
Dividend paid net of scrip 

OPERATING HOLDING COMPANY* CASH FLOW AFTER DIVIDEND
Exceptional Items: 

Cash flow arising from sale of Taiwan agency business
Acquisition of UOB Life and related distribution agreements
Costs of terminated AIA transaction 
IGD hedge costs
Bank loan reorganisation

Other cash movements:

Issue of hybrid debt, net of costs
Repayment of maturing debt
Receipts arising from foreign exchange movements on US$ hedging instruments

Total holding company cash flow

Cash and short-term investments at beginning of period
Foreign exchange movements

CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AT END OF PERIOD

* Including central finance subsidiaries.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

2010  £m

2009  £m

202 

275 
(57)
218 

420 
80 
–

80 

330 
33 

363 

(63)
(67)

(130)

233 
150 
52 

935 
(231)
185 
(146)
(34)

(226)

709 
(449) 

260 

–
(276)
(377)
–
120 

–
–
–

(273)
1,486 
19 

1,232 

284 

189 
(39)
150 

434 
39 
–

39 

181 
46 

227 

(101)
(86)

(187)

40 
93 
82 

688 
(214)
71 
(163)
– 

(306)

382 
(344)

38 

(125)
–
–
(235)
–

822 
(249)
60 

311 
1,165 
10 

1,486 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
75

Holding company cash flow 
We continue to manage cash flows across the Group with  
a view to achieving a balance between ensuring sufficient  
net remittances from the businesses to cover the progressive 
dividend (after corporate costs) and maximising value for 
shareholders through the retention and the reinvestment of the 
free surplus generated at business unit level in the particularly 
profitable opportunities available to the Group given its 
established position in key life insurance markets. On this basis, 
the holding company cash flow statement at an operating level 

should ordinarily balance close to zero before exceptional cash 
flows, but from time to time additional remittances from business 
operations will be made to provide the Group with greater 
financial flexibility at the corporate centre.

Operating holding company cash flow for 2010 before the 
shareholder dividend was £709 million, £327 million higher  
than 2009. After deducting the shareholder dividend paid net  
of scrip, the operating holding company cash flow was positive 
£260 million (2009: £38 million). 

B
U
S
I

N
E
S
S
R
E
V

I
E
W

Remittance ratio analysis

Asia
US
UK
M&G (including PruCap)

Total

2010

Net 
underlying 
free surplus 
note i
£m

383
627
497
207

1,714

Net 
remittance 
to Group
£m

233
80
420
202

935

Remittance 
ratio 
%

Net
 Remittance 
to Group
£m

61
13
85
98

55

40
39
434
175

688

2009

Net 
underlying 
free surplus
note i
£m

161
516
562
175

1,414

 Remittance 
ratio
%

25
8
77
100

49

Note
i 

Underlying free surplus generated in the period from in-force business less investment in new business. 

Cash remittances as a percentage of free surplus
As previously highlighted, the Group focuses on the generation 
of free surplus by each of the Group’s business units and then 
balances cash remittances from these units between financing 
new business growth, managing market shocks and covering  
the Group’s central outgoings, including the shareholder 
dividend. The table above highlights this balance by comparing 
the 2010 net underlying free surplus generated with the net 
amounts that have been remitted by each of our underlying 
business operations. 

Remittance ratio analysis
The holding company received £935 million of net cash 
remittances from the business units in 2010, an increase of 
£247 million from 2009. Overall net remittances as a percentage 
of net underlying free surplus increased from 49 per cent in  
2009 to 55 per cent in 2010. In line with the Group’s strategy  
the highest remittance ratios are from the UK businesses.  
The UK insurance operations remitted £420 million in 2010 
(2009: £434 million), equivalent to 85 per cent of net underlying 
free surplus. Contributions from UK with-profits were lower, 
reflecting the bonus reductions effected at the start of 2009, 
resulting in a lower share for shareholders in that year and lower 
remittances in 2010. Net remittances from our shareholder-
backed businesses were £218 million, an increase of £68 million 
from 2009. M&G and PruCap collectively remitted £202 million 
in 2010 (2009: £175 million) equivalent to 98 per cent of net 
underlying free surplus. 

Asia remitted net cash of £233 million in 2010, an increase of 
£193 million from the net £40 million remitted in 2009. This 
includes a one-off remittance of £130 million from Malaysia, 
representing the accumulation of historic distributable reserves. 
Total injections in 2010 were £130 million; £57 million lower than 
the £187 million paid in 2009. This primarily reflects the injection 
made into Taiwan in 2009 to facilitate the required restructuring 
after the sale of the agency business in that year.

Cash received from Jackson was £80 million in 2010, £41 million 
higher than the £39 million remitted in 2009. This is equivalent to 
a modest proportion of net underlying free surplus generated, 
reflecting our decision to retain free surplus in the business,  
in order to provide the capital to capture the attractive new 
business returns created by the market dislocation and to rebuild 
the capital buffers of this business following the 2008/2009 
financial crisis. From 2011, it is planned that Jackson will increase 
the level of remittances to the Group. 

Central outflows improved by £80 million to £226 million in  
2010 (2009: £306 million). Lower corporate costs and higher  
tax receipts in 2010 more than offset increased net interest 
payments, following the additional debt raised in 2009, and 
Solvency II project spend.

Following a settlement reached with the UK tax authorities  
in relation to matters arising principally in 2001 to 2008, 
£266 million in exceptional tax outflows are expected to be made 
over the period from 2011 to 2013. We anticipate that half will be 
paid in 2011 and the remainder split evenly over 2012 and 2013.

After central costs, there was a net cash inflow before dividend 
of £709 million in 2010 compared to £382 million for 2009. The 
dividend paid net of scrip, was £449 million in 2010 compared to 
£344 million in 2009. The take-up of scrip dividends in 2010 was 
£62 million compared to £137 million for 2009.

In 2010, central cash resources funded the acquisition of  
UOB Life and related distribution agreements. In addition, 
£377 million relating to costs associated with the terminated  
AIA transaction were also funded from our central resources. 
Offsetting these outflows were net funds received of 
£120 million following bank loan reorganisation.

As a result of the transactions above, together with a £19 million 
foreign exchange revaluation gain, the overall holding company 
cash and short-term investment balances at 31 December 2010 
decreased by £254 million to £1.2 billion from the £1.5 billion at 
31 December 2009.

 
76

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  FINANCIAL REVIEW  >  CONTINUED

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

Balance Sheet 
Summary

Goodwill attributable to shareholders
Investments
Holding company cash and short-term investments
Other

Total assets

Less: Liabilities

Policyholder liabilities
Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

Less: Shareholders’ accrued interest in the long-term business

Core structural borrowings of shareholders’ financed operations (IFRS book value basis)
Other liabilities including non-controlling interest

Total liabilities and non-controlling interest

EEV BASIS NET ASSETS

Share capital and premium
IFRS basis shareholders’ reserves

IFRS basis shareholders’ equity
Additional EEV basis retained profit

EEV BASIS SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (EXCLUDING NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST)

The following sections focus on key areas of interest in the balance sheet.

Investments 

AER

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,466
239,297
1,232
18,811

1,310
208,722
1,486
16,236

260,806

227,754

214,727
10,253

224,980
(10,176)

214,804
3,676
24,119

186,398 
10,019 

196,417 
(9,002)

187,415 
3,394 
21,672 

242,599

212,481 

18,207

15,273 

1,983
6,048

8,031
10,176

18,207

1,970 
4,301 

6,271 
9,002 

15,273 

Debt securities
Equity 
Property investments
Commercial mortgage loans
Other loans
Deposits
Other investments note i

Total

2010  £m

Participating 
funds

Unit-linked 
and variable
 annuities

Shareholder-
backed 

Total 
Group

53,261
31,371
8,993
256
1,888
7,272
3,887

9,054
54,274
745
– 
–
749
131

54,037
990
1,509
4,693
2,424
1,931
1,832

116,352
86,635
11,247
4,949
4,312
9,952
5,850

2009  £m

Total 
Group

101,751 
69,354 
10,905 
4,634 
4,120 
12,820 
5,138 

106,928

64,953

67,416

239,297

208,722 

Note
i 

Includes £71 million of investments, including PruHealth from 1 August 2010, accounted for using the equity method (2009: £6 million).

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Total investments held by the Group at 31 December 2010 were 
£239 billion, of which £107 billion were held by participating 
funds, £65 billion by unit-linked funds and £67 billion by 
shareholder-backed operations. Shareholders are not directly 
exposed to value movements on assets backing participating  
or unit-linked operations, with sensitivity mainly related to 
shareholder-backed operations.

Of the £ 67 billion investments related to shareholder-backed 
operations, £6 billion was held by Asia long-term business, 
£32 billion by Jackson and £26 billion by the UK long-term 
business respectively. In addition £3 billion is held by our asset 
management and other operations.

The investments held by the shareholder-backed operations are 
predominantly debt securities, totalling £54 billion, £4 billion, 
£26 billion and £22 billion for Asia, the US and the UK long-term 
businesses respectively, of which 84 per cent, 95 per cent 
and 98 per cent are rated, either externally or internally, as 
investment grade. 

In addition, £2 billion of debt securities was held by asset 
management and other operations, substantially all of which  
was managed by Prudential Capital.

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Policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds  

Shareholder-backed business

Asia

US

UK 

Total 

Total 

AER

2010  £m

2009  £m

At 1 January 
Premiums
Surrenders
Maturities/Deaths

NET FLOWS
Investment related items and other movements
Assumption changes
Acquisition of UOB Life Assurance Limited
Dilution of holding in PruHealth
Disposal of Taiwan agency business
Foreign exchange translation difference

At 31 December 

WITH-PROFITS FUNDS

– Policyholder liabilities
– Unallocated surplus

TOTAL AT 31 DECEMBER 

TOTAL POLICYHOLDER LIABILITIES INCLUDING 
UNALLOCATED SURPLUS AT 31 DECEMBER

13,050 
3,270 
(1,800) 
(172) 

48,311 
11,735 
(3,598) 
(769) 

38,700 
4,579 
(1,326) 
(2,224) 

100,061 
19,584 
(6,724) 
(3,165) 

1,298 
1,523 
19 
464 
–
–
1,362 

7,368 
3,464 
–
–
–
–
1,380 

1,029 
4,289 
(46) 
–
(27) 
–
(1) 

9,695 
9,276 
(27) 
464 
(27) 
– 
2,741 

92,189 
15,757 
(5,672) 
(2,914) 

7,171 
10,820 
(113) 
–
– 
(3,508) 
(6,498) 

17,716 

60,523 

43,944 

122,183 

100,061 

92,544 
10,253 

102,797 

86,337 
10,019 

96,356 

224,980 

196,417 

Policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of 
with-profits funds  
Policyholder liabilities related to shareholder-backed business 
grew by £22.1 billion from £100.1 billion at 31 December 2009  
to £122.2 billion at 31 December 2010. 

The increase reflects positive net flows (premiums less 
surrenders and maturities/deaths) of £9.7 billion in 2010 
(2009: £7.2 billion), driven by strong inflows in the US 
(£7.4 billion) and Asia (£1.3 billion) and the £0.9 billion bulk 
annuity transaction in the UK. Positive investment-related 

and other items of £9.3 billion (2009: £10.8 billion) 
also contributed to the growth following improvements in 
the bond and equity markets during the year.

Other movements include foreign exchange movements of 
positive £2.7 billion (2009: negative £6.5 billion) and an increase 
following the acquisition of UOB Life of £464 million.

During 2010, the unallocated surplus, which represents the 
excess of assets over policyholder liabilities for the Group’s 
with-profit funds on a statutory basis, increased two per cent  
in 2010 to £10.3 billion. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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BUSINESS REVIEW  >  FINANCIAL REVIEW  >  CONTINUED

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

Fair valuation of guarantees attaching to Jackson’s 
variable annuity business
The IFRS accounting for guarantees on US variable annuity 
contracts has a mixed measurement approach. GMWB ‘not for 
life’ contract features are fair valued under IAS 39 and FAS 157 
with a capping feature to prevent early anticipation of expected 
fees for guarantees. However, the GMDB and GMWB ‘for life’ 
blocks of business are accounted for under grandfathered US 
GAAP which does not, and is not intended to, fair value the 
liabilities. 

If we had fair valued the GMDB and GMWB ‘for life’ guarantees 
as if they were embedded derivatives but restricted or capped 
the recognition of future fees in line with IFRS, the liabilities at 
31 December 2010 would have been higher by some 

£650 million and £50 million, respectively. After offsetting 
related adjustments to DAC amortisation and deferred tax,  
the net effect would have been a reduction in shareholders’ 
equity of approximately £150 million. 

If the liabilities were remeasured to fair value them using IAS 39 
and FAS 157 principles, but with the removal of the fee capping 
feature, so as to include the full value of future expected fees for 
guarantees, the change in liability from the IFRS accounting 
value would be favourable by some £100 million. After offsetting 
related adjustments to DAC amortisation on the respective 
GMDB and GMWB components of the change, and for deferred 
tax, the net effect would be an increase in shareholders’ equity, 
which is also estimated to be approximately £100 million. 

Shareholders’ net borrowings and ratings 
Shareholders’ net borrowings at 31 December 2010:

AER

2010  £m

Mark to 
market 
value 

IFRS basis

EEV basis 

IFRS basis

2009  £m

Mark to 
market 
value 

Perpetual subordinated
Capital securities (Innovative Tier 1)
Subordinated notes (Lower Tier 2)

Senior debt
2023 
2029 

Holding company total
Prudential Capital 
Jackson surplus notes (Lower Tier 2)

Total
Less: Holding company cash and short-term 

1,463 
1,255 

2,718 

300 
249 

3,267 
250 
159 

3,676 

28 
117 

145 

33 
(1)

177 
– 
13 

190 

1,491 
1,372 

2,863 

333 
248 

3,444 
250 
172 

3,866 

1,422 
1,269 

2,691 

300 
249 

3,240 
– 
154 

3,394 

investments

(1,232)

– 

(1,232)

(1,486)

Net core structural borrowings of  

shareholder-financed operations

2,444 

190 

2,634 

1,908 

(71)
103 

32 

8 
(14)

26 
– 
4 

30 

–

30 

EEV basis 

1,351 
1,372 

2,723 

308 
235 

3,266 
– 
158 

3,424 

(1,486)

1,938 

Shareholders’ net borrowings and ratings 
The Group’s core structural borrowings at 31 December 2010 
totalled £3.7 billion on an IFRS basis, compared with £3.4 billion 
at 31 December 2009. The movement of £0.3 billion mainly 
reflects the addition of a £250 million bank funding facility in  
the period following activities to reorganise certain bank loans  
in the period.

After adjusting for holding company cash and short-term 
investments of £1.2 billion, net core structural borrowings at 
31 December 2010 were £2.4 billion compared with £1.9 billion 
at 31 December 2009. The movement of £0.5 billion includes 
positive operating cash flows of £0.3 billion, the movement in 
borrowings of £0.3 billion mentioned above and the use of 

£0.7 billion of central resources to fund the acquisition of UOB 
Life and related distribution agreements and the terminated 
AIA transaction costs.

In January 2011, the Company issued US$550 million 
7.75 per cent Tier 1 subordinated debt, primarily to retail 
investors. The proceeds, net of costs, were US$539 million  
and are intended to finance the repayment of the ¤500 million 
Tier 2 subordinated notes in December 2011. 

The Group operates a central treasury function, which has 
overall responsibility for managing our capital funding 
programme as well as our central cash and liquidity positions.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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In addition to our core structural borrowings set out above,  
we also have in place an unlimited global commercial paper 
programme. As at 31 December 2010, we had issued commercial 
paper under this programme totalling £127 million, 
US$2,350 million, EUR 743 million and CHF 50 million. 
The central treasury function also manages our £5,000 million 
medium-term note (MTN) programme, covering both core and 
non-core borrowings. During January 2010, we raised non-core 
borrowings of £250 million from this programme. In April and 
October 2010 we refinanced an existing internal £200 million 
issue under the same programme. In total, at 31 December 2010 
the outstanding subordinated debt under the programme was 
£835 million, US$750 million and EUR 520 million, while the 
senior debt outstanding was £450 million. In addition, our 
holding company has access to £2.1 billion of syndicated and 
bilateral committed revolving credit facilities, provided by 
17 major international banks, expiring between 2011 and 2015. 
Apart from small drawdowns to test the process, these facilities 
have never been drawn, and there were no amounts outstanding 
at 31 December 2010. The commercial paper programme, the 
MTN programme and the committed revolving credit facilities 
are all available for general corporate purposes and to support 
the liquidity needs of our holding company and are intended to 
maintain a strong and flexible funding capacity.

We manage the Group’s core debt within a target level consistent 
with our current debt ratings. At 31 December 2010, the gearing 
ratio (debt, net of cash and short-term investments, as a 
proportion of EEV shareholders’ funds plus debt) was 
11.8 per cent, compared with 11.1 per cent at 31 December 
2009. Prudential plc has strong debt ratings from Standard & 
Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch. Prudential’s long-term senior debt is 
rated A+, A2 (negative outlook) and A from Standard & Poor’s, 
Moody’s and Fitch, while short-term ratings are A-1, P-1 and 
F1 respectively.

The financial strength of PAC is rated AA by Standard & Poor’s, 
Aa2 (negative outlook) by Moody’s and AA by Fitch.

Jackson National Life’s financial strength is rated AA by Standard 
& Poor’s, A1 (negative outlook) by Moody’s and AA by Fitch.

Financial position on defined benefit pension schemes 
The Group currently operates three defined benefit schemes in 
the UK, of which by far the largest is the Prudential Staff Pension 
Scheme (PSPS) and two smaller schemes, Scottish Amicable 
(SAPS) and M&G. 

Defined benefit schemes in the UK are generally required to be 
subject to a full actuarial valuation every three years, in order to 
assess the appropriate level of funding for schemes in relation to 
their commitments. The valuations of PSPS as at 5 April 2008 
and SAPS as at 31 March 2008 were finalised in the second 
quarter of 2009. The valuation of the M&G pension scheme as at 
31 December 2008 was finalised in January 2010. The valuation 
of PSPS demonstrated the scheme to be 106 per cent funded by 
reference to the Scheme Solvency Target that forms the basis of 
the scheme’s funding objective. No formal deficit plan was 
required. However, in recognition of the fall in value of the 
Scheme’s investments between 5 April 2008 and the completion 
of the actuarial valuation, additional funding akin to deficit 
funding was agreed by the Trustees. This is subject to 

reassessment when the next valuation is completed. The total 
contributions being currently made by the Group into the 
scheme, representing the annual accrual cost and deficit 
funding, are £50 million per annum. Deficit funding for PSPS is 
apportioned in the ratio of 70/30 between the PAC with-profits 
fund and shareholder-backed operations. 

The actuarial valuation of SAPS as at 31 March 2008 
demonstrated the scheme to be 91 per cent funded, 
representing a deficit of £38 million. Based on this valuation  
and subsequent agreements with the Trustees, £13.1 million  
per annum of deficit funding is currently being paid into the 
scheme. The next triennial valuations for the PSPS and SAPS 
schemes are scheduled to take place as at 5 April 2011 and 
31 March 2011 respectively.

The actuarial valuation of the M&G pension scheme as at 
31 December 2008 demonstrated the scheme to be 76 per cent 
funded, representing a deficit of £51 million. Based on this 
valuation, deficit funding amounts designed to eliminate the 
actuarial deficit over a five year period have been agreed with 
£14.1 million being paid in each of 2010 and 2011 and 
£9.3 million per annum for the subsequent three years.

The valuation basis under IAS 19 for the Group financial 
statements differs markedly from the full triennial actuarial 
valuation basis. In particular, reflecting the trust deed provisions 
over distributions, the net underlying surplus of £421 million for 
PSPS is not recognised. As at 31 December 2010, on the Group 
IFRS statement of financial position, the shareholders’ share of 
the liabilities for these UK schemes amounted to a £83 million 
liability net of related tax relief. The total share attributable to the 
PAC with-profits fund amounted to a liability of £99 million net of 
related tax relief.

Changes to Group holdings during the period
During 2010 we completed the acquisition of UOB Life for total 
cash consideration, of SGD 495 million (£220 million), giving rise 
to goodwill of £141 million. This acquisition accompanied a 
long-term strategic partnership with UOB facilitating distribution 
of Prudential’s life insurance products through UOB’s bank 
branches in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.

We also announced the acquisition of Standard Life Healthcare 
by our PruHealth joint venture partner Discovery and its 
combination with the existing PruHealth business. This led to  
a reduction in our shareholding in the enlarged combined 
businesses from 50 per cent to 25 per cent effective from 
1 August, the date of the acquisition. The effects on our EEV  
and IFRS accounting are as previously set out in this review. 

Financial instruments
The Group is exposed to financial risk through its financial assets, 
financial liabilities, and policyholder liabilities. The key financial 
risk factors that affect the Group include market risk, credit risk 
and liquidity risk. Information on the Group’s exposure to 
financial risk factors, and our financial risk management 
objectives and policies, is provided both in our Risk and Capital 
Management section of the Business Review and the financial 
statements. Further information on the sensitivity of the Group’s 
financial instruments to market risk and its use of derivatives is 
also provided in the financial statements.

 
80

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  RISK AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

RISK AND CAPITAL  
MANAGEMENT

As a provider of financial services, including 
insurance, the management of risk lies at the heart of 
our business. As a result, effective risk management 
capabilities represent a key source of competitive 
advantage for our Group.

The Group’s risk appetite framework sets out our appetite for 
risk exposures as well as our approach to risk management and 
return optimisation. Under this approach, we monitor our risk 
profile continuously against agreed limits. Our main strategies for 
managing and mitigating risk include asset liability management, 
using derivatives to hedge relevant market risks, and 
implementing reinsurance and corporate insurance programmes. 

Risk oversight
Group risk appetite 
We define and monitor aggregate risk limits for our earnings 
volatility and our capital requirements based on financial and 
non-financial stresses:

(a)  Earnings volatility: the objectives of the limits are to 
ensure that, (a) the volatility of our earnings is consistent with 
our stakeholders’ expectations, (b) the Group has adequate 
earnings (and cash flows) to service debt, expected dividends 
and to withstand unexpected shocks, and (c) earnings (and 
cash flows) are managed properly across geographies and are 
consistent with our funding strategies. The two measures we 
apply to monitor the volatility of our earnings are European 
Embedded Value (EEV) operating profit and International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) operating profit, 
although EEV and IFRS total profits are also considered.

(b)  Capital requirements: the limits aim to ensure that, (a) the 
Group meets its capital requirements at all times including EU 
Insurance Groups Directive (IGD) capital requirements, (b) the 
Group achieves its desired target rating to meet its business 
objectives, and (c) supervisory intervention is avoided. 
In addition, we also monitor capital requirements on a local 
statutory basis.

Our risk appetite framework forms an integral part of our 
annual business planning cycle. Our Group Risk function 
monitors the Group’s risk profile against the agreed limits. 
Using submissions from business units, Group Risk calculates 
the Group’s aggregated position (allowing for diversification 
effects between business units) relative to the limits implied 
by the risk appetite statements.

We use a two-tier approach to apply the limits at business unit 
level. Firstly, we calculate business unit risk limits. These ensure 
that, provided each business unit keeps within its limits, the 
Group risk position will remain within the Group limits. 
Secondly, the impact on the risk position is considered as part 
of Group Risk’s scrutiny of large transactions or departures 
from plan proposed by individual business units.

In the event that the business unit plans imply risk limits will be 
exceeded, this will necessitate a dialogue between the executive 
and the relevant business unit or units. Exceeding Group limits 
may be avoided if, for example, limits in other business units 
are not fully utilised, or if the diversification effect at Group level 
of a particular risk with other business units means the Group 
limit is not breached. 

Market risk is managed such that as conditions evolve the risk 
profile is maintained within risk appetite. In addition to business 
unit operational limits on credit risk, we set counterparty risk 
limits at Group level. The limits on our total Group-wide 
exposures to a single counterparty are specified within different 
credit rating ‘categories’. The Group Risk and the Group Credit 
Risk Committee monitor our actual exposures against these 
limits on at least a monthly basis, escalating matters to Group 
Executive Risk Committee (GERC) as appropriate.

Risk exposures
The Group Risk Framework deploys a common risk language, 
allowing meaningful comparisons to be made between different 
business units. Risks are broadly categorised as shown opposite.

The key financial and non-financial risks and uncertainties faced 
by the Group, and our approaches to managing them, are 
described below. 

1  Financial risks
a  Market risk
i  Equity risk 
In the UK business, most of our equity exposure is incurred 
in the with-profits fund, which includes a large inherited estate 
estimated at £6.8 billion as at 31 December 2010 (2009: 
£6.4 billion), which can absorb market fluctuations and protect 
the fund’s solvency. The inherited estate itself is partially 
protected against falls in equity markets through an active 
hedging policy.

In Asia, a high proportion of our in-force book is made up 
of unit-linked products with limited shareholder exposure to 
equities. We have minimal direct shareholder exposure to 
Asian equity markets outside our unit-linked holdings.

In the US, where we are a leading provider of variable annuities, 
there are well-understood risks associated with the guarantees 
embedded in our products. We provide guaranteed minimum 
death benefits (GMDB) on all policies in this class, guaranteed 
minimum withdrawal benefits (GMWB) on 64 per cent of the 
book, and guaranteed minimum income benefits (GMIB) on 
only six per cent. To protect the shareholders against the 
volatility introduced by these embedded options, we use 
both a comprehensive hedging programme and reinsurance. 
Due to the inability to economically reinsure or hedge the 
GMIB, Jackson ceased offering this benefit in 2009.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

81

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CATEGORY

FINANCIAL RISKS

RISK TYPE

Market risk

DEFINITION

•  The risk that arises from adverse changes in the value of, 
or income from, assets and changes in interest rates or 
exchange rates.

Credit risk

•  The risk of loss if another party fails to meet its obligations, 

or fails to do so in a timely fashion.

Insurance risk 

•  The inherent uncertainty as to the occurrence, amount and 

Liquidity risk

NON-FINANCIAL  
RISKS

Operational risk

timing of insurance liabilities. This includes adverse mortality, 
morbidity and persistency experience. 

•  The risk that a business, though solvent on a balance sheet 
basis, either does not have the financial resources to meet 
its obligations as they fall due or can secure them only at 
excessive cost.

•  The risk of direct or indirect loss resulting from inadequate or 
failed internal processes, people or systems, or from external 
events. This includes legal and regulatory compliance risk.

Business environment risk

•  Exposure to forces in the external environment that could 

Strategic risk

significantly change the fundamentals that drive the 
business’s overall objectives and strategy.

•  Ineffective, inefficient or inadequate senior management 
processes for the development and implementation of 
business strategy in relation to the business environment 
and the Group’s capabilities.

In our variable annuity sales activities, we focus on meeting 
the needs of conservative and risk averse customers who are 
seeking reliable income in retirement, and who display little 
tendency to arbitrage their guarantees. These customers 
generally select conservative investment options. We are able 
to meet the needs of these customers because our unique and 
market-leading operational platform allows us to tailor more 
than 3,400 product combinations.

It is our philosophy not to compete on price. Our individual 
guarantees tend to be more expensive than the market average 
because we seek to sell at a price capable of funding the cost we 
incur to hedge or reinsure our risks.

We use a macro approach to hedging that covers the entire risk in 
the US business. Within this macro approach we make use of the 
natural offsets that exist between the variable annuity guarantees 
and the fixed index annuity book, and then use a combination of 
OTC options and futures to hedge the residual risk, allowing for 
significant market shocks and limiting the amount of capital we are 
putting at risk. Internal positions are generally netted before any 
external hedge positions are considered. The hedging programme 
also covers the fees on variable annuity guarantees.

Jackson hedges the economics of its products rather than the 
accounting result. This focus means that we sometimes accept a 
degree of variability in our accounting results in order to ensure 
we achieve the appropriate economic result. Accordingly, while 
its hedges are effective on an economic basis, due to different 
accounting treatment for the hedges and some of the underlying 

hedged items on an IFRS basis, the reported income effect is 
more variable. As previously highlighted, this resulted in a 
negative net equity hedge accounting effect of £367 million 
in the period (net of related DAC amortisation) as compared to 
an equivalent negative effect of £159 million in 2009. During 
2010, we reclassified these effects from operating profit based 
on longer-term investment returns to short-term fluctuations 
to ensure the Group’s operating results better reflect Jackson’s 
continued focus on optimising economic value.

ii  Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk arises primarily from Prudential’s investments 
in long-term debt and fixed income securities. Interest rate risk 
also exists in policies that carry investment guarantees on early 
surrender or at maturity, where claim values can become higher 
than the value of backing assets as a result of rises or falls in 
interest rates.

In the US, there is interest rate risk across the portfolio. The 
majority of Jackson’s fixed annuity and life liabilities allow for an 
annual reset of the crediting rate, which provides for a greater 
level of discretion in determining the amount of interest rate risk 
to assume. The primary concerns with these liabilities relate to 
potential surrenders when rates increase and, in a low interest 
environment, the minimum guarantees required by state law. 
With its large fixed annuity and fixed index annuity books, 
Jackson has natural offsets for its variable annuity interest-rate 
related risks. Jackson manages interest rate exposure through 
a combination of interest rate swaps and interest rate options.

 
82

BUSINESS REVIEW  >  RISK AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT  >  CONTINUED

RISK AND CAPITAL  
MANAGEMENT

In the UK, the investment policy for the shareholder-backed 
annuity business is to match the cash flows from investments 
with the annuity payments. As a result, assets and liabilities 
are closely matched by duration. The impact on profit of any 
residual cash flow mismatching can be adversely affected by 
changes in interest rates; therefore the mismatching position 
is regularly monitored. 

The exposure to interest rate risk arising from Asia is at 
modest levels.

iii Foreign exchange risk 
Prudential principally operates in the UK, the US, and in 
13 countries in Asia. The geographical diversity of our 
businesses means that we are inevitably subject to the risk of 
exchange rate fluctuations. Prudential’s international operations 
in the US and Asia, which represent a significant proportion of 
our operating profit and shareholders’ funds, generally write 
policies and invest in assets denominated in local currency. 
Although this practice limits the effect of exchange rate 
fluctuations on local operating results, it can lead to significant 
fluctuations in our consolidated financial statements when 
results are expressed in pounds sterling.

We do not generally seek to hedge foreign currency revenues, 
as these are substantially retained locally to support the growth 
of the Group’s business and meet local regulatory and market 
requirements. However, in cases where a surplus arising in an 
overseas operation supports Group capital or shareholders’ 
interest, this exposure is hedged if it is economically optimal to 
do so. Currency borrowings, swaps and other derivatives are 
used to manage exposures.

b  Credit risk
In addition to business unit operational limits on credit risk, 
we monitor closely our counterparty exposures at Group level, 
highlighting those that are large or of concern. Where 
appropriate, we will reduce our exposure, purchase credit 
protection or make use of collateral arrangements to control 
our levels of credit risk. 

Debt portfolio
Our debt portfolio on an IFRS basis was £116.4 billion 
at 31 December 2010. £54.0 billion of these assets backed 
shareholder business, of which 95 per cent were investment 
grade, compared to 93 per cent at 31 December 2009. 
Sovereign debt represented 16 per cent of the debt portfolio 
backing shareholder business, or £8.8 billion, at 31 December 
2010. Exposures to sovereign debt have increased since 
December 2009 due mainly to an enlarged position in US 
Treasuries. 73 per cent of this was rated AAA and 93 per cent 
investment grade. Eurozone sovereign exposures backing 
shareholder business were £3.6 billion at 31 December 2010, 

of which 99 per cent were AAA rated. Of the remaining 
one per cent, the highest exposure was in respect of Italy 
(£52 million) and Spain (less than £1 million) whilst there was 
no sovereign exposure to Greece, Portugal or Ireland. The total 
banking exposure to Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain 
(PIIGS) was £363 million at 31 December 2010.

Asia
Asia’s debt portfolio totalled £14.1 billion at 31 December 2010. 
Of this, approximately 69 per cent was in unit-linked and with-
profits funds with minimal shareholders’ risk. The remaining 
31 per cent is shareholder exposure and is invested predominantly 
(84 per cent) in investment grade bonds. For Asia, the portfolio 
has performed very well, and did not experience any default 
losses in 2010.

UK
The UK’s debt portfolio on an IFRS basis is £74.3 billion as at 
31 December 2010, including £46.5 billion within the UK 
with-profits fund. Shareholders’ risk exposure to the with-profits 
fund is limited as the solvency is protected by the large inherited 
estate. Outside the with-profits fund there is £6.0 billion in 
unit-linked funds where the shareholders’ risk is limited, with 
the remaining £21.8 billion backing the shareholders’ annuity 
business and other non-linked business (of which 80 per cent 
is rated AAA to A, 18 per cent BBB and two per cent non-
investment grade).

On a statutory (Pillar 1) basis at 31 December 2010, we held 
prudent credit reserves within the UK shareholder annuity 
funds of £1.8 billion to allow for future credit risk. For Prudential 
Retirement Income Limited (PRIL) this allowance is set at 68 bps 
decrease in the valuation discount rate at 31 December 2010 
(2009: 71 bps). This now represents 43 per cent of the portfolio 
spread over swaps compared to 41 per cent as at 31 December 
2009. No defaults were reported on the debt portfolio held by 
the UK shareholder backed annuity business in 2010. 

During 2010, we continued to materially reduce our holdings 
in subordinated financial debt backing our annuity business, 
improving the overall credit quality of our bond portfolios. 
This has resulted in gross losses of £104 million on shareholder-
backed business and £62 million on policyholder-backed 
business in the period. On a Pillar I basis these losses have 
been fully offset by a reduction in long-term default reserves 
of £98 million shareholder/£39 million policyholder that arose as 
a result of the improvement in the quality of our remaining bond 
portfolios and a further release of short-term default reserves of 
£6 million shareholder and £23 million policyholder, which were 
allocated to the assets sold. On an IFRS basis, the gross costs 
less the reduction in long-term and short-term default reserves 
resulted in a small overall pre-tax loss to operating profit of 
£4 million to shareholders and £15 million to policyholders.

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US
The most significant area of exposure to credit risk for the 
shareholders is Jackson in the US. At 31 December 2010 
Jackson’s fixed income portfolio totalling £26.4 billion, 
comprised £20.2 billion corporate and government debt, 
£2.8 billion of Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS), 
£2.4 billion of Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) 
and £1 billion of other instruments. 

The US corporate and government debt portfolio of £20.2 billion 
is comprised of £17.8 billion of corporate debt and £2.4 billion of 
government debt. Of the £17.8 billion of corporate debt 95 per 
cent is investment grade. Concentration risk within the corporate 
debt portfolio is low, with the top ten holdings accounting for 
approximately eight per cent of the portfolio. Our largest sector 
exposures in the investment grade corporate debt portfolio are 
Utilities and Energy at 16 per cent and 15 per cent respectively. 
We actively manage the portfolio and will sell exposures as 
events dictate. 

Within the RMBS portfolio of £2.8 billion, the agency 
guaranteed portion is 55 per cent. Another 22 per cent of the 
portfolio is non-agency prime and Alt-A investments with 
pre-2006/2007 vintages, where experience has been much 
more positive than later vintages. Our exposure to the 
2006/2007 vintages totals £424 million of which £413 million 
is invested in the senior part of the capital structure, thereby 
significantly reducing the risk of defaults and the magnitude of 
loss if a shortfall does occur. The actual exposure to non-senior 
2006/2007 Prime and Alt-A RMBS is only £11 million. The total 
RMBS portfolio has an average fair value price of 88 cents on 
the dollar.

The CMBS portfolio of £2.4 billion is performing strongly, with 
36 per cent of the portfolio rated AAA and one per cent rated 
below investment grade. The entire portfolio has an average 
credit enhancement level of 30 per cent. This level provides 
significant protection, since it means the bond has to incur a 
30 per cent loss, net of recoveries, before we are at risk.

In Jackson, total amounts charged to profits relating to debt 
securities were £213 million (2009: £631 million). This is net 
of recoveries/reversals recognised in the year of £10 million 
(2009: £5 million).

In 2010, Jackson’s total defaults were £nil (2009: less than 
£1 million). In addition, as part of our active management of the 
book, we incurred losses net of recoveries and reversals of 
£89 million (2009: less than £1 million) on credit-related sales 
of impaired bonds.

IFRS write-downs excluding defaults for the year were 
£124 million compared to £630 million in 2009. Of this 
amount £71 million (2009: £509 million) was in respect 
of RMBS securities.

The impairment process reflects a rigorous review of every bond 
and security in our portfolio. Our accounting policy requires us 
to book full mark to market losses on impaired securities through 
our income statement. However, we would expect only a 
proportion of these losses eventually to turn into defaults, and 
some of the impaired securities to recover in price over time.

Unrealised gains and losses on debt securities in the US
Jackson’s net unrealised gains from debt securities has steadily 
improved from negative £2,897 million at 31 December 2008 
to positive £4 million at 31 December 2009 to positive 
£1,210 million at 31 December 2010. The gross unrealised loss 
position moved from £966 million at 31 December 2009 to 
£370 million at 31 December 2010. Gross unrealised losses on 
securities priced at less than 80 per cent of face value totalled 
£224 million at 31 December 2010 compared to £594 million at 
31 December 2009.

Asset management
The debt portfolio of the Group’s asset management operations 
of £1.6 billion as at 31 December 2010 is principally related to 
Prudential Capital operations. Of this amount £1.5 billion were 
rated AAA to A- by S&P or Aaa by Moody’s.

Loans 
Of the total Group loans of £9.3 billion at 31 December 2010, 
£7.1 billion are held by shareholder-backed operations 
comprised of £4.7 billion commercial mortgage loans and 
£2.4 billion of other loans.

Of the £7.1 billion held by shareholder-backed operations, the 
Asian insurance operations held £0.5 billion of other loans, the 
majority of which are commercial loans held by the Malaysian 
operation that are rated investment grade by two local rating 
agencies. The US insurance operations held £4.2 billion of loans, 
comprising £3.6 billion of commercial mortgage loans, all of 
which are collateralised by properties, and £0.5 billion of policy 
loans. The US commercial mortgage loan portfolio does not 
include any single-family residential mortgage loans and 
therefore is not exposed to the risk of defaults associated with 
residential sub-prime mortgage loans. The UK insurance 
operations held £1.0 billion of loans, the majority of which are 
mortgage loans collateralised by properties.

 
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RISK AND CAPITAL  
MANAGEMENT

The balance of the total shareholder loans amounts to £1.4 billion 
and relates to bridging loan finance managed by Prudential Capital. 

c  Insurance risk 
The processes of determining the price of our products and 
reporting the results of our long-term business operations 
require us to make a number of assumptions. In common with 
other industry players, the profitability of our businesses 
depends on a mix of factors including mortality and morbidity 
trends, persistency, investment performance, unit cost of 
administration and new business acquisition expenses. 

We continue to conduct rigorous research into longevity risk 
using data from our substantial annuity portfolio. The 
assumptions that Prudential makes about future expected levels 
of mortality are particularly relevant in its UK annuity business. 
The attractiveness of reinsurance is regularly evaluated. It is used 
as a risk management tool where it is appropriate and attractive 
to do so.

Prudential’s persistency assumptions reflect recent experience 
for each relevant line of business, and any expectations of future 
persistency. Persistency risk is mitigated by appropriate training 
and sales processes and managed proactively post sale. Where 
appropriate, allowance is also made for the relationship – either 
assumed or historically observed – between persistency and 
investment returns, and for the resulting additional risk.

d  Liquidity risk 
The holding company has significant internal sources of liquidity 
which are sufficient to meet all of our expected requirements for 
the foreseeable future without having to make use of external 
funding. In aggregate the Group has £2.1 billion of undrawn 
committed facilities, expiring between 2011 and 2015. In 
addition, the Group has access to liquidity via the debt capital 
markets. Recent issues include a £250 million senior three-year 
MTN in 2010 and the US$550 million perpetual subordinated 
Tier 1 securities issued in January 2011. Prudential also has in 
place an unlimited commercial paper programme and has 
maintained a consistent presence as an issuer in this market 
for the last 10 years. Liquidity uses and sources have been 
assessed at a business unit level under base case and stressed 
assumptions. The liquidity resources available and the 
subsequent Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) have been assessed 
to be sufficient under both sets of assumptions.

2  Non-financial risk
Prudential is exposed to operational, business environment 
and strategic risk in the course of running its businesses.

With regard to operational risk, the Group is dependent on 
processing a large number of complex transactions across 
numerous and diverse products, and is subject to a number of 
different legal and regulatory, including tax, regimes. Prudential 
also has a significant number of third-party relationships that are 
important to the distribution and processing of our products, 
both as market counterparties and as business partners. 
This results in reliance upon the operational performance 
of these outsourcing partners.

Prudential’s systems and processes incorporate controls that are 
designed to manage and mitigate the operational risks associated 
with its activities. The Prudential Group Governance Manual was 
developed to make a key contribution to the sound system of 
internal control that the Group is expected to maintain under the 
Combined Code of Corporate Governance in the UK and the 
Hong Kong Code on Corporate Governance Practices. Business 
units confirm that they have implemented the necessary controls 
to evidence compliance with the Manual.

The Group also has an operational risk management 
framework in place that facilitates both the qualitative and 
quantitative analysis of operational risk exposures. The output 
of this framework, in particular management information 
on key operational risk components such as risk and control 
assessments, internal incidents and external incidents, is 
reported by the business operations and presented to the Group 
Operational Risk Committee. This information also supports 
business decision-making and lessons-learned activities; the 
ongoing improvement of the control environment; the informing 
of overall levels of capital held; and determination of the 
adequacy of Prudential’s corporate insurance programme.

With regard to business environment risk, the Group  
has a wide-ranging programme of active and constructive 
engagement with governments, policymakers and regulators 
in our key markets and with relevant international institutions. 
Such engagement is undertaken both directly and indirectly 
via trade associations. The Group has procedures in place to 
monitor and track political and regulatory developments. 
Where appropriate, we provide submissions and technical 
input to officials and others, either via submissions to formal 
consultations or through interactions with officials.

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With regard to strategic risk, both business operations and 
the corporate centre are required to adopt a forward-looking 
approach to risk management by performing risk assessments as 
part of the annual strategic planning process. This supports the 
identification of potential threats and the initiatives needed to 
address them, as well as competitive opportunities. The impact 
on the underlying businesses and/or Group-wide risk profile is 
also considered to ensure that strategic initiatives are within the 
Group's risk appetite.

3  Risk factors and contingencies
Our disclosures covering risk factors can be found at the end 
of this document. Note H14 of the IFRS basis consolidated 
financial statements gives an update on the position for 
contingencies of the Group since those published in the 
2009 Annual Report.

We continue to have further options available to us to manage 
available and required capital. These could take the form of 
increasing available capital (for example, through financial 
reinsurance) or reducing required capital (for example, through 
the mix and level of new business) and the use of other risk 
mitigation measures such as hedging and reinsurance.

In addition to our strong capital position, on a statutory (Pillar 1) 
basis, the total credit reserve for the UK shareholder annuity 
funds also protects our capital position in excess of the IGD 
surplus. This credit reserve as at 31 December 2010 was 
£1.8 billion. This represents 43 per cent of the portfolio spread 
over swaps, compared to 41 per cent as at 31 December 2009.

Stress Testing 
As at 31 December 2010, stress testing of our IGD capital 
position to various events has the following results:

Capital management 
Regulatory capital (IGD)
Prudential is subject to the capital adequacy requirements 
of the European Union (EU) Insurance Groups Directive (IGD) 
as implemented by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the 
UK. The IGD capital adequacy requirements involve aggregating 
surplus capital held in our regulated subsidiaries, from which 
Group borrowings, except those subordinated debt issues that 
qualify as capital, are deducted. No credit for the benefit of 
diversification is permitted under this approach. 

•  An instantaneous 20 per cent fall in equity markets from 

31 December 2010 levels would reduce the IGD surplus by 
£200 million;

•  A 40 per cent fall in equity markets (comprising an instantaneous 
20 per cent fall followed by a further 20 per cent fall over a four-
week period) would reduce the IGD surplus by £650 million;

•  A 150 bps reduction (subject to a floor of zero) in interest 
rates would reduce the IGD surplus by £500 million; and
•  Credit defaults of ten times the expected level would reduce 

IGD surplus by £550 million.

Our capital position remains strong. We have continued to place 
emphasis on maintaining the Group’s financial strength through 
optimising the balance between writing profitable new business, 
conserving capital and generating cash. We estimate that our 
IGD capital surplus was £4.3 billion at 31 December 2010 (before 
taking into account the 2010 final dividend), covering our capital 
requirements 3.0 times. This compares to a capital surplus of 
£3.4 billion at the end of 2009 (before taking into account the 
2009 final dividend).

We believe that the results of these stress tests, together with 
the Group’s strong underlying earnings capacity, our established 
hedging programmes and our additional areas of financial 
flexibility, demonstrate that we are in a position to withstand 
significant deterioration in market conditions. 

We also use an economic capital assessment to monitor our capital 
requirements across the Group, allowing for realistic diversification 
benefits and continue to maintain a strong position. This assessment 
provides valuable insights into our risk profile.

The movements during 2010 mainly comprise:

•  Net capital generation mainly through operating earnings 
(in-force releases less investment in new business) of 
£1.7 billion;

•  Release of tax provisions of £0.2 billion;
•  Foreign exchange movements of positive £0.1 billion;

Offset by:

•  Final 2009 dividend, net of scrip, of £0.3 billion and interim 

2010 dividend, net of scrip, of £0.1 billion;

•  Inadmissible assets arising on the purchase of UOB’s life 

insurance subsidiary in Singapore of £0.2 billion;

•  Impact of costs incurred in relation to the terminated AIA 

acquisition, net of tax, of £0.3 billion; and

•  External financing costs and other central costs, net of tax, 

of £0.2 billion.

Solvency II 
The European Union (EU) is developing a new solvency 
framework for insurance companies, referred to as ‘Solvency II’. 
The Solvency II Directive, which sets out the new framework, 
was formally approved by the Economic and Financial Affairs 
Council in November 2009 and is expected to be implemented 
from 1 January 2013. The new approach is based on the concept 
of three pillars – minimum capital requirements, supervisory 
review of firms’ assessments of risk, and enhanced disclosure 
requirements.

 
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RISK AND CAPITAL  
MANAGEMENT

Specifically, Pillar 1 covers the quantitative requirements around 
own funds, valuation rules for assets and liabilities and capital 
requirements. Pillar 2 provides the qualitative requirements for 
risk management, governance and controls, including the 
requirement for insurers to submit an Own Risk and Solvency 
Assessment (ORSA) which will be used by the regulator as part 
of the supervisory review process. Pillar 3 deals with the 
enhanced requirements for supervisory reporting and public 
disclosure.

A key aspect of Solvency II is that the assessment of risks and 
capital requirements will be aligned more closely with economic 
capital methodologies. Companies may be allowed to make 
use of internal economic capital models if approved by the 
local regulator. 

The European Commission is in the process of consulting on the 
detailed rules that complement the high-level principles in the 
Directive, referred to as ‘implementing measures', which are not 
expected to be finalised before late 2011.

In particular, the Committee of European Insurance and 
Occupational Pensions Supervisors (CEIOPS) published a 
number of consultation papers in 2009 and 2010 covering advice 
to the European Commission on the implementing measures but 
there remains significant uncertainty regarding the outcome 
from this process. Prudential is actively participating in shaping 
the outcome through our involvement in industry bodies and 
trade associations, including the Chief Risk Officer and Chief 
Financial Officer Forums, together with the Association of British 
Insurers (ABI) and the Comité Européen des Assurances (CEA). 
In addition, further guidance and technical standards are 
currently being developed by the European Insurance and 
Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA). These are expected 
to be subject to a formal consultation in mid-2011 and finalised 
by early 2012.

Many of the issues being actively debated have received 
considerable focus both within the industry and from national 
bodies. However, the application of Solvency II to international 
groups is still unclear and there remains a risk of inconsistent 
application, which may place Prudential at a competitive 
disadvantage to other European and non-European financial 
services groups. There is also a risk that the effect of the 
measures finally adopted could be adverse for the Group, 
including potentially a significant increase in capital required 
to support its business.

Having assessed the high-level requirements of Solvency II, an 
implementation programme was initiated with dedicated teams 
to manage the required work across the Group. The activity 
of the local Solvency II teams is being coordinated centrally 
to achieve consistency in the understanding and application 
of the requirements. 

Over the coming months we will be progressing our 
implementation plans further and remaining in regular contact 
with the FSA as we continue to engage in the ‘pre-application’ 
stage of the approval process for the internal model.

Capital allocation 
Prudential’s approach to capital allocation takes into account a 
range of factors, especially risk adjusted returns on capital, the 
impact of alternative capital measurement bases (accounting, 
regulatory, economic and ratings agency assessments), tax 
efficiency, and wider strategic objectives. 

We optimise capital allocation across the Group by using a 
consistent set of capital performance metrics across all business 
units to ensure meaningful comparison. Capital utilisation, 
return on capital and new business value creation are measured 
at a product level. The use of these capital performance metrics 
is embedded into our decision-making processes for product 
design and product pricing.

Our capital performance metrics are based on economic capital, 
which provides a view of our capital requirements across the 
Group, allowing for realistic diversification benefits. Economic 
capital also provides valuable insights into our risk profile and is 
used both for risk measurement and capital management. 

Risk mitigation and hedging 
We manage our actual risk profile against our tolerance of risk. 
To do this, we maintain risk registers that include details of the 
risks we have identified and of the controls and mitigating actions 
we employ in managing them. Any mitigation strategies involving 
large transactions − such as a material derivative transaction − 
are subject to review at Group level before implementation.

We use a range of risk management and mitigation strategies. 
The most important of these include: adjusting asset portfolios 
to reduce investment risks (such as duration mismatches or 
overweight counterparty exposures); using derivatives to hedge 
market risks; implementing reinsurance programmes to limit 
insurance risk; implementing corporate insurance programmes 
to limit the impact of operational risks; and revising business 
plans where appropriate.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

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INFORMATION

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Products and drivers of insurance operations’ profits 
Overview of the Group’s principal activities 
Prudential plc is the holding company of the Prudential Group. 
The principal activity of our subsidiary operations is the provision 
of financial services to individuals and businesses in Asia, the US 
and UK. We offer a wide range of retail financial products and 
services and asset management services throughout these 
territories. The retail financial products and services principally 
include life insurance, pensions and annuities as well as 
collective investment schemes.

Asia 
The life insurance products offered by Prudential Corporation 
Asia include with-profits (participating) and non-participating 
term, whole life and endowment and unit-linked policies. To 
supplement our life products we also offer health, disablement, 
critical illness and accident cover. 

The primary focus in Asia is regular premium products that 
provide both savings and protection benefits. 

In 2010, the new business profit mix in our Asian insurance 
business was derived 59 per cent (2009: 56 per cent) from health 
and protection products, 32 per cent (2009: 31 per cent) from 
unit-linked products and nine per cent (2009: 13 per cent) from 
non-linked products.

Unit-linked products combine savings with protection, with the 
cash value of the policy depending on the value of the underlying 
unitised funds. Participating products provide savings with 
protection where the basic sum assured can be enhanced by a 
profit share (or bonus) from the underlying fund as determined 
at the discretion of the insurer. Non-participating products offer 
savings with protection where the benefits are guaranteed or 
determined by a set of defined market-related parameters. 
Accident and health products provide mortality or morbidity 
benefits and include health, disablement, critical illness and 
accident cover. These products are commonly offered as 
supplements to main life policies, but can also be sold separately.

Policyholder and insurer share the profits from participating 
policies (typically in a 90:10 ratio) in the same way as with-profits 
business in the UK. With unit-linked products, shareholders 
receive the profits arising from managing the policy, its 
investments and the insurance risk. Policyholders within the 
underlying unitised fund receive investment gains. The profits 
from accident and health and non-participating products come 
from any surplus remaining after paying policy benefits. 

Unit-linked products tend to have higher profits on the EEV 
basis of reporting than traditional non-linked products, as 
expenses and charges are better matched and solvency capital 
requirements are lower. At the end of 2010, we were offering 
unit-linked products in 10 of the 11 countries in Asia in which 
we operate, with the only exception being Thailand.

In Malaysia and Indonesia, Prudential also offers life insurance 
policies that are constructed to comply with Islamic principles 
otherwise known as Takaful. The main principles are 
policyholders co-operate amongst themselves for the common 
good, uncertainty is eliminated in respect of subscription and 
compensation and there is no investment in prohibited areas 
such as gambling or alcohol.

In addition to the life products described above, we offer mutual 
fund investment products in India, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, 
Malaysia, Hong Kong, Korea, Vietnam and China, thus enabling 
customers to participate in debt, equity and money market 
investments. We are also licensed in the United Arab Emirates. 
Prudential Corporation Asia earns a fee based on assets under 
management.

United States
Jackson’s product offerings include variable, fixed and fixed 
index annuities, as well as life insurance and institutional 
products.

Annuities
Annuity products are long-term individual retirement products, 
which offer tax-deferred accumulation on the funds invested until 
proceeds are withdrawn from the policy.

Fixed annuities are used for asset accumulation in retirement 
planning and for providing income in retirement and offer 
flexible payout options. The contract holder pays us a premium, 
which is credited to the contract holder’s account. Periodically, 
interest is credited to the contract holder’s account and 
administrative charges are deducted. The interest rate may be 
reset on each contract anniversary, subject to a guaranteed 
minimum, in line with state regulations. When the annuity 
matures, the contract holder is paid either the amount in the 
contract holder account or staggered payments in the form 
of an immediate annuity – similar to a UK annuity in payment.

 
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OTHER CORPORATE  
INFORMATION

Fixed annuity policies are subject to early surrender charges for 
the first six to nine years of the contract. In addition, the contract 
may be subject to a market value adjustment at the time of 
surrender. During the surrender charge period, the contract 
holder may cancel the contract for the surrender value. 
Our profits on fixed annuities come primarily from the spread 
between the return earned on investments and the interest 
credited to the contract holder’s account, less expenses. 
Fixed annuities continue to be a profitable book of business, 
benefiting from favourable spread income in recent years. 

Fixed index annuities are similar to fixed annuities, in that the 
contract holder pays a premium that is credited to the contract 
holder’s account, and also in that interest is periodically credited 
to the contract holder’s account. An annual minimum interest 
rate is guaranteed, although actual interest credited may be 
higher and is linked to an equity index over the product’s index 
option period. Profit comes primarily from the spread between 
the return earned on investments and the amounts credited to 
the contract holder’s account, less expenses, which include the 
costs of hedging the equity component of the interest credited 
to the contract. As previously described, hedge results are 
reflected in short-term fluctuations. Fixed index annuities are 
subject to early surrender charges for the first five to twelve years 
of the contract. During the surrender charge period, the contract 
holder may cancel the contract for the surrender value. Fixed 
index annuities continue to be a profitable product, benefiting 
from favourable spread and the effective management of equity 
risk. The fixed index book provides natural offsetting equity 
exposure to the guarantees issued in connection with our 
variable annuity products, which allows for efficient hedging 
of the net equity exposure.

Variable annuities are tax-advantaged, deferred annuities 
where the rate of return depends upon the performance of the 
underlying investment portfolio, similar in principle to UK 
unit-linked products. They are also used for asset accumulation 
in retirement planning and to provide income in retirement.

The contract holder can allocate the premiums between a variety 
of variable sub-accounts, with a choice of fund managers and/or 
guaranteed fixed-rate options. As with a unit-linked fund, the 
contract holder’s premiums allocated to the variable accounts 
are held separately from Jackson’s general account assets. The 
value of the portion of the separate account allocated to variable 
sub-accounts fluctuates with the underlying investments. 
Variable annuity policies are subject to early surrender charges 
for the first four to seven years of the contract. During the 
surrender charge period, the contract holder may cancel the 
contract for the surrender value. Jackson offers one variable 
annuity that has no surrender charges and also offers a choice of 
guaranteed benefit options within their variable annuity product 
portfolio, which customers can elect and pay for. These options 

include the guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB), which 
guarantees that, upon death of the annuitant, the contract holder 
or beneficiary receives a minimum value regardless of past 
market performance. These guaranteed death benefits might 
be expressed as the return of original premium, the highest past 
anniversary value of the contract, or as the original premium 
accumulated at a fixed rate of interest. In addition, there are three 
other types of guarantees: guaranteed minimum withdrawal 
benefits (GMWB), guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits 
(GMAB) and guaranteed minimum income benefits (GMIB). 
Due to the lack of availability to economically reinsure or hedge 
new issues of GMIB, Jackson discontinued offering it in 2009.

GMWBs provide a guaranteed return of the principal invested by 
allowing for periodic withdrawals that are limited to a maximum 
percentage of the initial premium. One version of the GMWBs 
provides for a minimum annual withdrawal amount that is 
guaranteed for the contract holder’s life without annuitisation. 
Variations of the GMWBs are offered whereby the guaranteed 
base can be increased, either through step-ups to a more recent 
market value of the account, or through bonuses offered if 
withdrawals are delayed for a particular number of years. 
Additional charges are assessed for these features. GMABs 
generally provide a guarantee for a return of a certain amount of 
principal after a specified period. GMIBs provide for a minimum 
level of benefits upon annuitisation regardless of the value of the 
investments underlying the contract at the time of annuitisation. 
The GMIB is reinsured.

As the investment return on the separate account assets is 
attributed directly to the contract holders, Jackson’s profit 
arises from the fees charged on the contracts, less the expenses 
incurred, which include the costs of hedging the guarantees. 
As previously described, hedge results are reflected in short-
term fluctuations. In addition to being a profitable book of 
business in its own right, the variable annuity book also provides 
an opportunity to utilise the offsetting equity risk among various 
lines of business to cost effectively manage our equity exposure. 
It is believed that the internal management of equity risk, 
coupled with the use of external derivative instruments where 
necessary, continues to provide a cost-effective method of 
managing equity exposure. Profits in the variable annuity book 
of business will continue to be subject to the impact of market 
movements on both sales and allocations to the variable 
accounts and the effects of the economic hedging programme. 
While risk is hedged on an economic basis, the nature and 
duration of the hedging instruments, which are recorded at fair 
value through the income statement, will fluctuate and produce 
some accounting volatility. Management continues to believe 
that, on a long-term economic basis, the equity exposure remains 
well managed.

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Life insurance
Jackson also sells several types of life insurance including term 
life, universal life and variable universal life. Term life provides 
protection for a defined period of time and a benefit that is 
payable to a designated beneficiary upon the insured’s death. 
Universal life provides permanent individual life insurance for 
the life of the insured and includes a savings element. Variable 
universal life is a life insurance policy that combines death benefit 
protection and the important tax advantages of life insurance 
with the long-term growth potential of professionally managed 
investments. The Jackson life insurance book has also delivered 
consistent profitability, driven primarily by favourable mortality 
experience.

Institutional products
Jackson’s institutional products division markets institutional 
products such as traditional Guaranteed Investment Contracts 
(GICs), Funding Agreements and Medium Term Note (MTN) 
funding agreements. The institutional product offerings also 
include Jackson’s funding agreements issued to the Federal 
Home Loan Bank. Institutional products are distributed directly 
to investors, through investment banks, or through funding 
agreement brokers. Jackson sold no institutional products 
during 2010 or 2009, as available capital was directed to support 
higher-margin variable annuity sales. 

United Kingdom
In common with other UK long-term insurance companies, 
Prudential UK’s products are structured as either with-profits (or 
participating) products, or non-participating products including 
annuities in payment and unit-linked products. Depending on 
the structure, the level of shareholders’ interest in the value of 
policies and the related profit or loss varies.

With-profits policies are supported by a with-profits sub-fund 
and can be single premium (for example, Onshore Bonds or 
Flexible Investment Bonds) or regular premium (for example, 
certain pension products).

The primary with-profits sub-fund is part of The Prudential 
Assurance Company Limited (PAC)’s long-term fund. The 
return to shareholders on virtually all with-profits products is 
in the form of a statutory transfer to PAC shareholders’ funds. 
This is analogous to a dividend from PAC’s long-term fund, and 
is dependent upon the bonuses credited or declared on policies 
in that year. In this context, there are two types of bonuses – 
‘regular’ and ‘final’. Regular bonuses are declared regularly, 

usually once a year, and are determined as a prudent proportion 
of the long-term expected future investment return on the 
underlying assets. Once credited, regular bonuses are 
guaranteed in accordance with the terms of the particular 
product. In contrast, ‘final’ bonuses are only guaranteed until 
the next bonus declaration, and are primarily determined on the 
actual smoothed investment return achieved over the life of the 
policy. Prudential’s with-profits policyholders currently receive 
90 per cent of the distribution from the main with-profits 
sub-fund as bonus additions to their policies, while shareholders 
receive 10 per cent as a statutory transfer. 

The Defined Charge Participating Sub-Fund (DCPSF) forms part 
of the PAC long-term fund. It is comprised of the accumulated 
investment content of premiums paid in respect of the defined 
charge participating with-profits business issued in France, the 
defined charge participating with-profits business reassured into 
PAC from Prudential International Assurance plc and Canada Life 
(Europe) Assurance Ltd and includes the portfolio of with-profit 
annuity policies acquired from Equitable Life in 2007. All profits 
in this fund accrue to policyholders in the DCPSF.

The profits from almost all of the new non-participating business 
accrue solely to shareholders. Such business is written in the 
non-profit sub-fund within PAC’s long-term fund, or in various 
shareholder-owned direct or indirect subsidiaries. The most 
significant of these is Prudential Retirement Income Limited 
(PRIL), which also writes all new immediate annuities arising 
from vesting deferred annuity policies in the with-profits 
sub-fund of PAC.

There is a substantial volume of in-force non-participating 
business in PAC’s with-profits sub-fund and that fund’s wholly-
owned subsidiary Prudential Annuities Limited (PAL), which is 
closed to new business. Profits from this business accrue to the 
with-profits sub-fund.

Description of EEV basis reporting 
Prudential’s results are prepared on two accounting bases – 
the supplementary EEV basis, and the IFRS basis for the financial 
statements. Over the life of any given product, the total profit 
recognised will be the same under either the IFRS or the EEV 
basis. However, the two methods recognise the emergence of 
that profit in different ways, with profits emerging earlier under 
the EEV basis than under IFRS. This section explains how EEV 
differs from IFRS and why it is used.

 
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OTHER CORPORATE  
INFORMATION

In broad terms, IFRS profits for long-term business reflect the 
aggregate of statutory transfers from UK-style with-profits funds 
and profit on a traditional accounting basis for other long-term 
business. By their nature, the products sold by the life insurance 
industry are long-term, as insurance companies commit to 
service these products for many years into the future. The profit 
on these insurance sales is generated over this long-term period. 
In our view, the result under IFRS does not properly reflect the 
inherent value of these future profits, as it focuses instead on the 
amounts accruing to shareholders in the current year.

In May 2004 the CFO Forum, representing the Chief Financial 
Officers of 19 European insurers, published the European 
Embedded Value Principles (expanded by the Additional 
Guidance of EEV Disclosures published in October 2005), that 
provide consistent definitions, a framework for setting actuarial 
assumptions, and a more explicit approach to the underlying 
methodology and disclosures. So for example:

•  The allowance for risk is explicit for EEV through: (i) an 

allowance for the cost of capital (at the higher of economic 
capital and the local statutory minimum) (ii) stochastic or other 
appropriate modelling of financial options and guarantees to 
ensure that an allowance for their cost is irrespective of their 
value at the balance sheet date, and (iii) an explicit allowance 
in the risk discount rate for financial and non-financial risks;
•  EEV specifically allows for the look-through into profits arising 
in shareholder service companies, most notably the profit 
arising in investment management companies from managing 
the insurance companies funds for covered business; and

•  There are extensive disclosures required for EEV on all aspects 
of the calculations, including the methodology adopted and 
the analysis of return.

It is thought that the EEV basis not only provides a good indication 
of the value being added by management in a given accounting 
period, but also helps demonstrate whether shareholder capital 
is being deployed to best effect. Indeed insurance companies in 
many countries use comparable bases of accounting for 
management purposes.

The EEV basis is a value-based method of reporting in that it 
reflects the change in value of the business over the accounting 
period. This value is called the shareholders’ funds on the EEV 
basis which, at a given point in time, is the value of future profits 
expected to arise from the current book of long-term insurance 
business plus the net worth of the Company. In determining 

these expected profits, full allowance is made for the risks 
attached to their emergence and the associated cost of capital, 
and takes into account recent experience in assessing likely 
future persistency, mortality and expenses. 

The change in value is typically analysed into the following 
components:

•  the value added from new business sold during the year;
•  the change in value from existing business already in place 

at the start of the year; 

•  short-term fluctuations in investment returns;
•  change in economic assumptions;
•  change in the time value of cost of options and guarantees 

and economic assumption changes;

•  other items (for example, profit from other Group operations, 

tax, foreign exchange, exceptional items); and

•  dividends.

The value added from new business – defined as the present value 
of the future profits arising from new business written in the year 
– is a key metric used in the management of our business. 
The change in value of business in-force at the start of the year 
demonstrates how the existing book is being managed. Together, 
these metrics provide management and shareholders with valuable 
information about the underlying development of the Group’s 
business and the success or otherwise of management actions.

EEV basis results are prepared by first of all setting ‘best 
estimate’ assumptions, by product, for all relevant factors 
including expenses, surrender levels and mortality. Economic 
assumptions as to future investment returns and inflation are 
generally based on a combination of market data and long-term 
assumptions. These assumptions are used to project future 
cash flows. The present value of the future cash flows is then 
calculated using a discount rate which reflects both the time 
value of money and the risks associated with the cash flows. 
The risk discount rate is determined by adding a risk margin to 
the appropriate risk-free rate of return. The actual outcome may 
differ from that projected, in which case the effect will be 
reflected in the experience variances for that year.

The assumptions used for the EEV basis of accounting are set 
out in the notes that accompany the supplementary EEV basis 
information. An indication of the sensitivity of the results to 
changes in key assumptions is also provided within that 
information.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

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Corporate Responsibility (CR) continues to be guided by 
Harvey McGrath, Chairman, Prudential plc. Led by the 
Chairman, the Board regularly discusses the Group’s CR 
performance and reviews strategy annually. 

We direct our resources towards the issues that we believe are 
most relevant to our business and where we can make the most 
impact through our actions and expertise. As such, we have 
established four global areas of focus: 

The following review provides an overview of our activities and 
progress. Prudential publishes an annual CR report, available 
online at www.prudential.co.uk

1  Fair and transparent products meeting customer needs
2  Best people for the best performing business
3  Protecting the environment
4  Supporting local communities

 “Through 163 years of experience looking after 
our customers’ interests, and supporting wider 
society, we have established a heritage of 
responsibility.”

Our approach 
The very nature of our products is long term and we do not 
underestimate the trust our customers place in us to ensure 
we effectively plan and provide for them in the future. Through 
163 years of experience looking after our customers’ interests, 
and supporting wider society, we have established a heritage of 
responsibility that is integrated into the way we run our business. 
This culture of individual responsibility also extends to the high 
standards of behaviour we expect from our agents and 
intermediaries.

 “We direct our resources towards the issues that 
we believe are most relevant to our business and 
where we can make the most impact.”

We are in no doubt that acting responsibly with our customers’ 
investments, supporting the welfare of the communities in which 
they live and playing our part in protecting the environment are 
fundamental to managing a sustainable company. We firmly 
believe that these activities are best managed by our businesses 
on the ground, those who are closest to the customer and local 
stakeholders. 

However, we also recognise the importance of ensuring good 
governance and achieving consistent standards across the 
Company, which is why the Group is accountable for developing 
the overarching framework, principles and policies for each of 
our CR priorities, and for reporting progress to the Board and 
external stakeholders. 

Fair and transparent products meeting customer needs
We are deeply aware of the importance our customers attach 
to the financial decisions they face in meeting their changing 
requirements for savings, income and protection. 

Across the Group we serve more than 25 million customers. 
The demographics of our geographies mean the profiles of our 
customers and the products we offer vary across our operations. 
But, in all our markets, we are committed to listening to our 
customers and understanding their individual needs so that they 
are able to make well-informed decisions. 

In 2011 we will be publishing our Customer Charter on the 
Prudential plc website, which highlights our key commitments 
to our customers across the Group. 

In Asia, we serve more than 15 million customers, with a mix of 
life insurance, pensions, mutual funds, consumer finance, asset 
management, health and protection products and services. 

Healthcare is particularly important in a number of our markets 
in Asia, and we continue to broaden our health and protection 
product offering. Our evolving suite of health-related products 
includes innovative solutions such as PRUmy child, the first 
of its kind to offer coverage during pregnancy and infancy. 
PRUmy child also combines protection with savings, enabling 
parents to provide for their children’s education. 

Last year, Prudential was the first insurance company in Asia to 
launch an iPhone app. Our iPhone Retirement Calculator allows 
customers to model different financial scenarios and lifestyle 
variables to calculate the savings they would need to fund their 
retirement. The app is available in Hong Kong, Malaysia, the 
Philippines and Singapore, with local language versions also 
launched in Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. 
We continue to innovate in this field and have a BlackBerry 
Retirement Calculator in development. 

OUR FOUR CORPORATE RESPONSIBITY THEMES

1   Fair and transparent products meeting customer needs

2  Best people for the best performing business  

3  Protecting the environment

4  Supporting local communities

 
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The United States is the world’s largest retirement savings 
market. Each year more of  the 78 million ‘baby boomers’1 
will move into retirement. Jackson, our US business, has more 
than 2.8 million policies and contracts in force. The economic 
downturn and demographic changes have led many people to be 
unprepared as they approach retirement. Jackson’s educational 
programme, ‘Retirementology’, is designed to help people 
understand how better to prepare for their financial future. 

With inflation once again a concern for investors, M&G has 
developed a number of innovative investment strategies for 
clients. For institutional investors, M&G offers the Secured 
Property Income Fund, which matches commercial property 
rents against pension funds' long-term liabilities. In the retail 
market, the recently-launched M&G inflation-linked Corporate 
Bond Fund enables savers to protect their investments in 
corporate bonds from rising prices.

Recognised for its financial strength, in 2010, Jackson increased 
the number of advisers selling its variable annuity products to 
more than 130,000. This made these products more widely 
available as customers continued to seek greater security in 
times of economic uncertainty. We also introduced further 
innovations that deliver long-term value to customers. This 
includes the launch of the LifeGuard Freedom Flex, the 
Company’s first guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit, 
giving investors the ability to build a personalised benefit 
that meets their retirement planning objectives. 

Like the US, many people in the UK are insufficiently prepared 
for increasingly long periods of retirement. Prudential UK is one 
of the largest annuity providers in the country, paying an income 
to more than one million customers every year. In addition, our 
with-profits offering is among the strongest in the industry, 
consistently outperforming the market for our long-term investors 
and providing them with attractive returns compared with many 
other investment options. The with-profits offering also protects 
investors from the full impact of volatile market conditions while 
giving them the comfort of knowing that their savings are invested 
in a financially strong and well managed fund. 

To help customers make informed financial decisions, Prudential 
UK has developed a series of online guides offering clear 
product information. This includes an interactive questionnaire  
which helps customers find an annuity product to meet their 
needs by calculating what level of income could be generated. 

 “As one of the largest active investors in the 
UK stock market, M&G takes seriously its 
responsibilities as a shareholder.”

M&G, Prudential’s UK and European fund management 
business, has served retail and institutional investors for 
80 years. It has a history of innovation, designing new funds 
and investment plans that meet a clear client need.

As one of the largest active investors in the UK stock market, 
M&G takes seriously its responsibilities as a shareholder. 
Its strategy is to invest in companies, not chase share prices. 
M&G takes a long-term approach to investment opportunities 
and, provided the investment case remains intact, maintains its 
conviction in the companies it holds. 

As a Group with a long-term view, it is clearly important to 
participate in global debates and policy considerations that affect 
our customers. Across our business we share our knowledge and 
expertise to help inform policy debates. 

In October 2010, in partnership with the Washington DC-based 
think tank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies 
(CSIS), we published the Global Aging Preparedness Index. 
This study discussed the policy implications of aging populations 
in 20 countries and potential reform strategies. During 2011, we 
will continue to participate in the debate. A copy of the report is 
available at http://gapindex.csis.org

Customer service and performance
Prudential’s reputation for good customer service has continued to 
be recognised through a number of awards and industry rankings. 

In 2010...
•  Prudential Corporation Asia achieved: 

’Best in Achieving Total Customer Satisfaction’ (Life Insurance) 
at the 2010 Indonesia Customer Satisfaction Awards, 
sponsored by SWA Magazine

’Best Fund in Overseas Equity’ in the 2010 Money Today-
Morningstar Fund Awards, sponsored by KOFIA (Korea 
Financial Investment Association)

’Best Performing Fund of its Category’ awarded to PRUAsia 
Pacific Shariah Equity Fund at the Edge-Lipper Malaysia 
Fund Awards

•  In the US, Jackson achieved: 

‘World Class’ status and ‘Highest Customer Satisfaction’ from 
the Service Quality Measurements Group (SQM). This marked 
the fifth consecutive year that Jackson has achieved world 
class status

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

Note
1  US Census Bureau – those born since 1945.

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Best people for the best performing business
Across the Group, we have around 25,000 employees. 

We work in an extremely competitive marketplace that 
demands we attract the most talented people. It is important 
that we continue to create an environment that appeals to the 
right individuals – those who are committed and able to 
deliver top performance for our customers and shareholders. 

Developing credible successors 
Strong leadership is critical to the continued success of our 
business. Every year we conduct a review across the Group to 
identify, develop and reward people with leadership potential. 
During 2010, we held four events in each of our Management 
Development and Leadership Development programmes. 
These events support the Group’s succession and development 
strategy and, in 2010, more than 75 individuals were assessed 
for their long-term leadership potential. 

It is important that we not only develop talent from within the 
business, but also use our brand strength and heritage to attract 
new talent. Our flagship development programme, Momentum, 
operating since 2007, aims to recruit high potential individuals 
early in their careers and to provide them with a fast-track 
development plan. Through business placements and training 
modules, participants gain the management skills and experience 
required to succeed in an international business. Momentum 
places a strong emphasis on diversity and is open to people 
both within and outside Prudential. In 2010, the Momentum 
website received more than 58,000 visits from 142 countries. 
More than 2,800 people from 83 countries applied for the 
programme. The 30 successful applicants increased the total 
number of participants in the programme to 60, who are in roles 
across the Group.

•  Prudential UK achieved: 

Five-star rating for excellent service at the Financial Adviser 
Service Awards for the second year running

‘Best Annuity Provider’ at the 2010 Professional Adviser Awards 

•  M&G was awarded: 

‘Global Group of the Year’ at the 2010 Investment Week Fund 
Manager of the Year Awards

‘Outstanding Investment House Award’ at the OBSR Honours 
for Excellence Awards

In the UK, Prudential is a member of the Association of British 
Insurers’ (ABI) Customer Impact Scheme, which seeks to drive 
continuous improvement through monitoring customers’ 
experiences. We are one of 35 companies that participate in the 
annual Customer Impact Survey. In 2010, our UK business saw 
an increase in the number of customers rating it ‘very good’ or 
‘excellent’ for the time taken to arrange an annuity (64 per cent). 
In part this is due to our participation in the ‘Options’ initiative. 
This industry-wide scheme, of which we are a founding member, 
is designed to speed up the exchange of information and funds 
between pension and annuity providers.

Despite improvements in consumer confidence and market gains 
in 2009, some scores in the ABI Customer Impact Scheme fell 
sharply across the industry in the 2009/10 study, especially for 
return on investment and industry reputation. Our scores came 
within the industry average. While this demonstrates that we 
have achieved a solid performance in very challenging market 
conditions, we are taking action. This includes providing more 
information about how our with-profits fund is performing and 
what impact this may have on a policy. We are also improving our 
service to our annuity customers. We have revised our annuity 
quotes to make them clearer, and we are providing interactive 
online tools which explain the effects of different annuity choices.

Across the Group, we always try to resolve problems for our 
customers as quickly and smoothly as possible, and we are 
committed to handling any customer complaints in a fair and 
timely manner. 

In the UK, the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) publishes 
complaint data on case adjudications for more than 150 financial 
services companies. Prudential performed well and was placed 
in the top 10 per cent of all companies in the FOS data. 

“ In 2010, the website for 
our flagship development 
programme, Momentum, 
received more than 58,000 
visits from 142 countries.”

 
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Building and rewarding performance
We believe that employees should be rewarded for the 
contribution they make to our business as a whole. Our reward 
system is therefore based on both individual performance and 
behaviours. Our remuneration policies are regularly reviewed to 
ensure that our reward structure keeps pace with the markets in 
which we operate, and that they remain relevant to the growth 
of our business.

It is important for our employees to have an opportunity to 
benefit from the Group’s success through share ownership. 
In the UK, we operate two all-employee share plans: a Share 
Investment Plan (SIP) and a Save As You Earn (SAYE) scheme. 
In 2010, more than 14 per cent of eligible employees participated 
in the SAYE scheme and almost six per cent in the SIP. Through 
these plans, more than two-thirds of employees in the UK now 
own, or have an interest in, Prudential shares. In Asia, we operate 
two SAYE schemes, similar to those in the UK, which are open 
to both employees and agents. Almost a quarter of eligible 
employees and more than 37 per cent of eligible agents 
participated in these schemes in 2010. 

Developing an organisation that works
We recognise that an important part of sustaining performance 
comes from effectively engaging and communicating with our 
employees. We conduct regular surveys in our businesses to: 
monitor levels of engagement with Prudential as an employer; 
identify the effectiveness of our organisations’ structures and 
practices, and highlight areas for improvement. 

Across the Group there are dedicated intranet sites to 
keep employees up to date, and ‘Town Hall’ events that 
offer employees the opportunity to ask questions of senior 
management teams. There are also a number of employee 
consultation forums in place such as the M&G Staff Consultative 
Committee and the UK Employee Forum within Prudential UK. 
Our UK business also has a long-standing relationship with the 
union Unite.

At Group Head Office, a dedicated team provides regular 
communication to employees across the Group, through the 
Group intranet. This includes communication from senior 
management on Group strategy, direction and performance. 
We also regularly hold a conference for the Group Leadership 
Team, approximately 75 senior managers from across the 
Company who are either leading a significant part of the Group 
strategy or responsible for implementing a major part of it. 

Diversity

 “We fully recognise the value that a diverse 
workforce brings to our organisation and believe 
Prudential should reflect the diversity of the 
markets in which we operate.”

We are committed to integrating diversity into our business 
practices. Our policies are guided by the principles of the UN’s 
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International 
Labour Organisation’s core labour standards. These are also 
incorporated into our Group Code of Business Conduct which 
sets individual standards of employee behaviour. The code is 
made available to all employees on the Group intranet site.

We fully recognise the value that a diverse workforce brings 
to our organisation and believe Prudential should reflect the 
diversity of the markets in which we operate. It is Group policy 
to give full and fair consideration and encouragement to the 
employment of applicants with suitable aptitudes and abilities. 
It is our policy to recruit and develop talented people, regardless 
of their disability status, and to continue employing people who 
become disabled. 

We also train our people to be aware of, and sensitive to, 
the needs of employees and customers with a disability.

Protecting the environment
Our environmental strategy is focused on increasing the 
efficiency of our business operations by reducing the direct 
impact of the properties we occupy, and the properties we 
manage through PRUPIM, our real estate investment manager. 

Reducing our direct impact: occupied properties
For all UK buildings, and Jackson’s main premises in North 
America (in Lansing, Michigan and Denver, Colorado) we 
assess the direct impact that our occupied properties have 
on the environment. This includes monitoring energy 
consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, water consumption, 
waste and recycling. 

One of the challenges we face in reporting our environmental 
impacts on a global basis is the collection of robust data for our 
operations in Asia. Across the region we are often an occupier 
of multi-tenanted properties and environmental data collection 
is not the norm. Nonetheless, we are developing processes, and 
identifying technologies, by which we can accurately begin to 
measure our impact. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

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The UK Government is committed to reducing national carbon 
emissions by 80 per cent from 1990 levels by 2050. A central 
part of its strategy is the introduction of a mandatory climate 
change and energy savings scheme, the Carbon Reduction 
Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme. In 2010, we registered 
as a participant in this scheme. We will be reporting our footprint 
data in July 2011.

Under the European Union Energy Performance of Buildings 
Directive, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are required 
for any building that is constructed, sold or rented. EPCs rate the 
energy usage and efficiency of a building, enabling property 
investors and prospective occupiers to consider energy 
efficiency ratings and levels of carbon emissions. EPCs for our 
occupied and commercial properties have been introduced in 
the UK. In 2010, we retained our ISO 14001 environmental 
management certification for all our UK occupied properties. 

A number of our customer-focused initiatives also deliver wider 
benefits in support of our CR agenda. For example, in the US, 
Jackson’s green delivery programme offers customers the 
option to receive some of their correspondence electronically. 
This has helped Jackson to reduce its paper consumption and 
generate cost savings for the business. Jackson has also 
provided funding to the US non-profit organisation Green 
Forests to plant 100,000 trees.

Reducing our impact from our property 
investment portfolio
PRUPIM manages more than £16 billion (at 31 December 2010) 
worth of property assets, making it one of the largest real estate 
investment managers in the UK and Europe. 

PRUPIM’s vision as a leading real estate fund manager is to 
deliver superior investment performance through further 
integrating sustainability into its business culture, activities 
and decision making. It seeks to address its own impact, 
and influence the property sector, through innovation and 
thought-leadership. 

PRUPIM was recertified during 2010 to ISO 14001 for the 
management of its real estate investment portfolio. PRUPIM 
also maintained ISO 14001 certification at 26 managed office 
investment properties and PAS99, the world’s first integrated 
management system which includes ISO 14001, at 10 managed 
shopping centres.

In 2010, the business developed a Sustainability Education 
Programme for its employees. This included more than 
22 hours of workshops, seminars and discussion groups, 
enabling colleagues to improve their understanding of 
sustainability issues.

Part of PRUPIM’s strategy is to incorporate sustainability 
considerations into its investment appraisal and decision-making 
process. This includes a sustainability questionnaire as part of 
the appraisal system which determines the value of the assets. 

PRUPIM is a signatory of the UN’s Principles for Responsible 
Investment and continues to lead the property industry’s 
developments in sustainability through its active involvement 
in the British Property Federation, British Council of Shopping 
Centres, UK Green Building Council, Green Property 
Alliance, UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative, 
Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change and Better 
Buildings Partnership.

PRUPIM’s approach and progress can be found in its annual 
Sustainability Report. For more details please visit www.
PRUPIM.com

Supporting local communities
Prudential has a long history of supporting the community, 
from our earliest days of Victorian philanthropy. All our 
businesses implement community investment programmes 
and we encourage our operations to establish partnerships 
focused on education (particularly financial education) and 
social welfare. 

Our approach to community investment is to support charitable 
organisations and appropriate NGOs, not only through funding, 
but also through the experience and expertise of our employees. 

Employee volunteering
In 2010, almost 25 per cent of employees volunteered in their 
community on a wide range of projects. These varied from 
fundraising for local charities such as Cancer Research and the 
Muscular Dystrophy Campaign in the UK, to employees giving 
up their time to distribute food to the homeless in the US and 
delivering financial education seminars in Asia.

 
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Financial education
As a provider of financial services we believe that encouraging 
and supporting financial literacy helps to underpin overall 
economic development and success. 

In addition to the financial education projects included in the 
Chairman’s Challenge, we support a number of other initiatives 
that aim to improve financial knowledge. 

In 2010, our financial capability strategy in Asia continued to gain 
strength. This year more than 4,400 women in China, Indonesia 
and Vietnam, participated in our financial training seminars 
– ‘Investing in Your Future’. These events, first launched in China 
in 2004, directly support women who, while often responsible 
for planning the family’s financial needs, have traditionally had 
limited financial training. In the past six years, more than 27,500 
women have attended our financial training seminars in Asia.

Since 2007, Prudential has partnered with the Chinese Ministry 
of Education, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) 
and the Chinese Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC), to 
develop and introduce an insurance education curriculum in 
schools. The programme has reached more than 6,000 students 
from 26 schools in seven provinces.

In the UK, we partner with a range of organisations such as 
Citizens Advice, the Personal Finance Education Group (pfeg), 
and the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. As a result of 
these partnerships, thousands of adults and children are learning 
essential financial literacy skills. Our partnership with Citizens 
Advice is also helping people to make decisions that will have a 
profound effect on their financial welfare.

Chairman’s Challenge

 “Over the last five years, since the Chairman’s 
Challenge was launched, 108 annual projects 
have been supported.”

Many of our employees volunteer through our Group-wide 
flagship programme, the Chairman’s Challenge. 

Over the last five years, since the Chairman’s Challenge was 
launched, 108 annual projects have been supported by our 
employees in partnership with charities including Help Age 
International, Plan International and Junior Achievement. 

All of the projects included in the Chairman’s Challenge receive 
a financial donation from the Group for each employee who 
signs up as a volunteer, and the five short-listed projects receive 
additional funding. Each year, employees across the Group are 
invited to vote for the shortlisted project they believe has made 
the greatest impact. 

The winning project 
In 2010, the winning project was the Goal for Youth programme 
in Hong Kong, where more than 1,800 secondary school 
students benefited from attending financial management 
workshops run by more than 188 Prudential volunteers, in 
partnership with Junior Achievement.

Shortlisted projects included:
•  Prestasi Junior Indonesia working with more than 

120 Prudential volunteers, who gave up four weekends to run 
a variety of educational projects for children at a safe house 
in Jakarta

•  Junior Achievement in the US, where 163 Jackson employees 
dedicated 463 hours to teaching young people financial skills 
in 105 classrooms, benefiting 2,500 students

•  Plan International Thailand, working with 316 Prudential 

employees who helped to build financial skills in seven schools 
reaching 1,500 students

•  Prudential UK employees dedicated 660 hours to Age UK’s 
Call in Time programme, helping 370 isolated older people 
re-engage with the community.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

97

Disaster relief 
The Group maintains a fund which can be activated to support 
relief efforts following disasters in the countries where we 
operate. 

Our commitment to disaster relief often goes beyond financial 
aid, providing on-the-ground support to address the most 
critical needs. Following the earthquake that struck Western 
Sumatra in Indonesia, near the city of Padang, at the end of 
2009, we contributed approximately £1 million, and many of our 
employees worked as volunteers. Funding was used to support 
initial emergency relief efforts and subsequent reconstruction 
work. We have continued to monitor progress and, during 2010, 
Prudential leaders in Asia attended a ceremony in Padang, 
celebrating the completion of 220 new houses, a children's library 
and a play centre. These buildings were constructed by Padang 
Kapas villagers and our charity partner, Posko Jenggala.

In 2010, Save the Children became a new charity partner 
through the Group’s support for its Children’s Emergency Fund.

Donations 
In 2010, the Group spent £7.5 million supporting community 
activities. Direct donations to charitable organisations amounted 
to £5.7 million, of which approximately £3.5 million came from 
EU operations. 

This is broken down as follows: education £862,000; social 
and welfare £1,804,000; environment and regeneration 
£19,000; cultural £61,000 and staff volunteering £727,000. 
The aggregate figure for direct charitable donations from 
Prudential's non-EU subsidiaries (Jackson National Life 
Insurance Company and Prudential Corporation Asia) 
amounted to £2.2 million. 

It is the Group's policy not to make donations to political parties 
nor to incur political expenditure, within the meaning of those 
expressions as defined in the Political Parties, Elections and 
Referendums Act 2000. The Group did not make any such 
donations or incur any such expenditure in 2010.

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Accountability and governance
The Board
The Board discusses the Group’s CR performance at least once 
a year and also reviews and approves the Group CR Report and 
strategy on an annual basis. 

Responsibility Committee
Below the Board, the Responsibility Committee comprises 
senior representatives from relevant Group functions and 
each of our core businesses. This committee is responsible for 
monitoring the Group’s CR activities and for raising issues that 
need to be addressed.

Code of Business Conduct
Consideration of environmental, social and community 
matters is integrated in our Code of Business Conduct. Our 
code is reviewed by the Board on an annual basis. Refer to 
page 120 for more information.

Payment policy
It is our Group policy to agree terms of payment when orders for 
goods and services are placed, and to pay in accordance with 
those terms. 

In the UK, we have signed up to the Prompt Payment Code, 
launched in December 2008 by the UK Department for 
Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. In 2010, our trade 
creditor days, based on the ratio of amounts that were owed to 
trade creditors at the year-end to the aggregate of the amounts 
invoiced by trade creditors during the year, were 23 days. 
The Prompt Payment Code and its signatories can be found 
at www.promptpaymentcode.org.uk

Supply chain management 
Prudential recognises that its own social, environmental and 
economic impacts go beyond the products and services it 
supplies to include the performance of its suppliers and 
contractors. 

It is our policy to work in partnership with suppliers whose 
values and standards are aligned with our Group Code of 
Business Conduct. 

Procurement practices in Prudential UK have been successfully 
accredited with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and 
Supply (CIPS) certification, an industry benchmark of 
recognised good practice.

“ In 2010, Save the Children 
became a new charity partner 
through the Group's support for 
its Children's Emergency Fund.”

£7.5m

In 2010, the Group spent 
£7.5 million supporting 
community activities

 
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BUSINESS REVIEW  >  CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REVIEW  >  CONTINUED

CORPORATE  
RESPONSIBILITY REVIEW

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

RESPONSIBILITIES

PRUDENTIAL PLC BOARD

GROUP RESPONSIBILITY
COMMITTEE

•  Approves strategy

•  Approves CR Report

•  Monitors progress

•  Identifies and develops CR policies

GROUP CR TEAM

•  Collates data for internal and external reporting

•  Publishes annual CR Report

•  Oversees CR risks and issues management

•  Collates and shares CR practices across the Group

•  Develops and drives initiatives related to 

functional responsibilities

•  Tracks, reviews and assesses ongoing initiatives

•  Provides data/information for internal and 

external reporting

BRAND COUNCIL

HR DIRECTORS

COMMUNITY FORUM

ENVIRONMENT, 
HEALTH & SAFETY
COUNCIL &  
PRUPIM OPSCO

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

GOVERNANCE

100 
104 

121 
122 

Board of directors
Governance report:
•  Corporate governance
•  Risk governance
•  Corporate responsibility governance
Additional disclosures
Index to principal Directors' Report disclosures

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GOVERNANCE  >  BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIRMAN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

HARVEY MCGRATH 
CHAIRMAN

TIDJANE THIAM
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE

NIC NICANDROU ACA
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 

ROB DEVEY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

JOHN FOLEY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

MICHAEL MCLINTOCK
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BARRY STOWE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

MIKE WELLS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

KEKI DADISETH FCA
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SIR HOWARD DAVIES
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MICHAEL GARRETT
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ANN GODBEHERE FCGA
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BRIDGET MACASKILL
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PAUL MANDUCA
SENIOR INDEPENDENT 
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

KATHLEEN O’DONOVAN ACA
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

JAMES ROSS OBE
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

LORD TURNBULL KCB CVO
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
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CHAIRMAN

HARVEY MCGRATH 
CHAIRMAN AND CHAIRMAN OF 
THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE 
Harvey McGrath was appointed as an 
independent non-executive director 
of Prudential in September 2008 and 
became the Chairman and Chairman 
of the Nomination Committee in  
January 2009. Harvey has a long and 
distinguished career in the international 
financial services industry, having  
started his career at Chase Manhattan 
Bank in London and New York. From 1980 
to 2007 he worked for the Man Group, 
first as Treasurer, then Finance Director, 
then President of Man Inc. in New York 
before being appointed as Chief Executive 
of Man Group plc in London in 1990 and 
then Chairman in 2000. He left Man 
Group in 2007.

Harvey is also Chairman of the London 
Development Agency which works for the 
Mayor of London coordinating economic 
development and regeneration across 
London and is Vice Chairman of the 
London Skills and Employment Board 
which is tasked with developing a strategy 
for adult skills in London. He is the former 
Chairman of both London First and the 
East London Business Alliance.

Harvey is a trustee of a number of charities 
including New Philanthropy Capital, a 
research based charity which gives advice 
and guidance to donors and charities; the 
Royal Anniversary Trust which operates 
the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher 
and Further Education; Children and 
Families Across Borders (CFAB), which 
protects the rights and welfare of children 
and vulnerable adults across borders; 
icould, an online careers resource; and 
the Prince’s Teaching Institute, which 
promotes subject based professional 
development for teachers. Age 59.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

TIDJANE THIAM
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE 
Tidjane Thiam has been an executive 
director of Prudential since March 2008. 
He was the Chief Financial Officer until 
September 2009 and became Group 
Chief Executive in October 2009. Tidjane 
was previously Chief Executive Officer, 
Europe at Aviva where he worked from 
2002 to 2008 and held successively 
the positions of Group Strategy and 
Development Director and Managing 

Director, Aviva International. Tidjane 
spent the first part of his professional 
career with McKinsey & Company in Paris, 
London and New York, serving insurance 
companies and banks. He then spent a 
number of years in Africa where he was 
Chief Executive and later Chairman of 
the National Bureau for Technical Studies 
and Development in Côte d'Ivoire and a 
cabinet member as Secretary of Planning 
and Development. Tidjane returned  
to France to become a partner with 
McKinsey & Company as one of the 
leaders of their Financial Institutions 
practice before joining Aviva in 2002. 

Tidjane was a non-executive director  
of Arkema in France until November  
2009. He is a member of the Board of  
the Association of British Insurers (ABI), 
a member of the International Business 
Council (IBC) of the World Economic 
Forum (WEF) and a member of the 
Council of the Overseas Development 
Institute (ODI) in London. In January 2011, 
he was appointed to chair the G20 High 
Level Panel for Infrastructure Investment 
until the November 2011 G20 Summit. 
Tidjane sits on the Africa Progress Panel 
chaired by Kofi Annan and is a sponsor 
of Opportunity International. Age 48.

NIC NICANDROU ACA
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 
Nicolaos Nicandrou (Nic) has been an 
executive director of Prudential and Chief 
Financial Officer since October 2009. 
Before joining Prudential, he worked at 
Aviva, where he held a number of senior 
finance roles, including Norwich Union 
Life Finance Director and Board Member, 
Aviva Group Financial Control Director, 
Aviva Group Financial Management and 
Reporting Director and CGNU Group 
Financial Reporting Director. Nic started 
his career at PriceWaterhouseCoopers 
where he worked in both London and 
Paris. Age 45.

ROB DEVEY 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
Robert Devey (Rob) has been an  
executive director of Prudential and Chief 
Executive, Prudential UK and Europe 
since November 2009. Rob joined 
Prudential from Lloyds Banking Group 
where he worked since 2002 in a number 
of senior leadership roles across insurance 
and retail banking including Managing 
Director, Direct Channels UK Retail 
Banking, Managing Director of HBOS 

Financial Services and Managing Director 
of HBOS General Insurance. Prior to 
joining HBOS, Rob was a consultant with 
the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in the 
UK, US and Europe working in financial 
services. Age 42.

JOHN FOLEY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
John Foley was appointed an executive 
director of Prudential and Group Chief 
Risk Officer in January 2011. He joined 
Prudential as Deputy Group Treasurer in 
2000 before being appointed Managing 
Director, Prudential Capital (formerly 
Prudential Finance (UK)) and Group 
Treasurer in 2001. He was appointed 
Chief Executive of Prudential Capital 
and to the Group Executive Committee 
in 2007. Prior to joining Prudential, John 
spent three years with National Australia 
Bank as General Manager, Global Capital 
Markets. John began his career at Hill 
Samuel & Co Limited where, over a 20 
year period, he worked in every division 
of the bank, culminating in senior roles 
in risk, capital markets and treasury of 
the combined TSB and Hill Samuel Bank. 
Age 54.

MICHAEL MCLINTOCK
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michael McLintock has been an executive 
director of Prudential since September 
2000. He is also Chief Executive of M&G, 
a position he held at the time of M&G's 
acquisition by Prudential in 1999. Michael 
joined M&G in 1992. He previously also 
served on the board of Close Brothers 
Group plc as a non-executive director 
from 2000 to 2008. Since October 2008, 
he has been a Trustee of the Grosvenor 
Estate. Age 50.

BARRY STOWE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
Barry Stowe has been an executive 
director of Prudential since November 
2006 and Chief Executive, Prudential 
Corporation Asia since October 2006. 
He has also been a director of the 
Life Insurance Marketing Research 
Association (LIMRA) and the Life Office 
Management Association (LOMA) since 
October 2008, and a member of the Board 
of Visitors of Lipscomb University since 
May 2009. Previously, Barry was 
President, Accident & Health Worldwide 
for AIG Life Companies. He joined AIG 
in 1995 and prior to that was President 

102

GOVERNANCE  >  BOARD OF DIRECTORS  >  CONTINUED

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

and CEO of Nisus, a subsidiary of 
Pan-American Life, from 1992 to 1995. 
Before joining Nisus, Barry spent 12 years 
at Willis Corroon in the US. Age 53.

MIKE WELLS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michael Wells (Mike) has been an 
executive director of Prudential since 
January 2011 when he succeeded 
Clark Manning as President and CEO of 
Jackson National Life Insurance Company 
(Jackson). Mike has served in a variety of 
senior and strategic positions at Jackson 
over the last 15 years, including President 
of Jackson National Life Distributors. 
Mike has been Vice Chairman and 
Chief Operating Officer of Jackson for 
the last nine years. During this period 
he has led the development of Jackson’s 
highly profitable variable annuity business 
and been responsible for IT, strategy, 
operations, communications, distributions, 
Curian and the retail broker dealers. 
Age 50.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

KEKI DADISETH FCA 
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTOR AND MEMBER OF THE 
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
Keki Dadiseth has been an independent 
non-executive director of Prudential 
since April 2005. Keki is a member of 
 the Remuneration Committee and was  
a member of the Audit Committee  
from 2005 to 2007. During 2006 he was 
appointed as a non-executive director of 
ICICI Prudential Life Assurance Company 
Limited and ICICI Prudential Trust Limited. 
Keki is also a director of Britannia 
Industries Limited, Piramal Healthcare 
Limited, Siemens Limited, The Indian 
Hotels Company Limited and Godrej 
Properties Limited, all of which are 
quoted on the Bombay Stock Exchange. 
In addition, he acts as advisor to Goldman 
Sachs, Fleishman-Hillard Inc and Oliver 
Wyman Limited, and as a trustee for a 
number of Indian charities. Keki is the 
non-executive Chairman of Omnicom 
India Marketing Advisory Services Private 
Limited, an unquoted Indian company and 
is also a board member of various other 
unquoted Indian companies. He serves  
as Chairman of Sony India Pvt Ltd and is  
a Senior Advisor to Sony Group in India. 

Before he retired from Unilever in 2005, 
Keki was Director, Home and Personal 
Care, responsible for the HPC business 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

of Unilever worldwide, a Board member 
of Unilever PLC and Unilever N.V., 
and a member of Unilever's Executive 
Committee. He joined Hindustan Lever 
Ltd in India in 1973 and in 1987 he joined 
the Board of Hindustan Lever and became 
Chairman in 1996. Age 65.

SIR HOWARD DAVIES
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTOR, CHAIRMAN OF THE 
RISK COMMITTEE AND MEMBER 
OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE 
Sir Howard has been an independent 
non-executive director of Prudential 
and Chairman of the Risk Committee 
since October 2010. He joined the 
Audit Committee in November 2010. 
Sir Howard remains the Director of the 
London School of Economics and Political 
Science (LSE) and, although he has 
resigned, will continue in the post until 
such time as a suitable successor is found. 
Prior to joining the LSE in September 
2003, he was Chairman of the Financial 
Services Authority, the UK’s financial 
regulator. He is also a director of Morgan 
Stanley Inc. Age 60.

MICHAEL GARRETT
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTOR AND MEMBER OF THE 
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
Michael Garrett has been an independent 
non-executive director of Prudential and a 
member of the Remuneration Committee 
since September 2004. He worked for 
Nestlé from 1961 becoming Head of Japan 
from 1990  to 1993 and then Zone Director 
and Member of the Executive Board, 
responsible for Asia and Oceania. In 
1996 his responsibilities were expanded 
to include Africa and the Middle East. 
Michael retired as Executive Vice 
President of Nestlé in 2005. He served 
the Government of Australia as Chairman 
of the Food Industry Council and as 
a Member of the Industry Council of 
Australia, and was also a member of 
the Advisory Committee for an APEC 
(Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Food 
System, a Member of The Turkish Prime 
Minister's Advisory Group and the WTO 
(World Trade Organization) Business 
Advisory Council in Switzerland. 

Michael remains a director of Nestlé in 
India and was appointed Chairman of 
the Evian Group in 2001, a think tank and 
forum for dialogue promoting free trade. 
He also serves as a non-executive director 
on the Boards of the Bobst Group in 

Switzerland, Hasbro Inc. in the USA, 
and Gottex Fund Management Holdings 
Limited in Guernsey. In addition, he is a 
member of the Development Committee 
of the International Business Leaders 
Forum (IBLF), as well as a Member of the 
Swaziland International Business Advisory 
Panel under the auspices of the Global 
Leadership Foundation (GLF) London. 
Age 68.

ANN GODBEHERE FCGA
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTOR, CHAIRMAN OF THE AUDIT 
COMMITTEE AND MEMBER OF THE 
RISK COMMITTEE
Ann Godbehere has been an independent 
non-executive director of Prudential since 
August 2007. She has been a member of 
the Audit Committee since October  
2007 becoming its Chairman in October 
2009 and joined the Risk Committee in 
November 2010. Ann began her career  
in 1976 with Sun Life of Canada, joining 
Mercantile & General Reinsurance Group 
in 1981, where she held a number of 
management roles rising to Senior Vice 
President and Controller for life and  
health and property/casualty businesses 
in North America in 1995. In 1996  
Swiss Re acquired Mercantile & General 
Reinsurance Group and Ann became 
Chief Financial Officer of Swiss Re Life & 
Health, North America. In 1997 she was 
made Chief Executive Officer of Swiss Re 
Life & Health, Canada. She moved to 
London as Chief Financial Officer of 
Swiss Re Life & Health Division in 1998 
and joined the Property & Casualty 
Business Group, based out of Zurich, 
as Chief Financial Officer on its 
establishment in 2001. From 2003 until 
February 2007, Ann was Chief Financial 
Officer of the Swiss Re Group.

Ann is also a non-executive director of Rio 
Tinto plc, Rio Tinto Limited, UBS AG, Ariel 
Holdings Limited, Atrium Underwriting 
Group Limited and Atrium Underwriters 
Limited. From its nationalisation in 2008 
until January 2009, Ann was Interim Chief 
Financial Officer and Executive Director 
of Northern Rock. Age 55.

BRIDGET MACASKILL
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTOR, CHAIRMAN OF THE 
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE 
AND MEMBER OF THE NOMINATION 
COMMITTEE
Bridget Macaskill has been an 
independent non-executive director of 
Prudential since September 2003. Bridget 

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James is Chairman of the Board of 
Trustees of the Liverpool School of 
Tropical Medicine. He was previously 
a non-executive director of Schneider 
Electric in France, Chairman of the 
Leadership Foundation for Higher 
Education, and a non-executive director 
of McGraw-Hill and Datacard Inc in 
the United States. Prior to that he was 
Chairman of National Grid plc and 
Littlewoods plc. He was also Chief 
Executive of Cable and Wireless plc 
and Chairman and Chief Executive of BP 
America Inc. and a Managing Director 
of the British Petroleum Company plc. 
Age 72.

LORD TURNBULL KCB CVO
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTOR AND MEMBER OF THE RISK 
AND REMUNERATION COMMITTEES
Lord Turnbull has been an independent 
non-executive director of Prudential since 
May 2006. He joined the Risk Committee 
and the Remuneration Committee in 
November 2010. From January 2007 to 
November 2010 he was a member of the 
Audit Committee. He entered the House 
of Lords as a Life Peer in 2005. In 2002 
he became Secretary of the Cabinet and 
Head of the Home Civil Service until he 
retired in 2005. Prior to that he held a 
number of positions in the Civil Service, 
including Permanent Secretary at HM 
Treasury; Permanent Secretary at the 
Department of the Environment (later 
Environment, Transport and the Regions); 
Private Secretary (Economics) to the Prime 
Minister; and Principal Private Secretary 
to Margaret Thatcher and then John 
Major. He joined HM Treasury in 1970.

Lord Turnbull is Chairman of BH Global 
Limited and a non-executive director 
of Frontier Economics Limited and The 
British Land Company PLC, and was 
formerly a non-executive director of the 
Arup Group from 2006 to 2007. He also 
worked part-time as a Senior Adviser to 
the London partners of Booz and Co (UK) 
until February 2011. Age 66.

rejoined the Board of Prudential having 
resigned in 2001 as a result of a potential 
conflict of interest. She has been a 
member of the Remuneration Committee 
since 2003 and became its Chairman in 
May 2006. Bridget has also been a 
member of the Nomination Committee 
since March 2004.

Bridget joined First Eagle Investment 
Management, LLC (formerly Arnhold 
and S. Bleichroeder Advisers, LLC), a US 
based investment management firm, as 
President and Chief Operating Officer  
in February 2009 and became Chief 
Executive Officer in February 2010. 
She is a trustee of the TIAA-CREF funds 
and was previously also a non-executive 
director of the Federal National Mortgage 
Association – Fannie Mae from 2005 to 
2008, Scottish & Newcastle PLC from 
2004 to 2008 and J Sainsbury Plc from 
2002 to 2006. Prior to that she spent 
18 years at OppenheimerFunds Inc, 
a major New York based investment 
management company, the final 
10 years of which she was Chief 
Executive Officer. Age 62.

PAUL MANDUCA
SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR 
AND MEMBER OF THE AUDIT, 
REMUNERATION AND NOMINATION 
COMMITTEES 
Paul Manduca has been an independent 
non-executive director of Prudential 
since October 2010 and succeeded 
James Ross as the Board’s Senior 
Independent Director in January 2011. 
He joined the Audit and Remuneration 
Committees in November 2010 and 
became a member of the Nomination 
Committee in January 2011. 

Paul was appointed as a non-executive 
director of Wm Morrison Supermarkets 
Plc (Morrisons) in September 2005. 
He is currently the Senior Independent 
Director, a member of the Nomination 
Committee and Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee of Morrisons. 
He has previously chaired the Audit 
Committee and is stepping down from 
the Board of Morrisons in March 2011. 
He is also Chairman of Aon Limited, 
a non-executive director and Chairman 
of the Audit Committee of KazmunaiGas 
Exploration & Production Plc, Chairman 
of Henderson Diversified Income Limited 
and a director of JPM European Smaller 
Companies Investment Trust Plc. Paul  
was a director of Development Securities 
plc until March 2010, Chairman of 

Bridgewell Group plc until 2007 
and a director of Henderson Smaller 
Companies Investment Trust plc until 
2006. Paul was European CEO of 
Deutsche Asset Management from 
2002 to 2005, global CEO of Rothschild 
Asset Management from 1999 to 2002 
and founding CEO of Threadneedle Asset 
Management Limited from 1994 to 1999 
when he was also a director of Eagle Star 
and Allied Dunbar. Paul is a member of the 
Securities Institute. Age 59.

KATHLEEN O’DONOVAN ACA
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTOR AND MEMBER OF 
THE AUDIT AND NOMINATION 
COMMITTEES
Kathleen O’Donovan has been an 
independent non-executive director of 
Prudential since May 2003. She has been 
a member of the Audit Committee since 
2003 and was its Chairman from May 
2006 until September 2009. Kathleen 
joined the Nomination Committee in 
November 2010. Kathleen is also a 
director and Chairman of the Audit 
Committee of Trinity Mirror plc, the 
Senior Independent Director and 
Chairman of the Audit Committee 
of ARM Holdings plc and Chairman 
of the Invensys Pension Scheme.

Previously, Kathleen was a non-executive 
director and Chairman of the Audit 
Committees of Great Portland Estates 
PLC, EMI Group plc and the Court of the 
Bank of England, and a non-executive 
director of O2 plc. From 1991 to 2002, 
Kathleen was Chief Financial Officer of 
BTR and Invensys and prior to that she 
was a partner at Ernst & Young. Age 53.

JAMES ROSS OBE
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTOR AND MEMBER OF THE RISK 
AND NOMINATION COMMITTEES
James Ross has been an independent 
non-executive director of Prudential since 
May 2004 and the Senior Independent 
Director from May 2006 to December 
2010. He was succeeded by Paul 
Manduca as Senior Independent Director 
in January 2011 and will retire from the 
Board at the conclusion of the AGM on 
19 May 2011. He became a member of 
the Risk Committee in November 2010 
and was a member of the Remuneration 
Committee from 2004 to 2006 and from 
2008 to November 2010. He was also a 
member of the Audit Committee from 
2005 to 2007. 

104

GOVERNANCE  >  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Compliance with Corporate Governance Codes
As a UK company with primary listings on the London Stock 
Exchange and on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, Prudential 
is subject to the governance rules set out in the Combined Code 
2008 (for reporting periods commencing prior to 29 June 2010) 
and the Code on Corporate Governance Practices in Appendix 
14 to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock 
Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (together the Corporate 
Governance Codes). 

The Combined Code is issued by the Financial 
Reporting Council and can be viewed on their website: 
www.frc.org.uk/corporate/  

The Code on Corporate Governance Practices is issued by the 
Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and can be viewed on their 
website: www.hkex.com.hk/eng/rulesreg/listrules/

The directors believe that good corporate governance is central 
to achieving the Group’s objectives and maximising shareholder 
value, and are committed to high standards of governance. 

The Board supports the Corporate Governance Codes and 
confirms that it has complied with the provisions set out in the 
Combined Code 2008 throughout the financial year ended  
31 December 2010. 

The Board further confirms that it has complied with the Code 
on Corporate Governance Practices in Appendix 14 to the Rules 
Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange of 
Hong Kong Limited from the date of listing on the exchange, 
except that it has deviated in respect of the Terms of Reference 
of the Remuneration Committee. The remit of the Remuneration 
Committee is limited to considering the remuneration of the 
Chairman and executive directors and does not extend to 
making recommendations to the Board in respect of the 
remuneration of the non-executive directors. The reason for the 
deviation is that it would be inconsistent with the principles of 
the Combined Code 2008 (and the provisions of the new UK 
Corporate Governance Code) for the Remuneration Committee 
to be involved in setting the fees of non-executive directors.

The principles of the Corporate Governance Codes have been 
applied as set out below and in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report.

Board of directors
Role of the Board 
The Board is collectively responsible for the success of the 
Group and provides leadership within a framework of effective 
controls which enables suitable risk management. The executive 
directors are responsible for running the business operations 
and the non-executive directors for bringing independent 
judgement and scrutiny to decisions taken by the Board.

The directors are responsible for setting strategic objectives  
and for ensuring the Group is adequately placed and resourced 
to achieve those objectives and for ensuring obligations to its 
shareholders, and wider stakeholders, are met in a manner 
consistent with their statutory duties.

In performing its duties, the Board has direct access to the 
services of the Company Secretary who advises on corporate 
governance matters, Board procedures and compliance with 
applicable rules and regulations. 

Directors have the right to seek independent professional  
advice at the Company’s expense and copies of such advice are 
circulated to other directors where applicable and appropriate.

In the ordinary course of business, Board and Committee papers 
are provided to the directors approximately one week in 
advance of each meeting. 

The Board has approved a governance framework which maps 
out the internal approvals processes and those matters which 
may be delegated. These principally relate to the operational 
management of the Group’s businesses and include pre-
determined authority limits delegated by the Board to the  
Group Chief Executive for further delegation by him in respect 
of matters which are necessary for the effective day-to-day 
running and management of the businesses. The chief executive 
of each business unit has authority for the management of that 
business unit and has established a management board 
comprising its most senior executives. 

The Board may exercise all powers conferred on it by the 
Articles of Association and the Companies Act 2006. This 
includes the powers of the Company to borrow money and to 
mortgage or charge any of its assets (subject to the limitations set 
out in the Companies Act 2006 and the Company’s Articles of 
Association) and to give a guarantee, security or indemnity in 
respect of a debt or other obligation of the Company. 

In order to ensure that it exercises control over the Group’s 
affairs, the Board’s terms of reference are regularly reviewed 
and set out those matters specifically reserved to it for decision. 
These include approval of the annual and interim results, 
strategy and corporate objectives, operating plans, significant 
transactions and matters affecting the Company's share capital. 
Under its internal governance framework all business units are 
required to seek approval from the Board for matters above 
pre-determined authority limits.

Composition 
At 31 December 2010 the Board comprised the Chairman,  
six executive directors and nine independent non-executive 
directors. From 1 January 2011 the number of executive 
directors increased to seven with the appointment of John Foley, 
Group Chief Risk Officer, becoming effective. The biographies 
of all current directors are set out on pages 100 to 103. 

On 15 October 2010, Howard Davies and Paul Manduca 
were appointed as independent non-executive directors.  
From 1 January 2011, Paul Manduca succeeded James Ross 
as the Board’s Senior Independent Director. James will retire 
from the Board at the conclusion of Prudential’s Annual 
General Meeting to be held on 19 May 2011. On 1 January 2011, 
Mike Wells replaced Clark Manning as an executive director 
and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Jackson National 
Life Insurance Company. In addition, John Foley was appointed 
an executive director and Group Chief Risk Officer with effect 
from 1 January 2011. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

105

The Board, or the members in a general meeting, may 
appoint directors up to a maximum total number of 20 as set 
out in the Company’s Articles of Association. The removal 
and resignation of the Company’s directors is governed by the 
relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2006, the Corporate 
Governance Codes and the Company’s Articles of Association. 

Non-executive directors are usually appointed for an initial 
three-year term commencing with their election by shareholders 
at the first Annual General Meeting following their appointment 
by the Board. Each appointment is reviewed towards the end of 
the three-year term against performance and the requirements 
of the Group's businesses. The terms and conditions of all 
directors’ appointments are available for inspection at the 
Company’s registered office during normal business hours  
and at the Annual General Meeting. 

Non-executive directors are typically expected to serve for two 
terms of three years from their initial election by shareholders, 
although the Board may invite them to serve for an additional 
period. Directors serving a third term are subject to rigorous 
annual review. 

Directors appointed to the Board since the 2010 Annual  
General Meeting will stand for election for the first time 
and in accordance with the provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code all other directors, with the exception of 
James Ross who has announced his intention to retire, will offer 
themselves for re-election at the Annual General Meeting to be 
held on 19 May 2011. 

The Board is actively engaged in succession planning for  
both executive and non-executive roles to ensure that Board 
composition is periodically renewed and that the Board retains 
its effectiveness at all times. This is delivered through an 
established review process that is applied across all businesses 
and covers both director and senior management succession 
and development and also through the work of the Nomination 
Committee as described more fully on page 112. The Board 
considers annually the outcome of the review and actions arising 
from the review are implemented as part of the management 
development agenda. We believe that our non-executive 
directors bring a wide range of business, financial and 
international experience to the Board and its committees. Our 
executive directors, who head up the main businesses of the 
Group, each bring an in-depth understanding to the Board of 
their particular business, its markets and its challenges, ensuring 
coverage of the breadth and depth of the Group’s principal 
activities.

G
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E
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N
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E

Chairman and Chief Executive
The roles of Chairman and Group Chief Executive are separate 
and clearly defined. The scope of these roles is approved and 
kept under regular review by the Board so that no individual has 
unfettered decision-making powers. 

The Chairman is responsible for the leadership and governance 
of the Board and the Group Chief Executive for the management 
of the Group and the implementation of Board strategy and 
policy on the Board’s behalf. In discharging his responsibilities, 
the Group Chief Executive is advised and assisted by the Group 
Executive Committee which comprises all the business unit 
heads and a Group Head Office team of functional specialists. 

Independence
The independence of the non-executive directors is determined 
with reference to the Corporate Governance Codes. Prudential 
is required to affirm annually the independence of the non-
executive directors under the rules of the Hong Kong Stock 
Exchange and also the independence of its Audit Committee 
members under the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. The Board has 
appropriate processes in place to manage any potential conflicts 
of interest.

Throughout the year the non-executive directors were 
considered by the Board to be independent in character and 
judgement and met the provisions for independence as set  
out in the Corporate Governance Codes. The Company has 
received confirmation of independence from each of the 
non-executive directors as required by the Hong Kong Listing 
Rules. As the test of independence is not appropriate in relation 
to the Chairman under the Combined Code 2008, and to ensure 
a consistent approach in how the Chairman is described in all 
corporate communications, the Chairman has not been asked to 
provide confirmation of his independence for the purposes of 
the Hong Kong Listing Rules and will not be asked to do so in 
future. Accordingly, the Chairman will no longer be listed as an 
independent non-executive director in Hong Kong corporate 
communications.

Paul Manduca is the Senior Independent Director and concerns 
may be conveyed to him by shareholders if they are unable to 
resolve them through the existing mechanisms for investor 
communications or where such channels are inappropriate. 

Keki Dadiseth and Barry Stowe serve as non-executive directors 
of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited, an Indian 
company which is owned 26% by Prudential. In addition, Keki 
serves at Prudential’s request as a non-executive director of 
ICICI Prudential Trust Limited, an Indian company which is 
owned 49% by Prudential. The Board does not consider that 
these appointments in any way affect Keki’s status as an 
independent director of Prudential. 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Prudential is one of the UK’s largest institutional investors and 
the Board does not believe that this situation compromises the 
independence of those non-executive directors who are on the 
boards of companies in which the Group has a shareholding. The 
Board also believes that such shareholdings should not preclude 
the Company from having the most appropriate and highest 
calibre non-executive directors. 

Induction and Development
The Company Secretary supports the Chairman in providing 
tailored induction programmes for new directors and on-going 
development for all directors. On appointment all directors 
embark upon a wide-ranging induction programme covering, 
amongst other things, the principal bases of accounting for the 
Group’s results, the role of the Board and its key committees and 
the ambit of the internal audit and risk management functions. In 
addition, they receive detailed briefings on the Group’s principal 
businesses, its product range, the markets in which it operates 
and the overall competitive environment. Other areas addressed 
include the directors’ obligations under the different listing 
regimes, legal issues affecting directors of financial services 
companies, the Group’s governance arrangements, its investor 
relations programme as well as its remuneration policies. 

Throughout their period in office directors are regularly updated 
on the Group’s businesses and the regulatory and industry-
specific environments in which it operates as well as on their legal 
and other duties and obligations as directors where appropriate. 
These updates can be in the form of written reports to the Board  
or presentations by senior executives or external sources where 
appropriate. In order to enhance their knowledge and 
effectiveness throughout their term in office, non-executive 
directors serving on key committees are updated regularly  
on matters specific to the relevant committee and receive 
presentations from senior executives on topics of interest to them.

A programme of on-going professional development was 
undertaken by all directors during 2010 which included a 
number of sector-specific and business issues as well as legal, 
accounting and regulatory changes and developments. 
A number of business unit chief executive officers, together 
with relevant senior executives, gave presentations to the Board 
during the course of the year on the challenges and opportunities 
currently faced by their business unit. In addition, senior 
managers within certain head office functions presented to the 
Board on the key issues currently facing their function and 
directors received regular briefings on Solvency II. In addition, 
members of the Audit Committee have the option to attend 
meetings of the business unit audit committees to aid their 
understanding of topical matters of interest to them and how 
they are handled by the Group. 

Performance evaluation 
Prudential continued its programme of annual evaluation of the 
performance of the Board and its Committees in respect of 2010, 
in line with the requirements of the Combined Code 2008. The 
aim is to continue to improve the effectiveness of the Board and  
its Committees and enhance the Group’s performance.

Following an internal performance review for 2009, Prudential 
once again made the decision to use an external adviser to 
facilitate the evaluation for 2010.  The review was carried out by 
Egon Zehnder International in consultation with the Chairman, 
the Senior Independent Director and the Group Chief Executive. 
A key element of the evaluation process was the use of individual 
meetings with each of the directors. This proved an effective and 
informative mechanism for capturing feedback.  

The report on the findings of the review was discussed by the 
Board at its meeting in February 2011 and an action plan will be 
implemented during the year. 

In addition, the performance of the non-executive directors  
and the Group Chief Executive is evaluated by the Chairman in 
individual meetings. The Chairman also leads the non-executive 
directors in a performance assessment of the executive directors 
and the Senior Independent Director leads the non-executive 
directors in a performance evaluation of the Chairman.

Executive directors are subject to regular review and the Group 
Chief Executive individually appraises the performance of each 
of the executive directors as part of the annual Group-wide 
performance evaluation of all staff.

The Group also uses Egon Zehnder International as executive 
search consultants, but does not believe there is a conflict of 
interest, particularly as the Group has relationships with other 
search firms.

Meetings
During 2010 the Board held ten scheduled meetings and met  
on a further fifteen occasions to discuss extraordinary business. 
One separate strategy event was held during the year. A detailed 
forward agenda has been in operation for a number of years.  
This is kept updated to reflect not only scheduled regular items  
of business but also any topical matters arising during the year. 

Each year at least one Board meeting is held at a Group  
business operation in order to facilitate a fuller understanding of 
that business. In November 2010 a Board meeting was held in 
Jakarta, Indonesia where the directors met with senior members 
of the Asia management team and attended a series of 
presentations on the business. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

107

Meeting attendance for 2010

Scheduled 
Board
Meetings

Unscheduled 
Board 
Meetings 

Audit
Committee
Meetings 

Remuneration 
Committee
Meetings

Nomination
 Committee
Meetings

Number of meetings in year

10

15

171

CHAIRMAN
Harvey McGrath

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Tidjane Thiam 
Nic Nicandrou 
Rob Devey 
Clark Manning 2
Michael McLintock 
Barry Stowe 

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Keki Dadiseth 
Howard Davies3, 8
Michael Garrett 
Ann Godbehere 
Bridget Macaskill 
Paul Manduca4, 8
Kathleen O’Donovan 5
James Ross6 
Lord Turnbull7 

10 (10)

15 (15)

10 (10)
10 (10)
10 (10)
10 (10)
10 (10)
9 (10)

7 (10)
1 (2)
10 (10)
10 (10)
10 (10)
 2 (2)
10 (10)
10 (10)
10 (10)

15 (15)
15 (15)
14 (15)
14 (15)
15 (15)
13 (15)

13 (15)
–
12 (15)
13 (15)
14 (15)
–
15 (15)
14 (15)
14 (15)

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
1 (1)
–
17 (17)
–
0 (1)
16 (17)
–
13 (16)

7 

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

6 (7)
–
6 (7)
–
7 (7)
0 (1)
–
6 (6)
1 (1)

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

6

6 (6)

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
6 (6)
–
   1 (1) 
6 (6)
–

Figures in brackets indicate the maximum number of meetings which the individual could have attended in the period in which they were 
a Board or Committee member.

The Audit Committee held eight scheduled meetings during the year and nine unscheduled meetings to discuss extraordinary business.
Ceased to be a director with effect from 1 January 2011.

Notes
1 
2 
3  Appointed as a director and Chairman of Risk Committee on 15 October 2010 and member of the Audit Committee on 9 November 2010.
4  Appointed as a director on 15 October 2010, as a member of the Audit and Remuneration Committee on 9 November 2010 and as a member 

of the Nomination Committee on 1 January 2011.

Ceased to be a member of the Remuneration Committee on 9 November 2010.

5  Appointed as a member of the Nomination Committee on 9 November 2010.
6 
7   Ceased to be a member of the Audit Committee and joined the Remuneration Committee on 9 November 2010.
8  Were unable to attend certain of the scheduled meetings due to pre-existing commitments at the time of appointment to the Board.

The table above details the number of Board and Committee 
meetings attended by each director throughout the year. Where 
directors were not able to attend a meeting, their views were 
canvassed by the Chairman prior to the meeting. A further ten  
ad hoc Board Committee meetings took place during the year 
which had been convened to finalise arrangements for matters 
discussed by the Board, such as approvals of periodic financial 
reports and corporate transactions. 

The Chairman met with the non-executive directors without the 
executive directors being present seven times during the year. 

Conflicts of interest
Directors have a statutory duty to avoid conflicts of interest with 
the Company. The Company’s Articles of Association allow the 
directors to authorise conflicts of interest and the Board has 
adopted a policy and effective procedures on managing 
and, where appropriate, approving conflicts or potential conflicts of 
interest. Under these procedures directors are required to declare 
all directorships or other appointments to companies which are not 
part of the Group as well as other situations which could result in 
conflicts or could give rise to a potential conflict. The Nomination 
Committee, or the Board where appropriate, evaluates and 
approves each such situation individually where applicable.

108

GOVERNANCE  >  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  >  CONTINUED

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

PRUDENTIAL PLC

•  Chairman

•  Nine non-executive  

directors

•  Six executive directors 
at 31 December 2010 
(seven from  
1 January 2011)

AUDIT  
COMMITTEE

REMUNERATION 
COMMITTEE

NOMINATION  
COMMITTEE

RISK 
COMMITTEE

•  Four non-executive  

•  Five non-executive  

directors 

directors 

•  Four non-executive 
directors and the 
Chairman 

•  Four non-executive  

directors 

Directors’ interests 
Individual directors’ interests are set out on page 135 of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report.

External appointments
The Board was satisfied that during 2010 the Chairman’s other 
commitments did not hinder the day-to-day performance of  
his duties for the Group and that he had the commitment  
and capability to make himself available under unforeseen 
circumstances. The major commitments of the Chairman, 
including changes during the year where applicable, are 
detailed in his biography on page 101. 

Directors may hold directorships or other significant interests 
with companies outside of the Group which may have business 
relationships with the Group. 

Executive directors may accept external directorships and  
retain any fees earned from those directorships subject to prior 
discussion with the Group Chief Executive and always provided 
this does not lead to any conflicts of interest. In line with the 
Combined Code 2008, executive directors would be expected to 
hold no more than one non-executive directorship of a FTSE 100 
company. Some of our executive directors hold directorships or 
trustee positions of unquoted companies or institutions. Details  
of any fees retained are included in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report on page 135 and major commitments of our executive 
directors are detailed in their biographies on pages 100 to 103. 

Non-executive directors may serve on a number of other boards 
provided that they are able to demonstrate satisfactory time 
commitment to their role at Prudential and that they discuss any 
new appointment with the Chairman prior to accepting. This 
ensures that they do not compromise their independence and 

that any potential conflicts of interest and any possible issues 
arising out of the time commitments required by the new role  
can be identified and addressed appropriately. The major 
commitments of our non-executive directors are detailed  
in their biographies set out on pages 100 to 103.

Directors’ indemnities and protections 
The Company has arranged appropriate insurance cover in 
respect of legal action against directors and senior managers of 
companies within the Prudential Group. In addition, the Articles  
of Association of the Company permit the directors and officers 
of the Company to be indemnified in respect of liabilities incurred  
as a result of their office. Prudential also provides protections for 
directors and senior managers of companies within the Group 
against personal financial exposure they may incur in their capacity 
as such. These include qualifying third-party indemnity provisions 
(as defined where relevant by the Companies Act 2006) for the 
benefit of directors of Prudential plc and other such persons 
including, where applicable, in their capacity as directors of other 
companies within the Group. These indemnities were in force 
during 2010 and remain in force.

Committees
The Board has established Audit, Remuneration and Nomination 
Committees as principal standing committees of the Board with 
written terms of reference which are kept under regular review.  
In November 2010 the Board established a further committee,  
the Risk Committee, to assist the Board in carrying out its duties  
in respect of monitoring and overseeing Group-wide risk. These 
committees are key elements of the Group’s corporate governance 
framework and reports on each committee are included below.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
109

Audit Committee Report
This report sets out the responsibilities of the Group Audit 
Committee (the Committee) and the activities carried out by  
the Committee during the year.

Role of the Committee
The Committee’s principal responsibilities for 2010 consisted  
of oversight over financial reporting, internal controls and risk 
management, and monitoring auditor independence. Its duties 
include gaining assurance on the control over financial processes 
and the integrity of the Group’s financial reports, monitoring the 
performance, objectivity and independence of the external 
auditor, and reviewing the work of the internal auditor.  
With the establishment of the Risk Committee, the oversight  
of risk management has transferred to that Committee with  
effect from 2011. 

In performing its duties, the Audit Committee has access to 
employees and their financial or other relevant expertise across 
the Group and to the services of the Group-wide Internal Audit 
Director and the Company Secretary. The Committee may also 
seek external professional advice at the Group’s expense.

The Committee’s terms of reference, which are set by the 
Board and kept under regular review, are available on our 
website at www.prudential.co.uk/prudential-plc/aboutpru/
corporategovernance/ Alternatively, copies may be obtained 
upon request from the Company Secretary at the Company’s 
registered office.

Membership
The Committee is comprised exclusively of independent 
non-executive directors of the Company as set out below:

Ann Godbehere (Chairman)
Kathleen O’Donovan 
Lord Turnbull (to 9 November 2010)
Paul Manduca (from 9 November 2010)
Howard Davies (from 9 November 2010)

Membership is selected to provide a broad set of financial, 
commercial and other relevant experience to meet the 
Committee’s objectives. 

The Board has determined that both Ann Godbehere and 
Kathleen O’Donovan have recent and relevant financial 
experience for the purposes of the Combined Code 2008 and  
the Hong Kong Listing Rules. In June 2010 the Board designated 
Ann Godbehere as its Audit Committee financial expert for 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act purposes. This will be reviewed during  
2011 in conjunction with the publication of Form 20-F. 

Full biographical details of the members of the Committee, 
including their relevant experience, are set out on pages 
100 to 103.

G
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Meetings
The Committee held eight scheduled meetings during the year 
and met on a further nine occasions to discuss extraordinary 
business. Individual attendance for the meetings is given in the 
table on page 107. By invitation, the Chairman of the Board, the 
Group Chief Executive, the Chief Financial Officer, the Group 
General Counsel and Company Secretary, the Group-wide 
Internal Audit Director, the Group Chief Risk Officer and other 
senior staff from the Group finance, internal audit, risk, compliance 
and security functions as well as the lead partner of the external 
auditor, attended meetings. Other partners and staff of the 
external auditor also attended some of the meetings to contribute 
to the discussions relating to their area of expertise. 

A detailed forward agenda has been in operation for a number  
of years and is reviewed and updated continually to ensure that all 
matters for which the Committee is responsible are addressed at 
the appropriate time of year. The Committee’s principal business 
during the year consisted of the following:

•  review of half-year and full-year results, the annual report 

and accounts and other significant announcements, where 
appropriate;

•  examination of critical accounting policies and key judgmental 

areas; 

•  review of changes in and implementation of Group Accounting 
Policies in compliance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards and practices;

•  review of the Group’s tax matters;
•  approval of the external auditor’s management representation 
letter, review of the external auditor’s full-year memorandum 
and external audit opinion; 

•  review of US filings and related external audit opinions;
•  monitoring of auditor independence and the external auditor’s 
plans and audit strategy, the effectiveness of the external  
audit process, the external auditor’s qualifications, expertise 
and resources, and making recommendations for the 
re-appointment of the external auditor;

•  monitoring of the framework and effectiveness of the Group’s 
systems of internal control, including the Turnbull compliance 
statement and Sarbanes-Oxley procedures;

•  monitoring the effectiveness of both the Group’s risk framework 

and the management of key financial and operational risks;
•  review of the internal audit plan and resources, and monitoring 

of the audit framework and internal audit effectiveness;
•  monitoring the effectiveness of compliance processes and 

controls, and performance against the Group Compliance Plan;

•  review of anti-money laundering procedures and allegations 
received via the employee confidential reporting lines; and

•  review of its own effectiveness and terms of reference.

110

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In addition, the Committee received in-depth presentations on  
a range of topics. Throughout the year, the Committee received 
the minutes of the Disclosure Committee and the Group 
Operational Risk Committee and noted their activities. From 
November, the Committee further noted the minutes and 
activities of the Assumptions Approvals Committee. Further 
information on the Disclosure Committee and on risk governance 
appears on pages 119 and 115 to 116 respectively. 

The Chairman reported to the Board on matters of particular 
significance after each Committee meeting and the minutes 
of Committee meetings were circulated to all Board members.

The Committee recognises the need to meet without the 
presence of executive management. Such sessions were held 
with the external and internal auditors in February and October 
2010. At all other times management and auditors have open 
access to the Chairman.

the external auditor. During the year the business unit audit 
committees reviewed their respective internal audit plans, 
resources and the results of internal audit work, and both 
external and internal auditors were able to discuss any relevant 
matters with the Chairman and members of the Committee  
as required. 

Internal control and risk management 
The Committee reviewed the Group’s statement on internal 
control systems prior to its endorsement by the Board. It also 
reviewed the policies and processes for identifying, assessing 
and managing business risks. 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act, the Group undertakes an annual assessment of the 
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.  
Further details are provided below.

Financial reporting 
As part of its review of financial statements prior to 
recommending their publication to the Board, the Committee 
focused on: critical accounting policies and practices and any 
changes, decisions requiring a major element of judgement, 
unusual transactions, clarity of disclosures, significant audit 
adjustments, the going concern assumption, compliance with 
accounting standards, and compliance with obligations under 
applicable laws, regulations and governance codes.

In addition, the Committee is regularly briefed by management 
on developments in International Financial Reporting Standards.

Confidential reporting 
One of the standing agenda items of the Committee is to review  
a report on the use of the confidential reporting procedures, 
which are available to employees to enable them to communicate 
confidentially, and anonymously if they so wish, on matters of 
concern and actions taken in response to these communications. 
No material control implications were raised through these 
procedures during the year.  

Business unit audit committees
Each business unit has its own audit committee whose members 
and chairmen comprise primarily senior management and are 
independent of the respective business unit. The minutes of 
these committees are reported regularly to the Committee  
and their meetings are attended by senior management of the 
respective business unit, including the business units' heads  
of finance, risk, compliance and Group-wide internal audit. 
Business unit audit committees have adopted standard terms  
of reference across the Group with minor variations to address 
overseas requirements or particular requirements of the 
business. The terms of reference of those committees were 
reviewed during the year and all include escalation of significant 
matters to the Committee, recommendations for approval of the 
business unit internal audit plans and overseeing the adequacy 
of internal audit resources. Also included are presentations from 

Internal audit
The Committee regards its relationship with the internal audit 
function as pivotal to the effectiveness of its own activities. 
Group-wide Internal Audit plays an important role in supporting 
the Committee to fulfil its responsibilities under the Corporate 
Governance Codes and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and provides 
independent assurance on the Company’s processes of 
identification and control of risk. The Committee agreed the 
work programme of the internal audit function to be undertaken 
during 2010. Each of the Group’s business units has an internal 
audit team, the heads of which report to the Group-wide Internal 
Audit Director. Internal audit resources, plans and work are 
overseen by the Committee and by the business unit audit 
committees. Total internal audit headcount across the Group 
stands at 108. The Group-wide Internal Audit Director reports 
functionally to the Committee and for management purposes to 
the Chief Financial Officer.

Formal reports are submitted to Committee meetings, with 
interim updates where appropriate, and views are also sought 
at the private meetings between the Committee and the internal 
auditors as well as during regular private meetings between  
the Chairman of the Committee and the Group-wide Internal 
Audit Director. 

The Committee assesses the effectiveness of the internal audit 
function by means of regular reviews, some of which are carried 
out by external advisers, and through ongoing dialogue with 
the Group-wide Internal Audit Director. External reviews of 
Group-wide internal audit arrangements and standards were  
last conducted in 2006 and 2007 to ensure that the activities  
and resources of internal audit are most effectively organised  
to support the oversight responsibilities of the Committee. 
These reviews, performed by Deloitte, confirmed that the 
internal audit function complies with the Institute of Internal 
Auditors' international standards for the professional practice of 
internal auditing and concluded that the function was operating 
effectively. An internal assessment of the internal audit function 
was performed by the Group-wide Internal Audit Director in 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

111

subsequent years based on internal audit’s ongoing self-
assessment processes and using a maturity model derived from 
the review criteria used by Deloitte. The assessment confirmed 
that the internal audit function conforms to the Institute of 
Internal Auditors' international standards and continues to 
operate effectively in all areas of professional practice. The results 
of the last assessment were reported in detail to the Committee  
in February 2011. An external review of internal audit 
arrangements and standards in UKIO was conducted in 2010  
to ensure that the activities and resources of internal audit were 
effectively organised to support the oversight responsibilities  
of the Business Unit Audit Committee in the UK. This review, 
performed by PwC, confirmed that the internal audit function  
for UKIO complies with the Institute of Internal Auditors' 
international standards for the professional practice of internal 
auditing and was operating effectively. The next external review  
of Group-wide internal audit arrangements and standards is 
scheduled for 2011.

External audit
The Committee has a key oversight role in relation to the external 
auditor, KPMG Audit Plc, whose primary relationship is with the 
Committee. The Group’s Auditor Independence Policy ensures 
that the independence and objectivity of the external auditor is not 
impaired. The policy sets out four key principles which underpin 
the provision of non-audit services by the external auditor, namely 
that the auditor should not:

•  audit its own firm’s work; 
•  make management decisions for the Group;
•  have a mutuality of financial interest with the Group; or 
•  be put in the role of advocate for the Group. 

All services provided by the auditor under this policy are 
provided in accordance with a pre-approved budget and are 
reviewed by the Committee and approved where necessary.  
The Committee regularly reviews and updates the policy to 
ensure alignment with the latest standards and best practice in 
establishing, maintaining and monitoring auditor independence 
and objectivity. 

Fees payable to the auditor 
For the year ended 31 December 2010 the Committee approved 
fees of £10.4 million to its auditor, KPMG Audit Plc, for audit 
services and other services supplied pursuant to relevant 
legislation. In addition, the Committee approved fees of  
£7.3 million to KPMG for services not related to audit work  
which accounted for 42 per cent of total fees paid to the external 
auditor in the year. Excluding services relating to the AIA 
transaction, this amounted to £1.8 million for services not related 
to audit work which in turn amounted to only 10 per cent of fees 
paid to the external auditor. In accordance with the Group’s 
Auditor Independence Policy, all services were approved prior  
to work commencing and each of the non-audit services was 
confirmed to be permissible for the external auditor to undertake 

as defined by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Committee reviewed 
the non-audit services being provided to the Group by KPMG 
at regular intervals during 2010. A summary of audit fees is 
provided in Note I6 of the Group Financial Statements.

Auditor performance and independence
As part of its work during 2010, the Committee assessed the 
performance of the external auditor, its independence and 
objectivity, and the effectiveness of the audit process. In 
addition to questioning the external auditor, which is a regular 
feature of meetings, the review of the effectiveness of the 
external audit process was conducted through a questionnaire-
based exercise administered by Group-wide Internal Audit. The 
Committee reviewed the external audit strategy and received 
reports from the auditor on its own policies and procedures 
regarding independence and quality control, including an annual 
confirmation of its independence in line with industry standards.

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Re-appointment of auditor 
The Group operates a policy under which at least once every five 
years a formal review is undertaken by the Committee to assess 
whether the external audit should be re-tendered. The external 
audit was last put out to competitive tender in 1999 when 
the present auditor was appointed. Since 2005 the Committee 
has annually considered the need to re-tender the external audit 
service. It again considered this in February 2011 and concluded 
that there was nothing in the performance of the auditor 
requiring a change. In 2007 a new lead audit partner was 
appointed by KPMG Audit Plc, in line with the Auditing Practices 
Board Ethical Statements and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Following its review of the external auditor’s effectiveness and 
independence, the Committee has recommended to the Board 
that KPMG Audit Plc be re-appointed as auditor of the Company 
and a resolution for the re-appointment of KPMG Audit Plc as 
auditor of the Company will be put to a shareholder vote at the 
Annual General Meeting on 19 May 2011. 

Review of Committee effectiveness
As part of the performance evaluation of the Board, the 
Committee undertook an externally facilitated performance 
assessment of the qualitative aspects of its performance during 
the year. The results of this assessment were reported to the 
Board in February 2011. In addition, an internal evaluation was 
carried out addressing compliance with various regulations and 
codes of conduct applicable to the Committee, and the results  
of that assessment were reported to the Committee in February 
2011. The Committee is satisfied, based on the findings of both 
the internal and external review, that it had been operating as an 
effective audit committee throughout the year. Further reviews 
of the effectiveness of the Committee will be undertaken 
regularly and will, from time to time, be conducted by external 
consultants.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Remuneration Committee Report 
Role of the Committee
The Remuneration Committee (the Committee) determines the 
remuneration packages of the Chairman and executive directors. 
It also agrees the principles and monitors the level and structure 
of remuneration for a defined population of management as 
determined by the Board. In framing its remuneration policy, 
the Committee has given full consideration to the provisions 
of Schedule A to the Combined Code 2008. The Directors’ 
Remuneration Report prepared by the Board is set out in full 
on pages 123 to 148. In preparing the report, the Board has 
followed the provisions of the Combined Code 2008, the Code 
of Corporate Governance Practices in Appendix 14 of the Rules 
Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange of 
Hong Kong, the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority 
and the Companies Act 2006.

Except in relation to the remuneration of the Group Chief 
Executive, when only the Chairman is consulted, the Committee 
consults the Chairman and the Group Chief Executive about 
the Committee's proposals relating to the remuneration of all 
executive directors. The Committee has access to professional 
advice inside and outside the Company.

The Committee’s terms of reference, which are set by the 
Board and kept under regular review, are available on our 
website at www.prudential.co.uk/prudential-plc/aboutpru/
corporategovernance/ Alternatively, copies may be obtained 
upon request from the Company Secretary at the Company’s 
registered office.

The terms of reference comply with all significant aspects of 
relevant investor guidelines and require the Committee to ensure 
that the Company adopts a remuneration policy which rewards 
executive directors for their contribution to sustainably and 
responsibly enhancing shareholder value.

Membership
The Committee is comprised exclusively of independent 
non-executive directors of the Company as set out below. 

Bridget Macaskill (Chairman)
Keki Dadiseth  
Michael Garrett
James Ross (to 9 November 2010)
Lord Turnbull (from 9 November 2010)
Paul Manduca (from 9 November 2010)

Full biographical details of the members of the Committee, 
including their relevant experience are set out on pages 
100 to 103.

Meetings
The Committee normally has scheduled meetings at least four 
times a year and a number of additional meetings, as required,  
to review remuneration policy and the application of that 
policy. While the Chairman and Group Chief Executive are not 
members, they attend meetings unless they have a conflict of 
interest. During 2010 a total of seven Committee meetings were 
held. Details of Committee members’ attendance is set out  
on page 107. Full details of the activities of the Remuneration 
Committee are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report  
on page 123 to 148.

Nomination Committee Report 
Role of the Committee
The Nomination Committee (the Committee), in consultation 
with the Board, evaluates the balance of skills, knowledge and 
experience on the Board and identifies the roles and capabilities 
required at any given time taking into account the Group’s 
business and with due regard for the benefits of diversity on the 
Board, including gender. Candidates are considered on merit 
against those criteria and the Committee makes recommendations 
to the Board regarding suitable candidates for appointments.  
In appropriate cases search consultants are used to identify 
candidates. The Committee also reviews conflicts of interest or 
potential conflicts of interest raised by directors between Board 
meetings or for prospective new Board members. In cases where 
there might be an actual or potential conflict of interest the 
Committee has powers to authorise any such actual or potential 
conflict situation on behalf of the Board, imposing any terms and 
conditions it deems appropriate, or to make recommendations to 
the Board as to whether the conflict or potential conflict should be 
authorised and on what terms.

During 2010 the Committee met six times and recommended  
to the Board that Howard Davies and Paul Manduca, who  
were both appointed with the assistance of external search 
consultants, be appointed as non-executive directors. The 
Committee further recommended the appointment of Mike 
Wells and John Foley as executive directors with effect from 
January 2011. Full biographical details of the directors are set  
out on pages 100 to 103.

The Committee’s terms of reference, which are set by the Board 
and kept under regular review, are available on our website at:  
www.prudential.co.uk/prudential-plc/aboutpru/corporate 
governance/ Alternatively, copies may be obtained upon 
request from the Company Secretary at the Company’s 
registered office.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

113

Membership
The Committee is comprised of independent non-executive 
directors and the Chairman, as set out below: 

Harvey McGrath (Chairman)
Bridget Macaskill 
James Ross 
Kathleen O’Donovan (from 9 November 2010)
Paul Manduca (from 1 January 2011)

Meetings
The Committee meets as required to consider candidates for 
appointment to the Board and to make recommendations to the 
Board in respect of those candidates. The Group Chief Executive 
is closely involved in the work of the Committee and is invited to 
attend and contribute to meetings. 

Details of Committee members’ attendance at meetings are set 
out on page 107.

The process of evaluating the skills and composition of the Board 
is ongoing and is kept under regular review in order to ensure 
appropriate plans for succession to the Board are in place. 

Risk Committee Report
Role of the Committee
The Risk Committee was established in November 2010 and has 
responsibility for providing leadership, direction and oversight 
with regard to the Group’s overall risk appetite and tolerance 
and risk management framework, including risk policies and 
processes and controls, and to providing oversight in respect 
of the Group Chief Risk Officer’s responsibilities. 

The Committee has terms of reference which are set by the Board 
and will be kept under regular review. The terms are available on 
our website at www.prudential.co.uk/prudential-plc/aboutpru/
corporategovernance/  Alternatively, copies may be obtained 
from the Company Secretary at the Registered Office.

Membership
The Committee is comprised of independent non-executive 
directors as set out below:

Howard Davies (Chairman)
Ann Godbehere
James Ross 
Lord Turnbull

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Meetings
The Committee expects to hold at least four scheduled meetings  
a year. The Committee will report on its activities in the Annual 
Report 2011 after it has completed its first year of business.

Internal control and risk management 
The Board has overall responsibility for the system of internal 
control and risk management and for reviewing its effectiveness. 
The framework setting out the Group’s approach to internal 
control, risk management and corporate responsibility comprises 
the following:

•  Group governance framework: Documents the Group’s 

internal control policies and processes in an online manual, 
including the Group’s risk framework, code of business 
conduct and detailed policies on key operational and financial 
risks. Business units are also required to follow any additional 
processes necessary to comply with local statutory and 
regulatory requirements. 

•  Group risk framework: Provides an overview of the Group-
wide philosophy and approach to risk management and sets 
out the key risk management processes which support the 
Group’s compliance with internal, statutory and regulatory 
requirements. 

•  Corporate responsibility framework: Provides an overview 
of the Group-wide philosophy and approach to corporate 
responsibility; supports the Group’s commercial focus and the 
increasing challenges faced including changes in stakeholder 
expectations. A key element is the Group Code of Business 
Conduct which sets out the ethical standards the Board 
requires of itself, employees, agents and others working 
on behalf of the Group, in their dealings with employees, 
customers, shareholders, suppliers, and competitors, 
in the wider community and in respect of the environment. 

The Business Review provides further detail on Prudential’s 
risk appetite and exposures on pages 80 to 86 and corporate 
responsibility activities on pages 91 to 98.

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Further details on the procedures for the management of risk  
and the systems of internal control operated by the Group are 
given in the section on Risk Governance on pages 115 to 116. 
The governance framework principally relates to the operational 
management of the Group’s businesses and includes pre-
determined authority limits delegated by the Board in respect 
of matters which are necessary for the effective day-to-day 
running and management of the business. The Group Chief 
Executive has been delegated management authority by the 
Board and in turn grants authority to the executive, including the 
chief executive officers of each business unit who report to him  
for the management of that business unit. In addition, each of 
those chief executives has established a management board 
comprising the business unit’s most senior executives. 

The system is regularly reviewed and complies with the 
Corporate Governance Codes. In complying with the  
Combined Code 2008, the Group follows the 2005 Turnbull 
Guidance relating to the sections of the Code dealing with risk 
management and internal control. The Board reviewed the 
effectiveness of the system of internal control in February 2011, 
covering all material controls, including financial, operational  
and compliance controls, risk management systems and the 
adequacy of the resources, qualifications and experience of staff 
of the issuer’s accounting and financial reporting function. The 
Board confirms that there is an ongoing process for identifying, 
evaluating and managing the significant risks faced by the 
Group, which has been in place throughout the period and 
up to the date of this report.

The chief executive and chief financial officer of each business 
unit annually certifies compliance with the Group’s governance, 
internal control and risk management requirements. The risk 
management function reviewed any matters identified by 
business units in their certification, and also assessed the risk 
and control issues that arose and were reported during the year. 
This included: routine and exception-based risk reporting; 
matters identified and reported by other Group Head Office 
oversight functions and the findings from the work of the 
internal audit function, who execute risk-based audit plans 
throughout the Group. The results were reported to, and 
reviewed by, the Group Audit Committee. 

In line with the Turnbull guidance, the certification provided 
above does not apply to certain material joint ventures where  
the Group does not exercise full management control. In these 
cases, the Group satisfies itself that suitable governance and risk 
management arrangements are in place to protect the Group’s 
interests. However, the relevant Group company which is party 
to the joint venture must, in respect of any services it provides in 
support of the joint venture, comply with the requirements 
of the Group’s internal governance framework.

The internal control and risk management systems described 
above and also under the sections on Risk Governance on page 
115 and the Group Audit Committee on page 109, cover the 
Company’s financial reporting process and the Group’s process 
for the preparation of consolidated financial statements. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

GOVERNANCE  >  RISK GOVERNANCE

115

RISK GOVERNANCE

Group-level framework

BOARD

BOARD

NOMINATION
COMMITTEE

REMUNERATION
COMMITTEE

GROUP RISK
COMMITTEE

GROUP AUDIT
COMMITTEE

1st Line of Defence

2nd Line of Defence

3rd Line of Defence

EXECUTIVES

GEC

BSCMC

MANAGEMENT

GROUP CEO

CFO

GERC

GROUP CRO

GCRC

GORC

STOC

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GROUP
SECURITY

GROUP
COMPLIANCE

GROUP
RISK

GROUP-WIDE
INTERNAL AUDIT

KEY

Board-level Committees
Executive personnel
Exec/Management Committee

GHO Functions
Direct Reporting Line
Regular Communication  
and Escalation

Group Executive Committee

GEC: 
BSCMC:  Balance Sheet & Capital Management Committee
GERC:  Group Executive Risk Committee
GCRC:  Group Credit Risk Committee
GORC:  Group Operational Risk Committee
STOC: 

 Solvency II Technical Oversight Committee (permanent 
successor to Technical Assurance Committee)

Organisation
Prudential’s risk governance framework requires that all  
of the Group’s businesses and functions establish processes for 
identifying, evaluating and managing the key risks faced by the 
Group. The framework is based on the concept of ‘three lines of 
defence’ (LoD): risk management, risk oversight and 
independent assurance.

The diagram above outlines the Group-level framework.

Risk management (1st LoD): As described in the corporate 
governance report, primary responsibility for strategy, 
performance management and risk control lies with the Board, 
which has established the Risk Committee to assist in providing 
leadership, direction and oversight, and with the Group Chief 
Executive and the chief executives of each business unit.

Balance Sheet and Capital Management Committee: 
Meets monthly to monitor the Group’s liquidity and oversee  
the activities of Prudential Capital.

Risk oversight (2nd LoD): Risk exposures are monitored and 
reviewed by Group-level risk committees chaired by the Group 
Chief Risk Officer or the Chief Financial Officer.

Group Executive Risk Committee: Meets monthly to oversee 
the Group’s risk exposures (market, credit, liquidity, insurance  
and operational risks) and to monitor capital.

Group Operational Risk Committee: Reports to the Group 
Executive Risk Committee and meets quarterly to oversee the 
Group’s non-financial (operational, business environment and 
strategic) risk exposures.

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RISK GOVERNANCE

Group Credit Risk Committee: Reports to the Group Executive 
Risk Committee and meets monthly to review the Group’s 
investment and counterparty credit risk positions.

Solvency II Technical Oversight Committee: Will be created 
when the Solvency II programme is complete, to provide ongoing 
technical oversight and advice to the executive and the Board in 
carrying out their duties with regard to the Group’s Internal Model.

The committees’ oversight is supported by the Group Chief Risk 
Officer with functional oversight provided by:

Group Security: Develop and deliver appropriate security 
measures to protect the Group’s staff, physical assets and 
intellectual property.

Group Compliance: Verify compliance with regulatory standards 
and inform the Group’s management and the Board on key 
regulatory issues affecting the Group. 

Group Risk: Establish and embed a capital management and risk 
oversight framework and culture consistent with Prudential’s risk 
appetite that protects and enhances the Group’s embedded and 
franchise value.

Independent assurance: As described in the Corporate 
Governance Report, the Group Audit Committee, supported by 
Group-wide Internal Audit, provides independent assurance and 
oversight of the effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal 
control and risk management.

Principles and objectives
Risk is defined as the uncertainty that Prudential faces in 
successfully implementing its strategies and objectives. This 
includes all internal or external events, acts or omissions that have 
the potential to threaten the success and survival of Prudential.

The control procedures and systems established within the Group 
are designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to 
meet business objectives. They can only provide reasonable and 
not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss and 
focus on aligning the levels of risk-taking with the achievement of 
business objectives.

Material risks will only be retained where this is consistent with 
Prudential’s risk appetite framework and its philosophy towards 
risk-taking, that is:

The Group has five objectives for risk and capital management:

Framework: Design, implement and maintain a capital 
management and risk oversight framework consistent with the 
Group’s risk appetite and Risk-Adjusted Profitability (RAP) model. 

Monitoring: Establish a ‘no surprises’ risk management culture by 
identifying the risk landscape, assessing and monitoring risk 
exposures and understanding change drivers.

Control: Implement risk mitigation strategies and remedial actions 
where exposures are deemed inappropriate and manage the 
response to extreme events.

Communication: Communicate the Group risk, capital and 
profitability position to internal and external stakeholders and 
rating agencies.

Culture: Foster a risk management culture, providing quality 
assurance and facilitating the sharing of best practice risk 
measurement and management across the Group and industry.

Reporting
The Group's economic capital position and overall position  
against risk limits is reviewed regularly by the Group Executive 
Risk Committee. Key economic capital metrics, as well as RAP 
information, are included in business plans, which are reviewed  
by the Group Executive Committee and approved by the Board.

The Group Audit Committee and Group Risk Committee are 
provided with regular reports on the activities of Group Risk. 
These reports include information on the activities of the Group 
Operational Risk Committee and Group Credit Risk Committee. 

Group Head Office oversight functions have clear escalation 
criteria and processes for the timely reporting of risks and 
incidents by business units. As appropriate, these risks and 
incidents are escalated to the various Group-level risk committees 
and the Board.

Internal business unit routine reporting requirements vary 
according to the nature of the business. Each business unit is 
responsible for ensuring that its risk reporting framework meets 
both the needs of the business unit (for example, reporting to the 
business unit risk and audit committees) and the minimum 
standards set by the Group (for example, to meet Group-level 
reporting requirements).

•  the retention of the risk contributes to value creation,
•  the Group is able to withstand the impact of an adverse 

outcome,

•  the Group has the necessary capabilities, expertise,  

processes and controls to manage the risk.

Business units review their risks as part of the annual preparation 
of their business plans, and review opportunities and risks against 
business objectives regularly with Group Head Office. Group Risk 
reviews and reports to Group Head Office on the impact of large 
transactions or divergences from business plan.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

GOVERNANCE  >  RELATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS

117

RELATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS

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Company constitution
The Company is governed by the Companies Act 2006, other 
applicable legislation and regulation as well as by provisions  
of its Articles of Association. The Articles of Association are 
available on our website at www.prudential.co.uk/ 
prudential-plc/aboutpru/memorandum 

Any change to the Articles must be approved by special 
resolution of the shareholders in accordance with the provisions 
of the Companies Act 2006. 

Share capital 
On 31 December 2010, the Company’s issued share  
capital, which is set out in Note H11 on page 321, consisted of 
2,545,594,506 (2009: 2,532,227,471) ordinary shares of 5 pence 
each, all fully paid up and listed on the London Stock Exchange 
and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. The number of accounts 
on the share register at 31 December 2010 was 66,048  
(2009: 71,700). The Company maintains secondary listings  
on the New York Stock Exchange in the form of American 
Depositary Shares which are referenced to its ordinary shares, 
under a depositary agreement with J.P. Morgan, and on the 
Singapore Stock Exchange. 

In compliance with the Rules Governing the Listing of 
Securities on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, the Company 
has maintained a public float of at least 25 per cent of the issued 
share capital from the date of listing on 25 May 2010 to the date 
of this report.

A number of dividend waivers are in place and these relate to 
shares issued, but not allocated, under the Group’s employee 
share plan. These shares are held by the Trustees and will, in  
due course, be used to satisfy requirements under the Group’s 
employee share plans.

Communication with shareholders 
As a major institutional investor, the Company is very 
aware of the importance of maintaining good relations with  
its shareholders. Discussions are held regularly with major 
shareholders and a programme of meetings took place during 
2010. In addition, Prudential also held an investor day in 
December 2010 and plans to make this an annual event. 
A perception survey into the views of the Company’s major 
investors is undertaken regularly by an independent firm 
and the results of this survey are presented to the Board. 
Board members also regularly receive copies of the latest 
analysts’ and brokers’ reports on the Company and the sector 
to further develop their knowledge and understanding of 
external views about the Company. The Chairman and the 
non-executive directors provided feedback to the Board on 
topics raised with them by major shareholders. Should major 
shareholders wish to meet newly appointed directors, or any 
of the directors generally, they are welcome to do so.

The Group maintains a corporate website www.prudential.co.uk 
containing a wide range of relevant information for private and 
institutional investors, including the Group’s financial calendar. 
The shareholder information section on pages 443 to 444 
contains further details which may be of interest to shareholders.

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held in the Churchill 
Auditorium at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, 
Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE on 
19 May 2011 at 11.00am. The Company believes the Annual 
General Meeting is an important forum for both institutional 
and private shareholders and encourages all its shareholders 
to vote. Shareholders are given the opportunity during annual 
general meetings to put questions to the Board on matters 
relating to the Group’s operations and performance. 

At the 2010 Annual General Meeting, the Company continued 
its practice of calling a poll on all resolutions. The voting results 
and all proxies lodged prior to the meeting were displayed at the 
meeting and published on the Company's website. This practice 
provides shareholders present with sufficient information 
regarding the level of support and opposition to each resolution 
and ensures that all votes cast, either at the meeting or through 
proxies, are included in the result. 

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RELATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS

Rights and obligations 
The rights and obligations attaching to the Company’s shares  
are set out in full in the Company’s Articles of Association. There 
are currently no voting restrictions on the ordinary shares, all of 
which are fully paid, and each share carries one vote on a poll. 
If votes are cast on a show of hands, each shareholder present in 
person or by proxy, or in the case of a corporation, each of its 
duly authorised corporate representatives, has one vote, unless 
the proxy is appointed by more than one member in which case 
the proxy has one vote for and one vote against if the proxy has 
been instructed by one or more members to vote for the 
resolution and by one or more members to vote against the 
resolution. 

Where, under an employee share plan operated by the 
Company, participants are the beneficial owners of the shares 
but not the registered owners, the voting rights are normally 
exercisable by the registered owner in accordance with the 
relevant plan rules. Trustees may vote at their discretion, but  
do not vote on any unawarded shares held as surplus assets.

As at 8 March 2011, Trustees held 0.19 per cent of the issued 
share capital of the Company under the various plans in 
operation.

Rights to dividends under the various schemes are set out  
in Note I4 on page 345.

Restrictions on transfer
In accordance with English company law, shares may be 
transferred by an instrument of transfer or through an electronic 
system (currently CREST) and transfer is not restricted except 
that the directors may, in certain circumstances, refuse to 
register transfers of shares, but only if such refusal does not 
prevent dealings in the shares from taking place on an open and 
proper basis. If the directors make use of that power, they must 
send the transferee notice of the refusal within two months. 

Certain restrictions may be imposed from time to time by 
applicable laws and regulations (for example, insider trading laws) 
and pursuant to the Listing Rules of both the Financial Services 
Authority and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, as well as 
Prudential’s own share dealing rules, whereby directors and 
certain employees of the Company require the approval of the 
Company to deal in the Company’s ordinary shares.

Some of the Company’s employee share plans include 
restrictions on transfer of shares while the shares are subject to 
the plan. As described in the Directors’ Remuneration Report, 
non-executive directors use a proportion of their fees to 
purchase shares in the Company which may not normally be 
transferred during a director’s period of office. In addition, all 
directors are required to obtain a number of qualification shares 
within one year of appointment, which they would also be 
expected to retain during their tenure of office. Executive 
directors are also required to build up their shareholding in  
the Company.

Significant shareholdings
As at 8 March 2011, the Company had received notification, in 
accordance with Rule 5.1.2 R of the Disclosure and Transparency 
Rules of the Financial Services Authority, from Capital Research 
and Management Company, Blackrock Inc., Norges Bank and 
Legal and General Group plc that they held 11.65 per cent,  
5.01 per cent, 4.01 per cent and 3.99 per cent respectively 
of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital at the time 
of notification.  

Authority to issue shares
The directors require authority from shareholders in relation to 
the issue of shares by the Company. Whenever shares are issued 
the Company has to offer the shares to existing shareholders  
pro rata to their holdings unless it has been given authority 
by shareholders to issue shares without offering them first to 
existing shareholders. The Company seeks authority from its 
shareholders on an annual basis to issue shares up to a maximum 
amount and to issue up to five per cent of its issued share capital 
without observing pre-emption rights, in line with relevant 
regulations and best practice. Dis-application of statutory 
pre-emption procedures is also sought for rights issues. The 
Company’s existing authorities to issue shares and to do so 
without observing pre-emption rights are due to expire at the 
end of this year’s Annual General Meeting. An ordinary 
resolution and a special resolution to approve the renewal 
of these authorities respectively, will be put to shareholders 
at the Annual General Meeting on 19 May 2011. 

Details of shares issued during 2009 and 2010 are given in note 
H11 on page 321. 

In accordance with the terms of a waiver granted by the Hong 
Kong Stock Exchange, the Company confirms that it complies 
with the applicable law and regulation in the UK in relation to 
the holding of shares in treasury and with the conditions of the 
waiver in connection with the purchase of own shares and any 
treasury shares it may hold.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

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Authority to purchase own shares
The directors also require authority from shareholders in relation 
to the purchase of own shares by the Company. The Company 
seeks authority by special resolution on an annual basis for the 
buyback of its own shares in accordance with the relevant 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and other related 
guidance. The Company has not made use of that authority since 
it was last granted at its Annual General Meeting in 2010. This 
existing authority is due to expire at the end of this year’s Annual 
General Meeting. A special resolution to approve the renewal of 
this authority will be put to shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting on 19 May 2011. 

•  monitor compliance with the Company’s disclosure controls 

and procedures;

•  review and provide advice to the Group Chief Executive and 
Chief Financial Officer with regard to the scope and content  
of all public disclosures made by the Company which are  
of material significance to the market or investors; and
•  review and consider, and where applicable follow up on, 

matters raised by other components of the disclosure process. 
These may include, to the extent they are relevant to the 
disclosure process, any matters to be raised with the Group 
Audit Committee, the internal auditors or the external auditor 
of the Company’s internal controls.

In discharging these objectives, the Committee helps to support 
the certifications by the Group Chief Executive and the Chief 
Financial Officer of the effectiveness of disclosure procedures 
and controls required by Section 302 of the Act.

The provisions of Section 404 of the Act require the Company's 
management to report on the effectiveness of internal controls 
over financial reporting in its annual report on Form 20-F, which 
is filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. To 
comply with this requirement to report on the effectiveness of 
internal control, the Group has documented and tested its 
internal controls over financial reporting in the format required 
by the Act. The annual assessment and related report from the 
external auditor will be included in the Group's annual report on 
Form 20-F, which will be published in the coming months.

In addition, the Disclosure Committee evaluates whether or not  
a particular matter requires disclosure to the market, taking into 
account relevant regulations.

Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors
Prudential has adopted share dealing rules which incorporate 
the UK Model Code on share dealing and the Hong Kong Model 
Code for Securities Transactions by Directors. Prudential 
operates various employee share plans and has obtained a 
number of waivers from the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in 
order to facilitate the normal operation of those plans.

Following specific enquiry, the directors have confirmed their 
compliance with these rules.

US corporate governance and regulations 
As a result of the listing of its securities on the New York Stock 
Exchange, the Company is required to comply with the relevant 
provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 (the ‘Act’) as they 
apply to foreign private issuers and has adopted procedures to 
ensure this is the case. 

In particular, in relation to the provisions of Section 302 of 
that Act, which covers disclosure controls and procedures, a 
Disclosure Committee has been established reporting to the 
Group Chief Executive, chaired by the Chief Financial Officer 
and comprising members of senior management. The objectives 
of this Committee are to:

•  assist the Group Chief Executive and the Chief Financial 

Officer in designing, implementing and periodically evaluating 
the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures;

 
120

GOVERNANCE  >  CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY GOVERNANCE

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY  
GOVERNANCE

The Board is committed to achieving the highest standards  
of corporate responsibility in directing and controlling  
the business. In terms of the governance of our corporate 
responsibility strategy, Harvey McGrath, the Chairman, 
has Board level responsibility for social, environmental and 
ethical risk management. The Board discusses Prudential’s 
performance in these areas at least once a year and also reviews 
and approves Prudential’s corporate responsibility report and 
strategy on an annual basis. 

Below Board level, the Responsibility Committee is a specialist 
Group-wide committee. This committee is responsible for 
reviewing Prudential’s business conduct and social and 
environmental policy and ensures consistency of approach 
across the Group’s international businesses. Consideration of 
environmental, social and community matters is embedded in 
our Code of Business Conduct and supported by our corporate 
responsibility philosophy and programme, which takes into 
account local cultures and requirements across our businesses.

The Corporate Responsibility team, which is located in  
our Group Head Office, develops Prudential’s corporate 
responsibility strategy and works closely with individual  
business units to provide advice. The team also assists with  
the development and adaptation of Group-wide initiatives  
so that they not only fit with our overall Group principles  
but are also adapted to meet local needs. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

GOVERNANCE  >  ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES

121

ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES

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The following additional disclosures are made in compliance with 
the Companies Act 2006, the Disclosure and Transparency Rules 
and the Corporate Governance Codes.

Financial reporting 
The directors have a duty to report to shareholders on the 
performance and financial position of the Group and are 
responsible for preparing the financial statements on pages 153 
to 352 and pages 375 to 386 and the supplementary information 
on pages 389 to 433. It is the responsibility of the auditor to 
form independent opinions, based on its audit of the financial 
statements and its audit of the EEV basis supplementary 
information; and to report its opinions to the Company’s 
shareholders and to the Company. Its opinions are given on 
pages 388 and 435.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year which give a true and fair  
view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the Group. The 
criteria applied in the preparation of the financial statements are 
set out in the statement of directors' responsibilities on page 387.

The directors are further required to confirm that the  
directors’ report includes a fair review of the development and 
performance of the business, with a description of the principal 
risks and uncertainties. Such confirmation is included in the 
statement of directors' responsibilities on page 387.

The Chief Financial Officer's Review includes, on pages 80 to 86, 
a description of the Group's risk and capital management, which 
includes a description of the Group's liquidity position. These 
risks are also discussed in Note C to the financial statements on 
page 203. The Group has considerable internal and external 
financial resources and the directors believe that the Group is 
well placed to manage its business risks successfully.

sensitivities are referred to in the Chief Financial Officer’s 
Review. Specifically, the Group’s borrowings are detailed in  
Note H13 on pages 324 to 326, the market risk and liquidity 
analysis associated with the Group’s assets and liabilities can 
be found in Note G2 on pages 300 to 304, policyholder liability 
maturity profile by business units in Notes D2, D3, D4 on 
pages 232, 253 and 261 respectively, cash flow details in the 
consolidated statement of cash flows and provisions and 
contingencies in Note H14. The directors therefore have 
continued to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in 
preparing the financial statements.

Post-balance sheet events 
Important events affecting the Company after the end of the 
financial year are detailed in Note I12 on page 352.

Change of control
Under the agreements governing Prudential Corporation 
Holdings Limited’s life insurance and fund management  
joint ventures with China International Trust & Investment 
Corporation (CITIC), if there is a change of control of the 
Company, CITIC may terminate the agreements and either 
(i) purchase the Company’s entire interest in the joint venture  
or require the Company to sell its interest to a third party 
designated by CITIC, or (ii) require the Company to purchase 
all of CITIC’s interest in the joint venture. The price of such 
purchase or sale is to be the fair value of the shares to be 
transferred, as determined by the auditor of the joint venture. 

Essential contracts or arrangements
There are a number of significant relationships with third 
parties, which have value to the business. No single relationship, 
however, is considered to be essential to the Group as a whole.

The directors who held office at the date of approval of this 
directors’ report confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there 
is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditor 
is unaware; and each director has taken all the steps that he or 
she ought to have taken as a director to make himself or herself 
aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that  
the Company’s auditor is aware of that information. This 
confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance 
with the provisions of Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006.

Compensation for loss of office 
None of the terms of employment of the Company's directors 
includes provisions for payment of compensation for loss of 
office or employment that occurs because of a takeover bid. 
Terms applying on a termination of their office are set out in the 
Directors' Remuneration Report. In the US, senior executives 
participate on a discretionary basis in a plan which entitles them 
to compensation, in the event that their employment is 
terminated or adversely affected as a result of a takeover. 

Going concern 
After making enquiries the directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate 
resources to continue their operations for the foreseeable future. 
In support of this expectation, the Company’s business activities, 
together with the factors likely to affect its future development, 
successful performance and position in the current economic 
climate are set out in the Business Review on pages 17 to 98. The 
risks facing the Group’s capital and liquidity positions and their 

Customers
The five largest customers of the Group constituted in aggregate 
less than 30 per cent of its total sales for each of 2010 and 2009.

For the year ended 31 December 2010, none of the directors 
of the Company, their associates or any shareholders of the 
Company (which have, to the knowledge of the directors of the 
Company, owned more than 5 per cent of the Company’s issued 
share capital) had any interest in the Group's major customers.

122

GOVERNANCE  >  INDEX TO PRINCIPAL DIRECTORS’ REPORT DISCLOSURES 

INDEX TO PRINCIPAL DIRECTORS’ 
REPORT DISCLOSURES 

Information required to be disclosed in the directors’ report may be found in the following sections:

Information

Business review

Essential contracts or arrangements

Disclosure of information to auditor

Directors in office during the year

Principal activities

Dividend recommended for the year

Section in Annual Report

Page number(s)

Overview and business review

Additional disclosures

Corporate governance 

Board of directors

Business review

Group Chief Executive’s report/
Business review

Details of qualifying third-party indemnity provisions

Corporate governance 

Political and charitable donations and expenditure

Corporate responsibility review

Financial instruments – risk management objectives 
and policies

Business review

Post-balance sheet events

Note I12 of the Notes on the Group Financial 
Statements and Additional disclosures

Future developments of the business of the Company

Group Chief Executive's report

Employment policies and employee involvement

Corporate responsibility review

Creditors – policy on payment and practice

Corporate responsibility review

Structure of share capital, including restrictions on the 
transfer of securities, voting rights and significant 
shareholders

Corporate governance 

Rules governing appointments of directors

Corporate governance 

Rules governing changes to the articles of association

Corporate governance 

Powers of directors 

Corporate governance 

Significant agreements impacted by a change of control

Additional disclosures

Agreements for compensation for loss of office or 
employment on takeover

Additional disclosures

1-98

121

121

100-103; 104

4-5; 87-89

13; 25

108

97

79

352

14

93-94

97

117-119

105

117

104

121

121

In addition, the risk factors set out on pages 438 to 442 and the additional unaudited financial information set out on pages 353 to 374 
are incorporated by reference into this directors' report.

Signed on behalf of the Board of directors

MARGARET COLTMAN
COMPANY SECRETARY

8 March 2011

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

DIRECTORS’ 
REMUNERATION 
REPORT

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Directors’ remuneration report

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124

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

DIRECTORS’  
REMUNERATION  
REPORT

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present the Remuneration Committee’s report  
on directors’ remuneration for the year to 31 December 2010.

Firstly, I would like to welcome Lord Turnbull and Paul Manduca 
to the Committee. I would also like to thank James Ross, who  
has stepped down from the Committee after six years, for his 
contribution.

In May 2010, we listed our shares in Hong Kong and Singapore. 
As a result, you will find that some additional information is 
provided in this year’s Directors’ Remuneration Report and that 
the format used to present some data has been revised to comply 
with these new listing requirements.

The primary objective of our remuneration policy remains 
unchanged: to attract high calibre executives, to encourage  
them to contribute to the success of Prudential by achieving  
our business plans, generating returns for shareholders,  
and to reward them based on the Company’s success and their 
individual contributions. The policy supports the Company’s 
strategy and goals, and aims to comply with good practice  
in the markets where the Group operates.

2010 was another successful year for the Group. As you will  
see from our results, we have delivered outstanding business 
performance, achieving strong sales and profits. This 
demonstrates the success of the Group’s strategy of focusing  
on value over volume and capitalising on growth opportunities  
in our chosen markets around the world. The Group’s prudent 
but proactive risk based approach has ensured that our capital 
position remains robust and resilient. We have significantly 
out-performed our international peer group over the last three 
years, which resulted in full vesting under the Group 
Performance Share Plan. 

In considering the 2010 Annual Bonus payments for executive 
directors, the Committee sought to balance the appropriate level 
of reward for the achievement of results which exceeded all 
performance targets with the costs associated with the proposed 
AIA transaction. After careful consideration, the Committee 
used its discretion to take the cost of the AIA transaction (which 
is excluded from the Group’s reported IFRS and EEV operating 
profit) fully into account in determining the results to be used  
for bonus purposes. Bonuses for all executive directors were 
therefore based on the results after all AIA transaction costs.  
For 2010, it was agreed with the Group Chief Executive that the 
portion of his bonus (50%) which would normally be payable 
immediately in cash would be converted into shares and 
deferred for three years.

In the Group Chief Executive's Report, Tidjane Thiam set out 
three Group-wide operating principles which have underpinned 
the sound management of the Group. These principles are 
reflected in the reward policies operated by the Group and in  
the way that the Remuneration Committee makes its decisions, 
as set out below:

Balanced approach to performance management
The Group believes that sustainable growth requires new 
business profitability, IFRS profitability and cash generation to 
develop in parallel; no one of these measures should be achieved 
at the expense of the others. The basket of annual bonus plan 
measures rewards the simultaneous delivery of these key 
indicators. Bonuses are also determined by the achievement  
of personal measures which assess executives’ individual 
non-financial contributions to the development of the Group  
and to the execution of our strategy.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

The Directors’ Remuneration Report has been prepared  
by the Remuneration Committee (the ‘Committee’) and  
has been approved by the Board. Shareholders will be 
given the opportunity to approve the report at the  
Annual General Meeting on 19 May 2011.

This report has been drawn up in accordance with the 
Combined Code on Corporate Governance, Schedule 8  
of the Large and Medium Sized Companies and Groups 
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, the UK Listing 
Authority Listing Rules and the Code on Corporate 
Governance Practices in Appendix 14 of the Rules 
Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange 
of Hong Kong. KPMG Audit Plc has audited the sections 
contained on pages 138 to 148.

During the year, the Company has complied with the 
provisions of Section 1 and Schedule A of the Combined 
Code on Corporate Governance then in force regarding 
directors’ remuneration.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

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Disciplined capital allocation
The Group has a rigorous focus on allocating capital to the 
geographies and products with the best returns and shortest 
payback opportunities. Our objective is to create the highest 
possible sustainable returns for shareholders, as reflected in  
our share price and dividends. To align the interests of our 
executives with those of our shareholders and to reward them  
for delivering these returns, the Group Performance Share  
Plan is based on total shareholder return and only rewards 
participants if the Group’s share price growth and dividends  
are superior to those provided by other international insurance 
organisations over a three-year period.

Proactive risk management
Effectively managing risk across our operations is essential if the 
growth which we create is to provide shareholders with lasting 
value. The Remuneration Committee is therefore mindful of the 
need for pay to reward the delivery of strong business results 
without encouraging inappropriate risk taking. Given the 
longevity of the products which we offer, an important aspect of 
our remuneration policy has always been a focus on sustainable 
long-term performance. We continue to achieve this in a number 
of ways including an emphasis on cash generation and 
preservation of capital in our annual bonus plan performance 
measures, the deferral of a proportion of the annual bonus into 
Company shares for three years and substantial shareholding 
guidelines for executives.

The Committee has and will continue to review the implications 
of emerging guidelines and regulations on our remuneration 
governance structures, policies and practices, and will 
implement any changes where appropriate. 

I trust that you will endorse the policies outlined in our report.

BRIDGET MACASKILL
CHAIRMAN, REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
8 March 2011

 
 
126

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT  >  CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’  
REMUNERATION  
REPORT

The Remuneration Committee
The Committee is responsible for:

•  Determining the remuneration policy for the Chairman  

and the executive directors of the Company;

•  Monitoring the remuneration of a defined leadership 
population and for individuals earning over £1 million 
per annum.

The Committee’s terms of reference are available on the 
Company’s website and a copy may be obtained from  
the Company Secretary. These terms of reference are  
reviewed annually.

Each Business Unit also has its own remuneration committee, 
with similar terms of reference, to ensure effective remuneration 
governance in all our businesses.

The members of the Committee during 2010 are listed below.  
All are independent non-executive directors:

Bridget Macaskill (Chairman)
Keki Dadiseth FCA 
Michael Garrett
James Ross (until 9 November 2010)
Lord Turnbull KCB CVO (from 9 November 2010)
Paul Manduca (from 9 November 2010)

In 2010, the Committee met seven times. Some key activities 
during the year included:

•  Reviewing the requirements of the latest governance 

guidelines and consultations, including the FSA’s revised 
Remuneration Code;

•  Considering how remuneration arrangements should support 
the implementation of the Solvency II framework, due to be 
implemented in 2012;

•  Considering the package to be offered to Mike Wells upon  
his appointment as President and CEO of Jackson and the 
payments to be made to Clark Manning as he transitioned  
out of this role;

•  Agreeing the package to be offered to John Foley as he  

joined the Board as Group Chief Risk Officer;

•  Establishing the performance measures and targets for the 
annual and long-term incentive plans, and considering the 
appropriate level of payments to be made; and

•  Overseeing the remuneration of the Group Leadership Team 

(comprising around 100 senior individuals including the Group 
Executive Committee) and of employees with remuneration 
over £1 million per annum.

The Chairman and the Group Chief Executive attend meetings 
by invitation. The Committee also had the benefit of advice from 
the Chief Financial Officer, Group Chief Risk Officer, Group 
Human Resources Director and Director of Group Reward and 
Employee Relations. Individuals are never present when their 
own remuneration is discussed.

In making its decisions, the Committee called on advice from 
Deloitte LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Market data  
was sourced from Deloitte LLP, Towers Watson and McLagan 
Partners. Linklaters and Slaughter & May provided legal counsel, 
including advice on employment law and the operation of the 
Company’s share plans. Some of these firms also provided other 
services to the Company: Deloitte LLP, PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP and Slaughter & May in relation to taxation and other 
financial matters, Towers Watson in relation to actuarial advice 
and Slaughter & May in relation to commercial, corporate and  
general legal advice.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

Remuneration principles
In determining remuneration policy, the Committee applies  
the following principles:

•  A substantial portion of total remuneration is delivered 

through performance-related reward with the highest levels of 
reward only being paid for the highest levels of achievement;

•  A significant element of performance-related reward is 

provided in the form of shares;

•  The total remuneration package for each executive director  
is set with reference to the relevant employment market;
•  The performance of business unit executive directors is 

measured at both a business unit and Group level; 

•  Performance measures include absolute financial measures 
and relative measures, as appropriate, to provide alignment 
between achieving results for shareholders and the rewards 
for executives;

•  Reward structures are designed to deliver fair and equitable 

remuneration for all employees; and

•  Reward arrangements are designed to minimise regulatory 

and operational risk.

These principles shape remuneration policies and practices 
which are aligned with our business model. They are designed  
to ensure that a strong governance approach is adopted and 
applied across all business units. The Committee continues 
to review these principles regularly.

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT  >  CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’  
REMUNERATION  
REPORT

Summary of main components of remuneration and related requirements
The table below summarises the Company’s policies as they were applied during 2010. The Committee intends to adopt the same 
approach in 2011:

ELEMENT

PURPOSE

APPROACH

Total compensation

Adopts appropriate compensation 
structures and reward payouts to attract 
high calibre executive directors. 

Base salary

Along with benefits, provides the 
guaranteed element of remuneration 
necessary to recruit and retain the best 
people to lead our business.

Annual bonus 

Rewards the achievement of business 
results and individual objectives in  
a given year.

Deferred bonus

Reinforces the need for annual results to 
be grounded in business performance 
which is sustained over the longer term.

Long-term incentive

Rewards executive directors for delivering 
sustainable long-term returns for 
shareholders.

Benchmarked against the relevant  
market for the role, taking into account the 
individual’s contribution and experience. 
Market position is compared with 
companies of similar size and complexity 
to Prudential in the relevant market for  
the role.

Consideration is also given to 
remuneration arrangements and levels 
offered to other Prudential employees.

Based on scope of role and market 
position, as well as the individual’s 
contribution and experience, taking  
into account total remuneration, market 
movement of salaries in comparator 
organisations and salary increases for 
employees generally. 

The Committee reviews salaries annually. 
Any changes in base salaries are effective 
from 1 January.

Executive directors have annual bonus 
plans based on the achievement of Group 
and business unit financial performance 
measures and individual contribution. 
2010 Group and business unit targets 
focused on profitability, cash flow and 
capital preservation. 

Bonuses are not pensionable.

Executive directors are required to defer 
between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of 
annual bonus (for Michael McLintock,  
50 per cent of bonus over £500,000  
is deferred) into Prudential shares for 
three years. 

All executive directors participate in the 
Group Performance Share Plan under 
which awards vest based on relative  
TSR performance against a peer group  
of international insurers.

Business unit Chief Executives also 
participate in business unit plans which 
focus on financial measures which 
contribute to the long-term success of the 
business unit and, therefore, the Group.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

129

ELEMENT

PURPOSE

APPROACH

All-employee share plans

Offer all employees an opportunity to 
participate in the success of the Company. 

Benefits

Provide health and security benefits as 
part of the fixed element of remuneration. 
Set at an appropriate level compared  
with peers.

Pension and long-term savings

Provide opportunities for executive 
directors to save for an income in 
retirement in a cost efficient manner.

Shareholding guidelines

Encourage executives to build an interest 
in the Company’s shares and support 
alignment with shareholder interests.

The structure of plans is determined  
by market practice and local legislation. 
Executive directors are eligible to 
participate in all-employee plans on  
the same basis as other employees in  
their location.

Executive directors receive benefits,  
for example participation in medical 
insurance schemes, the use of a car  
and driver, and security arrangements. 
No benefits are pensionable. 

Executive directors are also entitled to 
participate in M&G investment products 
on the same terms as other employees.

It is the Company’s policy to provide 
efficient pension and other long-term 
savings vehicles to allow executive 
directors to save for their retirement.  
The Company’s policy for all external 
appointments since June 2003 has  
been to provide a pension contribution  
as a fixed percentage of salary. 

The level of Company contribution  
is related to competitive practice in the 
executive directors’ employment markets.

The Group Chief Executive and Chief 
Executive of M&G are required to hold 
shares equal to 200 per cent of base 
salary. A policy of 100 per cent of base 
salary applies for other executive director 
roles. Executive directors have five years 
in which to build their shareholding.

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130

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT  >  CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’  
REMUNERATION  
REPORT

On a policy basis, the package for 2011 will offer the following 
proportions of fixed and variable and short- and long-term 
reward for our executive directors:

Group Chief Executive

Chief Financial Officer 

President and Chief Executive Officer, JNL

Chief Executive, M&G

Chief Executive, Prudential UK & Europe 

Chief Executive PCA

Group Chief Risk Officer

Performance

Superior
Good

Superior
Good

Superior
Good

Superior
Good

Superior
Good

Superior
Good

Superior
Good

0

20

40

60

80

100

%

Base salary
Cash bonus
2010 deferred bonus
Long-term incentive plan

Annual bonus
The 2010 annual bonus plans for the majority of executive 
directors included Group and business unit performance 
measures based on:

•  IFRS operating profit
•  EEV operating profit
•  Holding company cash flow; and
•  Insurance Group Directive (IGD) Capital Surplus.

These performance measures have been selected because they 
recognise the importance of generating profit while maintaining 
cash flow and capital coverage. Please see the Financial 
Statements and the Risk and Capital Management section 
of the Business Review for full definitions of these measures. 
Michael McLintock’s annual bonus plan incorporated Business 
Unit measures including growth in third party funds, M&G 
investment performance and M&G IFRS operating profit 
(excluding PruCap). The performance measures for Jackson 
are IFRS pre-tax operating income (with the target and result 
adjusted to reflect the revised presentation of operating profit) 
and EEV new business profit. 

A portion of the annual bonus for each executive director is 
based on the achievement of personal objectives. These include 
the executive’s contribution to Group strategy as a member of 
the Board and specific goals related to their functional and/or 
business unit role (for instance, project measures relating to 
the implementation of the Solvency II requirement). In addition,  
all employees are required to comply with the regulatory, 
governance and risk management practices and policies as  
these relate to their role and business area. Specifically, all 
business units must act within the Group’s risk appetite.

In this chart, ‘Good’ performance results in the payment of plan annual bonuses 
and threshold vesting of long-term incentive awards while ‘Superior’ performance 
generates maximum payment of annual bonuses and maximum vesting of 
long-term incentive awards.

Executive directors’ bonus opportunities, the weighting of 
performance measures for 2010 and the proportion of annual 
bonuses deferred are set out opposite.

Components of remuneration
Base salary
The limited increases to executive directors’ base salaries 
effective on 1 January 2010 were detailed in the 2009 
Remuneration Report. No executive director has been  
awarded a salary increase effective on 1 January 2011.

Mike Wells’s salary on his appointment as Chief Executive of 
Jackson is $1,000,000. John Foley’s salary on his appointment  
as Group Chief Risk Officer is £550,000. Mike Wells’s and 
John Foley’s salaries will next be reviewed with effect from 
1 January 2012. 

The table opposite sets out the proportion of each executive 
director’s annual bonus which must be deferred. This portion is 
deferred for three years in the form of the Company’s shares and 
is used to reinforce executive directors’ focus on the sustained 
success of the Company.

Despite continued turbulence in the financial markets, 
Prudential’s leadership team has remained focused on delivery. 
The Group achieved exceptional results against all of the 
financial annual incentive plan measures leading to attainment  
of bonus payments at close to the maximum level, even after 
offsetting all of the costs associated with the proposed AIA 
transaction. This was reflected in the value delivered to 
shareholders by the rising share price and the dividends 
paid. On the basis of this performance, the Committee 
approved the 2010 bonus payments set out on page 138.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

131

Executive directors’ bonus opportunities, the weighting of performance measures for 2010 and the proportion  
of annual bonuses deferred

Rob Devey
Clark Manning
Michael McLintock
Nic Nicandrou
Barry Stowe
Tidjane Thiam

Maximum 
bonus
opportunity 
(% of salary)

160%
c 320% (note 1)
(note 2)

160%
160%
180%

Weighting of measures

Deferral 
requirement 

Financial measures

Group 

Business unit

Personal 
objectives

40% of total bonus
30% of total bonus
50% of bonus above £500,000
40% of total bonus
40% of total bonus
50% of total bonus3

20%
25%
10%
80%
20%
80%

60%
65%
75%
–
60%
–

20%
10%
15%
20%
20%
20%

Notes
1 

Clark Manning’s annual bonus figures and the weighting of measures shown include a notional figure for his 10 per cent share of the 
Jackson senior management bonus pool based on the performance of Jackson. 

2  Michael McLintock’s annual bonus and long-term incentive opportunities are based on M&G’s performance both in absolute terms and 

relative to its peers. His bonus and long-term incentive opportunities are determined by an assessment of market competitive rewards for 
median and superior performance. In line with practice in the asset management sector, there is no specified maximum incentive award. 
Michael’s total remuneration is subject to an overriding cap which requires that his total remuneration must not be greater than 3 per cent 
of M&G’s annual IFRS profit.
For 2010, it was agreed with the Group Chief Executive that the portion of his bonus (50%) which would normally be payable in cash would 
be converted into shares and deferred for three years.

3 

During the first quarter of 2010, the vesting of deferred share 
awards for UK employees (including UK-based executive 
directors) was accelerated in light of the impending changes to UK 
taxation. Some of the shares were sold to meet the resulting tax 
liabilities while the remaining shares were immediately converted 
into restricted share awards. These will vest on the same terms and 
timescale as the original deferred share awards. The Committee 
believed that it was appropriate for executive directors to pay tax 
on these awards at the rate in force when the annual bonuses were 
originally calculated and when the deferral was made. Please see 
the Other Share Awards table on page 144 for details.

Long-term incentives
All executive directors participate in the Group Performance 
Share Plan (GPSP). Awards vest on the basis of the Group’s 
relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance against  
a peer group of international insurers. Those executive directors 
with responsibility for a business unit also participate in plans 
linked to the long-term success of the relevant unit. The 
Committee will continue to keep the performance measures 
used in the long-term incentive plans under review to ensure 
their continued relevance.

Details of the awards made under these plans in 2010 can be 
found on pages 142 and 143.

Group Performance Share Plan (GPSP)
All executive directors participate in the GPSP. This plan delivers 
shares to participants subject to Prudential’s Total Shareholder 
Return (TSR) performance over a three year period. 

Prudential’s TSR performance over the performance period  
is compared with the TSR performance of an index composed  
of 10 international insurers (see box below). This performance 
measure was selected because it focuses on the value delivered 
to shareholders. TSR is measured on a local currency basis since 
this has the benefits of simplicity and directness of comparison.

The peer group used for the 2008 and 2009 GPSP awards was 
comprised of the organisations listed below plus Friends 
Provident (Friends Provident was removed from the comparator 
group for outstanding and future awards in November 2009 
when it delisted). The organisations listed will also comprise the 
peer group used for 2011 GPSP awards.

The vesting schedule for GPSP awards is set out below:

% of award vesting

100

75

50

25

0

Performance achieved by Prudential (percentage of index)

100%

110%

120%

Peer Companies within the Index used for 2010 GPSP awards 
Aegon, Allianz, Aviva, Axa, Generali, ING, Legal & General, Manulife, Old Mutual 
and Standard Life

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132

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT  >  CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’  
REMUNERATION  
REPORT

For any GPSP award to vest, the Committee must be satisfied 
that the quality of the Company’s underlying financial 
performance justifies the level of reward delivered at the end  
of the performance period. To ensure close alignment with our 
shareholders’ long-term interests, participants receive the value 
of reinvested dividends over the performance period for those 
shares that ultimately vest. If performance measures are not 
achieved in full, the unvested portion of any award lapses and  
is not available for retesting.

On 31 December 2010, the performance period for the 2008 
GPSP award (which began on 1 January 2008) came to an end. 
Prudential’s TSR performance over this period was equal to 
133.7 per cent of the peer index. The Committee, having 
satisfied itself about the quality of the Company’s underlying 
financial performance, confirmed vesting of 100 per cent of the 
2008 GPSP award (in 2009, 100 per cent of the 2007 GPSP 
award vested). 

The line chart below compares Prudential’s Total Shareholder 
Return (TSR) during the five years from 1 January 2005 to 
31 December 2010 with that of the peer group against which 
TSR is measured for the purposes of the Group Performance 
Share Plan. Our performance is also shown relative to the FTSE 
100 since Prudential is a major company within this Index. 

Prudential TSR v FTSE 100 and peer group 
total returns index  % 

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Prudential
FTSE 100
Peer index

TSR represents the growth in the value of a share plus the value of dividends 
paid,  assuming that the dividends are reinvested in the Company’s shares on the 
ex-divided date.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

Business Unit Performance Plans (BUPP)
For executives with regional responsibilities, the Business  
Unit Performance Plans (BUPPs) deliver shares subject to 
performance over a three-year period. 

For the Asia and Jackson BUPPs, the performance measure 
applied to all outstanding awards is the increase in the relevant 
region’s Shareholder Capital Value (SCV) over the performance 
period. SCV represents shareholders’ capital and reserves on  
a European Embedded Value (EEV) basis for each business unit, 
and was selected as a performance measure since it reflects the 
value contributed to the Group and its shareholders by each 
business unit. 

The levels of SCV growth required for vesting of outstanding 
BUPP awards are set out in the table below. The SCV growth 
rates required in Prudential’s business regions vary to reflect 
the relative maturity of each market and business environment. 

Compound annual growth 
in SCV over three years

Percentage of BUPP award which vests

Jackson

0%
30%
75%
100%

< 8%
8%
10%
12%

Asia

< 15%
15%
22.5%
30%

Vesting occurs between these performance levels on a straight 
line basis.

In the past, BUPP awards for executives in the UK business unit 
were also assessed on the basis of SCV growth. During 2009,  
the Committee decided that future BUPP awards for the UK 
Business Unit would be based on the same relative TSR measure 
applied to GPSP awards. As a result, 2010 awards made under 
the UK BUPP reflect those TSR conditions applied to 2010  
GPSP awards.

On his appointment in November 2009, Rob Devey was granted 
a 2009 BUPP award with a performance measure of growth in 
Shareholder Capital Value (SCV) of Prudential UK. Shortly after 
his appointment the strategy for the UK business was redefined 
and the Committee concluded that the TSR performance target 
used for the GPSP in 2009 provided a better alignment with the 
cash-generative priorities of the UK Business Unit than SCV,  
and therefore the target was amended accordingly.

133

For any BUPP award to vest, the Committee must be satisfied 
that the quality of underlying financial performance of the 
relevant business unit justifies the level of reward delivered at 
the end of the performance period. To ensure close alignment 
with our shareholders’ long-term interests, participants receive 
the value of reinvested dividends over the performance period 
for those shares that ultimately vest. If the performance 
conditions are not achieved in full, the unvested portion  
of any award lapses and is not available for retesting.

On 31 December 2010, the performance periods for the 2008 
BUPP awards (which began on 1 January 2008) came to an end. 
Over the period, the SCV of the Asia and Jackson business units 
grew by 15 per cent per annum and 3.9 per cent per annum 
respectively (on a compound basis). The Committee, having 
satisfied itself about the quality of the Asia business unit’s 
underlying financial performance, confirmed vesting of 30 per 
cent of the 2008 Asia BUPP award. No part of the Jackson 2008 
BUPP award vested (in 2009, 63.6 per cent of 2007 Asia BUPP 
award vested while no part of the 2007 UK and Jackson BUPP 
awards vested). Please see page 143 for details.

The rules of the GPSP and BUPP set a limit on the value of 
shares which may be awarded to an executive in a financial year. 
The combined value of shares awarded under the two plans 
may  not exceed 350 per cent of salary (550 per cent of salary 
for executives based in the US). The awards made in a 
particular year are often below this limit. On a change in 
control of Prudential, vesting of awards made under these 
arrangements would be prorated for performance and to 
reflect the elapsed portion of the performance period.

M&G Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan
Under the M&G Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan, an annual 
award of phantom shares is made with a notional starting share 
price of £1. The phantom share price at vesting is determined  
by the increase or decrease in M&G’s profitability over the 
three-year performance period with a profit and investment 
performance adjustment also applied. The adjustments are 
described below.

Profit growth
The value of phantom shares vesting will be adjusted by a profit 
measure as follows:

•  No adjustment will be made if profits in the third year of the 
performance period are at least equal to the average annual 
profit generated over the performance period;

•  A loss or zero profit will result in the value of the award being 

reduced to zero, irrespective of fund performance;

•  Between these points, the value of phantom shares will be 
reduced on a straight line basis from no reduction to the 
complete elimination of the value of the award.

Investment performance
The value of phantom shares vesting will be adjusted by an 
investment performance measure as follows:

•  Where the investment performance of M&G’s funds is in the 
top two quartiles during the three-year performance period, 
the value of phantom shares vesting will be enhanced. The 
value of phantom shares may be doubled if performance  
is in the top quartile;

•  Investment performance in the third quartile will not 

change the value of phantom shares vesting;

•  Investment performance in the bottom quartile will result  
in awards being forfeited, irrespective of any profit growth.

The value of the vested phantom shares will be paid in cash  
after the end of the three-year performance period.

The number of phantom shares awarded depends on the 
performance of M&G and Michael McLintock’s individual 
contribution in the financial year prior to the year in which the 
award is made. Therefore, the number of phantom shares to  
be awarded in 2011 relates to M&G’s performance in 2010  
and is calculated on the basis of its expected value. The 
expected value of the award is determined by a third party 
(PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP). Based on 2010 performance,  
an award of 1,318,148 phantom shares with an anticipated 
value of £1,779,500 will be made in 2011. The ultimate value 
of the award will be determined with reference to the profit 
and investment performance of M&G over the three years 
from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2013. Based on 2009 
performance, an award of 987,179 phantom shares with  
an anticipated value of £1,925,000 was made in 2010.

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134

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT  >  CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’  
REMUNERATION  
REPORT

On 31 December 2010, the performance period for the 2008 
awards under the M&G Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan 
(which began on 1 January 2008) came to an end. M&G’s profit 
grew by 52 per cent over the period and M&G’s investment 
performance was in the second quartile. The Committee, having 
satisfied itself about the quality of M&G’s underlying financial 
performance, confirmed vesting of the 2008 award with a value 
of £2.62 per share (in 2009, the 2007 award vested with a value 
of £1.68 per share). 

All-employee share plans
It is important that all employees are offered the opportunity to 
own shares in Prudential, connecting them both to the success  
of the Company and to the interests of other shareholders. 
Executive directors are invited to participate in these plans on  
the same basis as other staff.

Save As You Earn (SAYE) schemes
UK-based executive directors are eligible to participate in the 
Prudential HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) approved UK 
SAYE scheme and Barry Stowe is invited to participate in the 
equivalent International SAYE scheme. These schemes allow 
employees to save towards the exercise of options over 
Prudential plc shares with the option price set at the beginning  
of the savings period at a discount of up to 20 per cent of the 
market price.

Participants elect to enter into savings contracts of up to 
£250 per month for a period of three or five years. At the end  
of this term, participants may exercise their options within six 
months and purchase shares. If an option is not exercised within 
six months, participants are entitled to a refund of their cash 
savings plus interest if applicable under the rules. Shares are 
issued to satisfy those options which are exercised. No options 
may be granted under the schemes if the grant would cause the 
number of shares which have been issued, or which remain 
issuable pursuant to options granted in the preceding 10 years 
under the scheme and any other option schemes operated by  
the Company, or which have been issued under any other share 
incentive scheme of the Company, to exceed 10 per cent of the 
Company’s ordinary share capital at the proposed date of grant. 

Share Incentive Plan (SIP)
UK-based executive directors are also eligible to participate  
in the Company’s HMRC approved Share Incentive Plan (SIP). 
This allows all UK based employees to purchase Prudential plc 
shares up to a value of £125 per month from their gross salary 
(partnership shares). For every four partnership shares bought, 
an additional matching share is awarded which is purchased by 
Prudential on the open market. Dividend shares accumulate 
while the employee participates in the plan. Partnership shares 
may be withdrawn from the scheme at any time. If the employee 
withdraws from the plan within five years, the matching shares 
are forfeited. 

No directors or other employees are provided with loans to 
enable them to buy shares. 

Pensions and long-term savings
For executive directors in the UK and Asia hired externally after 
30 June 2003, it is the Company’s policy to provide a supplement 
in lieu of pension of 25 per cent of base salary. This includes, 
where relevant, any Company contributions to the staff defined 
contribution pension, which UK executive directors may choose 
to join. This plan has no salary cap. This approach applies to 
Rob Devey, Nic Nicandrou, Barry Stowe and Tidjane Thiam, and 
these executives are provided with life assurance cover of up to 
four times salary. All these executive directors, except Barry 
Stowe, have opted to become members of the staff defined 
contribution pension plan. 

Clark Manning is eligible to participate in Jackson’s Defined 
Contribution Retirement Plan, a qualified 401(k) retirement  
plan, on the same basis as all other US based employees. The 
Company provides matching contributions of 6 per cent of base 
salary (Clark Manning's salary for pension purposes is limited to 
$245,000). He is also eligible to participate in the profit sharing 
element of the plan which provides eligible participants with an 
annual profit sharing contribution, depending on the financial 
results of Jackson for the plan year, to a maximum of an additional 
6 per cent of pensionable salary. An annual profit sharing 
contribution equivalent to 5 per cent of pensionable salary  
was made in 2010 (6 per cent of pensionable salary in 2009). 
Clark Manning is provided with life assurance cover of two  
times salary.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

135

Michael McLintock participates in a contributory defined  
benefit scheme that provides a target pension of two thirds  
of final pensionable earnings on retirement at age 60 for an 
employee with 30 years or more potential service, for which his 
contribution is four per cent of basic salary. Michael McLintock 
participates on the same basis as other employees who joined 
M&G at the same date. Benefits under the plan are subject to  
a notional scheme earnings cap (set at £123,600 for both the 
2009/10 and 2010/11 tax years) which replicates the HMRC 
earnings cap in force before A-Day (6 April 2006). 
Michael McLintock is entitled to supplements based on his 
salary above the notional earnings cap and he is provided  
with life assurance cover of four times salary. 

In 2010, the Long Term Savings Plan (LTSP) and the Alternative 
Retirement Benefit Scheme (ARBS) were established to provide 
long-term savings vehicles for executive directors and other 
employees. The LTSP was established under ordinary UK tax 
legislation for Employee Benefit Trusts and the ARBS was 
established under specific UK tax legislation relating to Employer 
Financed Retirement Benefit Schemes. If the trustees accept 
annual discretionary contributions to either of these plans, no 
cash supplement for pension purposes will be paid to UK based 
executive directors. No further payments will be made into  
these plans.

Service Contracts

Chairman’s letter of appointment and benefits
Harvey McGrath was appointed as a non-executive director on 
1 September 2008 and became Chairman on 1 January 2009.  
He is paid an annual fee of £500,000 which is fixed for three 
years. A contractual notice period of 12 months by either party 
applies. Harvey McGrath is provided with life assurance cover  
of four times his annual fees and the use of a car and driver.  
No pension allowance is paid and he is not a member of any 
Group pension scheme. Harvey McGrath is also entitled to 
medical insurance coverage but he has not taken up this benefit.

Executive directors’ service contracts and letters 
of appointment
The normal notice of termination that the Company is required  
to give executive directors is 12 months. Accordingly, in normal 
circumstances, a director whose contract is terminated would  
be entitled to one year’s salary and benefits in respect of their 
notice period. Additionally, outstanding awards under annual 
and long-term incentive plans may vest depending on the 
circumstances and according to the rules of the plans. When 
considering the termination of any service contract, the 
Remuneration Committee will have regard to the specific 
circumstances of each case, including the director’s obligation  
to mitigate his loss. Payments are phased over the notice period.

Policy on external appointments
Subject to the Group Chief Executive’s or Chairman’s approval, 
executive directors are able to accept external appointments as 
non-executive directors of other organisations. Any fees paid 
may be retained by the executive director. During 2010, Michael 
McLintock earned £42,500 as a trustee of another organisation. 
Other directors served as non-executive directors on the boards 
of educational and cultural organisations without receiving a fee 
for such services.

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136

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT  >  CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’  
REMUNERATION  
REPORT

Executive director

Rob Devey
John Foley
Clark Manning(note 1)
Michael McLintock
Nic Nicandrou
Barry Stowe
Tidjane Thiam
Mike Wells(note 1)

Date of contract

1 July 2009
8 December 2010
7 May 2002
21 November 2001
26 April 2009
18 October 2006
2 September 2007
15 October 2010

Notice period 
to the 
Company

Notice period 
from the 
Company

12 months
12 months
12 months
6 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months

12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months

Note
1 

The contracts for Clark Manning and Mike Wells are renewable one year fixed term contracts. The contract is renewable automatically upon 
the same terms and conditions unless the Company or the director gives at least 90 days’ notice prior to the end of the relevant term.

Non-executive director

Keki Dadiseth
Howard Davies
Michael Garrett
Ann Godbehere
Bridget Macaskill
Paul Manduca
Kathleen O’Donovan
James Ross2
Lord Turnbull

Notes
1 
2 

Subject to re-election
James Ross will retire from the Board at the AGM on 19 May 2011.

Non-executive directors’ letters of appointment
Non-executive directors do not have service contracts but  
are appointed pursuant to letters of appointment with notice 
periods of six months without liability for compensation.

Non-executive directors are usually appointed for an initial three 
year term commencing with their election by shareholders at  
the first Annual General Meeting following their appointment. 
They are typically expected to serve for two terms of three years 
from their initial election by shareholders although the Board 
may invite them to serve for an additional period. Their 
appointment is subject to continued performance and  
re-election by shareholders.

Non-executive directors’ fees
Non-executive directors are not eligible to participate in annual 
bonus plans, long-term incentive plans or pension arrangements. 
Their fees are determined by the Board and reflect their 
individual responsibilities, including chairmanship and 
membership of any committees. The Board reviews fees 
annually and the last fees changes were effective on 1 July 2008.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

Appointment by the Board

at AGM Notice period

Initial 
election by 
shareholders 

Expiration of 
current term 
of appointment1

1 April 2005
15 October 2010
1 September 2004
2 August 2007
1 September 2003
15 October 2010
8 May 2003
6 May 2004
18 May 2006

AGM 2005
AGM 2011
AGM 2005
AGM 2008
AGM 2004
AGM 2011
AGM 2004
AGM 2005
AGM 2006

6 months
6 months
6 months
6 months
6 months
6 months
6 months
6 months
6 months

AGM 2011
AGM 2014
AGM 2011
AGM 2011
AGM 2013
AGM 2014
AGM 2013
AGM 2011
AGM 2012

The structure of the annual fees paid is detailed below:

Basic fee
Audit Committee Chairman – additional fee
Audit Committee member – additional fee
Remuneration Committee Chairman  

– additional fee

Remuneration Committee member  

– additional fee

Risk Committee Chairman – additional fee2
Risk Committee member – additional fee2
Senior Independent Director – additional fee

From 
1 July 2008 
(£)1

66,500
50,000
20,000

22,500

10,000
50,000
20,000
30,000

Notes
1 
2 

Or date on which the Committee was established, if later.
The Risk Committee was established on 9 November 2010.

Please see the table on page 138 for details of the fees received 
by individual non-executive directors during 2010.

Currently the non-executive directors use the net value of 
£25,000 of their total annual fees to purchase shares in the 
Company. Shares are purchased each quarter and are held  
at least until retirement from the Board. 

137

Shareholding
 guideline after
 five years as %
 of base salary

Shareholding
 at 8 March 2011
 as % of base
 salary
(note 1)

100%
100%
100%
200%
100%
100%
200%
100%

95%
650%
–
1,154%
162%
265%
203%
303%

Date by which 
shareholding 
guideline must be/ 
has been met

1 July 2014
31 December 2015
7 May 2007
21 November 2006
26 April 2014
18 October 2011
20 September 2012
15 October 2015

Shareholding guidelines

Rob Devey
John Foley
Clark Manning(note 3)
Michael McLintock
Nic Nicandrou
Barry Stowe(note 2)
Tidjane Thiam
Mike Wells(note 2)

Notes
1 

Based on the share price as at 31 December 2010 (£6.68). Calculated using base salaries on 31 December 2010 or on the date of appointment,  
if later. 
Shareholdings for Barry Stowe and Mike Wells include American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). One ADR is equivalent to two  
Prudential plc shares.
Clark Manning ceased to be an executive director on 31 December 2010.

2 

3 

Shareholding guidelines
As a condition of serving, all executive and non-executive 
directors are required to have beneficial ownership of a minimum 
of 2,500 ordinary shares in the Company. This interest in shares 
must be acquired within 12 months of appointment to the Board 
if the director does not have such an interest upon appointment.

Executive directors should have a substantial shareholding to 
maximise the community of interest between them and other 
shareholders. This may be built up over a period of five years. 
Shares earned and deferred under the annual incentive plan  
are included in calculating the executive director’s shareholding. 
Until the guideline is met, at least half of the shares released from 
the long-term incentive plans (after tax) should be retained by 
the executive director. 

Directors’ shareholdings
The interests of directors in ordinary shares of the Company  
are set out opposite. This includes shares acquired under the  
Share Incentive Plan (detailed in the table on page 147), deferred 
annual incentive awards and interests in shares awarded on 
appointment (detailed in the ‘Other Share Awards’ table on 
page 144). All interests are beneficial.

1 January 
2010

31 December 
2010

8 March 
2011

Keki Dadiseth
Howard Davies(note 1)
Rob Devey
John Foley(note 2)
Michael Garrett
Ann Godbehere
Bridget Macaskill
Paul Manduca(note 1)
Clark Manning(note 3)
Harvey McGrath
Michael McLintock
Nic Nicandrou(note 4)
Kathleen O’Donovan
James Ross
Barry Stowe(note 5)
Tidjane Thiam
Lord Turnbull
Mike Wells(note 6)

27,489
–
50,575
–
32,425
11,518
23,970
–
277,273
296,785
663,818
114,653
20,621
18,643
125,519
291,901
12,562
–

30,655
575
78,261
–
36,972
14,628
44,006
1,260
473,069
299,540
604,390
133,555
23,484
21,190
264,437
273,025
15,589
–

30,655
575
78,261
535,386
36,972
14,628
44,006
1,260
–
299,540
604,390
133,621
23,484
21,190
264,437
273,025
15,589
293,842

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Notes
1 

2 
3 

Howard Davies and Paul Manduca were appointed on  
15 October 2010.
John Foley became an executive director on 1 January 2011.
Part of Clark Manning’s interest in shares is made up of 30,935 
ADRs (representing 61,870 ordinary shares). Clark ceased to be 
an executive director on 31 December 2011.

4  Nic Nicandrou’s interest in shares on 8 March 2011 includes his 

5 

6 

monthly purchases made under the SIP plan in January, February 
and March 2011.
Part of Barry Stowe’s interest in shares is made up of 48,847 ADRs 
(representing 97,694 ordinary shares. 8,513.73 of these ADRs are 
held within an investment account which secures premium 
financing for a life assurance policy). 
Part of Mike Wells’s interest in shares is made up of 146,921 ADRs 
(representing 293,842 ordinary shares). Mike became an executive 
director on 1 January 2011.

 
 
138

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT  >  CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’  
REMUNERATION  
REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION FOR 2010 (AUDITED INFORMATION)

Salary/ 
fees

2010 
Cash 
bonus

2010
Deferred
bonus

Total
2010
bonus

Benefits*

Total
emoluments
2009
including
cash
supple-
ments
for
pension
purposes

Value of 
anticipated
releases
from LTIPs 
in respect 
of per-
formance
periods
ending 31 
December
2010‡

Cash
supple-
ments
for 
pension
purposes†

Total
emolu-
ments
2010

–

–

–

43

–

543

542

–

£000

CHAIRMAN
Harvey McGrath
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Rob Devey(note 1)
Clark Manning(note 2)
Michael McLintock
Nic Nicandrou(note 3)
Barry Stowe(note 4)
Tidjane Thiam

500

550
679
350
550
666
900

496
1,462
1,052
512
625
–

331
626
552
341
417
1,570

827
2,088
1,604
853
1,042
1,570

TOTAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

3,695

4,147

3,837

7,984

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Keki Dadiseth(note 5)
Howard Davies
Michael Garrett
Ann Godbehere
Bridget Macaskill
Paul Manduca
Kathleen O’Donovan
James Ross
Lord Turnbull

TOTAL NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

87
27
77
119
89
18
87
108
88

700

43
21
53
43
285
64

509

154
–
87
161
167
225

1,574
2,788
2,094
1,607
2,160
2,759

794 12,982

87
27
77
119
89
18
87
108
88

700

–
1,218
3,312
–
937
2,099

7,566

808
2,753
2,129
654
1,688
1,955

9,987

86
–
77
94
89
–
109
107
87

649

OVERALL TOTAL

4,895

4,147

3,837

7,984

552

794 14,225

11,178

7,566

* Benefits include (where provided) the use of a car and driver, medical insurance, security arrangements and expatriate benefits. 
† Pension supplements that are paid in cash and contributions to the LTSP and/or the ARBS are included in the table. The policy on pensions is 

described in the section on ‘Pensions and long-term savings’ on page 134. 

‡ Value of anticipated long-term incentive plan releases is the total of cash paid plus, for shares released, the value of the released shares based on 

the share price at 31 December 2010. All executive directors participate in long-term incentive plans and the details of share releases from awards 
with a performance period ending 31 December 2010 are provided in the footnote to the tables on share awards on pages 142 to 146. Executive 
directors’ participation in all-employee plans are detailed on page 147.

Notes
1 

2 

Rob Devey elected not to receive his cash supplement for pension purposes in full during 2010. The Company made a request to the Trustees 
of the Alternative Retirement Benefit Scheme to accept a contribution equivalent to this supplement. The value of this contribution is 
included in the table above.
Clark Manning's bonus figure excludes a contribution of $12,250 from a profit sharing plan which has been made into a 401(k) retirement 
plan. This is included in the table on pension contributions on page 147.

3  Nic Nicandrou elected not to receive his cash supplement for pension purposes in full during 2010. The Company made a request to the 

Trustees of the Long Term Savings Plan to accept a contribution equivalent to this supplement. The value of this contribution is included in 
the table above.
Barry Stowe's benefits relate primarily to his expatriate status, including costs of £153,384 for housing, £47,639 for children’s education and 
£42,509 for home leave. 

4 

5  Keki Dadiseth was paid allowances totalling £10,083 in respect of his accommodation expenses in London whilst on the Company's business 

as is the usual practice for directors who are not resident in the UK.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

Summary of remuneration provided for 2010
This chart summarises the remuneration received by executive 
directors in 2010. This includes actual base salary paid during 
the year, total annual bonus awards for 2010 performance 
(including deferrals into shares) and the long-term incentives 
plan releases in respect of awards made in 2008. Since 
Rob Devey and Nic Nicandrou joined the Group in 2009, 
they did not have long-term incentive awards for 2008.

139

Remuneration received by executive directors in 2010

Rob Devey

Clark Manning

Michael McLintock

Nic Nicandrou

Barry Stowe

Tidjane Thiam

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

£000

Base salary
2010 cash bonus
2010 deferred bonus
Value of 2008 long-term incentive plan release  

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT  >  CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’  
REMUNERATION  
REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION FOR 2009

£000

CHAIRMAN
Harvey McGrath
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Rob Devey 

(from 16 November 2009) (note 1)

Clark Manning(note 2)
Michael McLintock
Nic Nicandrou 

(from 28 October 2009)(note 3)

Barry Stowe(note 4)
Tidjane Thiam(note 5)

Salary/ 
fees

2009 
Cash 
bonus

2009
Deferred
bonus

Total
2009
bonus

Benefits*

500

–

–

–

42

69
696
320

98
646
763

360
1,724
1,125

330
432
528

240
304
625

220
185
528

600
2,028
1,750

550
618
1,056

138
29
53

5
262
49

536

TOTAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

2,592

4,499

2,103

6,602

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Keki Dadiseth(note 6)
Michael Garrett
Ann Godbehere
Bridget Macaskill
Harvey McGrath 

(until 31 December 2008)

Kathleen O’Donovan
James Ross
Lord Turnbull

TOTAL NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

86
77
94
89

109
107
87

649

Total
emoluments
2008
including
cash
supple-
ments
for
pension
purposes

Value of 
anticipated
releases
from LTIPs 
in respect 
of per-
formance
periods
ending 31 
December
2009‡

Cash
supple-
ments
for 
pension
purposes†

Total
emolu-
ments
2009

–

1
–
6

1
162
87

257

542

–

–

–
1,223
2,572

–
1,098
–

4,893

808
2,753
2,129

654
1,688
1,955

9,987

86
77
94
89

109
107
87

649

–
1,768
2,154

–
1,207
1,244

6,373

73
73
81
86

167
108
101
81

770

OVERALL TOTAL

3,741

4,499

2,103

6,602

578

257

11,178

7,143

4,893

* Benefits include (where provided) the use of a car and driver, medical insurance, security arrangements and expatriate benefits. 
† Pension supplements that are paid in cash are included in the table. The policy on pensions is described in the section on ‘Pensions and long-term 

savings’ on page 134. 

‡ Value of anticipated long-term incentive plan releases is the total of cash paid plus, for shares released, the value of the released shares based on 

the share price at 31 December 2009. All executive directors participate in long-term incentive plans and the details of share releases from 
awards with a performance period ending 31 December 2009 are provided in the tables on share awards on pages 142 to 146. Executive directors’ 
participation in all-employee plans are detailed on page 147.

Notes
1 

As part of Rob Devey's appointment terms, it was agreed that any bonus award would be assessed as if he had been in employment for the 
whole of 2009. Rob Devey elected not to receive his cash supplement for pension purposes in full during 2009. In March 2010, the Company 
made a request to the Trustees of the Alternative Retirement Benefit Scheme to accept a contribution equivalent to this supplement. This 
amount is included in the remuneration table for 2010.
Clark Manning's bonus figure excludes a contribution of $14,700 from a profit sharing plan which has been made into a 401(k) retirement plan. 

2 
3  As part of Nic Nicandrou's appointment terms, it was agreed that any bonus award would be assessed as if he had been in employment for 
the whole of 2009. Nic Nicandrou elected not to receive his cash supplement for pension purposes in full during 2009. In March 2010, the 
Company made a request to the Trustees of the Long Term Savings Plan to accept a contribution equivalent to this supplement. This amount 
is included in the remuneration table for 2010.
Barry Stowe's benefits relate primarily to his expatriate status, including costs of £148,051 for housing, £41,528 for children’s education and 
£32,607 for home leave.
Tidjane Thiam's 2009 annual bonus outcome was determined taking into account the period of time he was remunerated as Chief Financial 
Officer and Group Chief Executive.

4 

5 

6  Keki Dadiseth was paid allowances totalling £5,398 in respect of his accommodation expenses in London whilst on the Company's business 

as is the usual practice for directors who are not resident in the UK. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

141

Clark Manning
Clark Manning stepped down from his role as President and 
Chief Executive of Jackson and as an executive director on 
31 December 2010. Clark Manning remains Chairman of  
Jackson until 30 April 2011 and will act in an advisory role  
until 31 December 2011. Clark Manning will receive the 
following payments: 

•  Salary and benefits will continue to be paid to Clark Manning 

until 31 December 2011;

•  A prorated 2011 annual bonus opportunity (4/12ths) based on 
his length of service during 2011 with any payment to be made 
in cash in March 2012;

•  The deferred portion of the bonus awarded to Clark Manning 
in respect of performance in 2007 will be released to him in 
March 2011. The deferred portions of the bonuses awarded  
to Clark Manning in respect of performance in 2009 and 2010 
will be released in March 2012;

•  Outstanding awards made under the GPSP and BUPP will vest 
(subject to the achievement of performance conditions) on the 
same schedule as awards made to other executive directors. 
These awards will be prorated to reflect the portion of the 
performance periods which had elapsed on 31 December 
2011. No further awards will be made to Clark under any long 
term incentive plan during 2011 or in any subsequent year.

No other amounts were paid during the financial year or were 
receivable by directors (or past directors) in connection with 
leaving the organisation. No amounts were paid to Mike Wells, 
John Foley or to any other executive directors in connection with 
their appointment. 

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Payments in 2010 to past and newly appointed 
executive directors 
Mark Tucker
The 2008 Directors’ Remuneration Report provided details of 
the remuneration arrangements which applied to Mark Tucker 
following his resignation as Group Chief Executive. These 
arrangements were implemented as intended by the Committee.  
In January 2010, a final payment in respect of salary and benefits 
(£307,938) was made to Mark Tucker relating to restrictions on 
his employment. Outstanding deferred share awards were 
released during the year in accordance with the scheme rules.

On 31 December 2010, the performance period for Mark 
Tucker’s 2008 Group Performance Share Plan award came to an 
end. His GPSP award was prorated for service (21/36ths) and 
its vesting remained dependent on TSR performance achieved 
over the three-year performance period. Since this condition 
was met in full, Mark Tucker’s prorated 2008 GPSP award will 
vest and will be released at the same time as those of other 
participants in the plan. This award was the last that Mark Tucker  
had outstanding under a Prudential long-term incentive plan.

Nick Prettejohn
The 2009 Directors’ Remuneration Report provided  
details of the remuneration arrangements that would  
apply to Nick Prettejohn after he resigned from the position  
of Chief Executive UK & Europe. These arrangements were 
implemented as intended by the Committee. As a result, 
Nick Prettejohn received:

•  A final payment in respect of salary and benefits (£303,375)  
in January 2010, relating to restrictions on his employment  
up to 1 April 2010; 

•  Prorated 2009 annual bonus (9/12ths) based on his length  
of service during the year and paid in cash in March 2010 
(£505,271); 

•  Outstanding deferred share awards were released in 

accordance with the scheme rules; and 

•  The long-term incentive plan awards for 2007, 2008 and 2009 
have vested or will vest at the end of each relevant three year 
performance period prorated based on service, i.e. 33/36ths, 
21/36ths and 9/36ths respectively. Vesting remains 
dependent on performance achieved over the relevant 
performance periods and any shares releases will occur at the 
same time as for all other participants in the GPSP and BUPP. 

 
 
142

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT  >  CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’  
REMUNERATION  
REPORT

Directors’ outstanding long-term incentive awards
Share-based long-term incentive awards
The table below sets out the outstanding share awards under the Group Performance Share Plan and Business Unit  
Performance Plans.

Plan name

ROB DEVEY
  GPSP
BUPP
  GPSP
BUPP

CLARK MANNING
  GPSP
BUPP
  GPSP
BUPP
  GPSP
BUPP
  GPSP
BUPP

MICHAEL MCLINTOCK
  GPSP
  GPSP
  GPSP
  GPSP

Year of 
initial 
award

2009
2009
2010
2010

2007
2007
2008
2008
2009
2009
2010
2010

2007
2008
2009
2010

Conditional
share
awards
outstand-
ing at
1 January
2010
(Number
of shares)

120,898
120,897

Con-
ditional
awards
in 2010
(Number
of shares)

104,089
104,089

241,795

208,178

191,140
95,570
182,262
91,131
468,476
468,476

302,442
302,442

Market 
price at 
date of 
original 
award 
(pence)

639
639
568.5
568.5

745
745
674.5
674.5
455.5
455.5
568.5
568.5

Scrip 
dividend 
equivalents 
on vested 
shares 
(Number 
of shares
 released)

Rights 
exercised 
in 2010

Rights 
lapsed 
in 2010

20,269

191,140

95,570

Conditional
share 
awards
 outstanding 
at 31 
December 
2010 
(Number 
of shares)

120,898
120,897
104,0892
104,0892

449,973

Date of 
end of 
per-
formance 
period

31 Dec 11
31 Dec 11
31 Dec 12
31 Dec 12

0
31 Dec 09
0
31 Dec 09
182,2623
31 Dec 10
91,1314
31 Dec 10
468,4761
31 Dec 11
468,4761
31 Dec 11
302,4421,2 31 Dec 12
302,4421,2 31 Dec 12

1,497,055

604,884

20,269

191,140

95,570 1,815,229

52,040
48,330
92,022

745
674.5
455.5
568.5

66,238

5,517

52,040

0
48,3303
92,022
66,2382

31 Dec 09
31 Dec 10
31 Dec 11
31 Dec 12

192,392

66,238

5,517

52,040

206,590

NIC NICANDROU
  GPSP
  GPSP

BARRY STOWE
  GPSP
BUPP
  GPSP
BUPP
  GPSP
BUPP
  GPSP
BUPP

TIDJANE THIAM
  GPSP
  GPSP
  GPSP

316,328

2009
2010

208,179

639
568.5

316,328

208,179

316,328
208,1792

31 Dec 11
31 Dec 12

524,507

0
31 Dec 09
0
31 Dec 09
107,9883
31 Dec 10
53,9944
31 Dec 10
196,5961
31 Dec 11
196,5961
31 Dec 11
129,0761,2 31 Dec 12
129,0761,2 31 Dec 12

2007
2007
2008
2008
2009
2009
2010
2010

2008
2009
2010

11,207
3,562

105,706
33,614

19,239

105,706
52,853
107,988
53,994
196,596
196,596

129,076
129,076

745
745
674.5
674.5
455.5
455.5
568.5
568.5

713,733

258,152

14,769

139,320

19,239

813,326

314,147
299,074

510,986

613,221

510,986

674.5
455.5
568.5

314,1473
299,074
510,9862

31 Dec 10
31 Dec 11
31 Dec 12

1,124,207

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
143

Face value 
of conditional 
awards 
outstanding 
at 31 December 
2010 
£000

0
652

652

0
358

358

Date of end of 
performance 
period

31 Dec 09
31 Dec 10

31 Dec 09
31 Dec 10

Face value 
of conditional 
awards 
outstanding 
at 1 January 
2010 
£000

Conditionally
 awarded 
in 2010 
£000

Payments 
made 
in 2010 
£000

Cash rights granted under the Business Unit Performance Plan

CLARK MANNING

BARRY STOWE

Year of 
initial 
award

2007
2008

2007
2008

Plan 
name

BUPP
BUPP

Total

BUPP
BUPP

Total

624
652(note 4)

1,276

325
358(note 4)

683

Cash right 
lapsed 
in 2010 
£000

624

624

118.3

206.7

206.7

118.3  

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Notes
1 

2 

The awards in 2009 and 2010 for Clark Manning and Barry Stowe were made in ADRs (1 ADR = 2 Prudential plc shares). The figures in the 
table are represented in terms of Prudential shares.
2010 awards made under the GPSP and the BUPP have a performance period from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2012. In determining the 
2010 conditional share awards the shares were valued at the average share price for the 30 days immediately following the announcement 
of Prudential’s 2009 results, and the price used to determine the number of shares was 528.39 pence. The awards for Clark Manning and 
Barry Stowe were made in ADRs (one ADR = 2 Prudential plc shares or $15.97). The figures in the table are represented in terms of Prudential 
shares. 

3  At 31 December 2010 Prudential’s TSR performance was 133.7 per cent of the TSR performance of the index. Hence it is anticipated that 

awards granted under this scheme in 2008 will vest in full. This will result in 182,262 shares vesting for Clark Manning; 48,330 shares for 
Michael McLintock; 107,988 shares for Barry Stowe and 314,147 shares for Tidjane Thiam plus, in each case, scrip dividend equivalents on 
these vested shares. 

4  At 31 December 2010, Shareholder Capital Value performance under the 2008 BUPPs was as follows:

Jackson
Asia

Anticipated 
number of 
shares released 
from 2008 
BUPP share 
award 
(note 5)

% compound 
annual growth 
in SCV

3.9%

15.0%

Nil

16,198

Anticipated 
value of 
2008 BUPP 
cash award 
release 
£000

Nil

107

5 

Scrip dividend equivalents will be released on these vested shares.

Business-specific cash-based long-term incentive plans
Details of all outstanding awards under cash-based long-term incentive plans up to and including 2010 are set out in the table below. 
The performance period for all awards is three years. 

MICHAEL MCLINTOCK

Phantom M&G shares
M&G Executive LTIP
M&G Executive LTIP
M&G Executive LTIP

TOTAL CASH PAYMENTS MADE IN 2010

Face value 
of conditional 
awards 
outstanding 
at 1 January 
2010 
£000

1,333
1,141
1,830

Year of 
initial 
award

2007
2008
2009
2010

Conditionally
 awarded 
in 2010 
£000

1,925

Face value 
of conditional 
awards 
outstanding 
at 31 December 
2010 
£000

1,141
1,830
1,925

Payments 
made 
in 2010 
£000

2,239

2,239

Date of end of 
performance 
period

31 Dec 09
31 Dec 10
31 Dec 11
31 Dec 12

Note
Michael McLintock’s 2007 long-term incentive awards were under the M&G Chief Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan. The phantom share price 
at the beginning of the performance period was £1. The change in the phantom share price equals the change in M&G profit, modified up or down 
by the investment performance of M&G over the performance period. For the 2007 award of 1,333,000 units, the option price at the end of the 
performance period was £1.68. This resulted in a payment of £2,239,440 to Michael McLintock. For the 2008 award of 1,141,176 units, the option 
price at the end of the performance period was £2.62. This will result in a payment of £2,989,881 to Michael McLintock.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
144

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT  >  CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’  
REMUNERATION  
REPORT

Other share awards
The table below sets out the share deferred annual incentive awards and interests in shares awarded on appointment. The values  
of the deferred share awards are included in the deferred bonus figures in the table on page 138. The number of shares is calculated 
using the average share price over the three business days commencing on the day of the announcement of the Group’s annual 
financial results for the relevant year. For the awards from the 2009 annual bonuses, made in 2010, the average share price was 
528.92 pence. Please see the table on page 147 for details of shares acquired under the Share Incentive Plan.

Conditional
share
awards
outstanding 
at 1 January
2010
(Number
of shares)

Year 
of initial 
grant

Con-
ditionally
awarded
in 2010
(Number
of shares)

Scrip 
dividends
accumu-
lated
(Number
 of shares)

Shares 
released 
in 2010 
(Number 
of shares)

Conditional
share 
awards
 outstanding 
at 31 
December 
2010 
(Number 
of shares)

Date of 
end of 
restricted 
period

Shares 
released 
in 2010
(Number 
of shares)

Market 
price at 
original 
date of 
award 
(pence)

Market 
price at 
date of 
vesting 
or release
(pence)

Date of
release

ROB DEVEY
Awards under 
appointment 
terms 

Restricted share 
award based 
on deferred 
2009 annual 
incentive 
award(note 2)

CLARK 
MANNING
Deferred  
2006 annual 
incentive 
award

Deferred  
2007 annual 
incentive 
award

Deferred  
2009 annual 
incentive 
award

2009

50,575

50,575 31 Mar 12

639

2010

45,375

953 18,642

27,686 31 Dec 12

18,642 12 Mar 10

552.5

552.5

2007

10,064

10,064

0 31 Dec 09

10,064

9 Mar 10

723

519.5

2008

17,825

635

18,460 31 Dec 10

635

2010

59,792

2,078

61,870 31 Dec 12

552.5

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

145

Conditional
share
awards
outstanding 
at 1 January
2010
(Number
of shares)

Year 
of initial 
grant

Con-
ditionally
awarded
in 2010
(Number
of shares)

Scrip 
dividends
accumu-
lated
(Number
 of shares)

Shares 
released 
in 2010 
(Number 
of shares)

Conditional
share 
awards
 outstanding 
at 31 
December 
2010 
(Number 
of shares)

Date of 
end of 
restricted 
period

Shares 
released 
in 2010
(Number 
of shares)

Market 
price at 
original 
date of 
award 
(pence)

Market 
price at 
date of 
vesting 
or release
(pence)

Date of
release

MICHAEL 
MCLINTOCK
Deferred  
2006 annual 
incentive 
award

Deferred  
2007 annual 
incentive 
award(note 1)

Deferred  
2008 annual 
incentive 
award(note 1)

Restricted share 
award based 
on deferred 
2007 annual 
incentive 
award(note 1)

Restricted share 
award based 
on deferred 
2008 annual 
incentive 
award(note 1)

Restricted share 
award based 
on deferred 
2009 annual 
incentive 
award(note 2)

2007

90,090

90,090

0 31 Dec 09

90,090

9 Mar 10

723

519.5

2008

112,071

112,071

0 31 Dec 10 112,071

9 Mar 10

635

519.5

2009

217,410

217,410

0 31 Dec 11 217,410

9 Mar 10

349.5

519.5

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2010

66,029

2,356

68,385 31 Dec 10

519.5

2010

128,093

4,571

132,664 31 Dec 11

519.5

2010

118,165

2,484 48,545

72,104 31 Dec 12

48,545 12 Mar 10

552.5

552.5

NIC NICANDROU
Awards under 
appointment 
terms

2009

10,616
5,889
13,898
16,059
68,191

10,616
5,889

0 31 Mar 10
0 31 Mar 10
13,898 31 Mar 11
16,059 31 Mar 11
68,191 31 Mar 12

10,616
5,889

9 Mar 10
9 Mar 10

519.5
519.5

639
639
639
639
639

Restricted share 
award based 
on deferred 
2009 annual 
incentive 
award(note 2)

2010

41,594

874 17,088

25,380 31 Dec 12

17,088 12 Mar 10

552.5

552.5

 
 
146

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT  >  CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’  
REMUNERATION  
REPORT

Other share awards continued

Conditional
share
awards
outstanding 
at 1 January
2010
(Number
of shares)

Year 
of initial 
grant

Con-
ditionally
awarded
in 2010
(Number
of shares)

Scrip 
dividends
accumu-
lated
(Number
 of shares)

Shares 
released 
in 2010 
(Number 
of shares)

Conditional
share 
awards
 outstanding 
at 31 
December 
2010 
(Number 
of shares)

Date of 
end of 
restricted 
period

Shares 
released 
in 2010
(Number 
of shares)

Market 
price at 
original 
date of 
award 
(pence)

Market 
price at 
date of 
vesting 
or release
(pence)

Date of
release

2006

7,088
2,110

7,088
2,110

0
0

1 Jan 10 
1 May 10

7,088 
2,110

9 Mar 10 
8 Jun 10

702 
702

519.5 
525.5

2008

43,777

1,562

45,339 31 Dec 10

635

2009

21,064

751

21,815 31 Dec 11

349.5

2010

36,386

1,264

37,650 31 Dec 12

552.5

2008

48,362 
41,135 
49,131

48,362 
41,135

0
0
49,131

31 Mar 10 
31 Mar 10
31 Mar 11

48,362 
41,135

9 Mar 10 
9 Mar 10

519.5 
519.5

662 
662
 662

2009

110,403

110,403

0 31 Dec 11 110,403

9 Mar 10

349.5

519.5

2010

65,046

2,321

67,367 31 Dec 11

552.5

2010

99,851

2,099 41,022

60,928 31 Dec 12

41,022 12 Mar 10

552.5

552.5

BARRY STOWE
Awards under 
appointment 
terms

Deferred  
2007 annual 
incentive 
award

Deferred  
2008 annual 
incentive 
award

Deferred  
2009 annual 
incentive 
award

TIDJANE 
THIAM
Awards under 
appointment 
terms

Deferred  
2008 annual 
incentive 
award(note 1)

Restricted share 
award based 
on deferred 
2008 annual 
incentive 
award(note 1)

Restricted share 
award based 
on deferred 
2009 annual 
incentive 
award(note 2)

Notes
1 
2 
3 

These awards replaced the 2007, 2008 and 2009 deferred share awards which vested during the year.
These 2010 awards are a net deferred share award.
The Deferred Share Awards in 2010 for Clark Manning and Barry Stowe were made in ADRs (1 ADR = 2 Prudential plc shares).  
The figures in the table are represented in terms of Prudential shares.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

147

Shares acquired under the Share Incentive Plan

NIC NICANDROU
Shares held in Trust

Share 
Incentive 
Plan awards 
held in 
Trust at 
1 January 
2010
(Number
of shares)

Year 
of initial 
grant

Partnership 
shares 
accumu-
lated in 
2010
(Number
of shares)

Matching 
shares 
accumu-
lated in 
2010
(Number
of shares)

Dividend 
shares 
accumu-
lated in 
2010
(Number
of shares)

Share 
Incentive 
Plan awards 
held in 
Trust at 
31 December 
2010
(Number
of shares)

2010

0

240

60

3

303

Note
1 

Nic Nicandrou participated in the Share Incentive Plan (SIP) for the first time in 2010. The table above provides information about shares 
purchased under the SIP together with Matching Shares (awarded on a 1:4 basis) and dividend shares. The total number of shares will only  
be released if Nic Nicandrou remains in employment for five years.

Outstanding share options
The following table sets out the share options held by Tidjane Thiam in the UK Savings Related Share Option Scheme (SAYE) as at 
the end of 2010. No other directors hold shares in any other option scheme. 

Date of 
initial grant

Exercise period

Beginning 

Start

End

of period Granted Exercised Cancelled Forfeited

Lapsed

Number of options

End of 
period

Exercise 
price (p)

Market 
price at 31 
December
 2010 (p)

TIDJANE 
THIAM

25 Apr 08

1 Jun 11 30 Nov 11

1,705

–

–

–

–

–

1,705

551

668

No gains were made by directors in 2010 on the exercise of share options (2009: £0). 

Notes
1 
2  No price was paid for the award of any option. 
3 

The highest and lowest share prices during 2010 were 681 pence and 487.5 pence respectively.

Dilution
Releases from Prudential’s GPSP and BUPP are satisfied using new issue shares rather than by purchasing shares in the open market. 
Shares relating to options granted under all-employee share plans are also satisfied by new issue shares. The combined dilution from 
all outstanding shares and options at 31 December 2010 was 0.2 per cent of the total share capital at the time. Deferred shares will 
continue to be satisfied by the purchase of shares in the open market.

Directors’ pensions and life assurance
The Company’s pension policy is set out on page 134. Details of directors’ pension entitlements under HMRC approved defined 
benefit schemes and supplements in the form of contributions to pension arrangements paid by the Company are set out in the 
following table. 

Age at 
31 December
2010

Years of 
pensionable 
service at 
31 December 
2010

Accrued 
benefit at 
31 December
 2010
£000

Additional pension earned 
during year ended  
31 December 2010

Ignoring 
inflation on 
pension 
earned to 
31 December 
20091
£000

Allowing 
for inflation 
on pension 
earned to 
31 December 
20092
£000

Transfer value of accrued 
benefit at 31 December3

2010
A
£000

2009
B
£000

Amount 
of (B – A) 
less
 contri-
butions 
made by 
directors 
during 2010
£000

Contri-
butions to 
pension 
and life 
assurance 
arrange-
ments4
£000

Rob Devey
Clark Manning
Michael McLintock
Nic Nicandrou
Barry Stowe
Tidjane Thiam

42
52
49
45
53
48

18

50

3

1

856

755

87

0
20
20
0
5
0

As required by the Companies Act remuneration regulations. 

Notes
1 
2  As required by Stock Exchange Listing rules.
3 
4 

The transfer value equivalent has been calculated in accordance with the M&G Group Pension Scheme’s transfer basis.
Supplements in the form of cash are included in the table on page 138.

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148

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT  >  CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’  
REMUNERATION  
REPORT

No enhancements to retirement benefits were paid to or 
receivable by directors or former directors other than the 
discretionary pension increases awarded to all pensioners which 
have been made during the year. 

Total contributions to directors’ pension arrangements in 2010, 
including cash supplements for pension purposes, were 
£624,921 (2009: £876,466) of which £44,608 (2009: £298,586) 
related to money purchase schemes. 

Five highest paid individuals (unaudited information)
Of the five individuals with the highest emoluments in 2010, one 
was a director whose emoluments are disclosed in this report 
(2009: two; 2008: two). The aggregate of the emoluments of the 
other four individuals for 2010 (2009: three; 2008: three) were  
as follows:

2008

2009

2010

Base salaries, allowances 
and benefits in kind
Pension contributions*
Bonuses paid or 
receivable

Share based payments 
and other cash 
payments

TOTAL

1
–

10

2

13

1
–

12

4

17

1
–

18

6

25

* Pension contributions payable in the period were less than £150,000 in 

each period.

Their emoluments were within the following bands:

£2,600,001 – £2,700,000
£4,700,001 – £4,800,000
£5,000,001 – £5,100,000
£5,200,001 – £5,300,000
£5,300,001 – £5,400,000
£5,400,001 – £5,500,000
£6,000,001 – £6,100,000
£6,600,001 – £6,700,000
£8,300,001 – £8,400,000

2008

2009

2010

1
1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Signed on behalf of the Board of directors

BRIDGET MACASKILL
CHAIRMAN, REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
8 March 2011

HARVEY MCGRATH
CHAIRMAN
8 March 2011

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS 
AND EUROPEAN 
EMBEDDED VALUE 
(EEV) BASIS 
SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION

150 

 Summary of statutory and supplementary IFRS 
and EEV basis results

 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

152  Index to Group financial statements
153  Consolidated income statement
154 
155  Consolidated statement of changes in equity
157  Consolidated statement of financial position
159  Consolidated statement of cash flows
160  Notes on the Group financial statements
354  Additional unaudited financial information
375  Balance sheet of the parent company
376 
387 

 Notes on the parent company financial statements
 Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect of 
the Annual Report and the financial statements
388   Independent auditor’s report to the members of 

Prudential plc

389  EEV basis supplementary information
395 
434 

 Notes on the EEV basis supplementary information
 Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect of 
the EEV basis supplementary information
 Independent auditor’s report to Prudential plc 
on the EEV basis supplementary information

435 

149

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150

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  PRIMARY STATEMENTS

SUMMARY OF STATUTORY AND SUPPLEMENTARY 
IFRS AND EEV BASIS RESULTS 
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010

The following tables and referenced disclosure notes show the results reported in the statutory financial statements on pages 153 to 352 and 
375 to 386 and supplementary EEV basis results on pages 389 to 433. This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements.

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) basis results
Statutory IFRS basis results

Primary statement or note reference

Page

2010

2009

Profit after tax attributable to equity 

holders of the Company

Basic earnings per share
Dividends per share declared and paid in reporting period
Shareholders’ equity, excluding non-controlling interest

IFRS income statement
IFRS income statement
IFRS note B3
IFRS statement of financial position

Supplementary IFRS basis information

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses 

on defined benefit pension schemes

Costs of terminated AIA transaction
Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth 
Loss on sale and results for Taiwan agency business

Profit from continuing operations before tax attributable 
to shareholders (including actual investment returns)

Operating earnings per share after related tax and non-

controlling interests (excluding exceptional tax credit) 

Operating earnings per share after related tax and non-

controlling interests (including exceptional tax credit)

Dividends per share in respect of the reporting period 

(including interim dividend of 6.61p (2009: 6.29p) and 
final dividend of 17.24p (2009: second interim dividend 
of 13.56p) declared after the end of the reporting period)

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns
Mark to market value movements on core borrowings
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses 

on defined benefit pension schemes
Effect of changes in economic assumptions
Costs of terminated AIA transaction
Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth
Profit on sale and results for Taiwan agency business
Profit from continuing operations before tax (including 

actual investment returns)

Operating earnings per share after related tax and non-

controlling interests (excluding exceptional tax credit)

Operating earnings per share after related tax and

Primary statement or note reference

IFRS note B1

153
153
188
158

Page

182
182

182
182
182
182

£1,431m
56.7p
20.17p
£8,031m

£676m
27.0p
19.20p
£6,271m

2010

2009 i

£1,941m
£(123)m

£1,564m
£(123)m

£(10)m
£(377)m
£30m
–

£(74)m
–
–
£(621)m

IFRS note B1

182

£1,461m

£746m

IFRS note B2

IFRS note B2

186

186

62.0p

68.3p

47.5p

47.5p

IFRS note B3

188

23.85p

19.85p 

Page

389
391
391

391
391
391
391
391

2010

2009

£3,696m
£(30)m
£(164)m

£(11)m
£(10)m
£(377)m
£3m
–

£3,090m
£351m
£(795)m

£(84)m
£(910)m
–
–
£91m

391

£3,107m

£1,743m

EEV income
statement

EEV note 12

417

106.9p

88.8p

Supplementary European Embedded Value (EEV) basis results

Primary statement or note reference

non-controlling interests (including exceptional tax credit)

Basic earnings per share
Shareholders’ equity, excluding non-controlling interests

EEV note 12
EEV earnings per share
EEV statement of financial position

113.2p
417
101.9p
392
394  £18,207m

88.8p
49.8p
£15,273m

Note
i 

The Company has amended the presentation of IFRS operating profit for its US operations to remove the net equity hedge accounting effect (incorporating 
related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include it in the supplementary analysis of profit in short-term fluctuations in investment returns. 
The 2009 amounts have been amended accordingly.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
151

Notes
Basis of preparation

Results bases
With the exception of the adoption of IFRS 3 (Revised) on business combinations and associated amendments to other standards and the altered 
basis of presentation of Jackson’s IFRS operating profit based on longer-term investment returns referred to below, the basis of preparation of the 
statutory IFRS basis results and supplementary IFRS basis information is consistent with that applied for the 2009 results and financial statements.
The EEV basis results have been prepared in accordance with the European Embedded Value Principles issued by the CFO Forum of European 

Insurance Companies in May 2004. Life insurance products are, by their nature, long-term and the profit on this business is generated over a 
significant number of years. Accounting under IFRS alone does not, in Prudential’s opinion, fully reflect the value of future profit streams. Prudential 
considers that embedded value reporting provides investors with a measure of the future profit streams of the Group’s in-force long-term businesses 
and is a valuable supplement to statutory accounts. With the exception of the presentation of the new business results of the Japan life operation 
which ceased writing new business in February 2010 there has been no other change to the basis of presentation of the EEV results from the 2009 
results and financial statements. 

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns
Consistent with previous reporting practice, the Group provides supplementary analysis of IFRS profit before tax attributable to shareholders 
and analyses its EEV basis results, so as to distinguish operating profit based on longer-term investment returns from other elements of total profit. 
On both the IFRS and EEV bases, operating earnings per share are calculated using operating profits based on longer-term investment returns, after  
related tax and non-controlling interests. 

These profits exclude short-term fluctuations in investment returns and the shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on defined 
benefit pension schemes. The operating profit based on longer-term investment returns for 2010 also excludes the costs associated with the terminated 
AIA transaction and the gain arising upon the dilution of the Group’s holding in PruHealth. Consistent with prior presentation, the effect of disposal and 
the results of the Taiwan agency business are shown separately  from operating profit based on longer-term investment returns for 2009. 

In 2010 the Company amended its presentation of IFRS operating profit for its US insurance operations to exclude the net equity hedge 

accounting effect of negative £367 million (2009: negative £159 million) relating principally to its variable annuity business and reclassified it in 
the supplementary analysis of profit as a short-term fluctuation in investment returns. Prior year comparatives have been amended accordingly. 
This is a presentational change and it has no impact on the IFRS profit before tax or the IFRS shareholders’ funds. The change also has no impact 
on the Group’s EEV financial statements.

Under the EEV basis, where additional profit and loss effects arise, operating profit based on longer-term investment returns also excludes the 

mark to market value movements on core borrowings and the effect of changes in economic assumptions. 

After adjusting for related tax and non-controlling interests, the amounts excluded from operating profit based on longer-term investment 

returns are included in the calculation of basic earnings per share.

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152

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  PRIMARY STATEMENTS

INDEX TO GROUP  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Primary statements

153  Consolidated income statement
154  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
155  Consolidated statement of changes in equity
157  Consolidated statement of financial position
159  Consolidated statement of cash flows

Notes on the Group financial statements

Section A: Background and accounting policies

160  A1:  Nature of operations 
160  A2:  Basis of preparation 
160  A3:  Critical accounting policies, estimates and judgements 
166  A4:  Significant accounting policies
179  A5:  New accounting pronouncements 

Section B: Summary of results

182  B1:  Segment disclosure – income statement
186  B2:  Earnings per share 
188  B3:  Dividends 
189  B4:  Exchange translation 
189  B5:  New business 
192  B6:  Group statement of financial position

Section C: Group risk management 

203  C:  Group risk management

Section D: Life assurance businesses

208  D1:  Group overview 
215  D2:  UK insurance operations 
234  D3:  US insurance operations 
254  D4:  Asian insurance operations 
262  D5: 

 Capital position statement for life 
assurance businesses

Section E: Asset management (including 

  US broker dealer) and other operations

271  E1: 
273  E2: 

Income statement for asset management operations 
 Statement of financial position for asset management 
operations 

274  E3:  Regulatory and other surplus 
275  E4: 

 Sensitivity of profit and equity to market 
and other financial risk

275  E5:  Other operations 

Section F: Income statement notes

276  F1:  Segmental information 
278  F2:  Revenue 
280  F3:  Acquisition costs and other expenditure 
281  F4: 

 Finance costs: Interest on core structural borrowings
of shareholder-financed operations 

281  F5:  Tax 
288  F6: 

290  F7: 

 Allocation of investment return between policyholders 
and shareholders
 Benefits and claims and movements in unallocated 
surplus of with-profits funds, net of reinsurance

Section G: Financial assets and liabilities

291  G1:  Financial instruments – designation and fair values 
300  G2:  Market risk 
304  G3:  Derivatives and hedging 
306  G4:  Derecognition and collateral 
307  G5:  Impairment of financial assets 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

Section H: Other information on statement of 
financial position items

Intangible assets attributable to shareholders 

308  H1: 
312  H2:  Intangible assets attributable to with-profits funds
313  H3:  Reinsurers’ share of insurance contract liabilities 
314  H4:  Tax assets and liabilities 
315  H5:  Accrued investment income and other debtors 
316  H6:  Property, plant and equipment 
317  H7: 
318  H8:  Investments in associates and joint ventures 
320  H9:  Properties held for sale 
321  H10: Cash and cash equivalents 
321  H11: 

Investment properties 

 Shareholders’ equity: Share capital, share premium 
and reserves 

323  H12:   Insurance contract liabilities and unallocated surplus 

of with-profits funds 

324  H13:  Borrowings 
326  H14:  Provisions and contingencies 
330  H15:  Other liabilities 

Section I: Other notes
I1: 

331 

332 

I2:  

 Acquisition of United Overseas Bank Life 
Assurance Limited
 Dilution of the Group’s holding in PruHealth in 2010 
and sale of Taiwan agency business in 2009

332 
345 
349 
349 
350 
350 
352 
352 
352 
352 

I3:  Staff and pension plans
I4:  Share-based payments
I5:  Key management remuneration 
I6:  Fees payable to auditor 
I7:  Related party transactions 
I8:  Subsidiary undertakings 
I9:  Commitments 
I10:  Discontinued operations
I11:  Cash flows
I12: 

 Post balance sheet events

Additional unaudited financial information
354  Additional unaudited financial information

Parent company financial statements 

375  Balance sheet of the parent company
376  Notes on the parent company financial statements

Statement of directors’ responsibilities and 
independent auditor’s report

387  Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect 
of the Annual Report and the financial statements
Independent auditor’s report to the members of 
Prudential plc 

388 

European Embedded Value (EEV) basis  
supplementary information

389  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns
391  Summarised consolidated income statement – EEV basis
392  Earnings per share – EEV basis
392  Dividends per share
392  Movement in shareholders’ equity (excluding 

non-controlling interests) – EEV basis

394  Net asset value per share
394  Summary statement of financial position – EEV basis
395  Notes on the EEV basis supplementary information
434  Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect 

435 

of the European Embedded Value (EEV) basis 
supplementary information
 Independent auditor’s report to Prudential plc 
on the European Embedded Value (EEV) basis 
supplementary information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED 
INCOME STATEMENT

Year ended 31 December 2010

Gross premiums earned
Outward reinsurance premiums

Earned premiums, net of reinsurance

Investment return
Other income

Total revenue, net of reinsurance

Benefits and claims 
Outward reinsurers’ share of benefits and claims
Movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

Benefits and claims and movements in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds,  

net of reinsurance

Acquisition costs and other expenditure
Finance costs: interest on core structural borrowings of 

shareholder-financed operations
Loss on sale of Taiwan agency business

Total charges, net of reinsurance

Profit before tax (being tax attributable to shareholders’ and policyholders’ returns)*
Tax charge attributable to policyholders’ returns

Profit before tax attributable to shareholders
Tax charge 
Less: tax attributable to policyholders’ returns
Tax charge attributable to shareholders’ returns‡

Profit from continuing operations after tax
Discontinued operations (net of tax)†

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company
Non-controlling interests

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

EARNINGS PER SHARE (IN PENCE)
Basic:

Based on profit from continuing operations attributable to the equity holders of the Company
Based on loss from discontinued operations attributable to the equity holders of the Company

Diluted:

Based on profit from continuing operations attributable to the equity holders of the Company
Based on loss from discontinued operations attributable to the equity holders of the Company

153

Note

2010  £m

2009  £m

F2

F2
F2

F1,F2

H12

F3

F4
I2

F1

B1
F5

F5

I10

B2
B2

B2
B2

24,568  
(357) 

24,211  

21,769  
1,666  

47,646  

(40,608) 
335  
(245) 

20,299
(323)

19,976

26,889
1,234

48,099

(39,901)
265
(1,559)

(40,518) 
(4,799) 

(41,195)
(4,572)

(257)  
–

(209)
(559)

(45,574)

(46,535)

2,072  
(611) 

1,461  
(636) 
611  
(25) 

1,436  
 –  

1,436  

1,431 
5 

1,436 

56.7p
 –  

56.7p

56.6p
 –  

56.6p

1,564
(818)

746
(873)
818
(55)

691
(14)

677

676
1

677

27.6p
(0.6)p

27.0p

27.6p
(0.6)p

27.0p

* This measure is the formal profit before tax measure under IFRS but is not the result attributable to shareholders and is stated after £377 million  

of pre-tax costs of the terminated AIA transaction. See note B1.

†The 2009 charge of £14 million which was net of £nil tax, reflected completion adjustments for a previously disposed business.
‡ The 2010 tax charge attributable to shareholders’ return includes an exceptional tax credit of £158 million which primarily relates to the impact  

of a settlement agreed with the UK tax authorities.

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154

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  PRIMARY STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Year ended 31 December 2010

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

Other comprehensive income:
Exchange movements on foreign operations and net investment hedges:

Exchange movements arising during the year
Related tax

Available-for-sale securities:
Unrealised valuation movements on securities of US insurance operations classified as 

available-for-sale: 
Unrealised holding gains arising during the year
Add back net losses included in the income statement on disposal and impairment

Total
Related change in amortisation of deferred income and acquisition costs
Related tax

Note

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,436 

677

B4

D3(a)

H1

217 
34 

251 

(206)
11

(195)

1,170 
51 

1,221 
(496)
(247)

478 

2,249
420

2,669
(1,069)
(557)

1,043

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR, NET OF RELATED TAX

729 

848

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company
Non-controlling interests

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR

2,165 

1,525

2,160 
5 

2,165 

1,524
1

1,525

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

155

Year ended 31 December 2010

RESERVES
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income:

Exchange movements on foreign 

operations and net investment 
hedges, net of related tax
Unrealised valuation movements,  

net of related change in amortisation  
of deferred income and acquisition 
costs and related tax

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the  year
Dividends
Reserve movements in respect of share-

based payments

Change in non-controlling interests arising 
principally from purchase and sale of 
property partnerships of the PAC with-
profits fund and other consolidated 
investment funds

SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARE PREMIUM
New share capital subscribed (including  

shares issued in lieu of cash dividends)

Reserve movements in respect of 

shares issued in lieu of cash dividends

TREASURY SHARES
Movement in own shares held in respect of 

share-based payment plans

Movement in Prudential plc shares purchased 
by unit trusts consolidated under IFRS

B3

H11

H11

Note

Share 
capital

Share 
premium

Retained 
earnings

2010  £m

Trans- 
lation 
reserve

Available-
for-sale 
securities 
reserve

Share-
holders’ 
equity

Non-
controlling 
interests

Total
equity

 – 

 – 

1,431 

 – 

 – 

1,431 

5 

1,436 

 – 

 – 

 – 

251 

 – 

251 

 – 

251 

 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

1,431 
(511)

– 

251 

251 
 – 

478 

478 

478 
 – 

478 

729 

2,160 
(511)

37 

 – 

 – 

37 

 – 

 – 

5 
 – 

 – 

478 

729 

2,165 
(511)

37 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

7 

7 

– 

 – 

–  

–  

75 

(62)

–

– 

– 

62 

(4) 

3 

– 

 – 

–

–  

– 

 – 

– 

–  

75 

– 

(4) 

3 

 – 

 – 

–

– 

12 
32

44 

75 

– 

(4)

3

1,772 
6,303

8,075 

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Net increase in equity
At beginning of year

AT END OF YEAR

 – 
127

13 
1,843

1,018 
3,964

H11

127 

1,856 

4,982 

251 
203

454 

478 
134

1,760 
6,271

612 

8,031 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
156

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  PRIMARY STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
CONTINUED

Note

Share 
capital

Share 
premium

Retained 
earnings

2009  £m

Trans- 
lation 
reserve

Available-
for-sale 
securities 
reserve

Share-
holders’ 
equity

Non-
controlling 
interests

676

–

(195)

–

–

676

(195)

–

1,043

1,043

(195)

1,043

848

(195)
–

1,043
–

1,524
(481)

29

Total
equity

677

(195)

1,043

848

1,525
(481)

29

1

–

–

–

1
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(24)

(24)

141

–

3

(3)

–

–

–

–

141

–

3

(3)

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

139

–

–

–

676
(481)

29

–

–

(136)

136

–

–

3

(3)

2
125

127

3
1,840

360
3,604

1,843

3,964

(195)
398

203

1,043
(909)

1,213
5,058

(23)
55

1,190
5,113

134

6,271

32

6,303

RESERVES
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income:

Exchange movements on foreign 

operations and net investment 
hedges, net of related tax
Unrealised valuation movements,  

net of related change in amortisation  
of deferred income and acquisition 
costs and related tax

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the  year
Dividends
Reserve movements in respect of share-

based payments

Change in non-controlling interests arising 
principally from purchase and sale of 
property partnerships of the PAC with-
profits fund and other consolidated 
investment funds

SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARE PREMIUM
New share capital subscribed (including  

shares issued in lieu of cash dividends)

Reserve movements in respect of 

shares issued in lieu of cash dividends

TREASURY SHARES
Movement in own shares held in respect of 

share-based payment plans

Movement in Prudential plc shares purchased 
by unit trusts consolidated under IFRS

Net increase (decrease) in equity
At beginning of year

B3

H11

H11

AT END OF YEAR

H11

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF FINANCIAL POSITION  
ASSETS

157

31 December 2010

Note

2010  £m

2009  £m

Intangible assets attributable to shareholders:
  Goodwill
  Deferred acquisition costs and other intangible assets

Total

Intangible assets attributable to with-profits funds:

In respect of acquired subsidiaries for venture fund and other investment purposes

  Deferred acquisition costs and other intangible assets

Total

Total

Other non-investment and non-cash assets:

Property, plant and equipment
Reinsurers’ share of insurance contract liabilities

  Deferred tax assets

Current tax recoverable
Accrued investment income

  Other debtors

Total

Investments of long-term business and other operations:

Investment properties
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Financial investments*:

Loans
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trusts

  Debt securities
  Other investments
  Deposits

Total

Properties held for sale 
Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL ASSETS

H1(a)
H1(b)

H2(a)
H2(b)

H6
H3
H4
H4
G1,H5
G1,H5

H7
H8
G1

1,466 
4,609 

6,075 

166 
110 

276 

1,310
4,049

5,359

124
106

230

6,351 

5,589

612 
1,344 
2,188
555 
2,668 
903 

8,270

11,247 
71 

9,261 
86,635 
116,352 
5,779 
9,952 

367
1,187
2,708
636
2,473
762

8,133

10,905
6

8,754
69,354
101,751
5,132
12,820

239,297 

208,722

H9
G1,H10

257 
6,631 

3
5,307

B6

260,806

227,754

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* Included within financial investments are £8,708 million (2009: £10,501 million) of lent securities. See note G4.

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158

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  PRIMARY STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF FINANCIAL POSITION   
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

31 December 2010

EQUITY
Shareholders’ equity
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

LIABILITIES
Policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds:

Insurance contract liabilities
Investment contract liabilities with discretionary participation features
Investment contract liabilities without discretionary participation features
Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

Total

Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed operations:

Subordinated debt 

  Other

Total

Other borrowings:
  Operational borrowings attributable to shareholder-financed operations

Borrowings attributable to with-profits funds

Other non-insurance liabilities:
  Obligations under funding, securities lending and sale and repurchase agreements

Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated unit trusts and similar funds

  Deferred tax liabilities

Current tax liabilities
Accruals and deferred income

  Other creditors
Provisions

  Derivative liabilities
  Other liabilities

Total

Total liabilities

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Note

2010  £m

2009  £m

H11

H12
G1
G1
H12

H13
H13

G1,H13

G1,H13
G1,H13

G1
G1
H4
H4

G1
H14
G1,G3
G1,H15

8,031 
44 

8,075 

6,271
32

6,303

171,291 
25,732 
17,704 
10,253 

145,713
24,880
15,805
10,019

224,980 

196,417

2,718 
958 

3,676 

3,004 
1,522 

4,199 
3,372 
4,224 
831 
707 
2,321 
729 
2,037 
1,129 

2,691
703

3,394

2,751
1,284

3,482
3,809
3,872
1,215
594
1,612
643
1,501
877

19,549 

17,605

B6

252,731 

221,451

260,806 

227,754

The consolidated financial statements on pages 153 to 352 were approved by the Board of directors on 8 March 2011 and signed 
on its behalf.

HARVEY MCGRATH 
CHAIRMAN 

TIDJANE THIAM 
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE 

NIC NICANDROU
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF CASH FLOWS

159

Year ended 31 December 2010

Note

2010  £m

2009  £m

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Profit before tax (being tax attributable to shareholders’ and policyholders’ returns)note (i)
Loss before tax from discontinued operations

I10

Total profit before tax
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Investments

  Other non-investment and non-cash assets

Policyholder liabilities (including unallocated surplus)

  Other liabilities (including operational borrowings)
Interest income and expense and dividend income included in result before tax
Other non-cash items (including £559 million in 2009 for the loss on disposal of 

Taiwan agency business) 

Operating cash items:
Interest receipts
  Dividend receipts

Tax paid

Net cash flows from operating activities

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
Completion adjustment for previously disposed business
Disposal of Taiwan agency business
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash balancenote (ii)

Net cash flows from investing activities

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Structural borrowings of the Group:

Shareholder-financed operations:

Issue of subordinated debt, net of costs
Redemption of senior debt
Bank loan
Interest paid
  With-profits operations:
Interest paid

Equity capital:note (iii)

Issues of ordinary share capital

  Dividends paid

Net cash flows from financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

H6

I10
I2(b)
I1

I11

H11
B3

H10

2,072 
–         

2,072 

(24,594)
(1,161)
24,287 
1,332 
(7,514)

1,564
(14)

1,550

(26,388)
(384)
24,932
(299)
(7,267)

139 

650

6,277 
1,412 
(302)

1,948 

(93)
4 
– 
– 
(145)

(234)

 –
– 
250
(251)

(9)

13 
(449)

(446)

1,268 
5,307 
56 

6,631 

5,734
1,780
(200)

108

(91)
54
(20)
(497)
–

(554)

822
(249)
– 
(207)

(9)

3
(344)

16

(430)
5,955
(218)

5,307

Notes
 (i)  This measure is the formal profit before tax measure under IFRS but it is not the result attributable to shareholders.
 (ii)  The acquisition of United Overseas Bank Life Assurance Limited (UOB) resulted in an outflow of cash for investing activities of £133 million.  

The remaining outflow of £12 million relates to the PAC with-profits fund purchase of Meterserve. 

(iii)  Cash movements in respect of equity capital exclude scrip dividends.

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160

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A: BACKGROUND AND  
ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A1:  NATURE OF OPERATIONS 

Prudential plc (the Company) together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the Group or Prudential) is an international financial services 
group with its principal operations in the UK, the US and Asia. The Group operates in the UK through its subsidiaries, primarily The 
Prudential Assurance Company Limited (PAC), Prudential Annuities Limited (PAL), Prudential Retirement Income Limited (PRIL) and 
M&G Investment Management Limited.

In the US, the Group’s principal subsidiary is Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson). The Group also has operations in 

Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and other Asian countries. 

Prudential offers a wide range of retail financial products and services and asset management services throughout these territories. 

The retail financial products and services principally include life insurance, pensions and annuities as well as collective investment 
schemes.

Long-term business products written in the UK and Asia are principally with-profits deposit administration, other conventional and 
unitised with-profits policies and non-participating pension annuities in the course of payment. Long-term business also includes linked 
business written in the UK and Asia. In Asia these policies are usually sold with insurance riders, such as health cover. The principal 
products written by Jackson are interest-sensitive deferred annuities and whole-life policies, variable annuities, guaranteed investment 
contracts, fixed index deferred annuities and term life insurance.

Prudential plc is a public limited company incorporated and registered in England and Wales. The registered office is: 

Laurence Pountney Hill 
London 
EC4R 0HH 
Registered number: 1397169

A2:  BASIS OF PREPARATION

The consolidated financial statements consolidate the Group and the Group’s interest in associates and jointly-controlled entities. 
The parent company financial statements present information about the Company as a separate entity and not about the Group.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared and approved by the directors in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as endorsed by the European Union 
(EU) as required by EU law (IAS regulation EC 1606/2032). The Company has elected to prepare its parent company financial statements 
in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP). These are presented on pages 375 to 386. A reconciliation to 
IFRS has also been provided for shareholders’ equity and profit for the year of the parent company.

The Group has applied all IFRS standards and interpretations adopted by the EU that are effective for financial years commencing on 
or before 1 January 2010. Further details on the new accounting pronouncements and accounting policy changes are provided in note A5. 
The Group has applied the same accounting policies in preparing the 2010 results as for 2009 except for the adoption of IFRS 3 
(Revised) on business combinations and associated amendments to other standards. However, as discussed in note A4 (d)(ii), the 
measurement of the segment measure of IFRS operating profit based on longer-term investment returns for US insurance operations 
has altered. Comparative segment results have been adjusted accordingly.

A3:  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

a  Critical accounting policies
Prudential’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon Prudential’s consolidated financial 
statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB and as endorsed by the EU. EU-endorsed IFRS 
may differ from IFRS as issued by the IASB if, at any point in time, new or amended IFRSs have not been endorsed by the EU. As at 
31 December 2010, there were no unendorsed standards effective for the two years ended 31 December 2010 affecting the 
consolidated financial information of Prudential and there were no differences between IFRSs endorsed by the EU and IFRSs issued by 
the IASB in terms of their application to Prudential. Accordingly, Prudential’s financial information for the two years ended 31 December 
2010 is prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. It is Prudential’s policy to adopt mandatory requirements of new or 
altered EU-adopted IFRS standards where required, with earlier adoption applied where permitted and appropriate in the 
circumstances.

The preparation of these financial statements requires Prudential to make estimates and judgements that affect the reported 
amounts of assets, liabilities, and revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing 
basis, Prudential evaluates its estimates, including those related to long-term business provisioning, the fair value of assets and the 
declaration of bonus rates. Prudential bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed 
to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgements about the carrying value of 
assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different 
assumptions or conditions. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
161

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgements and uncertainties, and potentially give rise 
to different results under different assumptions and conditions. Prudential believes that its critical accounting policies are limited to 
those described below. 

The critical accounting policies in respect of the items discussed below are critical for the Group’s results insofar as they relate to the 

Group’s shareholder-financed business. In particular this applies for Jackson which is the largest shareholder-backed business in the 
Group. The policies are not critical in respect of the Group’s with-profits business. This distinction reflects the basis of recognition of 
profit and accounting treatment of unallocated surplus of with-profits funds as a liability. Additional explanation is provided later in this 
note and cross-referenced notes as to why the distinction between with-profits business and shareholder-backed business is relevant. 
The items discussed below and in cross-referenced notes explain the effect of changes in estimates and the effect of reasonably 
likely changes in the key assumptions underlying these estimates as of the latest statement of financial position date so as to provide 
analysis that recognises the different accounting effects on profit and loss or equity. In order to provide relevant analysis that is 
appropriate to the circumstances applicable to the Group’s businesses, the explanations refer to types of business, fund structure, the 
relationship between asset and policyholder liability measurement, and the differences in the method of accounting permitted under 
IFRS 4 for accounting for insurance contract assets, policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of the Group’s with-profits funds. 

Insurance contract accounting
With the exception of certain contracts described in note D1, the contracts issued by the Group’s life assurance business are classified as 
insurance contracts and investment contracts with discretionary participating features. As permitted by IFRS 4, assets and liabilities of 
these contracts are accounted for under previously applied GAAP. Accordingly, except as described below, the modified statutory basis 
(MSB) of reporting as set out in the revised Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) issued by the Association of British Insurers 
(ABI) has been applied.

In 2005 the Group chose to improve its IFRS accounting for UK regulated with-profits funds by the voluntary application of the UK 
accounting standard FRS 27, ‘Life Assurance’. Under this standard, the main accounting changes that were required for UK with-profits 
funds were:

•  derecognition of deferred acquisition costs and related deferred tax; and
•  replacement of MSB liabilities with adjusted realistic basis liabilities.

The results included in the financial statements for 2010 and 2009 reflect this basis.

Unallocated surplus represents the excess of assets over policyholder liabilities for the Group’s with-profits funds that have yet to be 
appropriated between policyholders and shareholders. The Group has opted to account for unallocated surplus wholly as a liability with 
no allocation to equity. This treatment reflects the fact that shareholders’ participation in the cost of bonuses arises only on distribution. 
Shareholder profits on with-profits business reflect one-ninth of the cost of declared bonus. 

For Jackson, applying the MSB as applicable to overseas operations which permits the application of local GAAP in some 

circumstances, the assets and liabilities of insurance contracts are accounted for under insurance accounting prescribed by US GAAP. 
For the assets and liabilities of insurance contracts of Asian operations, the local GAAP is applied with adjustments, where necessary, to 
comply with UK GAAP. For the operations in Taiwan, Vietnam and Japan, countries where local GAAP is not appropriate in the context 
of the previously applied MSB, accounting for insurance contracts is based on US GAAP. For participating business the liabilities include 
provisions for the policyholders’ interest in realised investment gains and other surpluses that, where appropriate, and in particular for 
Vietnam, have yet to be declared as bonuses. 

The usage of these bases of accounting has varying effects on the way in which product options and guarantees are measured. 
For UK regulated with-profits funds, options and guarantees are valued on a market consistent basis. The basis is described in note 
D2(g)(ii). For other operations a market consistent basis is not applied under the accounting basis described in note A4. Details of the 
guarantees, basis of setting assumptions, and sensitivity to altered assumptions are described in notes D3 and D4.

Valuation and accounting presentation of fair value movements of derivatives and debt securities of Jackson
Under IAS 39, derivatives are required to be carried at fair value. Unless net investment hedge accounting is applied, value movements 
on derivatives are recognised in the income statement. As previously discussed the Group has chosen to change its presentation of 
operating profit for its US insurance operations as explained further in note A4(d)(ii). Derivative value movements in respect of equity 
risk within variable annuity business and other equity related hedging activities are now included outside operating profit as part of 
short-term fluctuations in investment returns. Accordingly, the value movements on all derivatives held by Jackson are separately 
identified within the short-term fluctuations in investment returns identified as part of the Group’s segment results described below 
and in note B1. 

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162

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A: BACKGROUND AND  
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
CONTINUED

A3:  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS  >  CONTINUED

For derivative instruments of Jackson, the Group has considered whether it is appropriate to undertake the necessary operational 
changes to qualify for hedge accounting so as to achieve matching of value movements in hedging instruments and hedged items in the 
performance statements. In reaching the decision a number of factors were particularly relevant. These were:

•  IAS 39 hedging criteria have been designed primarily in the context of hedging and hedging instruments that are assessable as 

financial instruments that are either stand-alone or separable from host contracts, rather than, for example, duration characteristics 
of insurance contracts;

•  the high hurdle levels under IAS 39 of ensuring hedge effectiveness at the level of individual hedge transactions;
•  the difficulties in applying the macro hedge provisions under IAS 39 (which are more suited to banking arrangements) to Jackson’s 

derivative book;

•  the complexity of asset and liability matching of US life insurers such as those with Jackson’s product range; and finally
•  whether it is possible or desirable, without an unacceptable level of costs and constraint on commercial activity, to achieve the 

accounting hedge effectiveness required under IAS 39.

Taking account of these considerations the Group has decided that, except for certain minor categories of derivatives, it is not 
appropriate to seek to achieve hedge accounting under IAS 39. As a result of this decision the total income statement results are more 
volatile as the movements in the value of Jackson’s derivatives are reflected within it.

Under IAS 39, unless carried at amortised cost (subject to impairment provisions where appropriate) under the held-to-maturity 
category, debt securities are also carried at fair value. The Group has chosen not to classify any financial assets as held-to-maturity. 
Debt securities of Jackson are designated as available-for-sale with value movements, unless impaired, being recorded as movements 
within other comprehensive income. Impairments are recorded in the income statement. 

Presentation of results before tax
The total tax charge for the Group reflects tax that in addition to relating to shareholders’ profits is also attributable to policyholders and 
unallocated surplus of with-profits funds and unit-linked policies. This is explained in more detail in note F5. However, pre-tax profits 
are determined after transfers to or from unallocated surplus of with-profits funds. These transfers are in turn determined after taking 
account of tax borne by with-profits funds. Consequently reported profit before the total tax charge is not representative of pre-tax 
profits attributable to shareholders. In order to provide a measure of pre-tax profits attributable to shareholders the Group has chosen to 
adopt an income statement presentation of the tax charge and pre-tax results that distinguishes between policyholder and shareholder 
components.

Segmental analysis of results and earnings attributable to shareholders
The Group uses operating profit based on longer-term investment returns as the segmental measure of its results. The basis of 
calculation is disclosed in note A4(d).

For shareholder-backed business, with the exception of debt securities held by Jackson and assets classified as loans and 

receivables, all financial investments and investment property are designated as assets at fair value through profit and loss. Short-term 
fluctuations in investment returns on such assets held by with-profits funds, do not affect directly reported shareholder results. This is 
because (i) the unallocated surplus of with-profits funds is accounted for as liabilities and (ii) excess or deficits of income and expenditure 
of the funds over the required surplus for distribution are transferred to or from unallocated surplus. However, for shareholder-backed 
businesses the short-term fluctuations affect the result for the year and the Group provides additional analysis of results to provide 
information on results before and after short-term fluctuations in investment returns.

b  Critical accounting estimates and judgements
Investments
Determining the fair value of financial investments when the markets are not active
The Group holds certain financial investments for which the markets are not active. These can include financial investments which 
are not quoted on active markets and financial investments for which markets are no longer active as a result of market conditions 
e.g. market illiquidity. When the markets are not active, there is generally no or limited observable market data to account for financial 
investments at fair value. The determination of whether an active market exists for a financial investment requires management’s 
judgement. 

If the market for a financial investment of the Group is not active, the fair value is determined by using valuation techniques. 

The Group establishes fair value for these financial investments by using quotations from independent third-parties, such as brokers or 
pricing services or by using internally developed pricing models. Priority is given to publicly available prices from independent sources 
when available, but overall the source of pricing and/or the valuation technique is chosen with the objective of arriving at a fair value 
measurement which reflects the price at which an orderly transaction would take place between market participants on the measurement 
date. The valuation techniques include the use of recent arm’s length transactions, reference to other instruments that are substantially 
the same, discounted cash flow analysis, option adjusted spread models and, if applicable, enterprise valuation and may include a 
number of assumptions relating to variables such as credit risk and interest rates. Changes in assumptions relating to these variables 
could positively or negatively impact the reported fair value of these financial investments.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
163

The financial investments measured at fair value are classified into the following three level hierarchy on the basis of the lowest level 
of inputs that is significant to the fair value measurement of the financial investment concerned:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable either directly or indirectly (i.e. derived from 

prices).

Level 3: Significant inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
At 31 December 2010, £4,573 million (2009: £5,557 million) of the financial investments (net of derivative liabilities) valued at fair 
value were classified as level 3. Of these £866 million (2009: £1,684 million) are held to back shareholder non-linked business and so 
changes to these valuations will directly impact shareholders’ equity. Further details of the classification of financial instruments are 
given in note G1.

Determining impairments relating to financial assets
Available-for-sale securities
Financial investments carried on an available-for-sale basis are represented by Jackson’s debt securities portfolio. The consideration of 
evidence of impairment requires management’s judgement. In making this determination the factors considered include, for example: 

•  Whether the decline of the financial investment’s fair value is substantial.

A substantial decline in fair value might be indicative of a credit loss event that would lead to a measurable decrease in the estimated 
future cash flows.

•  The impact of the duration of the security on the calculation of the revised estimated cash flows. 
•  The duration of a security for maturity helps to inform whether assessments of estimated future cash flows that are higher than market 

value are reasonable.

•  The duration and extent to which the amortised cost exceeds fair value. 

This factor provides an indication of how the contractual cash flows and effective interest rate of a financial asset compares with the 
implicit market estimate of cash flows and the risk attaching to a ‘fair value’ measurement. The length of time for which that level of 
difference has been in place may also provide further evidence as to whether the market assessment implies an impairment loss has 
arisen.

•  The financial condition and prospects of the issuer or other observable conditions that indicate the investment may be impaired. 

If a loss event that will have a detrimental effect on cash flows is identified an impairment loss in the income statement is recognised. 
The loss recognised is determined as the difference between the book cost and the fair value of the relevant impaired securities. 
This loss comprises the effect of the expected loss of contractual cash flows and any additional market-price-driven temporary 
reductions in values.

For Jackson’s residential mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, the 
model used to analyse cash flows, begins with the current delinquency experience of the underlying collateral pool for the structure, 
by applying assumptions about how much of the currently delinquent loans will eventually default, and multiplying this by an assumed 
loss severity. Additional factors are applied to anticipate ageing effect. After applying a cash flow simulation an indication is obtained as 
to whether or not the security has suffered, or is anticipated to suffer, contractual principal or interest payment shortfall. If a shortfall 
applies an impairment charge is recorded. The difference between the fair value and book cost for unimpaired securities accounted for 
as available-for-sale, is accounted for as unrealised gains or losses, with the movements in the accounting period being accounted for in 
other comprehensive income.

The Group’s review of fair value involves several criteria, including economic conditions, credit loss experience, other issuer-specific 
developments and future cash flows. These assessments are based on the best available information at the time. Factors such as market 
liquidity, the widening of bid/ask spreads and a change in cash flow assumptions can contribute to future price volatility. If actual 
experience differs negatively from the assumptions and other considerations used in the consolidated financial statements, unrealised 
losses currently in equity may be recognised in the income statement in future periods. The preceding note in this section provides 
explanation on how fair value is determined when the markets for the financial investments are not active. Further, additional details 
on the impairments of the available-for-sale securities of Jackson are described in notes D3 and G5.

Assets held at amortised cost
Financial assets classified as loans and receivables under IAS 39 are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. 
Certain mortgage loans of the UK insurance operations have been designated at fair value through profit and loss as this loan portfolio is 
managed and evaluated on a fair value basis and these are included within loans in the balance sheet. The loans and receivables include 
loans collateralised by mortgages, deposits and loans to policyholders. In estimating future cash flows, the Group looks at the expected 
cash flows of the assets and applies historical loss experience of assets with similar credit risks that has been adjusted for conditions in 
the historical loss experience which no longer exist or for conditions that are expected to arise. The estimated future cash flows are 
discounted using the financial asset’s original or variable effective interest rate and exclude credit losses that have not yet been incurred. 
The risks inherent in reviewing the impairment of any investment include the risk that market results may differ from expectations; 
facts and circumstances may change in the future and differ from estimates and assumptions; or the Group may later decide to sell the 
asset as a result of changed circumstances.

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A: BACKGROUND AND  
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
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A3:  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS  >  CONTINUED

Insurance contracts
Product classification
IFRS 4 requires contracts written by insurers to be classified as either ‘insurance contracts’ or ‘investment contracts’ depending on 
the level of insurance risk transferred. Insurance risk is a pre-existing risk, other than financial risk, transferred from the contract holder 
to the contract issuer. If significant insurance risk is transferred by the contract then it is classified as an insurance contract. Contracts that 
transfer financial risk but not significant insurance risk are termed investment contracts. Furthermore, some contracts, both insurance 
and investment, contain discretionary participating features representing the contractual right to receive additional benefits as a 
supplement to guaranteed benefits: 

a  that are likely to be a significant portion of the total contract benefits;
b  whose amount or timing is contractually at the discretion of the insurer; and
c  that are contractually based on asset or fund performance, as discussed in IFRS 4.

Accordingly, insurers must perform a product classification exercise across their portfolio of contracts issued to determine the allocation 
to these various categories. IFRS 4 permits the continued usage of previously applied GAAP for insurance contracts and investment 
contracts with discretionary participating features. Except for UK regulated with-profits funds, as described subsequently, this basis 
has been applied by the Group. 

For investment contracts that do not contain discretionary participating features, IAS 39 and, where the contract includes an 

investment management element, IAS 18, apply measurement principles to assets and liabilities attaching to the contract.

Valuation assumptions
i  Contracts of with-profits funds
The Group’s insurance contracts and investment contracts with discretionary participating features are primarily with-profits and other 
protection type policies. For UK regulated with-profits funds, the contract liabilities are valued by reference to the UK Financial Services 
Authority’s (FSA) realistic basis. In aggregate, this basis has the effect of placing a value on the liabilities of UK with-profits contracts, 
which reflects the amounts expected to be paid based on the current value of investments held by the with-profits funds and current 
circumstances. 

The basis of determining liabilities for the Group’s with-profits business has little or no effect on the results attributable to 

shareholders. This is because movements on liabilities of the with-profits funds are absorbed by the unallocated surplus. Except through 
indirect effects, or in remote circumstances as described below, changes to liability assumptions are therefore reflected in the carrying 
value of the unallocated surplus, which is accounted for as a liability rather than shareholders’ equity. A detailed explanation of the basis 
of liability measurement is contained in note D2(g)(ii).

The Group’s other with-profits contracts are written in with-profits funds that operate in some of the Group’s Asian operations. 
The liabilities for these contracts and those of Prudential Annuities Limited, which is a subsidiary company of the PAC with-profits funds, 
are determined differently. For these contracts the liabilities are estimated using actuarial methods based on assumptions relating to 
premiums, interest rates, investment returns, expenses, mortality and surrenders. The assumptions to which the estimation of these 
reserves is particularly sensitive are: the interest rate used to discount the provision and the assumed future mortality experience of 
policyholders. 

For liabilities determined using the basis described above for UK regulated with-profits funds, and the other liabilities described in 
the preceding paragraph, changes in estimates arising from the likely range of possible changes in underlying key assumptions have no 
direct impact on the reported profit.

This lack of sensitivity reflects the with-profits fund structure, basis of distribution, and the application of previous GAAP to the 
unallocated surplus of with-profits funds as permitted by IFRS 4. Changes in liabilities of these contracts that are caused by altered 
estimates are absorbed by the unallocated surplus of the with-profits funds with no direct effect on shareholders’ equity. The Company’s 
obligations and more detail on such circumstances are described in note H14.

ii  Other contracts
Contracts, other than those of with-profits funds, are written in shareholder-backed operations of the Group. The significant 
shareholder-backed product groupings and the factors that may significantly affect IFRS results due to experience against assumptions 
or changes of assumptions vary significantly between business units. For some types of business the effect of changes in assumptions 
may be significant, whilst for others, due to the nature of the product, assumption setting may be of less significance. The nature of the 
products and the significance of assumptions are discussed in notes D2, D3 and D4. From the perspective of shareholder results the key 
sensitivity relates to the assumption for allowance for credit risk for UK annuity business. 

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Jackson
Jackson offers individual fixed annuities, fixed index annuities, immediate annuities, variable annuities, individual and variable life 
insurance and institutional products. With the exception of institutional products and an incidental amount of business for annuity 
certain contracts, which are accounted for as investment contracts under IAS 39, all of Jackson’s contracts are accounted for under 
IFRS 4 as insurance contracts by applying US GAAP, the previous GAAP used before IFRS adoption. The accounting requirements 
under these standards and the effect of changes in valuation assumptions are considered below for fixed annuity, variable annuity 
and traditional life insurance contracts.

Fixed annuity contracts, which are investment contracts under US GAAP terminology, are accounted for by applying in the first 
instance a retrospective deposit method to determine the liability for policyholder benefits. This is then augmented by potentially three 
additional amounts, namely deferred income, any amounts previously assessed against policyholders that are refundable on termination 
of the contract, and any premium deficiency, i.e., any probable future loss on the contract. These types of contracts contain considerable 
interest rate guarantee features. Notwithstanding the accompanying market risk exposure, except in the circumstances of interest rate 
scenarios where the guarantee rates included in contract terms are higher than crediting rates that can be supported from assets held 
to cover liabilities, the accounting measurement of Jackson’s fixed annuity products is not generally sensitive to interest rate risk. 
This position derives from the nature of the products and the US GAAP basis of measurement. 

Variable annuity contracts written by Jackson may provide for guaranteed minimum death, income, or withdrawal benefit features. 
In general terms, liabilities for these benefits are accounted for under US GAAP by using estimates of future benefits and fees under best 
estimate assumptions. For variable annuity business the key assumption is the expected long-term level of equity market returns, which 
for 2010 and 2009 was 8.4 per cent per annum (after deduction of external fund management fees) determined using a mean reversion 
methodology. Under the mean reversion methodology, projected returns over the next five years are flexed (subject to capping) so that, 
combined with the actual rates of return for the current and the previous two years the 8.4 per cent rate is maintained. The projected 
rates of return are capped at no more than 15 per cent for each of the next five years. Further details are explained in note D3(g).

These returns affect the level of future expected profits through their effects on the fee income with consequential impact on the 
amortisation of deferred acquisition costs as described below and the required level of provision for guaranteed minimum death benefit 
claims. 

For traditional life insurance contracts, provisions for future policy benefits are determined using the net level premium method and 

assumptions as of the issue date as to mortality, interest, policy lapses and expenses plus provisions for adverse deviation.

Except to the extent of mortality experience, which primarily affects profits through variations in claim payments and the guaranteed 
minimum death benefit reserves, the profits of Jackson are relatively insensitive to changes in insurance risk. This reflects the principally 
spread and fee-based nature of Jackson’s business.

Asian operations
The insurance products written in the Group’s Asian operations principally cover with-profits business, unit-linked business, and other 
non-participating business. The results of with-profits business are relatively insensitive to changes in estimates and assumptions that 
affect the measurement of policyholder liabilities. As for the UK business, this feature arises because unallocated surplus is accounted 
for by the Group as a liability. The results of Asian unit-linked business are also relatively insensitive to changes in estimates or 
assumptions. 

The remaining non-participating business in Asia has some limited sensitivity to interest rates. Further details are provided in D4(j).

Deferred acquisition costs
Significant costs are incurred in connection with acquiring new insurance business. Except for acquisition costs of with-profits contracts 
of the UK regulated with-profits funds, which are accounted for under the realistic FSA regime as described in note A4, these costs, 
which vary with, and are primarily related to, the production of new business, are capitalised and amortised against margins in future 
revenues on the related insurance policies. The recoverability of the asset is measured and the asset is deemed impaired if the projected 
future margins are less than the carrying value of the asset. To the extent that the future margins differ from those anticipated, then an 
adjustment to the carrying value of the deferred acquisition cost asset will be necessary.

The deferral and amortisation of acquisition costs is of most relevance to the Group’s results for shareholder-financed long-term 

business of Jackson and Asian operations. The majority of the UK shareholder-backed business is for individual and group annuity 
business where the incidence of acquisition costs is negligible. 

Jackson
For term business, acquisition costs are deferred and amortised in line with expected premiums. For annuity business, acquisition 
costs are deferred and amortised in line with expected gross profits on the relevant contracts. For interest-sensitive business, the key 
assumption is the long-term spread between the earned rate and the rate credited to policyholders, which is based on the annual spread 
analysis. In addition, expected gross profits depend on mortality assumptions, assumed unit costs and terminations other than deaths 
(including the related charges), all of which are based on a combination of Jackson’s actual industry experience and future expectations. 
A detailed analysis of actual experience is measured by internally developed mortality studies. 

For variable annuity business, the key assumption is the expected long-term level of equity market returns as described above. 
The level of acquisition costs carried in the statement of financial position is also sensitive to unrealised valuation movements on 

debt securities held to back the liabilities and solvency capital. Further details are explained in notes D3(g) and H1.

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A3:  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS  >  CONTINUED

Asian operations
For those territories applying US GAAP, principles similar to those set out in the Jackson paragraph above are applied to the deferral and 
amortisation of acquisition costs. For other Asian territories, except where the underlying reserving basis makes implicit allowance for 
the future fees that cover acquisition costs, the deferral and amortisation of acquisition costs is consistent with Modified Statutory Basis 
where costs associated with the production of new business are amortised in line with the emergence of margins.

Pensions
The Group applies the requirements of IAS 19, ‘Employee benefits’ and associated interpretations including IFRIC 14 ’IAS 19 – The Limit 
on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction’, to its defined benefit pension schemes. The principal 
defined benefit pension scheme is the Prudential Staff Pension Scheme (PSPS). For PSPS the terms of the trust deed restrict shareholders’ 
access to any underlying surplus. Accordingly, applying the interpretation of IFRIC 14, any underlying IAS 19 basis surplus is not 
recognised for IFRS reporting. The financial position for PSPS recorded in the IFRS financial statements reflects the higher of any 
underlying IAS 19 deficit and any obligation for deficit funding. 

The economic participation in the surplus or deficits attaching to the PSPS and the smaller Scottish Amicable Pensions Scheme 
(SAPS) are shared between the PAC with-profits sub-fund (WPSF) and shareholder operations. The economic interest reflects the 
source of contributions over the scheme life, which in turn reflects the activity of the members during their employment. 

In the case of PSPS, movements in the apportionment of the financial position for PSPS between the WPSF and shareholders’ funds 

in 2010 reflect the 70/30 ratio applied to the base deficit position as at 31 December 2005 but with service cost and contributions for 
ongoing service apportioned by reference to the cost allocation for activity of current employees. For SAPS the ratio is estimated to be 
approximately 50/50 between the WPSF and shareholders’ funds.
  Due to the inclusion of actuarial gains and losses in the income statement rather than being recognised in other comprehensive 
income, the results of the Group are affected by changes in interest rates for corporate bonds that affect the rate applied to discount 
projected pension payments, changes in mortality assumptions and changes in inflation assumptions. 

Deferred tax
Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that they are regarded as recoverable, that is to the extent that, on the basis of all the 
available evidence, it can be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits against which the losses can be 
relieved. The taxation regimes applicable across the Group apply separate rules to trading and capital profits and losses. The distinction 
between temporary differences that arise from items of either a capital or trading nature may affect the recognition of deferred tax 
assets. The judgements made, and uncertainties considered, in arriving at deferred tax balances in the financial statements are 
discussed in note H4. 

Goodwill
Goodwill impairment testing requires the exercise of judgement by management as to prospective future cash flows. Further information 
is disclosed in note H1.

A4:  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a  Financial instruments other than financial instruments classified as long-term business contracts 
Investment classification
Under IAS 39, subject to specific criteria, financial instruments should be accounted for under one of the following categories: financial 
investments at fair value through profit and loss, financial investments held on an available-for-sale basis, financial investments held-to-
maturity or loans and receivables. Upon initial recognition, financial investments are measured at fair value plus, in the case of a financial 
asset or financial liability not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of 
the financial asset or financial liability. These IAS 39 classifications have been changed by IFRS 9 ‘Financial Investments: Classification 
and Measurement’ which is not required to be adopted until 2013 and is still subject to EU endorsement. This standard has not been 
adopted by the Group in 2010. The Group holds financial investments on the following bases:

i 

 Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit and loss – this comprises assets and liabilities designated by management as 
fair value through profit and loss on inception and derivatives that are held for trading. These investments are measured at fair value 
with all changes thereon being recognised in investment income.

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ii   Financial investments on an available-for-sale basis – this comprises assets that are designated by management and/or do not fall into 
any of the other categories. Available-for-sale financial assets are initially recognised at fair value plus attributable transaction costs. 
For available-for-sale debt securities, the difference between their cost and par value is amortised to the income statement using the 
effective interest rate. Available-for-sale financial assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Interest income is recognised on an 
effective interest basis in the income statement. Except for foreign exchange gains and losses on debt securities, not in functional 
currency, which are included in the income statement, unrealised gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income 
(i.e. outside of the income statement). Upon disposal or impairment, accumulated unrealised gains and losses are transferred from 
other comprehensive income to the income statement as realised gains or losses.

iii  Loans and receivables – this comprises non-quoted investments that have fixed or determinable payments and are not designated as 
fair value through profit and loss or available-for-sale. These investments include loans collateralised by mortgages, deposits, loans to 
policyholders and other unsecured loans and receivables. These investments are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction 
costs. Subsequently, these investments are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

As permitted under IAS 39 the Group has designated certain financial assets as fair value through profit and loss as these assets are 
managed and their performance is evaluated on a fair value basis. These assets represent all of the Group’s financial assets other than 
the majority of loans and receivables and debt securities held by Jackson. Debt securities held by Jackson are accounted for on 
an available-for-sale basis. The use of the fair value option is consistent with the Group’s risk management and investment strategies.

The Group uses the trade date method to account for regular purchases and sales of financial assets.

Use of fair values
The Group uses current bid prices to value its investments with quoted prices. Actively traded investments without quoted prices are 
valued using prices provided by third parties. If there is no active established market for an investment, the Group applies an appropriate 
valuation technique such as a discounted cash flow technique. Additional details are provided in note G1.

Impairments
The Group assesses at each statement of financial position date, whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of 
financial assets not held at fair value through profit and loss is impaired. A financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired and 
impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that have occurred after 
the initial recognition of the asset (a loss event) and that a loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the 
financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated. Objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial 
assets is impaired includes observable data that comes to the attention of the Group. For assets designated as available-for-sale, the 
initial impairment is the cumulative loss which is removed from the available-for-sale reserve within equity and recognised in the income 
statement. Any subsequent impairment loss is measured as the cumulative loss, less any impairment loss previously recognised.

For loans and receivables carried at amortised cost, the impairment amount is the difference between carrying value and the present 

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value of the expected cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.

If, in subsequent periods, an impaired debt security held on an available-for-sale basis or an impaired loan or receivable recovers 
in value (in part or in full), and this recovery can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment, then the previously 
recognised impairment loss is reversed through the income statement (in part or in full).

Derivatives and hedge accounting
Derivative financial instruments are used to reduce or manage investment, interest rate and currency exposures, to facilitate efficient 
portfolio management and for investment purposes. 

The Group may designate certain derivatives as hedges. This includes fair value hedges, cash flow hedges and hedges of net 

investments in foreign operations. If the criteria for hedge accounting are met then the following accounting treatments are applied from 
the date at which the designation is made and the accompanying requisite documentation is in place:

i 

 Hedges of net investments in foreign operations – the effective portion of any change in fair value of derivatives or other financial 
instruments designated as net investment hedges are recognised in other comprehensive income (i.e. outside of the income 
statement). The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument is recorded in the income statement. 
The gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised directly in other comprehensive income, is recognised in the income statement 
on disposal of the foreign operation.

ii   Fair value hedges – movements in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognised in the income 

statement.

iii  Cash flow hedges – the effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is recognised 

in other comprehensive income (i.e. outside of the income statement). Movements in fair value relating to the ineffective portion are 
booked in the income statement. Amounts recognised in other comprehensive income are recorded in the income statement in the 
periods in which the hedged item affects profit or loss.

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A4:  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  >  CONTINUED

All derivatives that do not meet the relevant hedging criteria are carried at fair value with movements in fair value being recorded in the 
income statement.

The primary areas of the Group’s continuing operations where derivative instruments are held are the UK with-profits funds and 

annuity business, and Jackson.

For the Group’s continuing operations, hedge accounting under IAS 39 is not usually applied. The exceptions, where hedge 

accounting has been applied in 2010 and 2009, are summarised in note G3.

For UK with-profits funds the derivative programme is undertaken as part of the efficient management of the portfolio as a whole. 

As noted in section D2 value movements on the with-profits funds investments are reflected in changes in asset-share liabilities to 
policyholders or the liability for unallocated surplus. Shareholders’ profit and equity are not affected directly by value movements 
on the derivatives held.

For UK annuity business the derivatives are held to contribute to the matching as far as practical, of asset returns and duration 
with those of liabilities to policyholders. The carrying value of these liabilities is sensitive to the return on the matching financial assets 
including derivatives held. Except for the extent of minor mismatching, value movements on derivatives held for this purpose do not 
affect shareholders’ profit or equity.

For Jackson an extensive derivative programme is maintained. Value movements on the derivatives held can be very significant in 

their effect on shareholder results. The Group has chosen generally not to seek to construct the Jackson derivative programme so as to 
facilitate hedge accounting where theoretically possible, under IAS 39. Further details on this aspect of the Group’s financial reporting 
are described in note A3.

Embedded derivatives
Embedded derivatives are present in host contracts issued by various Group companies, in particular for Jackson. They are embedded 
within other non-derivative host financial instruments and insurance contracts to create hybrid instruments. Embedded derivatives 
meeting the definition of an insurance contract are accounted for under IFRS 4. Where economic characteristics and risks of the 
embedded derivatives are not closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host instrument, and where the hybrid 
instrument is not measured at fair value with the changes in fair value recognised in the income statement, the embedded derivative is 
bifurcated and carried at fair value as a derivative in accordance with IAS 39.

In addition, the Group applies the requirement of IFRS 4 to not separate and fair value surrender options embedded in host contracts 

and with-profits investment contracts whose strike price is either a fixed amount or a fixed amount plus interest. Further details on the 
valuation basis for embedded derivatives attaching to Jackson’s life assurance contracts are provided in note D3(g). 

Securities lending including repurchase agreements
The Group is party to various securities lending agreements under which securities are loaned to third-parties on a short-term basis. 
The loaned securities are not derecognised; rather, they continue to be recognised within the appropriate investment classification. 
The Group’s policy is that collateral in excess of 100 per cent of the fair value of securities loaned is required from all securities’ borrowers 
and typically consists of cash, debt securities, equity securities or letters of credit.

In cases where the Group takes possession of the collateral under its securities lending programme, the collateral, and 

corresponding obligation to return such collateral, are recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position. 

Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities
The Group’s policy is to derecognise financial assets when it is deemed that substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership have 
been transferred. The Group also derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset 
expire. Where the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, the Group will derecognise 
the financial asset where it is deemed that the Group has not retained control of the financial asset.
  Where the transfer does not result in the Group transferring the right to receive the cash flows of the financial assets, but does result 
in the Group assuming a corresponding obligation to pay the cash flows to another recipient, the financial assets are also accordingly 
derecognised providing all of the following conditions are met:

•  the Group has no obligation to pay amounts to the eventual recipients unless it collects the equivalent amounts from the original asset;
•  the Group is prohibited by the terms of the transfer contract from selling or pledging the original asset; and
•  the Group has an obligation to remit any cash flows it collects on behalf of the eventual recipients without material delay.

The Group derecognises financial liabilities only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or has expired.

Borrowings
Although initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs, borrowings, excluding liabilities of consolidated collateralised debt 
obligations, are subsequently accounted for on an amortised cost basis using the effective interest method. Under the effective interest 
method, the difference between the redemption value of the borrowing and the initial proceeds (net of related issue costs) is amortised 
through the income statement to the date of maturity or for hybrid debt, over the expected life of the instrument.

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Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit and loss
Consistent with the Group’s risk management and investment strategy and the nature of the products concerned, the Group has 
designated under IAS 39 classification certain financial liabilities at fair value through profit and loss as these instruments are managed 
and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis. These instruments include liabilities related to consolidated collateralised debt 
obligations and net assets attributable to unit holders of consolidated unit trusts and similar funds. 

b  Long-term business contracts
Income statement treatment
Premiums and claims
Premium and annuity considerations for conventional with-profits policies and other protection type insurance policies are recognised as 
revenue when due. Premiums and annuity considerations for linked policies, unitised with-profits and other investment type policies are 
recognised as revenue when received or, in the case of unitised or unit-linked policies, when units are issued. These amounts exclude 
UK premium taxes and similar duties where Prudential collects and settles taxes borne by the customer.

Policy fees charged on linked and unitised with-profits policies for mortality, asset management and policy administration are 

recognised as revenue when related services are provided.

Claims paid include maturities, annuities, surrenders and deaths. Maturity claims are recorded as charges on the policy maturity 

date. Annuity claims are recorded when each annuity instalment becomes due for payment. Surrenders are charged to the income 
statement when paid and death claims are recorded when notified.

For investment contracts which do not contain discretionary participating features, the accounting is carried out in accordance with 

IAS 39 to reflect the deposit nature of the arrangement, with premiums and claims reflected as deposits and withdrawals and taken 
directly to the statement of financial position as movements in the financial liability balance.

Acquisition costs
With the exception of costs incurred in respect of with-profits contracts valued on a realistic basis, costs of acquiring new insurance 
business, principally commissions, marketing and advertising costs and certain other costs associated with policy issuance and 
underwriting that are not reimbursed by policy charges, are specifically identified and capitalised as part of deferred acquisition costs 
(DAC), which are included as an asset in the statement of financial position. The DAC asset in respect of insurance contracts is amortised 
against margins in future revenues on the related insurance policies, to the extent that the amounts are recoverable out of the margins. 
Recoverability of the unamortised DAC asset is assessed at the time of policy issue and reviewed if profit margins have declined.

Under IFRS, investment contracts (excluding those with discretionary participation features) accounted for as financial liabilities in 
accordance with IAS 39 which also offers investment management services, require the application of IAS 18 for the revenue attached 
to these services. The Group’s investment contracts primarily comprise certain unit-linked savings contracts in the UK and Asia and 
contracts with fixed and guaranteed terms in the US (such as guaranteed investment contracts and annuity-certains) all of which offer 
an investment service.

Incremental, directly attributable acquisition costs relating to the investment management element of these contracts are capitalised 

and amortised in line with the related revenue. If the contracts involve up-front charges, this income is also deferred and amortised 
through the income statement in line with contractual service provision.

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UK regulated with-profits funds
Prudential’s long-term business written in the UK comprises predominantly life insurance policies with discretionary participating 
features under which the policyholders are entitled to participate in the returns of the funds supporting these policies. Business similar 
to this type is also written in certain of the Group’s Asian operations subject to local market and regulatory conditions. Such policies are 
called with-profits policies. Prudential maintains with-profits funds within the Group’s long-term business funds, which segregate the 
assets and liabilities and accumulate the returns related to that with-profits business. The amounts accumulated in these with-profits 
funds are available to provide for future policyholder benefit provisions and for bonuses to be distributed to with-profits policyholders. 
The bonuses, both annual and final, reflect the right of the with-profits policyholders to participate in the financial performance of the 
with-profits funds. Shareholders’ profits with respect to bonuses declared on with-profits business correspond to the shareholders’ 
share of the cost of bonuses as declared by the Board of directors. The shareholders’ share currently represents one-ninth of the cost 
of bonuses declared for with-profits policies.

Annual bonuses are declared and credited each year to with-profits policies. The annual bonuses increase policy benefits and, 
once credited, become guaranteed. Annual bonuses are charged to the profit and loss account in the year declared. Final bonuses are 
declared each year and accrued for all policies scheduled to mature and for death benefits expected to be paid during the next financial 
year. Final bonuses are not guaranteed and are only paid on policies that result from claims through the death of the policyholder or 
maturity of the policy within the period of declaration or by concession on surrender. No policyholder benefit provisions are recorded 
for future annual or final bonus declarations.

The policyholders’ liabilities of the regulated with-profits funds are accounted for under FRS 27. 
Under FRS 27 for the UK with-profits funds: 

•  no deferred acquisition costs and related deferred tax are recognised; and
•  adjusted realistic basis liabilities instead of MSB liabilities are recognised.

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A4:  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  >  CONTINUED

FRS 27 realistic basis liabilities are underpinned by the FSA’s Peak 2 basis of reporting. This Peak 2 basis requires the value of liabilities to 
be calculated as:

•  a with-profits benefits reserve (WPBR); plus
•  future policy related liabilities (FPRL); plus
•  the realistic current liabilities of the fund.

The WPBR is primarily based on the retrospective calculation of accumulated asset shares but is adjusted to reflect future policyholder 
benefits and other outgoings. 

The FPRL must include a market consistent valuation of costs of guarantees, options and smoothing, less any related charges, and 

this amount is determined using either a stochastic approach, hedging costs or a series of deterministic projections with attributed 
probabilities. 

The assumptions used in the stochastic models are calibrated to produce risk-free returns on each asset class. Volatilities of, and 
correlations between, investment returns from different asset classes are as determined by the Group’s Portfolio Management Group 
on a market consistent basis.

The cost of guarantees, options and smoothing is very sensitive to the bonus, market value reduction (MVR) and investment policies 

the Group employs and therefore the stochastic modelling incorporates a range of management actions that would help to protect the 
fund in adverse scenarios. Substantial flexibility has been included in the modelled management actions in order to reflect the discretion 
that the Group retains in adverse investment conditions, thereby avoiding the creation of unreasonable minimum capital requirements. 
The management actions assumed are consistent with management’s policy for with-profits funds and the disclosures made in the 
publicly available Principles and Practices of Financial Management.

The realistic basis liabilities representing the Peak 2 basis realistic liabilities for with-profits business included in Form 19 of the 
FSA regulatory returns include the element for the shareholders’ share of the future bonuses. For accounting purposes under FRS 27, 
this latter item is reversed because, consistent with the current basis of financial reporting, shareholder transfers are recognised only 
on declaration.

Unallocated surplus
The unallocated surplus represents the excess of assets over policyholder liabilities for the Group’s with-profits funds. As allowed 
under IFRS 4, the Group has opted to continue to record unallocated surplus of with-profits funds wholly as a liability. The annual excess 
(shortfall) of income over expenditure of the with-profits funds, after declaration and attribution of the cost of bonuses to policyholders 
and shareholders, is transferred to (from) the unallocated surplus each year through a charge (credit) to the income statement. The 
balance retained in the unallocated surplus represents cumulative income arising on the with-profits business that has not been allocated 
to policyholders or shareholders. The balance of the unallocated surplus is determined after full provision for deferred tax on unrealised 
appreciation on investments.

Other insurance contracts (i.e. contracts which contain significant insurance risk as defined under IFRS 4)
For these contracts UK GAAP has been applied, which reflects the MSB. Under this basis the following approach applies:

Other UK insurance contracts
Other UK insurance contracts that contain significant insurance risk include unit-linked, annuity and other non-profit business. 
For the purposes of local regulations, segregated accounts are established for linked business for which policyholder benefits are 
wholly or partly determined by reference to specific investments or to an investment-related index. The interest rates used in 
establishing policyholder benefit provisions for pension annuities in the course of payment are adjusted each year. Mortality rates 
used in establishing policyholder benefit are based on published mortality tables adjusted to reflect actual experience.

Overseas subsidiaries
The assets and liabilities of insurance contracts of overseas subsidiaries are determined initially using local GAAP bases of accounting 
with subsequent adjustments where necessary to comply with the Group’s accounting policies.

Jackson
The future policyholder benefit provisions for Jackson’s conventional protection-type policies are determined using the net level 
premium method under US GAAP principles and assumptions as of the issue date as to mortality, interest, policy lapses and expenses 
plus provisions for adverse deviations. For non-conventional protection-type policies, the policyholder benefit provision included within 
policyholder liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position is the policyholder account balance.

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For the business of Jackson, the determination of the expected emergence of margins, against which the amortisation profile of the 
DAC asset is established, is dependent on certain key assumptions. For single premium deferred annuity business, the key assumption 
is the expected long-term spread between the earned rate and the rate credited to policyholders. For variable annuity business, 
the key assumption is the expected long-term level of equity market returns which, for 2010 and 2009, was 8.4 per cent per annum, 
implemented using a mean reversion methodology. These returns affect the level of future expected profits through their effects 
on fee income and the required level of provision for guaranteed minimum death benefit claims.

Jackson accounts for the majority of its investment portfolio on an available-for-sale basis (see investment policies above) whereby 

unrealised gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income. As permitted by IFRS 4, Jackson has used shadow 
accounting. Under shadow accounting, to the extent that recognition of unrealised gains or losses on available-for-sale securities causes 
adjustments to the carrying value and amortisation patterns of DAC and deferred income, these adjustments are recognised in other 
comprehensive income to be consistent with the treatment of the gains or losses on the securities. More precisely, shadow DAC 
adjustments reflect the change in DAC that would have arisen if the assets held in the statement of financial position had been sold, 
crystallising unrealised gains or losses, and the proceeds reinvested at the yields currently available in the market.

Asian operations
Except for the operations in Taiwan, Vietnam and Japan, the future policyholder benefit provisions for Asian businesses are determined 
in accordance with methods prescribed by local GAAP adjusted to comply, where necessary, with UK GAAP. For the Hong Kong 
business, which is a branch of the PAC, and the Singapore and Malaysian operations, the valuation principles and sensitivities to changes 
of assumptions of conventional with-profits and other protection-type policies are similar to those described above for equivalent 
products written by the UK operations. Refinements to the local reserving methodology are generally treated as change in estimates, 
dependent on the nature of the change. Such a refinement arose in 2009 in respect of Malaysia as explained in note D4(i).

For the operations in Taiwan, Vietnam and Japan, countries where local GAAP is not appropriate in the context of the previously 
applied MSB, accounting for insurance contracts is based on US GAAP. For these three operations the business written is primarily 
non-participating and linked business. The future policyholder benefit provisions for non-linked business are determined using 
the net level premium method, with an allowance for surrenders, maintenance and claim expenses. Rates of interest used in establishing 
the policyholder benefit provisions vary by operation depending on the circumstances attaching to each block of business. Where 
appropriate, liabilities for participating business for these three operations include provisions for the policyholders’ interest in realised 
investment gains and other surpluses that have yet to be declared as bonuses.

Although the basis of valuation of Prudential’s overseas operations is in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 
2006 and ABI SORP, the valuation of policyholder benefit provisions for these businesses may differ from that determined on a UK MSB 
for UK operations with the same features. These differences are permitted under IFRS 4.

Liability adequacy
The Group performs liability adequacy testing on its insurance provisions to ensure that the carrying amounts of provisions (less related 
DAC and present value of in-force business – see policy on business acquisitions and disposals) is sufficient to cover current estimates of 
future cash flows. When performing the liability adequacy test, the Group discounts all contractual cash flows and compares this amount 
to the carrying value of the liability. Any deficiency is immediately charged to the income statement.

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Reinsurance
In the normal course of business, the Group seeks to reduce loss exposure by reinsuring certain levels of risk in various areas of 
exposure with other insurance companies or reinsurers. An asset or liability is recognised in the consolidated statement of financial 
position representing premiums due to, or payments due from reinsurers and the share of benefits and claims recoverable from 
reinsurers. The measurement of reinsurance assets is consistent with the measurement of the underlying direct insurance contracts.
The treatment of any gains or losses arising on the purchase of reinsurance contracts is dependent on the underlying accounting 

basis of the entity concerned amongst other things. 

Investment contracts (contracts which do not contain significant insurance risk as defined under IFRS 4)
For investment contracts with discretionary participation features, the accounting basis is consistent with the accounting for similar 
with-profits insurance contracts. Other investment contracts are accounted for on a basis that reflects the hybrid nature of the 
arrangements whereby part is accounted for as a financial instrument under IAS 39 and the investment management service component 
is accounted for under IAS 18.

For those investment contracts in the US with fixed and guaranteed terms, the Group uses the amortised cost model to measure 

the liability. On contract inception, the liability is measured at fair value less incremental, directly attributable acquisition costs. 
Remeasurement at future reporting dates is on an amortised cost basis utilising an effective interest rate methodology whereby the 
interest rate utilised discounts to the net carrying amount of the financial liability.

Those investment contracts without fixed and guaranteed terms are designated at fair value through profit and loss because the 
resulting liabilities are managed and their performance is evaluated on a fair value basis. Fair value is based upon the fair value of the 
underlying assets of the fund. Where the contract includes a surrender option its carrying value is subject to a minimum carrying value 
equal to its surrender value.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A: BACKGROUND AND  
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A4:  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  >  CONTINUED

c  Other assets, liabilities, income and expenditure
Basis of consolidation
The Group consolidates those entities it is deemed to control. The degree of control is determined by the ability of the Group to govern 
the financial and operating policies of an entity in order to obtain benefits. Consideration is given to other factors such as potential voting 
rights.

The Group has consolidated special purpose entities (SPEs), such as funds holding collateralised debt obligations (CDOs), where 
evaluation of the substance of the relationship between the SPE and the Group indicates that the Group is deemed to control the SPE 
under IFRS.

The Group holds investments in internally and externally managed open-ended investment companies (OEICs) and unit trusts. 
These are consolidated where the Group’s percentage ownership level is 50 per cent or greater. The Group’s percentage ownership 
levels in these entities can fluctuate from day to day according to changes in the Group’s and third-party participation in the funds. 
In instances where the Group’s ownership of internally managed funds declines marginally below 50 per cent and, based on historical 
analysis and future expectations the decline in ownership is expected to be temporary, the funds continue to be consolidated as 
subsidiaries under IAS 27.
  Where the Group exercises significant influence or has the power to exercise significant influence over an entity, generally through 
ownership of 20 per cent or more of the entity’s voting rights, but does not control the entity, then this is considered to be an investment 
in an associate. With the exception of those referred to below, the Group’s investments in associates are recorded at the Group’s share 
of the associates’ net assets including any goodwill and intangibles arising upon initial acquisition. The carrying value of investments in 
associates is adjusted each year for the Group’s share of the entities’ profit or loss. This does not apply to investments in associates held 
by the Group’s insurance or investment funds including the venture capital business or mutual funds and unit trusts, which as permitted 
by IAS 28 are carried at fair value through profit and loss.

The Group’s investments in joint ventures are recognised using proportional consolidation whereby the Group’s share of an entity’s 

individual balances are combined line-by-line with similar items into the Group financial statements.
  Other interests in entities, where significant influence is not exercised, are carried as investments at fair value through profit and loss.

The consolidated financial statements of the Group include the assets, liabilities and results of the Company and subsidiary 

undertakings in which Prudential has a controlling interest, using accounts drawn up to 31 December 2010 except where entities have 
non-coterminous year ends. In such cases, the information consolidated is based on the accounting period of these entities and is 
adjusted for material changes up to 31 December. Accordingly, the information consolidated is deemed to cover the same period for all 
entities throughout the Group. The results of subsidiaries are included in the financial statements from the date control commences to 
the date control ceases. All inter-company transactions are eliminated on consolidation. Results of asset management activities include 
those for managing internal funds.

Investment properties
Investments in leasehold and freehold properties not for occupation by the Group, including properties under development for future 
use as investment properties, are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value included in the income statement. Properties are valued 
annually either by the Group’s qualified surveyors or by taking into consideration the advice of professional external valuers using the 
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) guidelines. The RICS guidelines apply separate assumptions to the value of the land, 
buildings and tenancy associated with each property. Each property is externally valued at least once every three years. The cost of 
additions and renovations is capitalised and considered when estimating fair value. Fair value is based on active market prices, adjusted, 
if necessary, for any difference in the nature, location or condition of the specific property. If this information is not available, the Group 
uses alternative valuation methods such as discounted cash flow projections or recent prices in less active markets.

Leases of investment property where the Group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance 
leases (leasehold property). Finance leases are capitalised at the lease’s inception at the lower of the fair value of the leased property and 
the present value of the minimum lease payments. Where a lease has a contingent rent element, the rent is calculated in accordance with 
individual lease terms and charged as an expense as incurred.

Pension schemes
The Group operates a number of pension schemes around the world. The largest of these schemes is the PSPS, a defined benefit 
scheme. The Group also operates defined contribution schemes. Defined contribution schemes are schemes where the Company pays 
contributions into a fund and the Company has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions should the assets of that 
fund be insufficient to pay the employee benefits relating to employee service in both current and prior periods. Defined benefit 
schemes are post-employment benefit plans that are not defined contribution schemes.

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For the Group’s defined benefit schemes, if the present value of the defined benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of the scheme 
assets, then a liability is recorded in the Group’s statement of financial position. By contrast, if the fair value of the assets exceeds the 
present value of the defined benefit obligation then the surplus will only be recognised if the nature of the arrangements under the trust 
deed, and funding arrangements between the Trustee and the Company support the availability of refunds or recoverability through 
agreed reductions in future contributions. In addition, if there is a constructive obligation for the Company to pay deficit funding, this is 
also recognised.

The Group utilises the projected unit credit method to calculate the defined benefit obligation. Estimated future cash flows are then 

discounted at a high-quality corporate bond rate, adjusted to allow for the difference in duration between the bond index and the 
pension liabilities where appropriate, to determine its present value. These calculations are performed by independent actuaries.
The plan assets of the Group’s pension schemes exclude several insurance contracts that have been issued by the Group. 

These assets are excluded from plan assets in determining the pension obligation recognised in the consolidated statement of financial 
position.

The aggregate of the actuarially determined service costs of the currently employed personnel and the unwind of discount on 

liabilities at the start of the period, less the expected investment return on scheme assets at the start of the period, is charged to the 
income statement. Actuarial gains and losses as a result of changes in assumptions or experience variances are also charged or credited 
to the income statement.

Contributions to the Group’s defined contribution schemes are expensed when due. Once paid, the Group has no further payment 

obligations. Any prepayments are reflected as an asset on the statement of financial position.

Share-based payments
The Group offers share award and option plans for certain key employees and a Save As You Earn (SAYE) plan for all UK and certain 
overseas employees. The arrangements for distribution to employees of shares held in trust relating to share award plans and for 
entitlement to dividends depend upon the particular terms of each plan. Shares held in trust relating to these plans are conditionally 
gifted to employees.

The compensation expense charged to the income statement is primarily based upon the fair value of the options granted, the 
vesting period and the vesting conditions. Vesting conditions exclude the ability of an employee to voluntarily exit a scheme and such 
exits are treated as an acceleration of vesting and hence a shortening of the period over which the expense is charged. The Group 
revises its estimate of the number of options likely to be exercised at each statement of financial position date and adjusts the charge 
to the income statement accordingly. Where the share-based payment depends upon vesting outcomes attaching to market-based 
performance conditions, additional modelling is performed to estimate the fair value of the awards. No subsequent adjustment is then 
made to the fair value charge for awards that do not vest on account of these performance conditions not being met.

The Company has established trusts to facilitate the delivery of Prudential plc shares under employee incentive plans and savings-
related share option schemes. None of the trusts that hold shares for employee incentive and savings plans continue to hold these shares 
once they are issued to employees. The cost to the Company of acquiring these treasury shares held in trusts is shown as a deduction 
from shareholders’ equity.

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Tax
The Group’s UK subsidiaries each file separate tax returns. Jackson and other foreign subsidiaries, where permitted, file consolidated 
income tax returns. In accordance with UK tax legislation, where one domestic UK company is a 75 per cent owned subsidiary of another 
UK company or both are 75 per cent owned subsidiaries of a common parent, the companies are considered to be within the same UK 
tax group. For companies within the same tax group, trading profits and losses arising in the same accounting period may be offset for 
purposes of determining current and deferred taxes.

Current tax expense is charged or credited to operations based upon amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of 
taxable operations for the current year. To the extent that losses of an individual UK company are not offset in any one year, they can be 
carried back for one year or carried forward indefinitely to be offset against profits arising from the same company.
  Deferred taxes are provided under the liability method for all relevant temporary differences, being the difference between the 
carrying amount of an asset or liability in the statement of financial position and its value for tax purposes. IAS 12, ‘Income Taxes’ does 
not require all temporary differences to be provided for, in particular, the Group does not provide for deferred tax on undistributed 
earnings of subsidiaries where the Group is able to control the timing of the distribution and the temporary difference created is not 
expected to reverse in the foreseeable future. The tax effects of losses available for carry forward are recognised as an asset. Deferred 
tax assets are only recognised when it is more likely than not, that future taxable profits will be available against which these losses can 
be utilised. Deferred tax related to charges or credits taken to other comprehensive income is also credited or charged to other 
comprehensive income and is subsequently recognised in the income statement together with the deferred gain or loss.

The tax charge for long-term business includes tax expense on with-profits funds attributable to both the policyholders and the 

shareholders. Different tax rules apply under UK law depending upon whether the business is life insurance or pension business. 
Tax on the life insurance business is based on investment returns less expenses attributable to that business. Tax on the pension business 
is based on the shareholders’ profits or losses attributable to that business. The shareholders’ portion of the long-term business is 
taxed at the shareholders’ rate with the remaining portion taxed at rates applicable to the policyholders.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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A4:  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  >  CONTINUED

Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the liability settled, based 
on tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or are substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period.

Basis of presentation of tax charges
Tax charges in the income statement reflect the aggregate of the shareholder tax on the long-term business result and on the Group’s 
other results.

Under UK Listing Authority rules, profit before tax is required to be presented. This requirement, coupled with the fact that IFRS 
does not contemplate tax charges which are attributable to policyholders and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds and unit-linked 
policies, necessitates the reporting of total tax charges within the presented results. The result before all taxes (i.e. ‘profit before tax’ 
as shown in the income statement) represents income net of post-tax transfers to unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, before 
tax attributable to policyholders and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, unit-linked policies and shareholders. Separately 
within the income statement, ‘profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ is shown after deduction of taxes attributable to policyholders 
and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds and unit-linked policies. Tax charges on this measure of profit reflect the tax charges 
attributable to shareholders. In determining the tax charges attributable to shareholders, the Group has applied a methodology 
consistent with that previously applied under UK GAAP reflecting the broad principles underlying the tax legislation of life 
assurance companies.

Property, plant and equipment
All property, plant and equipment such as owner occupied property, computer equipment and furniture and fixtures, are carried at 
depreciated cost. Costs including expenditure directly attributable to the acquisition of the assets are capitalised. Depreciation is 
calculated and charged on a straight-line basis over an asset’s estimated useful life. The residual values and useful lives are reviewed at 
each statement of financial position date. If the carrying amount of an asset is greater than its recoverable amount then its carrying value 
is written down to that recoverable amount.

Leasehold improvements to owner occupied property are depreciated over the shorter of the economic life and the life of the lease. 

Assets held under finance leases are capitalised at their fair value.

Business acquisitions and disposals
Business acquisitions are accounted for by applying the purchase method of accounting, which adjusts the net assets of the acquired 
company to fair value at the date of purchase. The excess of the acquisition consideration over the fair value of the assets and liabilities of 
the acquired entity is recorded as goodwill. Expenses related to acquiring new subsidiaries are expensed in the period in which they are 
incurred. Should the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the entity exceed the acquisition consideration then this amount 
is recognised immediately in the income statement. Income and expenses of acquired entities are included in the income statement from 
the date of acquisition. Income and expenses of entities sold during the period are included in the income statement up to the date of 
disposal. The gain or loss on disposal is calculated as the difference between sale proceeds, net of selling costs, less the net assets of the 
entity at the date of disposal.

For life insurance company acquisitions, the adjusted net assets include an identifiable intangible asset for the present value of 
in-force business which represents the profits that are expected to emerge from the acquired insurance business. The present value of 
in-force business is calculated using best estimate actuarial assumptions for interest, mortality, persistency and expenses and is 
amortised over the anticipated lives of the related contracts in the portfolio. The net carrying amount of insurance liabilities acquired less 
the value of in-force business, represents the fair value of the insurance liabilities acquired. An intangible asset may also be recognised in 
respect of acquired investment management contracts representing the fair value of contractual rights acquired under these contracts.

Goodwill
Goodwill arising on acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses is capitalised and carried on the Group statement of financial position as 
an intangible asset at initial value less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill impairment testing is conducted annually and when 
there is an indication of impairment. For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to cash generating units. These cash 
generating units reflect the smallest group of assets that includes the goodwill and generates cash flows that are largely independent of 
the cash inflows from other groups of assets. If the carrying amount of the cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount then the 
goodwill is considered impaired. Impairment losses are recognised immediately in the income statement and may not be reversed in 
future periods.

Acquired intangible assets
Intangible assets acquired on the purchase of a subsidiary or portfolio of contracts are fair valued at acquisition and carried at cost less 
amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation calculated is charged on a straight-line basis over the estimated 
useful life of the assets. The residual values and useful lives are reviewed at each statement of financial position date.

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Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash at bank and in hand, deposits held at call with banks, treasury bills and other short-term highly 
liquid investments with less than 90 days maturity from the date of acquisition.

Rights of offset
Assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements are only reported on a net basis when there is a legally enforceable right to 
offset and there is an intention to settle on a net basis.

Segments
Under IFRS 8, the Group determines and presents operating segments based on the information that is internally provided to the Group 
Executive Committee (‘GEC’), which is the Group’s chief operating decision maker. 

An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur 

expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Group’s other components. An operating 
segment’s operating results are reviewed regularly by the GEC to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and 
assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available.

The operating segments identified by the Group reflect the Group’s organisational structure, which is by both geography (Asia, 

US and UK) and by product line (insurance operations and asset management). 

Insurance operations principally comprise of products that contain both significant and insignificant elements of insurance risk. 
The products are managed together and there is no distinction between these two categories other than for accounting purposes. 
This segment also includes the commission earned on general insurance business and investment subsidiaries held for supporting 
the Group’s insurance operations. 

Asset management comprises both internal and third-party asset management services, inclusive of portfolio and mutual fund 
management, where the Group acts as an advisor, and broker-dealer activities. The nature of the products and the managing of the 
business differ from the risks inherent in the insurance operations segments, and the regulatory environment of the asset management 
industry differs from that of the insurance operations segments.

The Group’s operating segments as determined in accordance with IFRS 8, are as follows:

Insurance operations 
•  Asia
•  US (Jackson)
•  UK

Asset management operations 
•  M&G 
•  Asian asset management
•  US broker dealer and asset management (including Curian)

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Prudential Capital has been incorporated into the M&G operating segment for the purposes of segment reporting. The Group’s 
operating segments are also its reportable segments.

The performance measure of operating segments utilised by the Company is IFRS operating profit attributable to shareholders 
based on longer-term investment returns. This measure excludes the recurrent items of short-term fluctuations in investment returns 
and the shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes. In addition, for 2010 this 
measure excluded costs associated with the terminated AIA transaction and gain arising upon the dilution of the Group’s holding in 
PruHealth. For 2009 it excluded the non-recurrent cost of hedging the Group IGD capital surplus included within short-term fluctuations 
in investment returns and the loss on sale and the results of the Taiwan agency business during the period of ownership. In 2010 the 
Company amended its presentation of operating profit for its US insurance operations to exclude the net equity hedge accounting effect 
previously included relating principally to its variable annuity business as explained below in note A4(d). These amounts are included in 
short-term fluctuations in investment returns. Prior year comparatives have been amended accordingly. There is no change to total 
profit  for continuing operations before tax attributable to shareholders arising from this altered treatment. Operating earnings per 
share is based on operating profit based on longer-term investment returns, after tax and non-controlling interests. Further details 
on the  determination of the performance measure of ‘operating profit based on longer-term investment returns’ is provided below 
in note A4 (d). 

Segment results that are reported to the GEC include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated 

on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items are mainly in relation to the Group Head Office and Asia Regional Head Office. 

Shareholders’ dividends
Interim dividends are recorded in the period in which they are paid. Final dividends are recorded in the period in which they are 
approved by shareholders. 

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A4:  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  >  CONTINUED

Share capital
Where there is no obligation to transfer assets, shares are classified as equity. The difference between the proceeds received on issue 
of the shares, net of share issue costs, and the nominal value of the shares issued, is credited to share premium. Where the Company 
purchases shares for the purposes of employee incentive plans, the consideration paid, net of issue costs, is deducted from retained 
earnings. Upon issue or sale any consideration received is credited to retained earnings net of related costs.

Foreign exchange
The Group’s consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, the Group’s presentation currency. Accordingly, the 
results and financial position of foreign subsidiaries must be translated into the presentation currency of the Group from their functional 
currencies, i.e. the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. All assets and liabilities of foreign 
subsidiaries are converted at year end exchange rates whilst all income and expenses are converted at average exchange rates where 
this is a reasonable approximation of the rates prevailing on transaction dates. The impact of these currency translations is recorded 
as a separate component in the Statement of comprehensive income.

Foreign currency borrowings that are used to provide a hedge against Group equity investments in overseas subsidiaries are 
translated at year end exchange rates and movements recognised in other comprehensive income. Other foreign currency monetary 
items are translated at year end exchange rates with changes recognised in the income statement. 

Foreign currency transactions are translated at the spot rate prevailing at the time.

d  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns
The Group provides supplementary analysis of profit before tax attributable to shareholders that distinguishes operating profit based on 
longer-term investment returns from other constituent elements of the total profit.

The Group uses operating profit based on longer-term investment returns to measure the performance of its operational segments. 

For the purposes of measuring operating profit, investment returns on shareholder-financed business are based on the expected 
longer-term rates of return. This reflects the particular features of long-term insurance business where assets and liabilities are held for 
the long-term and for which the accounting basis for insurance liabilities under current IFRS is not generally conducive to demonstrating 
trends in underlying performance for life businesses exclusive of changes in market conditions. In determining profit on this basis the 
following key elements are applied to the results of the Group’s shareholder-financed operations.

The approach to determining profit on this basis was altered in 2010 from that previously applied in 2009 in respect of the net equity 

hedge accounting effect for variable and fixed index annuity US life business. Comparative results have been adjusted accordingly. 
The approach to determining operating profit based on longer-term investment returns reflected in segment results shown in note B1 
is as follows:

i  Debt and equity securities
Longer-term investment returns comprise income and longer-term capital returns. For debt securities the longer-term capital returns 
comprise two elements. These are a risk margin reserve (RMR) based charge for expected defaults, which is determined by reference to 
the credit quality of the portfolio, and amortisation of interest-related realised gains and losses to operating results based on longer-term 
investment returns to the date when sold bonds would have otherwise matured. The shareholder-backed operation for which the RMR 
charge is most significant is Jackson National Life. 

For 2010 and 2009 Jackson has used the ratings resulting from the regulatory ratings detail issued by the National Association of 
Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) to determine the average annual RMR. In addition, 
in 2010, NAIC extended the new ratings framework to commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), which Jackson has used for 
2010. These were developed by external third parties; PIMCO (for RMBS) and BlackRock Solutions (for CMBS), and are considered by 
management more relevant information for the MBS securities concerned than using ratings by Nationally Recognised Statistical Rating 
Organisations (NRSRO). For other securities Jackson uses ratings by NRSRO.

ii  US variable and fixed index annuity business
(i) Current treatment
The following value movements for Jackson’s variable and fixed index annuity business are excluded from operating profit based on 
longer-term investment returns:

•  Fair value movements for equity-based derivatives;
•  Fair value movements for embedded derivatives for Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit (GMWB) ‘not for life’ and fixed index 

annuity business, and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (GMIB) reinsurance;

•  Movements in accounts carrying value of GMDB and GMWB ‘for life’ liabilities; 
•  Fee assessment, and claim payments, in respect of guarantee liabilities; and
•  Related changes to amortisation of deferred acquisition costs for each of the above items. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
177

(ii) Change of treatment in 2010
For previous reporting of the 2009 results, all of the above items were included in operating profit based on longer-term investment 
returns with the intention of broadly matching the impacts with two exceptions. The exceptions were for the effect of GMIB reinsurance 
and movements in carrying values of free standing derivatives and embedded derivatives arising from changes in the level of observed 
implied equity volatility and changes in the discount rate applied from year to year. Both of these items remain in short-term fluctuations 
in investment returns in 2010.

Previously, for the purposes of determining operating profit based on longer-term investment returns, the charge for these 

features  was determined using historical longer-term equity volatility levels and long-term average AA corporate bond rate curves with 
the movement relating to the change in difference in long-term and current rates being included in short-term fluctuations (as shown in 
note B1).

However, despite this use of longer-term equity volatility assumption levels and AA corporate bond rate curves, accounting volatility 
arose within the operating profit based on longer-term investment returns that was not representative of the underlying economic result. 
This feature arose due to the movement in the change in the accounting values of the derivatives and Jackson’s liabilities for variable and 
fixed indexed annuity guarantees included in the operating profit. Under IFRS, liabilities for GMDB and ‘for life’ GMWB are not fair 
valued. Instead, they are accounted for under IFRS using ‘grandfathered’ US GAAP in accordance with FASB ASC Subtopic 944-80, 
Financial Services – Insurance – Separate Accounts (formerly SOP 03-1). This accounting basis produces a distorting accounting effect 
on the operating profit that is not representative of the true economics of Jackson’s hedging programme. Over the long term the impact 
of this accounting distortion should cumulatively net out to a broadly neutral effect, but in the short term the operating profit can be 
highly volatile. The recent growth in Jackson’s variable annuity business had resulted in this short-term effect having a greater impact 
on the Group operating profit than in prior years. Further, these accounting mismatches are magnified in periods of significant market 
movements. These factors have prompted a reassessment of the presentation of operating profit based on longer-term investment 
returns.

The following items have been reclassified from operating profit to short-term fluctuations in investment returns:

•  The fair value movement in free standing hedging derivatives, excluding the impact of the difference between longer-term and 

current period implied equity volatility levels; 

•  The movement in liabilities for those embedded derivative liabilities which are fair valued in accordance with IFRS, primarily 

GMWB ‘not for life’ and fixed index annuity business, excluding the impacts of the differences between longer-term and current 
period equity volatility and incorporating 10-year average yield curves, in lieu of current period yield curves;

•  Movements in IFRS basis guarantee liabilities for GMWB ‘for life’, being those policies where a minimum annual withdrawal 

is permitted for the duration of the policyholders’ life subject to certain conditions, and GMDB business for which, under the 
US GAAP rules applied under IFRS, the reserving methodology under US GAAP principles generally gives rise to a muted 
impact of current period market movements;

•  Fee assessment, and claims payments, in respect of guarantee liabilities; and
•  Related changes to the amortisation of deferred acquisition costs for each of the above items. 

The change reflects management’s IFRS 8 segment measure. Within the supplementary analysis of profit, the change is presentational 
only. It has no impact on profit before tax or shareholders’ equity. The impact of this change is as follows:

F
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2010  £m

2009  £m

Previous basis

Change

Revised basis Previous basis

Change

Revised basis

Operating profit based on longer-term 

investment returns
Jackson
Rest of Group

Total
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on 

466 
1,108 

1,574 

367 
–

367 

shareholder-backed business

244 

(367)

Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains 
and loss on defined benefit pension schemes

Costs of terminated AIA transaction
Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth
Loss on sale and results of Taiwan agency business

Profit from continuing operations before tax 

attributable to shareholders

(10)
(377)
30 
–

1,461 

–
–
–
–

–

833 
1,108 

1,941 

(123)

(10)
(377)
30 
–

459
946

1,405

159
–

159

36

(159)

(74)
–
–
(621)

–
–
–
–

–

1,461 

746

A

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A
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618
946

1,564

(123)

(74)
–
–
(621)

746

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
178

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A: BACKGROUND AND  
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
CONTINUED

A4:  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  >  CONTINUED

US operations – Embedded derivatives for variable annuity guarantee features
The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (GMIB) liability, which is fully reinsured, subject to a deductible and annual claim limits, is 
accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Subtopic 944-80 Financial Services – Insurance – Separate Accounts (formerly SOP 03-1) 
under IFRS using ‘grandfathered’ US GAAP. As the corresponding reinsurance asset is net settled, it is considered to be a derivative 
under IAS 39 and the asset is therefore recognised at fair value. As the GMIB benefit is economically reinsured the mark to market 
element of the reinsurance asset is included as a component of short-term fluctuations in investment returns.

iii Derivative value movements
Derivative value movements are excluded from operating results based on longer-term investment returns. Non-equity based 
derivatives are primarily held by Jackson as part of a broadly-based hedging programme for features of Jackson’s bond portfolio (for 
which value movements are booked in the statement of comprehensive income rather than the income statement) and product liabilities 
(for which US GAAP accounting as grandfathered under IFRS 4 does not reflect the economic features being hedged).

Value movements for Jackson’s equity-based derivatives and variable and fixed index annuity product embedded derivatives were 

in prior periods included in operating profits based on longer-term investment returns. In 2010 these value movements, which are 
variable in nature, have been included in short-term fluctuations and 2009 comparatives have been adjusted accordingly. 

There are two exceptions to the basis described above in sections (a) to (c) for determining operating results based on longer-term 

investment returns. These are for: 

•  Unit-linked and US variable annuity business. For such business the policyholder unit liabilities are directly reflective of the asset value 
movements. Accordingly all asset value movements are recorded in the operating results based on longer-term investment returns.
•  Assets covering non-participating business liabilities that are interest rate sensitive. For UK annuity business policyholder liabilities are 
determined by reference to current interest rates. The value movements of the assets covering liabilities are closely correlated with the 
related change in liabilities. Accordingly asset value movements are recorded within the operating results based on longer-term 
investment returns. Policyholder liabilities include a margin for credit risk. Variations between actual and best estimate expected 
impairments are recorded as a component of short-term fluctuations in investment returns.

iv Other liabilities to policyholders and embedded derivatives for product guarantees
Under IFRS, the degree to which the carrying values of liabilities to policyholders are sensitive to current market conditions varies 
between territories depending upon the nature of the ‘grandfathered’ measurement basis. In general, in those instances where the 
liabilities are particularly sensitive to routine changes in market conditions, the accounting basis is such that the impact of market 
movements on the assets and liabilities is broadly equivalent in the income statement, and operating profit based on longer-term 
investments returns is not distorted. In these circumstances, there is no need for the movement in the liability to be bifurcated between 
the elements that relate to longer-term market conditions and short-term effects.

However, some types of business movements in liabilities do require bifurcation to ensure that at the net level (i.e. after allocated 

investment return and change for policyholder benefits) the operating result reflects longer-term market returns.
Examples where such bifurcation is necessary are:

a  Asia
Vietnamese participating business
For the participating business in Vietnam the liabilities include policyholders’ interest in investment appreciation and other surplus.  
Bonuses paid in a reporting period and accrued policyholders’ interest in investment appreciation and other surpluses primarily reflect 
the level of realised investment gains above contract specific hurdle levels. For this business, operating profit based on longer-term 
investment returns includes the aggregate of longer-term returns on the relevant investments, a credit or charge equal to movements 
on the liability for the policyholders’ interest in realised investment gains (net of any recovery of prior deficits on the participating pool), 
less amortisation over five years of current and prior movements on such credits or charges.

The overall purpose of these adjustments is to ensure that investment returns included in operating results equal longer-term returns 
but that in any one reporting period movements on liabilities to policyholders caused by investment returns are substantially matched in 
the presentation of the supplementary analysis of profit before tax attributable to policyholders.

Non-participating business
Liabilities are bifurcated so that the total movement in the carrying value of liabilities is split between that which is included in operating 
results based on longer-term investment returns, and the residual element for the effect of using year end rates is included in short-term 
fluctuations and in the income statement.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
179

Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (GMDB) product features
For unhedged GMDB liabilities accounted for under IFRS using ‘grandfathered’ US GAAP, such as in the Japanese business, the change 
in carrying value is determined under FASB ASC Subtopic 944-80 Financial Services – Insurance – Separate Accounts (formerly 
SOP 03-1), which partially reflects changes in market conditions. Under the Company’s segmental basis of reporting the operating profit 
reflects the change in liability based on longer-term market conditions with the difference between the charge to the operating result 
and the movement reflected in the total result included in short-term fluctuations in investment returns.

b  UK shareholder-backed annuity business
With one exception, the operating result based on longer-term investment returns reflects the impact of all value movements on 
policyholder liabilities for annuity business in PRIL and the PAC non-profit sub-fund.

The exception is for the impact on credit risk provisioning of actual downgrades during the period. As this feature arises due to 
short-term market conditions, the effect of downgrades, if any, in a particular period, on the overall provisions for credit risk is included 
in the category of short-term fluctuations in investment returns.

The effects of other changes to credit risk provisioning are included in the operating result, as is the net effect of changes to the 

valuation rate of interest due to portfolio rebalancing to align more closely with management benchmark.

e  Fund management and other non-insurance businesses
For these businesses, the particular features applicable for life assurance noted above do not apply. For these businesses it is 
inappropriate to include returns in the operating result on the basis described above. Instead, it is appropriate to generally include 
realised gains and losses (including impairments) in the operating result with unrealised gains and losses being included in short-term 
fluctuations. For this purpose impairments are calculated as the credit loss determined by comparing the projected cash flows 
discounted at the original effective interest rate to the carrying value. In some instances it may also be appropriate to amortise realised 
gains and losses on derivatives and other financial instruments to operating results over a time period that reflects the underlying 
economic substance of the arrangements.

A5:  NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

New accounting pronouncements
The following standards, interpretations and amendments have either been adopted for the first time in 2010 or have been issued but 
are not yet effective in 2010, including those which have not yet been adopted in the EU. This is not intended to be a complete list as 
only those standards, interpretations and amendments that are anticipated to have an impact upon the Group’s financial statements 
have been discussed.

Accounting pronouncements adopted in 2010
Revised IFRS 3, ‘Business combinations’ and Amendments to IAS 27, ‘Consolidated and separate financial statements’ and 
IAS 31, ‘Interests in joint ventures’
The Group has applied the revised IFRS 3 and amended IAS 27 and IAS 31 from 1 January 2010. The revised IFRS 3 and amended IAS 27 
and IAS 31 are the outcomes of the second phase of the IASB’s and the US Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) joint business 
combination project. The change in accounting policy as a result of the adoption of these standards has been applied prospectively. 
No restatement to 2009 comparatives is required. The more significant changes from the revised IFRS 3 include:

•  the immediate expensing of acquisition-related costs rather than inclusion in goodwill;
•  recognition and measurement at fair value of contingent consideration classified as financial instruments at acquisition date with 

subsequent changes to income; and

•  additional items or adjustments to items recognised in the business combination are permitted to be applied retrospectively during 
the measurement period to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. 
The measurement period ends as soon as the acquirer receives the necessary information or learns that more information is not 
obtainable but is subject to an overall limit for one year.

The amendments to IAS 27 reflect changes to the accounting for non-controlling interests (known as non-controlling interests prior to 
the amendments). From 1 January 2010, transactions that increase or decrease non-controlling interests without a change of control are 
accounted as equity transactions and therefore no goodwill is recognised. As a consequence any gains or losses are reported directly in 
equity and not in the income statement.

The amendments to IAS 31 reflect changes to the accounting for changes in joint control over an entity. From 1 January 2010, when a 
jointly controlled entity becomes an associate of an investor, the investor shall measure at fair value any investment the investor retains in 
the former jointly controlled entity. The investor shall recognise in profit or loss any difference between:

(a) the fair value of any retained investment and any proceeds from disposing of the part interest in the jointly controlled entity; and
(b) the carrying amount of an investment at the date when joint control is lost.

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180

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A: BACKGROUND AND  
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
CONTINUED

A5:  NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS  >  CONTINUED

Previously, no explicit guidance was provided.

The adoption of revised IFRS 3 and amended IAS 27 and IAS 31 has resulted in presentational and disclosure changes in the 
Group’s financial statements, and affected the accounting for the acquisition of United Overseas Bank (UOB) Life Assurance Limited 
in Singapore. The disclosure on this acquisition is provided in note I1. As a result of the adoption of the revised IFRS 3, the Group has 
expensed the UOB Life acquisition-related costs incurred of £2 million which would otherwise have been included within goodwill. 
The Group has also recognised a gain of £30 million related to the change of treatment of PruHealth from a joint venture to an associate, 
in line with the revisions to IAS 31 set out above as described in note I2(a).

Improvements to IFRSs (2009)
The 2009 annual improvements include minor changes to 12 IFRSs. Amongst others, these include changes to IAS 17 ‘Leases’ on the 
treatment of lease of land with an indefinite economic life and to IAS 36 ‘Impairment of assets’ on the largest unit to which goodwill 
should be allocated being the operating segment level as defined by IFRS 8. The Group has reviewed and adopted these changes in 
2010 with no significant impact on the Group’s results and financial position.

Amendments to IFRS 2 – Group cash-settled share-based payment transactions
In June 2009, the IASB issued further amendments to IFRS 2 which sets out the accounting requirements for share-based payments. 
These amendments clarified existing guidance, in particular by specifying that an entity that receives goods or services in a share-based 
payment arrangement must account for those goods or services no matter which entity in the group settles the transaction and no 
matter whether the transaction is settled in shares or cash. There was no impact on the Group’s financial statements upon adoption 
of this standard.

Amendment to IAS 39, ‘Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement’ – Eligible Hedged Items
This amendment to IAS 39 clarifies how the principles that determine whether a hedged risk or portion of cash flows is eligible for 
designation should be applied in particular situations. The adoption of this amendment had no impact on the Group’s designated 
IAS 39 hedges.

Accounting pronouncements endorsed by the EU but not yet effective
The following accounting pronouncements potentially relevant to the Group have been issued and endorsed for use in the EU but are not 
mandatory for adoption for the 31 December 2010 year end.

Amendments to IAS 24, ‘Related party disclosures’
The main revisions which will apply from 2011 relate to exemption for government-related entities and are therefore not applicable to the 
Group. The amendment also clarifies and simplifies the definition of a related party albeit the nature of the change is minor. The adoption 
of these revisions is not expected to have any impact on the Group’s related party disclosures.

Amendment to IFRIC, ‘14 Prepayment of a minimum funding requirement’
This amendment will apply from 2011 and removes an unintended consequence of IFRIC 14 relating to voluntary pension pre-payments 
when there is a minimum funding requirement. IFRIC 14 was amended to require an asset to be recognised for any surplus arising from 
voluntary pre-payment of minimum funding contributions in respect of future service. The adoption of this amendment is not expected 
to have an impact on the Group’s financial statements.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
181

IFRIC 19, ‘Extinguishing financial liabilities with equity instruments’
In November 2009, the IFRIC issued guidance on how to account for the extinguishment of a financial liability by the issue of equity 
instruments. This interpretation is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010. This interpretation is not expected 
to have a material effect on the Group’s financial statements.

Improvements to IFRSs (2010)
The changes from this annual improvement which were issued in May 2010 and mostly effective from 2011 include clarification of 
financial instruments disclosures and of the statement of changes in equity. The Group is in the process of evaluating the implications 
of these changes.

Accounting pronouncements not yet endorsed by the EU
The following accounting pronouncements potentially relevant to the Group have been issued but not yet endorsed for use in the EU.

IFRS 9, ‘Financial Instruments: Classification and measurement’ 
In November 2009, the IASB issued a new standard which altered the classification and measurement of financial instruments. Under the 
new standard only two possible classifications arise, rather than the four existing classifications currently available under IAS 39, and will 
result in all financial assets being valued at amortised cost or fair value through profit and loss. 

In October 2010, the IASB issued requirements on the accounting for financial liabilities. These requirements will be added to IFRS 9 

and maintain the existing amortised cost measurement for most liabilities and will require changes in fair value due to changes in the 
entity’s own credit risk to be recognised in the other comprehensive income (OCI) section of the comprehensive income statement, 
rather than within profit or loss for liabilities measured at fair value. 

IFRS 9 applies to financial statements for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. Entities are permitted to apply the 
new requirements in earlier periods, however, if they do, they must also apply the requirements in IFRS 9 that relate to financial assets.
The standard is not mandatory until 1 January 2013 and is yet to be endorsed by the European Union. The Group is still assessing 

the full impact of this standard.

Amendments to IFRS 7, ‘Financial instruments: Disclosures – Transfers of financial assets’
The amendments, which were issued in October 2010 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2012, introduce 
new disclosure requirements about transfers of financial assets. These include disclosures for financial assets that are not derecognised 
in their entirety and financial assets that are derecognised in their entity but for which the entity retains continuing involvement. 
The Group is evaluating the implications of the amendments but they are not expected to have a significant impact on the Group’s 
disclosures.

Amendments to IAS 12, ‘Income taxes’
On 20 December 2010, the IASB published amendments to IAS 12 Deferred Tax: Recovery of Underlying Assets following the exposure 
draft issued on 10 September 2010. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2012. 
The amendments require the measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities arising from investment properties and plant, property 
and equipment valued at fair value on the presumption that the carrying amount of the asset will be, normally, recovered through sale. 
These amendments are not expected to have a material effect on the Group’s financial statements.

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182

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

B: SUMMARY OF RESULTS

B1:  SEGMENT DISCLOSURE – INCOME STATEMENT

The determination of the operating segments and performance measure of the operating segments of the Group are as detailed in note 
A4. Further segmentation of the income segment is provided in note F1 of these financial statements.

2010  £m

2009  £m

ASIAN OPERATIONS
Insurance operations:note ii
Underlying results before exceptional credit
Exceptional credit for Malaysia operationsD4(i)

Total Asian insurance operations
Development expenses

Total Asian insurance operations after development expenses
Asian asset management 

Total Asian operations

US OPERATIONS
Jackson (US insurance operations)notes ii,iv
Broker-dealer and asset managementnote iv

Total US operations

UK OPERATIONS
UK insurance operations:note ii
Long-term business 

  General insurance commissionnote v

Total UK insurance operations
M&G

Total UK operations

TOTAL SEGMENT PROFIT

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENDITURE 
Investment return and other income
Interest payable on core structural borrowings 
Corporate expenditure
Charge for share-based payments for Prudential schemesnote viii

Total 

Solvency II implementation costs
Restructuring costsnote ix 

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returnsnote i
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on Shareholder-backed businessnote vi
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes note vii 
Costs of terminated AIA transactionnote x
Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealthI2(a)
Loss on sale and results for Taiwan agency businessnote iii

PROFIT FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAX ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS 

536
–

536
(4)

532
72

604

833
22

855

673
46

719
284

1,003

2,462

30
(257)
(220)
(3)

(450)

(45)
(26)

1,941
(123)
(10)
(377)
30
–

1,461

353
63

416
(6)

410
55

465

618
4

622

606
51

657
238

895

1,982

22
(209)
(203)
(5)

(395)

–
(23)

1,564
(123)
(74)
–
–
(621)

746

Notes 
i   Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns.

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns is a supplemental measure of results and is the basis on which management regularly 
review the performance of the Group’s segments as defined by IFRS 8. For the purposes of measuring operating profit, investment returns on 
shareholder-financed business are based on expected long-term rates of return as discussed in note A4. The expected long-term rates of return 
are intended to reflect historical real rates of return and, where appropriate, current inflation expectations adjusted for consensus economic 
and investment forecasts. The most significant operation that requires adjustment for the difference between actual and long-term investment 
returns is Jackson. The amounts included in operating results for long-term capital returns for Jackson’s debt securities comprise two 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
183

components. These are a risk margin reserve based charge for long-term expected defaults, which is determined by reference to the credit 
quality of the portfolio, and amortisation of interest-related realised gains and losses to operating results based on longer-term results to the 
date when sold bonds would otherwise have matured. Consistent with the policy of including longer-term investment returns in the measure 
of operating profit, movements in policyholder liabilities are also, where appropriate, delineated between amounts included in operating 
profits and movements arising from short-term market conditions, which are recorded in short-term fluctuations in investment returns. The 
presentation of operating profit based on longer-term investment returns has been revised in 2010 and the 2009 comparatives have been 
amended accordingly (see note (iv)). 
Effect of changes to assumptions, estimates and bases of determining life assurance liabilities.
The results of the Group’s long-term business operations are affected by changes to assumptions, estimates and bases of preparation. 
These are described in notes D2(i), D3(i) and D4(i). 

ii 

iii  Sale of Taiwan agency business.

iv 

In order to facilitate comparisons of operating profit based on longer-term investment returns that reflect the Group’s retained operations, the 
results attributable to the Taiwan business for which the sale process was completed in June 2009 are included separately within the segmental 
analysis of profit for 2009.
Jackson operating results based on longer-term investment returns.
The Group has amended the presentation of operating profit for its US insurance operations to remove net equity hedge accounting effect 
(incorporating related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include it in short-term fluctuations. The 2009 comparatives have been 
amended accordingly. The effect of this change is explained note A4(d)(ii).
IFRS basis operating profits for US operations include the following amounts (net of related change in amortisation of deferred acquisition costs, 
where applicable) so as to derive longer-term investment returns. 

Debt securities:

Amortisation of interest related realised gains and losses
Risk margin reserve charge for longer-term credit related losses (see below)

Equity type investments:
Longer-term returns

2010  £m

2009  £m

63
(55)

(8)

47
(60)

69

The risk margin reserve (RMR) charge for longer-term credit related losses included in operating profit based on longer-term investment returns 
for 2010 is based on an average annual RMR of 26 basis points (2009: 27 basis points) on average book values of US $44.2 billion for the year as 
shown below.

Moody’s rating category (or equivalent under NAIC
ratings of MBS)

A3 or higher
Baa1, 2, 3
Ba1, 2, 3
B1, 2, 3
Below B3

Total

Related change to amortisation of deferred acquisition  

costs (see below)

Risk margin reserve charge to operating profit for  

longer-term credit related losses 

Average 
book 
value 
(US $m)

20,622 
20,785 
1,935 
500 
321 

44,163 

2010

2009

Annual expected 
losses

RMR
 %

0.06 
0.26 
1.04 
2.99 
3.88 

0.26 

US $m

(12)
(53)
(20)
(15)
(13)

(113)

28 

£m

(8)
(34)
(13)
(10)
(8)

(73)

18 

Average 
book 
value 
(US $m)

19,509
21,072
2,035
594
691

43,901

RMR
 %

0.03
0.23
1.13
2.86
3.91

0.27

Annual expected 
losses

US $m

(5)
(47)
(23)
(17)
(27)

(119)

25

£m

(3)
(30)
(15)
(11)
(17)

(76)

16

(85)

(55)

(94)

(60)

For the period ended 31 December 2010, Jackson has continued the practice commenced in the second half of 2009 in relation to RMBS and for 
2010 for CMBS to determine the risk margin charge included in operating profit based on longer-term investment returns using the regulatory 
rating as determined by third parties; PIMCO (for RMBS) and BlackRock Solutions (for CMBS) on behalf of the National Association of Insurance 
Commissioners (NAIC). See note A4(d) for further information.

The longer-term rates of return for equity-type investments are currently based on spreads over 10 year US treasury rates of 400 to 600 basis 
points. The longer-term rates of return for equity-type investments ranged from 6.5 per cent to 7.9 per cent at 31 December 2010 and 6.7 per cent to 
7.4 per cent at 31 December 2009 depending on the type of investments. 

Consistent with the basis of measurement of insurance assets and liabilities for Jackson’s IFRS results, the charges and credits to operating 

profits based on longer-term investment returns are partially offset by related changes to amortisation of deferred acquisition costs.

v  UK operations transferred its general insurance business to Churchill in 2002, with general insurance commission representing the commission 

receivable net of expenses for Prudential-branded general insurance products as part of this arrangement. 

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184

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

B: SUMMARY OF RESULTS
CONTINUED

B1:  SEGMENT DISCLOSURE – INCOME STATEMENT  >  CONTINUED

vi  Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business.

Insurance operations:

Asia 
US
UK

Other operations:

IGD hedge costs
Other

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

114
(378)
116

–
25
25

(123)

31
(132)
108

(235)
105
(130)

(123)

  General overview of defaults

The Group incurred defaults of £nil in 2010 (2009: £11 million) on its debt securities portfolio. The defaults of £11 million in 2009 were 
experienced by the UK Shareholder-backed annuity business. 

  Asian insurance operations

The fluctuations for Asian insurance operations in 2010 of £114 million primarily reflect unrealised gains on the debt securities held by 
shareholders’ funds, as well as a £30 million unrealised gain on the Group’s 8.66 per cent stake in China Life Insurance Company of Taiwan. For 
2009, the gain of £31 million primarily relate to strong market performance in Taiwan and Japan partially offset by the fall in the Vietnamese 
bond markets.

  US insurance operations

The short-term fluctuations in investment returns for US insurance operations for the year comprise the following items:

2010  £m

2009  £m

Short-term fluctuations related to debt securities: 
Charges in the year

Losses on sales of impaired and deteriorating bonds
Bond write downs
Recoveries/reversals

Total charges in the year*
Less: risk margin charge included in operating profit based on longer-term investment returnsB1 (iv)

Interest related realised gains (losses):

Arising in the year
 Less: amortisation gains and losses arising in current and prior years to operating profit based on longer-term  

investment returns

Related change to amortisation of deferred acquisition costs

Total short-term fluctuations related to debt securities
Derivatives (other than equity related): market value movements (net of related change to 

amortisation of deferred acquisition costs)†

Net equity hedge results based on longer-term equity volatility and interest rates (net of related change to 

amortisation of deferred acquisition costs)‡  

Equity related derivatives: volatility and interest rate normalisation (net of related change to amortisation of deferred  

acquisition costs)# 

Equity type investments: actual less longer-term return (net of related change to amortisation 

of deferred acquisition costs)B1(iv)

Other items (net of related change to amortisation of deferred acquisition costs)

Total

(99)
(124)
10 

(213)
73 

(140)

224 

(82)

142 

(3)

(1)

(15)

(367)

2 

3 
– 

(378)

(6)
(630)
5

(631)
76

(555)

125

(59)

66

75

(414)

385

(159)

85

(59)
30

(132)

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
185

*  The charges on debt securities of Jackson incurred in 2010 and 2009 of £213 million and £631 million respectively, comprise the following:

Residential mortgage-backed securities
Prime (including agency)
Alt-A
Sub-prime

Total residential mortgage-backed securities
Corporate debt securities
Other

Total

Defaults
£m

Bond 
write downs
£m

Losses on 
sale of 
impaired 
and 
deteriorating 
bonds
£m

Recoveries/ 
reversals
£m

–
–
–

–
–
–

–

21 
35 
15 

71 
1 
52 

124 

35 
20 
(2)

53 
40 
6 

99 

–
(1)
–

(1)
(4)
(5)

(10)

2010
Total
£m

56 
54 
13 

123 
37 
53 

213 

2009
Total
£m

268
182
49

499
107
25

631

  Within other bond write downs of £52 million (2009: £30 million), £40 million (2009: £30 million) relate to Piedmont securities. Piedmont 

is an investment vehicle investing in certain asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities in the US.

† The loss of £15 million (2009: gain of £385 million) is for the value movement for non-equity freestanding derivatives held to manage the 

fixed annuity and other general account business. Under IAS 39, unless hedge accounting is applied, value movements on derivatives are 
recognised in the income statement.
For the derivatives programme attaching to the fixed annuity and other general account business the Group has continued its approach 
of not seeking to apply hedge accounting under IAS 39. This decision reflects the inherent constraints of IAS 39 for hedge accounting 
investments and life assurance assets and liabilities under ‘grandfathered’ US GAAP under IFRS 4. 

‡ The Group has amended its presentation of equity-based derivatives and associated guarantee liabilities to remove the net equity hedge 

accounting effect (incorporating related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) from operating profit based on longer-term investment 
returns and include it in short-term fluctuations. The 2009 comparatives have been amended accordingly. The effect of this change is 
explained in note A4(d)(ii).

# Prior to the change in the presentation of operating profit of the US insurance operations as explained in note A4(d)(ii), the effect of the 
difference in the value movements for freestanding derivatives and embedded derivatives arising from changes between longer-term 
and actual levels of implied equity volatility and end of period AA corporate bond yield curves was reflected in short-term fluctuations in 
investment return. This normalisation reflects the use of longer-term implied equity volatility levels, and also, for embedded derivatives 
10 year average AA corporate bond yield curves, in the value movement included in net equity hedge accounting effect and is unaffected 
by the change in the presentation of the net equity hedge accounting effect. 
This volatility and interest rate normalisation of value movements for freestanding and embedded derivatives gave rise to a £2 million 
gain (2009: £85 million). The net equity hedge accounting effect based on longer-term equity volatility and interest rate is as described 
above in note ‡.
In addition to the items discussed above, for US insurance operations, included within the statement of comprehensive income, is an 
increase in net unrealised gains on debt securities classified as available-for-sale of £1,221 million (2009: reduction in net unrealised losses 
of £2,669 million). Temporary market value movements do not reflect defaults or impairments. Additional details on the movement in the 
value of the Jackson portfolio are included in note D3.

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

  UK insurance operations

The short-term fluctuations gain for UK insurance operations of £116 million (2009: £108 million) reflected principally asset value movements, 
principally for shareholder-backed annuity business. 

  IGD hedge costs

During the severe equity market conditions experienced in the first quarter of 2009 coupled with historically high equity volatility the Group 
entered into exceptional short-dated hedging contracts to protect against potential tail-events on the IGD capital position, in addition to the 
regular operational hedging programmes. The hedge contracts expired in 2009 and have not been renewed.

  Other 

Short-term fluctuations of other operations, in addition to the previously discussed IGD hedge costs, arise from:

Unrealised value movements on swaps held centrally to manage Group assets and liabilities
Unrealised value movements on Prudential Capital’s bond portfolio 
Unrealised value movements on investments held by other operations

2010  £m

2009  £m

(25)
48
2

25

28
66
11

105

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186

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

B: SUMMARY OF RESULTS
CONTINUED

B1:  SEGMENT DISCLOSURE – INCOME STATEMENT  >  CONTINUED

vii  Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes

ACTUARIAL GAINS AND LOSSES
Actual less expected return on scheme assets
Experience (losses) gains on scheme liabilities
Losses on changes of assumptions for scheme liabilities

Less: amount attributable to the PAC with-profits sub-fund

OTHER GAINS AND LOSSES
Movement in the provision for deficit funding of PSPS
Less: amount attributable to the PAC with-profits sub-fund

Total 

2010  £m

2009  £m

31
(5)
(41)
(15)
5

(10)

–
–

–

(10)

23
17
(147)
(107)
47

(60)

(48)
34

(14)

(74)

The actuarial gains and losses shown in the table above relate to the Scottish Amicable and M&G. The amounts did not include actuarial gains 
and losses for the Prudential Staff Pension Scheme (PSPS) for which the Group has not recognised its interest in the scheme’s underlying surplus. 

The losses of £41 million on change of assumptions comprise mainly the effect of a decrease in the risk discount rate partially offset by the 

effect of decrease in inflation rates. 

Other gains and losses in 2009 related to the change in the provision for deficit funding obligation for PSPS. There was no change in 2010.
Further details on the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes are shown in note I3.

viii  Share-based payments

The charge for share-based payments for Prudential schemes is for the SAYE and Group performance-related schemes.

ix  Restructuring costs are incurred in the UK as part of EEV covered business (£26 million) and as part of central operations of £nil (EEV non-

x 

covered business) (2009: £16 million and £7 million respectively).
The following costs were incurred in relation to the proposed, and subsequently terminated transaction, to purchase AIA Group Limited and 
related rights issue.

AIG termination break fee
Underwriting fees
Costs associated with foreign exchange hedging
Adviser fees and other

TOTAL COSTS BEFORE TAX
Associated tax relief

Total costs after tax

2010  £m

153 
58 
100 
66 

377 
(93)

284 

Of the £377 million total costs before tax, the £100 million associated with foreign exchange hedging has been recorded within ‘Investment 
return’ and the other £277 million has been recorded as ‘Other expenditure’ within ‘Acquisition costs and other expenditure’ in the consolidated 
income statement.

B2:  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number 
of ordinary shares outstanding during the year, excluding those held in employee share trusts and consolidated unit-trusts and OEICs, 
which are treated as cancelled.

For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive 
potential ordinary shares. The Group’s only class of dilutive potential ordinary shares are those share options granted to employees 
where the exercise price is less than the average market price of the Company’s ordinary shares during the year. No adjustment is made 
if the impact is anti-dilutive overall.

Earnings per share are calculated based on earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders, after related tax and non-controlling 

interests. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
187

2010

Before tax 
B1
£m

Tax 
F5
£m

Non-
controlling
interests 
£m

Net of tax 
and non-
controlling
interests 
£m

Basic 
earnings 
per share 
Pence

Diluted 
earnings 
per share 
Pence

Based on operating profit based on longer-term 

investment returns, excluding exceptional tax 
credit

Exceptional tax credit*

Based on operating profit based on longer-term 

1,941
–

(371)
158

investment returns

1,941

(213)

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on 

shareholder-backed business

Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains 
and losses on defined benefit pension 
schemes

Costs of terminated AIA transaction
Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth

Based on profit for the year from continuing 

(123)

(10)
(377)
30

92

3
93
–

(5)
–

(5)

–

–
–
–

1,565
158

62.0p
6.3p

61.9p
6.3p

1,723

68.3p

68.2p

(31)

(1.2p)

(1.2p)

(7)
(284)
30

(0.3p)
(11.3p)
1.2p

(0.3p)
(11.3p)
1.2p

operations including exceptional tax credit

1,461

(25)

(5)

1,431

56.7p

56.6p

* The tax charge attributable to shareholders’ return includes an exceptional tax credit of £158 million which primarily relates to the impact of 

settlement agreed with the UK tax authorities.

Based on operating profit based on longer-term 

investment returns

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on 

shareholder-backed business

Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains 
and losses on defined benefit pension 
schemes

Adjustment from loss on sale and result of Taiwan 

agency business

Based on profit for the year from continuing 

operations

Adjustments for post-tax results of discontinued 

operations

Based on profit for the year

Before tax 
B1
£m

1,564

(123)

(74)

(621)

746

(14)

732

Tax 
F5
£m

(374)

280

21

18

(55)

–

(55)

2009(1)

Non-
controlling
interests 
£m

Net of tax 
and non-
controlling
interests 
£m

Basic 
earnings 
per share 
Pence

Diluted 
earnings 
per share 
Pence

(2)

1,188

47.5p

47.4p

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

1

–

–

(1)

–

(1)

158

6.3p

6.3p

(53)

(2.1p)

(2.1p)

(603)

(24.1p)

(24.0p)

690

(14)

676

27.6p

27.6p

(0.6p)

27.0p

(0.6p)

27.0p

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Note
(1)  The Group has amended the presentation of IFRS operating profit for its US operations to remove net equity hedge accounting effect 

(incorporating related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include it in short-term fluctuations. The 2009 comparatives have been 
amended accordingly.

 
 
 
 
 
188

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

B: SUMMARY OF RESULTS
CONTINUED

B2:  EARNINGS PER SHARE  >  CONTINUED

Number of shares
A reconciliation of the weighted average number of ordinary shares used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share is 
set out as below:

Weighted average shares for calculation of basic earnings per share
Shares under option at end of year
Number of shares that would have been issued at fair value on assumed option exercise

Weighted average shares for calculation of diluted earnings per share

B3:  DIVIDENDS

Dividends declared and paid in reporting period
Parent company:

Interim dividend (2010: 6.61p, 2009: 6.29p per share)
Second interim/Final dividend for prior period (2010: 13.56p, 2009: 12.91p per share)

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

2,524
13
(8)

2,529

2,501
12
(7)

2,506

2010  £m

2009  £m

168
343

511

159
322

481

As a result of shares issued in lieu of dividends of £62 million (2009: £137 million), dividends paid in cash, as set out in the consolidated 
cash flow statement, were £449 million (2009: £344 million).

Parent company dividends relating to reporting period:

Interim dividend (2010: 6.61p, 2009: 6.29p per share)
Final/second interim dividend (2010: 17.24p, 2009: 13.56p per share)

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

168
439

607

159
343

502

Interim dividends are recorded in the period in which they are paid. Final dividends are recorded in the period in which they are 
approved by shareholders. The second interim dividend of 13.56 pence per ordinary share for the year ended 31 December 2009 
was paid to eligible shareholders on 27 May 2010 and the 2010 interim dividend of 6.61 pence per ordinary share was paid to eligible 
shareholders on 23 September 2010.

Following the Board’s decision to rebase the dividend upwards and subject to shareholders’ approval, the 2010 final dividend of 

17.24 pence per ordinary share will be paid on 26 May 2011 in sterling to shareholders on the principal and Irish branch registers at 
6.00pm BST on Friday, 1 April 2011 (the ‘Record Date’), and in Hong Kong dollars to shareholders on the Hong Kong branch register at 
4.30pm Hong Kong time on the Record Date (‘HK Shareholders’). Holders of US American Depositary Receipts (‘US Shareholders’) will 
be paid their dividend in US dollars on or about five days after the payment date of the dividend to shareholders on the principal register. 
The dividend will be paid on or about 2 June 2011 in Singapore dollars to shareholders with shares standing to the credit of their 
securities accounts with The Central Depository (Pte.) Limited (‘CDP’) at 5.00pm Singapore time on the Record Date (‘SG Shareholders’). 
The dividend payable to the HK Shareholders will be translated at the exchange rate ruling at the close of business on 8 March 2011. 
The exchange rate at which the dividend payable to the SG Shareholders will be translated will be determined by CDP. The dividend 
will distribute an estimated £439 million of shareholders’ funds.

The scrip dividend alternative is not being offered in respect of this dividend. In its place shareholders will be offered a Dividend 

Reinvestment Plan (DRIP). 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
B4:  EXCHANGE TRANSLATION

Exchange movement recognised in other comprehensive income

Asian operations
US operations
Unallocated to a segment (central funds)

189

2010  £m

2009  £m

164
88
(35)

217

(189)
(244)
227

(206)

The movements for Asian and US operations reflect the application of year end exchange rates to the assets and liabilities and average 
exchange rates to the income statement on translation of these operations into the presentation currency of the Group. The movement 
unallocated to a segment mainly reflects the translation of currency borrowings and forward contracts which have been designated as a 
net investment hedge against the currency risk of the net investment in Jackson.
The exchange rates applied were:

Local currency: £

Hong Kong
Indonesia
Malaysia
Singapore
India 
Vietnam
US

Closing
rate at
31 Dec 2010

12.17
14,106.51
4.83
2.01
70.01
30,526.26
1.57

Average
for 2010

12.01
14,033.41
4.97
2.11
70.66
29,587.63
1.55

Closing
rate at
31 Dec 2009

12.52
15,171.52
5.53
2.27
75.15
29,832.74
1.61

Average
for 2009

12.14
16,173.28
5.51
2.27
75.70
27,892.39
1.57

Opening 
rate at 
1 Jan 2009

11.14
15,799.22
5.02
2.07
70.05
25,205.87
1.44

B5:  NEW BUSINESS

Insurance products and investment products note i

Asian operations
US operations
UK operations

Group total

Insurance products gross 
premiums

Investment products gross 
inflows note ii

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

2010  £m

2009  £m

2010  £m

2009  £m

2,514
11,439
5,910

19,863

2,019
8,909
5,014

80,597
–
26,372

71,176
6
24,875

83,111
11,439
32,282

73,195
8,915
29,889

15,942

106,969

96,057

126,832

111,999

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
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A
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M
E
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190

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

B: SUMMARY OF RESULTS
CONTINUED

B5:  NEW BUSINESS  >  CONTINUED

Insurance products – new business premiums and contributions note i

GROUP INSURANCE OPERATIONS
Asia – ex Japan
US
UK

GROUP TOTAL – EX JAPAN
Japan(iv)

GROUP TOTAL

ASIAN INSURANCE OPERATIONS
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam

SE ASIA OPERATIONS INC. HONG KONG
China (Group’s 50% interest)
India (Group’s 26% interest)
Korea
Taiwan(iii)

TOTAL ASIA OPERATIONS – EX JAPAN

US INSURANCE OPERATIONS
Fixed Annuities
Fixed Index Annuities
Life
Variable Annuities

TOTAL US INSURANCE OPERATIONS

UK & EUROPE INSURANCE OPERATIONS(vi)
Direct and Partnership Annuities
Intermediated Annuities
Internal Vesting Annuities

TOTAL INDIVIDUAL ANNUITIES

Corporate Pensions
On-shore Bonds
Other Products
Wholesale

TOTAL UK & EUROPE INSURANCE OPS

Single

Regular

Annual Equivalents

2010  £m

2009  £m

2010  £m

2009  £m

2010  £m

2009  £m

 1,104 
 11,417 
 5,656 

 18,177 
 13 

 18,190 

785
8,885
4,768

14,438
57

14,495

 107 
 141 
 58 
 64 
 318 
 15 
 1 

 704 
 103 
 85 
 66 
 146 

 1,104 

 836 
 1,089 
 11 
 9,481 

 11,417 

 593 
 221 
 1,235 

 2,049 

 228 
 1,660 
 774 
 945 

 5,656 

94
41
63
14
297
14
1

524
72
47
38
104

785

1,053
1,433
10
6,389

8,885

590
242
1,357

2,189

192
1,444
881
62

4,768

 1,391 
 22 
 254 

 1,667 
 6 

 1,673 

 276 
 269 
 198 
 17 
 143 
 25 
 41 

 969 
 48 
 180 
 89 
 105 

1,131
24
246

1,401
46

1,447

232
186
140
10
98
14
35

715
38
163
118
97

 1,391 

1,131

–
–
 22 
–

 22 

–
–
–

–

 198 
–
 56 
–

 254 

–
–
24
–

24

–
–
–

–

191
–
55
–

246

 1,501 
 1,164 
 820 

 3,485 
 7 

 3,492 

 287 
 283 
 204 
 23 
 175 
 26 
 41 

 1,039 
 58 
 188 
 96 
 120 

 1,501 

 84 
 109 
 23 
 948 

 1,164 

 59 
 22 
 124 

 205 

 221 
 166 
 133 
 95 

 820 

1,209
912
723

2,844
52

2,896

241
190
146
11
128
16
35

767
45
168
122
107

1,209

105
143
25
639

912

59
24
136

219

210
145
143
6

723

GROUP TOTAL – EX JAPAN

 18,177 

14,438

 1,667 

1,401

 3,485 

2,844

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
191

Investment products – funds under management notes ii and iv

Asian operations
US operations
UK operations

GROUP TOTAL

Asian operations
US operations
UK operations

GROUP TOTAL

2010  £m

1 Jan 2010

19,474
–
70,306

Market 
gross 
inflows

80,597
–
26,372

Redemptions

(80,812)
–
(17,267)

Market 
exchange 
translation 
and other 
movements

2,789
–
9,915

31 Dec 2010

22,048
–
89,326

89,780

106,969

(98,079)

12,704

111,374

2009  £m

Redemptions

(69,177)
(66)
(11,397)

Market 
exchange 
translation 
and other 
movements

2,243
10
9,831

(80,640)

12,084

Market 
gross 
inflows

71,176
6
24,875

96,057

31 Dec 2009

19,474
–
70,306

89,780

1 Jan 2009

15,232
50
46,997

62,279

Notes
i 

  The tables shown above are provided as an indicative volume measure of transactions undertaken in the reporting period that have the potential 

to generate profits for shareholders. The amounts shown are not, and not intended to be, reflective of premium income recorded in the IFRS 
income statement.

Annual Premium Equivalents (APEs) are calculated as the aggregate of regular new business amounts and one-tenth of single new business 

amounts. New business premiums for regular premium products are shown on an annualised basis. Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) 
rebate business is classified as single recurrent business. Internal vesting business is classified as new business where the contracts include an 
open market option.

The format of the tables shown above is consistent with the distinction between insurance and investment products as applied for previous 
financial reporting periods. With the exception of some US institutional business, products categorised as ‘insurance’ refer to those classified as 
contracts of long-term insurance business for regulatory reporting purposes, i.e. falling within one of the classes of insurance specified in Part II 
of Schedule 1 to the Regulated Activities Order under FSA regulations.

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

The details shown above for insurance products include contributions for contracts that are classified under IFRS 4 ‘Insurance Contracts’ 
as not containing significant insurance risk. These products are described as investment contracts or other financial instruments under IFRS. 
Contracts included in this category are primarily certain unit-linked and similar contracts written in UK insurance operations and Guaranteed 
Investment Contracts and similar funding agreements written in US operations. 
Investment products referred to in the table for funds under management above are unit trust, mutual funds and similar types of retail fund 
management arrangements. These are unrelated to insurance products that are classified as ‘investment contracts’ under IFRS 4, as described in 
the preceding paragraph, although similar IFRS recognition and measurement principles apply to the acquisition costs and fees attaching to this 
type of business. 

ii 

iii  The tables above include new business for the Taiwan bank distribution operation. New business of the Taiwan Agency business, which was sold 

in June 2009 (as explained in note I2(b) is excluded from the tables. 

iv  New business sales for the Group’s Japanese insurance subsidiary, which ceased selling new business with effect from 15 February 2010, have 

been presented separately from the remainder of the Group.

v  New business and market gross inflows and redemptions have been translated at the average exchange rate for the year applicable. Funds under 

management at points in time are translated at the exchange rate applicable at those dates.

vi  The Prudential’s European operation is based in Ireland and sells products into Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, 

Spain and UK.

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192

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

B: SUMMARY OF RESULTS
CONTINUED

B6:  GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

To explain more comprehensively the assets, liabilities and capital of the Group’s businesses it is appropriate to provide an analysis 
of the Group’s statement of financial position by operating segment and type of business. The tables below aggregate the three 
asset management segments for ease of presentation and hence should be read in conjunction with the associated tables on 
asset management in note E2. 

a  Group statement of financial position by operating segment
i  Position at 31 December 2010

2010  £m

Insurance operations

UK
  D2

US 
D3

Asia 
D4

Total 
insurance 
opera-
  tions

Asset 
manage- 
ment 
opera-
tions 
E2

Unallo- 
cated to a 
segment 
(central 
opera-
tions)

Intra-
group 
elimina- 
tions

31 Dec 
2010 
Group
  total

–

–

236 

236 

1,230 

118 

3,543 

939 

4,600 

9 

118 

3,543 

1,175 

4,836 

1,239 

166 

13 

179 

–

–

–

–

166 

97 

97 

110 

276 

–

–

–

297 

3,543 

1,272 

5,112 

1,239 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

214 
4,633 

1,391 
1,241 

98 
811 

1,703 
6,685 

123 
999 

362 
4,159 

–
(5,761)

1,466 

4,609 

6,075 

166 

110 

276 

6,351 

2,188 
6,082 

11,212 

69 

26 

– 

9  11,247 

2 

71 

–

–

2,302 

4,201 

1,340 

7,843 

1,418 

40,519  31,501  14,464  86,484 
74,304  26,366  14,108  114,778 
5,579 
9,872 

1,199 
212 

3,998 
9,022 

382 
638 

151 
1,574 
59 
80 

254 
2,839 

3 
232 

–
1,601 

257 
4,672 

–
1,436 

–

–

–

–
–
141 
– 

141 

–
523 

–

–

–

11,247 

71 

9,261 

–
86,635 
– 116,352 
5,779 
–
9,952 
–

– 239,297 

–
–

257 
6,631 

149,663  69,915  34,725  254,303 

7,079 

5,185 

(5,761) 260,806 

BY OPERATING SEGMENT

ASSETS
Intangible assets attributable to shareholders:
  Goodwill
  Deferred acquisition costs and other intangible  

assets

TotalH1

Intangible assets attributable to with-profits funds:
In respect of acquired subsidiaries for venture  
fund and other investment purposes
  Deferred acquisition costs and other intangible  

assets

TotalH2

Total

Deferred tax assetsH4
Other non-investment and non-cash assetsH3-H6
Investment of long-term business and other 

operations:
Investment properties
Investments accounted for using the equity  
  method
Financial investments:

Loansnote d
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in   

unit trusts

  Debt securitiesnote d
  Other investments
  Deposits

Properties held for saleH9
Cash and cash equivalentsH10

TOTAL ASSETS 

Note
(i)  Further segmental analysis:

Total investmentsG1,H7,H8,note c

141,426  63,505  30,943  235,874 

3,282 

The non-current assets of the Group comprise goodwill, intangible assets other than DAC and present value of acquired in-force business and 
property, plant and equipment included within ‘other non-investment and non-cash assets’. Items defined as financial instruments or related 
to insurance contracts are excluded. Of the Group’s total non-current assets at 31 December 2010 of £2,454 million (2009: £1,965 million), £1,708 
million (2009: £1,444 million) was held in the UK by the UK insurance operations, M&G and central operations, £131 million (2009: £112 million) 
was held in the US and £615 million (2009: £409 million) was held in Asia.
No individual country in Asia held non-current assets at the end of the year which exceeded 10 per cent of the Group total.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
193

BY OPERATING SEGMENT

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Shareholders’ equityH11
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

2010  £m

Insurance operations

UK
  D2

US 
D3

Asia 
D4

Total 
insurance 
opera-
  tions

Asset 
manage- 
ment 
opera-
tions 
E2

Unallo- 
cated to a 
segment 
(central 
opera-
tions)

Intra-
group 
elimina- 
tions

31 Dec 
2010 
Group
  total

2,148 
35 

3,815 
–

2,149 
5 

8,112 
40 

1,787 
4 

(1,868)
– 

2,183 

3,815 

2,154 

8,152 

1,791 

(1,868)

– 
– 

– 

8,031 
44 

8,075 

Liabilities
Policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of 

with-profits funds:
Insurance contract liabilitiesH12
Investment contract liabilities with discretionary 

84,152  58,641  28,498  171,291 

participation featuresG1

25,613 

– 

119  25,732 

Investment contract liabilities without 

discretionary participation featuresG1
Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

(reflecting application of ‘realistic’ basis
 provisions for UK regulated with-profits
 funds) D2(g)ii,H12

15,765 

1,882 

57  17,704 

10,187 

– 

66  10,253 

Total policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus 

of with-profits fundsnote e

135,717  60,523  28,740  224,980 

Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

operations:H13
Subordinated debt

  Other

Total

– 
– 

– 

– 
159 

159 

– 
– 

– 

– 
159 

159 

– 
250 

2,718 
549 

250 

3,267 

Operational borrowings attributable to shareholder-

financed operationsG1,H13

Borrowings attributable to with-profits operationsH13
Other non-insurance liabilities:G1,H4,H14,H15
  Obligations under funding, securities lending and  

162 
1,522 

90 
– 

189 
– 

441 
1,522 

sale and repurchase agreements

2,398 

1,801 

– 

4,199 

3 
– 

– 

2,560 
– 

–  171,291 

–  25,732 

–  17,704 

–  10,253 

–  224,980 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

2,718 
958 

3,676 

3,004 
1,522 

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

Net asset value attributable to unit holders of 
consolidated unit trusts and similar funds

  Deferred tax liabilities

Current tax liabilities
Accruals and deferred income

  Other creditors
Provisions

  Derivative liabilities
  Other liabilities

Total

Total liabilities

1,755 
1,738 
399 
340 
1,939 
442 
792 
276 

33 
1,776 
34 
– 
511 
19 
799 
355 

1,126 
495 
70 
109 
1,122 
61 
222 
437 

2,914 
4,009 
503 
449 
3,572 
522 
1,813 
1,068 

458 
5 
33 
244 
4,039 
157 
78 
21 

O
F
R
E
S
U
L
T
S

B

:

S
U
M
M
A
R
Y

– 

– 

4,199 

– 
210 
295 
14 
471 
50 
146 
40 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(5,761)
– 
– 
– 

3,372 
4,224 
831 
707 
2,321 
729 
2,037 
1,129 

10,079 

5,328 

3,642  19,049 

5,035 

1,226 

(5,761) 19,549 

147,480  66,100  32,571  246,151 

5,288 

7,053 

(5,761) 252,731 

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

149,663  69,915  34,725  254,303 

7,079 

5,185 

(5,761) 260,806 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
194

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

B: SUMMARY OF RESULTS
CONTINUED

B6:  GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION  >  CONTINUED

ii  Position at 31 December 2009

2009  £m

Insurance operations

UK
  D2

US 
D3

Asia 
D4

Total 
insurance 
opera-
  tions

Asset 
manage- 
ment 
opera-
tions 
E2

Unallo- 
cated to a 
segment 
(central 
opera-
tions)

Intra-
group 
elimina- 
tions

31 Dec 
2009 
Group
  total

80

822

902

–

97

97

999

132
880

80

1,230

4,041

8

4,121

1,238

124

106

230

–

–

–

4,351

1,238

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,368
5,358

132
718

208
4,393

–
(5,044)

1,310

4,049

5,359

124

106

230

5,589

2,708
5,425

BY OPERATING SEGMENT

ASSETS
Intangible assets attributable to shareholders:
  Goodwill
  Deferred acquisition costs and other 

intangible assets

TotalH1

Intangible assets attributable to with-profits funds:
In respect of acquired subsidiaries for venture  
fund and other investment purposes

  Deferred acquisition costs and other 

intangible assets

TotalH2

Total

Deferred tax assetsH4
Other non-investment and non-cash assetsH3-H6
Investment of long-term business and other operations:

Investment properties
Investments accounted for using the equity  
  method
Financial investments:

Loansnote d
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in  

–

127

127

124

9

133

260

292
3,074

10,861

4

–

3,092

3,092

–

–

–

3,092

1,944
1,404

33

–

11

10,905

2

6

–

–

1,815

4,319

1,207

7,341

1,413

unit trusts

  Debt securitiesnote d
  Other investments
  Deposits

37,051
67,772
3,630
11,557

20,984
22,831
955
454

11,182

69,217
9,984 100,587
4,843
12,757

258
746

137
1,164
113
63

Total investmentsG1,H7,H8,note c

132,690

49,576

23,390 205,656

2,890

–

–

–

–
–
176
–

176

–
895

–

–

–

10,905

6

8,754

–
69,354
– 101,751
5,132
–
12,820
–

– 208,722

–
–

3
5,307

–
2,265

3
340

–
837

3
3,442

–
970

138,581

56,359

26,238 221,178

5,948

5,672

(5,044) 227,754

Properties held for saleH9
Cash and cash equivalentsH10

TOTAL ASSETS 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
195

BY OPERATING SEGMENT

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Shareholders’ equityH11
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

2009  £m

Insurance operations

UK
  D2

US 
D3

Asia 
D4

Total 
insurance 
opera-
  tions

Asset 
manage- 
ment 
opera-
tions 
E2

Unallo- 
cated to a 
segment 
(central 
opera-
tions)

Intra 
group 
elimina- 
tions

31 Dec 
2009 
Group
  total

1,939
28

3,011
–

1,462
1

6,412
29

1,659
3

(1,800)
–

1,967

3,011

1,463

6,441

1,662

(1,800)

–
–

–

6,271
32

6,303

Liabilities
Policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of 

with-profits funds:
Insurance contract liabilitiesH12
Investment contract liabilities with discretionary 

77,655

46,346

21,712 145,713

participation featuresG1

24,780

–

100

24,880

Investment contract liabilities without discretionary 

participation featuresG1
Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

(reflecting application of ‘realistic’ basis
provisions for UK regulated with-profits 
funds) D2(g)ii,H12

Total policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus 

13,794

1,965

46

15,805

9,966

–

53

10,019

of with-profits fundsnote e

126,195

48,311

21,911 196,417

Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed 

operations:H13
Subordinated debt

  Other

Total

Operational borrowings attributable to shareholder-

financed operationsG1,H13

Borrowings attributable to with-profits operationsH13
Other non-insurance liabilities:G1,H4,H14,H15
  Obligations under funding, securities lending and  

–
–

–

158
1,284

–
154

154

203
–

–
–

–

–
154

154

210
–

571
1,284

142
–

2,038
–

sale and repurchase agreements

2,108

1,374

–

3,482

–

–

Net asset value attributable to unit holders of  
consolidated unit trusts and similar funds

  Deferred tax liabilities

Current tax liabilities
Accruals and deferred income

  Other creditors
Provisions

  Derivative liabilities
  Other liabilities

Total

Total liabilities

2,534
1,606
426
271
726
406
709
191

47
1,858
89
–
532
10
461
309

818
384
85
105
760
50
146
306

3,399
3,848
600
376
2,018
466
1,316
806

410
5
35
209
3,292
127
49
17

–
19
580
9
1,346
50
136
54

–
–
–
–
(5,044)
–
–
–

8,977

4,680

2,654

16,311

4,144

2,194

(5,044)

17,605

136,614

53,348

24,775 214,737

4,286

7,472

(5,044) 221,451

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

138,581

56,359

26,238 221,178

5,948

5,672

(5,044) 227,754

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,691
549

3,240

– 145,713

–

–

24,880

15,805

–

10,019

– 196,417

–
–

–

–
–

–

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

O
F
R
E
S
U
L
T
S

B

:

S
U
M
M
A
R
Y

2,691
703

3,394

2,751
1,284

3,482

3,809
3,872
1,215
594
1,612
643
1,501
877

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
196

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

B: SUMMARY OF RESULTS
CONTINUED

B6:  GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION  >  CONTINUED

b  Group statement of financial position by business type

2010  £m

2009  £m

Shareholder-backed business

  Unit-
linked
and
variable
annuity

  Asset
manage-
ment
operations
E2

  Unallo-
cated to a
segment
(central
operations)

Non-
linked
business

  Partici-
pating
funds

  Intra-
group
elimina-
tion

  31 Dec
2010
Group
total

  31 Dec
2009
Group
total

– 

– 

– 

166 

110 

276 

276 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

236 

1,230 

4,600 

9 

4,836 

1,239 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4,836 

1,239 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,466 

1,310

4,609 

4,049

6,075 

5,359

166 

124 

110 

276 

106 

230 

6,351 

5,589 

109 
2,749 

– 
651 

1,594 
3,285 

123 
999 

362 
4,159 

– 
(5,761)

2,188 
6,082 

2,708
5,425

– 

– 

8,993 

745 

1,509 

– 

2,144 

– 

– 

71 

5,699 

1,418 

31,371  54,274 
53,261 
3,887 
7,272 

839 
9,054  52,463 
1,561 
1,851 

131 
749 

151 
1,574 
59 
80 

254 
1,915 

– 
1,490 

3 
1,267 

– 
1,436 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
141 
– 

141 

– 
523 

–  11,247 

10,905

– 

– 

71 

6

9,261 

8,754

–  86,635 
69,354
–  116,352  101,751
– 
5,132
– 
12,820

5,779 
9,952 

–  239,297  208,722

– 
– 

257 
6,631 

3
5,307

112,231  67,094  74,978 

7,079 

5,185 

(5,761) 260,806  227,754

BY BUSINESS TYPE

Assets
Intangible assets attributable to shareholders:
  Goodwill
  Deferred acquisition costs and other

intangible assets

TotalH1

Intangible assets attributable to with-profits funds:
In respect of acquired subsidiaries for venture  
fund and other investment purposes 

  Deferred acquisition costs and other

intangible assets

TotalH2

Total

Deferred tax assetsH4
Other non-investment and non-cash assetsH3-H6
Investment of long-term business and 

other operations:
Investment properties
Investments accounted for using the

equity method 
Financial investments:

Loansnote d
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in  

unit trusts

  Debt securitiesnote d
  Other investments
  Deposits

Properties held for saleH9
Cash and cash equivalentsH10

TOTAL ASSETS 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

Total investmentsG1,H7,H8, note c

106,928  64,953  63,993 

3,282 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
197

BY BUSINESS TYPE

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Shareholders’ equityH11
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

2010  £m

2009  £m

Shareholder-backed business

  Unit-
linked
and
variable
annuity

  Asset
manage-
ment
operations
E2

  Unallo-
cated to a
segment
(central
operations)

Non-
linked
business

  Partici-
pating
funds

  Intra-
group
elimina-
tion

  31 Dec
2010
Group
total

  31 Dec
2009
Group
total

– 
35 

35 

– 
– 

– 

8,112 
5 

1,787 
4 

(1,868)
– 

8,117 

1,791 

(1,868)

– 
– 

– 

8,031 
44 

6,271
32

8,075 

6,303

Liabilities
Policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of 

with-profits funds:
Contract liabilities (including amounts in respect  

of contracts classified as investment 
contracts under IFRS 4)

Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds  

(reflecting application of ‘realistic’ basis  
provisions for UK regulated with-profits  
funds) D2g(ii),H12

92,544  65,598  56,585 

10,253 

– 

– 

Total policyholder liabilities and 
unallocated surplus of with-profits fundsnote e

102,797  65,598  56,585 

Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–  214,727  186,398

–  10,253 

10,019

–  224,980  196,417

operations:H13
Subordinated debt

  Other

Total

Operational borrowings attributable 

to shareholder-financed operations G1,H13

Borrowings attributable to with-profits 

operationsG1,H13
Deferred tax liabilities
Other non-insurance liabilities

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
159 

159 

– 
250 

2,718 
549 

250 

3,267 

– 
– 

– 

2,718 
958 

2,691
703

3,676 

3,394

441 

3 

2,560 

– 

3,004 

2,751

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

1,522 
1,576 
6,301 

– 
25 
1,471 

– 
2,408 
7,268 

– 
5 
5,030 

– 
210 
1,016 

– 
– 

1,522 
4,224 
(5,761) 15,325 

1,284
3,872
13,733

Total liabilities

112,196  67,094  66,861 

5,288 

7,053 

(5,761) 252,731  221,451

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

112,231  67,094  74,978 

7,079 

5,185 

(5,761) 260,806  227,754

O
F
R
E
S
U
L
T
S

B

:

S
U
M
M
A
R
Y

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
198

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

B: SUMMARY OF RESULTS
CONTINUED

B6:  GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION  >  CONTINUED

c  Reconciliation of movement in investments 
A reconciliation of the Group’s directly held investments from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is as follows:

Insurance operations

UK
£m

US
£m

Total
insurance
operations
£m

Asset
Manage-
ment
£m

Unallo-
cated to a
segment
£m

Asia
£m

Group
total
£m

AT 31 DECEMBER 2008/1 JANUARY 2009

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: investments held by consolidated investment funds
Less: derivative liabilitiesG3 

121,862
(609)
(3,401)

46,171
–
(863)

21,809 189,842
(1,710)
(1,101)
(4,296)
(32)

3,303
–
(292)

289 193,434
(1,710)
(4,832)

–
(244)

  Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

117,852

45,308

20,676 183,836

3,011

45 186,892

Net cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities
Disposal of Taiwan agency business
Realised gains (losses) in the year
Unrealised gains and losses and exchange movements 

in the year

Reclassification of property under development

Movement in the year of directly held investments, net of 

1,432
–
108

2,755
–
(529)

3,028
(3,261)
(243)

7,215
(3,261)
(664)

10,623
131

1,581
–

2,326
–

14,530
131

(148)
–
34

(56)
–

(52)
–
4

7,015
(3,261)
(626)

43
–

14,517
131

derivative liabilities 

12,294

3,807

1,850

17,951

(170)

(5)

17,776

AT 31 DECEMBER 2009/1 JANUARY 2010

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: investments held by consolidated investment funds
Less: derivative liabilitiesG3 

132,690
(1,835)
(709)

49,576
–
(461)

23,390 205,656
(2,553)
(1,316)

(718)
(146)

2,890
–
(49)

176 208,722
(2,553)
(1,501)

–
(136)

  Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

130,146

49,115

22,526 201,787

2,841

40 204,668

Net cash inflow from operating activities
Realised gains (losses) in the year
Unrealised gains and losses and exchange movements 

in the year

Dilution of PruHealth investment
Acquisition of UOB Life Assurance Ltd

Movement in the year of directly held investments, net of 

derivative liabilities 

AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

1,329
2,233

5,958
56
–

7,306
21

6,264
–
–

2,167
984

10,802
3,238

3,301
–
1,004

15,523
56
1,004

329
11

23
–
–

120
(148)

11,251
3,101

(17) 15,529
56
1,004

–
–

9,576

13,591

7,456

30,623

363

(45) 30,941

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: investments held by consolidated investment funds
Less: derivative liabilitiesG3 

141,426
(912)
(792)

63,505
–
(799)

30,943 235,874
(1,651)
(1,813)

(739)
(222)

3,282
–
(78)

141 239,297
(1,651)
(2,037)

–
(146)

  Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

139,722

62,706

29,982 232,410

3,204

(5) 235,609

* The above reconciliation analyses the movement of directly held investments net of derivative liabilities. The deduction of derivative liabilities 

reflects the fact that these are considered an integral part of the Group’s investment portfolio and the exclusion from investments is merely a matter 
of required balance sheet presentation. The analysis excludes investments held in the balance sheet as a result of the consolidation of Open-Ended 
Investment Companies (OEICs) and unit trusts, as the Group’s exposure is merely to its share of the value of the fund as a whole rather than to the 
underlying investments and other assets and liabilities.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
199

d  Debt securities and loans
i  Information on the credit risks of debt securities

S&P – AAA
S&P – AA+ to AA-
S&P – A+ to A-
S&P – BBB+ to BBB-
S&P – Other

Moody’s – Aaa
Moody’s – Aa1 to Aa3
Moody’s – A1 to A3
Moody’s – Baa1 to Baa3
Moody’s – Other

Implicit ratings of MBS based on NAIC valuations (see below)

– NAIC 1
– NAIC 2
– NAIC 3-6

Fitch
Other

2010  £m

2009  £m

Insurance operations

UK

US

Asia

Total
insurance
operations

Asset
Manage-
ment

Group
total

Group
total

18,833 
6,885 
21,508 
12,848 
3,403 

 4,187 
 801 
 5,156 
 8,202 
 866 

2,934  25,954
2,138 
9,824
2,843  29,507
913  21,963
6,042

1,773 

884
143
452
70
6

26,838
9,967
29,959
22,033
6,048

22,106
9,060
26,849
20,581
4,479

63,477  19,212  10,601  93,290

1,555

94,845

83,075

765 
360 
632 
949 
233 

2,939 

–
–
–

–

630 
7,258 

34 
32 
36 
73 
135 

310 

3,083 
181 
232 

3,496 

176 
3,172 

65 
115 
130 
95 
49 

864
507
798
1,117
417

454 

3,703

–
–
–

–

3,083
181
232

3,496

49 

855
3,004  13,434

–
14
–
2
–

16

–
–
–

–

–
3

864
521
798
1,119
417

870
687
1,144
919
411

3,719

4,031

3,083
181
232

747
105
473

3,496

1,325

855
13,437

1,342
11,978

Total debt securities

74,304  26,366  14,108  114,778

1,574 116,352 101,751

In the table above, with the exception of residential mortgage-backed securities within Jackson, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) ratings have 
been used where available. For securities where S&P ratings are not immediately available, those produced by Moody’s and then Fitch 
have been used as an alternative. During 2009, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in the US revised the regulatory 
ratings process for more than 20,000 residential mortgage-backed securities. In addition, in 2010, NAIC applied the revised ratings 
process for commercial mortgage-backed securities. The table above includes these securities, held by Jackson, using the regulatory 
ratings levels established by an external third party (PIMCO). Notes D2(d), D3(d), D4(d) and E2 provide further details on the credit 
risks of debt securities by segment. 

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200

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

B: SUMMARY OF RESULTS
CONTINUED

B6:  GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION  >  CONTINUED

ii  Group exposure to holdings in asset-backed securities
The Group’s exposure to holdings in asset-backed securities which comprise residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), 
commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS), CDO funds and other asset-backed securities (ABS), at 31 December 2010 
is as follows:

SHAREHOLDER-BACKED OPERATIONS:
UK insurance operationsnote i
US insurance operationsnote ii
Asian insurance operationsnote iii
Other operationsnote iv

WITH-PROFITS OPERATIONS:
UK insurance operationsnote i
Asian insurance operationsnote iii

TOTAL

i  UK insurance operations
The UK insurance operations’ exposure to asset-backed securities at 31 December 2010 comprises:

Shareholder-backed business (2010: 51% AAA, 23% AA)
With-profits operations (2010: 52% AAA, 13% AA)

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,181
6,135
113
437

7,866

5,237
435

5,672

2,044
6,376
59
326

8,805

6,451
378

6,829

13,538

15,634

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,181 
5,237 

6,418 

2,044
6,451

8,495

All of the £1,181 million (2009: £2,044 million) exposure of the shareholder-backed business relates to the UK market, primarily to 
investments held by PRIL. £3,685 million of the £5,237 million (2009: £4,695 million of the £6,451 million) exposure of the with-profits 
operations relates to exposure to the UK market while the remaining £1,552 million (2009: £1,756 million) relates to exposure to the 
US market. 

ii  US insurance operations
The US insurance operations’ exposure to asset-backed securities at 31 December 2010 comprises:

RMBS*:

Sub-prime (2010: 40% AAA, 11% AA)
Alt-A (2010: 15% AAA, 6% AA)
Prime including agency (2010: 79% AAA, 2% AA)

CMBS* (2010: 36% AAA, 15% AA)
CDO funds (2010: 4% AAA, 4% AA),† including £1 million exposure to sub-prime
Other ABS (2010: 26% AAA, 20% AA), including £37 million exposure to sub-prime

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

224 
415 
2,145 
2,375 
162 
814 

6,135 

194
443
2,679
2,104
79
877

6,376

* RMBS ratings refer to the rating implicit within NAIC risk-based capital valuation (see note d(i)). For 2010, CMBS ratings refer to the NAIC rating.
† Including the Group’s economic interest in Piedmont and other consolidated CDO funds.
  Further details on Jackson’s RMBS sub-prime and Alt-A securities are given in note D3(d).

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
201

iii Asian insurance operations
The Asian insurance operations’ exposure to asset-backed securities is primarily held by the with-profits operations.
The £435 million (2009: £378 million) asset-backed securities exposure of the Asian with-profits operations comprises:

CMBS
CDO funds and other ABS

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

251
184

435

91
287

378

The £435 million (2009: £378 million) includes £341 million (2009: £228 million) held by investment funds consolidated under IFRS in 
recognition of the control arrangements for those funds and includes an amount not owned by the Group with a corresponding liability 
of £7 million (2009: £61 million) on the statement of financial position for net asset value attributable to external unit-holders in respect 
of these funds, which are non-recourse to the Group. Of the £435 million, 43 per cent (2009: £378 million, 72 per cent) are investments 
graded by Standard & Poor’s.

iv Other operations
Other operations’ exposure to asset-backed securities at 31 December 2010 is held by Prudential Capital and comprises:

RMBS: Prime (2010: 96% AAA, 4% AA)
CMBS (2010: 30% AAA, 23% AA)
CDO funds and other ABS – all without sub-prime exposure (2010: 98% AAA)

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

197
184
56

437

91
193
42

326

iii Loans
Information on the credit quality of the portfolio of loans, which almost wholly is for amounts which are neither past due or impaired is 
shown in notes D2, D3, D4 and E2. Details of allowances for loans, losses and amounts past due are shown in notes G1 and G2. No 
additional analysis is provided of the element of loans and receivables that were neither past due nor impaired from those of the total 
portfolio on the grounds of the immateriality of the difference between the neither past due nor impaired element and the total portfolio. 

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202

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

B: SUMMARY OF RESULTS
CONTINUED

B6:  GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION  >  CONTINUED

e  Reconciliation of movement in policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds
A reconciliation of the total policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds of the Group from the beginning of the 
year to the end of the year is as follows:

AT 1 JANUARY 2009
Premiums 
Surrenders
Maturities/Deaths

Net flows
Shareholders’ transfers post-tax
Changes in reserving basis in Malaysia
Assumption changes (shareholder-backed business)
Investment-related items and other movements
Foreign exchange translation differences
Disposal of Taiwan agency business

Insurance operations

UK
£m

115,961
6,867
(3,971)
(7,239)

(4,343)
(202)
–
(46)
14,118
707
–

US
£m

45,361
9,177
(3,255)
(733)

5,189
–
–
–
2,986
(5,225)
–

Asia
£m

21,069
3,807
(1,201)
(342)

2,264
(20)
(63)
(4)
4,242
(2,069)
(3,508)

Total 
£m

182,391
19,851
(8,427)
(8,314)

3,110
(222)
(63)
(50)
21,346
(6,587)
(3,508)

AT 31 DECEMBER 2009/ 1 JANUARY 2010

126,195

48,311

21,911

196,417

Comprising

– Policyholder liability
– Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

Premiums
Surrenders
Maturities/Deaths

Net flows
Shareholders’ transfers post-tax
Assumption changes (shareholder-backed business)
Investment-related items and other movements
Foreign exchange translation differences
Dilution of holding in PruHealth investment
Acquisition of UOB Life Assurance Limited

AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

Comprising

– Policyholder liability
– Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

Average policyholder liability balances*

2010

2009

116,229
9,966

48,311
–

21,858
53

186,398
10,019

7,890 
(3,779)
(7,303)

(3,192)
(223)
(46)
13,218 
(208)
(27)
–

11,735 
(3,598)
(769)

7,368 
–
–
3,464 
1,380 
–
–

4,308 
(2,241)
(498)

1,569 
(24)
19 
2,216 
2,081 
– 
968 

23,933 
(9,618)
(8,570)

5,745 
(247)
(27) 
18,898 
3,253 
(27)
968 

135,717 

60,523 

28,740 

224,980 

125,530 
10,187 

60,523 
–

28,674 
66 

214,727 
10,253 

120,880

54,417

25,750

201,047

111,969

46,837 

19,630 

178,436 

* Adjusted for acquisition and disposals in the period and excluding unallocated surplus of with-profits funds.

The items above represent the amount attributable to changes in policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds 
as a result of each of the components listed.

Premiums, surrenders and maturities/deaths represent the amounts impacting policyholder liabilities and may not represent 
the total cash paid/received (for example, premiums are net of any deductions to cover acquisition costs and claims represent the 
policyholder liabilities released).

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C: GROUP RISK MANAGEMENT

203

a:  OVERVIEW 

As a provider of financial services, including insurance, the management of risk lies at the heart of the Group’s business. The control 
procedures and systems established within the Group are designed to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to meet business 
objectives. They can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss, and focus on aligning the 
levels of risk-taking with the achievement of business objectives.

The Group’s internal control processes are detailed in the Group Governance Manual. This is supported by the Group Risk 

Framework, which provides an overview of the Group-wide philosophy and approach to risk management. Where appropriate, more 
detailed policies and procedures have been developed at Group and/or business unit levels. These include Group-wide mandatory 
policies on certain operational risks, including: health, safety, fraud, money laundering, bribery, business continuity, information security 
and operational security, and policies on certain financial risks. Additional guidelines are provided for some aspects of actuarial and 
financial activity.

Prudential’s risk governance framework requires that all of the Group’s businesses and functions establish processes for identifying, 

evaluating and managing the key risks faced by the Group. The risk governance framework is based on the concept of ‘three lines of 
defence’: Risk management; risk oversight and independent assurance. Primary responsibility for strategy, performance management 
and risk control lies with the Board, which has established the Group Risk Committee to assist in providing leadership, direction and 
oversight, and with the Group Chief Executive and the chief executive of each business unit. Risk oversight is provided by Group-level 
risk committees, chaired by the Group Chief Risk Officer or the Chief Financial Officer. Independent assurance on the Group’s internal 
control and risk management systems is provided by the Group Audit Committee, supported by the Group-wide Internal Audit.

The Group’s risk reporting framework forms an important part of the Group’s business planning process. Business units review their 

risks as part of the annual preparation of their business plans and review opportunities and risks against business objectives regularly 
with Group executive management.

Additional information on the Group’s risk framework is included in the risk and capital management section of the Group’s 

business review.

The management of the risk attached to the Group’s financial instruments and insurance liabilities, together with the inter-

relationship with the management of capital may be summarised in the following sections.

b:  GROUP RISK APPETITE

The Group risk appetite framework sets out the Group’s appetite for risk exposures as well as the approach to risk management and 
return optimisation. The Group defines and monitors aggregate risk limits for its earnings volatility and its capital requirements based 
on financial and non-financial stresses.

i  Earnings volatility: 
The objectives of the limits are to ensure that (a) the volatility of earnings is consistent with stakeholder expectations, (b) the Group has 
adequate earnings (and cash flows) to service debt, expected dividends and to withstand unexpected shocks, and (c) earnings (and cash 
flows) are managed properly across geographies and are consistent with the Group’s funding strategies. The two measures applied to 
monitor the volatility of the Group’s earnings are International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) operating profit based on longer-
term investment returns and European Embedded Value (EEV) operating profit based on longer-term investment returns although IFRS 
and EEV total profits are also considered.

ii  Capital requirements: 
The limits aim to ensure that (a) the Group meets its internal economic capital requirements, (b) the Group achieves its desired target 
rating to meet its business objectives, and (c) supervisory intervention is avoided. The two measures applied by the Group are the EU 
Insurance Groups Directive (IGD) capital requirements and internal economic capital requirements. In addition, the Group also monitors 
capital requirements on a local statutory basis.

Business units must establish suitable market, credit, insurance and liquidity limits that maintain financial risk exposures within the 

defined Group risk appetite.

The Group’s risk appetite framework forms an integral part of its annual business planning cycle. The Group Risk function monitors 
the Group’s risk profile against the agreed limits. Using submissions from business units, Group Risk calculates the Group’s aggregated 
position (allowing for diversification effects between business units) relative to the limits implied by the risk appetite statements.
  Market risk is managed such that as conditions evolve the risk profile is maintained within risk appetite. In addition to business unit 
operational limits on credit risk, the Group sets counterparty risk limits at Group level. The limits on the total Group-wide exposures to 
a single counterparty are specified within different credit rating ‘categories’. Group Risk and the Group Credit Risk Committee monitor 
the Group’s actual exposures against these limits on at least a monthly basis, escalating matters to Group Executive Risk Committee 
as appropriate.

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204

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

C: GROUP RISK MANAGEMENT
CONTINUED

c:  RISK MITIGATION AND HEDGING

The Group manages its actual risk profile against its tolerance of risk. To do this, the Group maintains risk registers that include details 
of the identified risks and of the controls and mitigating actions employed in managing them. Any mitigation strategies involving large 
transactions, such as a material derivative transaction, are subject to scrutiny at Group level before implementation.

The Group uses a range of risk management and mitigation strategies. The most important of these include: adjusting asset 

portfolios to reduce investment risks (such as duration mismatches or overweight counterparty exposures); using derivatives to hedge 
market risks; implementing reinsurance programmes to limit insurance risk; implementing corporate insurance programmes to limit the 
impact of operational risks; and revising business plans where appropriate.

i  Use of derivatives
In the UK business, equity exposure is incurred in the with-profits fund, and it includes a large inherited estate. The inherited estate itself 
is partially protected against falls in equity markets by a derivative hedging portfolio.

In the US, to protect the shareholders against the volatility introduced by embedded options, Jackson uses both a comprehensive 
hedging programme and reinsurance. Jackson makes use of the natural offsets that exist between the variable annuity guarantees and 
the fixed index annuity book, and then uses a combination of OTC options and futures to hedge the residual risk, allowing for significant 
market shocks and limiting the amount of capital at risk. Internal positions are generally netted before any external hedge positions are 
considered. Jackson manages fixed annuity interest rate exposure through a combination of interest rate swaps and interest rate options, 
to protect capital against rates rising quickly and through the contractual ability to reset crediting rates annually.

Prudential principally operates in the UK, the US, and in 13 countries in Asia. The geographical diversity of the Group’s business 
means that Prudential is inevitably subject to the risk of exchange rate fluctuations. The Group does not generally seek to hedge foreign 
currency revenues, as these are substantially retained locally to support the growth of the Group’s business and meet local regulatory 
and market requirements. However, in cases where a surplus arising in an overseas operation supports Group capital or shareholders’ 
interest, this exposure is hedged if it is economically optimal to do so. Currency borrowings, swaps and other derivatives are used to 
manage exposures.

Further details of the Group’s use of derivatives are explained in note G3.

ii  Asset/liability management
Prudential manages its assets and liabilities locally, in accordance with local regulatory requirements and reflecting the differing types of 
liabilities of each business unit. Stochastic asset/liability modelling is carried out locally by business units to perform dynamic solvency 
testing and assess capital requirements. Reserve adequacy testing under a range of scenarios and dynamic solvency analysis is carried 
out, including under certain scenarios mandated by the US, the UK and Asian regulators.

A stochastic approach models the inter-relationship between asset and liability movements, taking into account asset correlation 
and policyholder behaviour, under a large number of possible scenarios. These scenarios are projected forward over a period of time, 
typically 25 years, and the liabilities and solvency position of the fund are calculated in each scenario in each future year. This allows the 
identification of which extreme scenarios will have the most adverse effects and what the best estimate outcome may be. The fund’s 
policy on management actions, including bonus and investment policy, is then set in order that they are consistent with the available 
capital and the targeted risk of default. This differs from a deterministic model, which would only consider the results from one carefully 
selected scenario.

For businesses that are most sensitive to interest rate changes, such as immediate annuity business, Prudential uses cash flow 
analysis to create a portfolio of fixed income securities whose value changes in line with the value of liabilities when interest rates 
change. This type of analysis helps protect profits and the capital position from changing interest rates. In the UK, the cash flow analysis 
is used in Prudential’s annuity business while, in the US, it is used for its interest-sensitive and fixed index annuities and stable value 
products such as Guaranteed Investment Contracts (GICs). Perfect matching is not possible, for example because of the nature of the 
liabilities (which might include guaranteed surrender values) and options for prepayment contained in the assets or the unavailability 
of assets with a sufficiently long duration.

For businesses that are most sensitive to equity price changes, Prudential uses stochastic modelling and scenario testing to look at 
the expected future returns on its investments under different scenarios that best reflect the large diversity in returns that equities can 
produce. This allows Prudential to devise an investment and with-profits policyholder bonus strategy that, on the model assumptions, 
allows it to optimise returns to its policyholders and shareholders over time, while maintaining appropriate financial strength. Prudential 
uses this method extensively in connection with its UK with-profits business.

All of Prudential’s investments are held either for risk management or investment purposes. This is because almost all of the 
investments support policyholder or customer liabilities of one form or another. Any assets that Prudential holds centrally that are not 
supporting customer liabilities are predominantly invested in short-term fixed income and fixed maturity securities.

The Group has contingency plans in place for a range of operational risk scenarios, including incident management and business 

continuity plans. As a contingency plan for liquidity risk, the Group has arranged access to committed revolving credit facilities and 
committed securities lending facilities.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
205

d:  RISK EXPOSURES

The Group publishes separately within ‘Additional Information’ of its Group Annual Report a section on key risk factors, which discusses 
inherent risks in the business and trading environment.

i  Market risks
Market risk is the risk that arises from adverse changes in the value of, or income from, assets and changes in interest rates or exchange 
rates. 

Equity and interest rate risk
Prudential faces equity risk and interest rate risk because most of its assets are investments that are either equity type investments and 
subject to equity price risk, or bonds, mortgages or cash deposits, the values of which are subject to interest rate risk. The amount of risk 
borne by Prudential’s shareholders depends on the extent to which its customers share the investment risk through the structure of 
Prudential’s products.

The split of Prudential’s investments between equity investments and interest-sensitive instruments depends principally on the type of 
liabilities supported by those investments and the amount of capital Prudential has available. The nature of some liabilities allows Prudential to 
invest a substantial portion of its investment funds in equity and property investments that Prudential believes produce greater returns over 
the long term. On the other hand Prudential has some liabilities that contain guaranteed returns and allow instant access (for example, 
interest-sensitive fixed annuities and immediate annuities), which generally will be supported by fixed income investments.

Foreign exchange risk
Prudential faces foreign exchange risk, primarily because its presentation currency is pounds sterling, whereas approximately 73 per 
cent of Prudential’s operating profit from continuing operations based on longer-term investment returns, as described in note B1, for 
the year ended 31 December 2010, came from US and Asian operations. The exposure relating to the translation of reported earnings 
is not separately managed although its impact is reduced by interest payments on foreign currency borrowings and by the adoption of 
average exchange rates for the translation of foreign currency revenues.

Approximately 79 per cent of the Group’s IFRS basis shareholders’ equity at 31 December 2010 arose in Prudential’s US and Asian 

operations (2009: approximately 77 per cent). To mitigate the exposure of the US component there are US$2.3 billion of borrowings 
held centrally, which are formally designated as net investment hedges at 31 December 2010. Net of the currency position arising from 
these borrowings some 61 per cent of the Group’s shareholders’ funds are represented by net assets in currencies other than sterling.

Additional details on the market risks’ exposures of the UK, US and Asian insurance operations are provided in notes D2, D3 and D4, 

respectively. 

ii  Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of loss if another party fails to meet its obligations, or fails to do so in a timely fashion. Credit risk is the Group’s most 
significant financial risk.

Some of Prudential’s businesses, in particular Jackson, the PAC with-profits fund and Prudential’s UK pension annuity business hold 
large amounts of interest-sensitive investments that contain credit risk on which a certain level of defaults is expected. These expected 
losses are considered when Prudential determines the crediting rates, deposit rates and premium rates for the products that will be 
supported by these assets. The key shareholder business exposed to credit risks is Jackson. Certain over-the-counter derivatives 
contain a credit risk element that is controlled through evaluation of collateral agreements and master netting agreements on interest 
rate and currency swaps. Prudential is also exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties.

Further analysis of the credit quality of debt securities held by the Group is shown in note B6. Additional details on the credit quality 

of the debt security portfolios of UK, US and Asian insurance operations are shown in notes D2, D3 and D4, respectively.

iii  Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that a business, though solvent on a balance sheet basis, either does not have the financial resources to meet 
its obligations as they fall due or can secure them only at excessive cost. The assets of insurers are in general relatively liquid, whilst 
liabilities to policyholders are mainly illiquid. Accordingly, for insurers, the focus of managing liquidity risk concentrates on parent capital 
and liquidity measures. Prudential regularly monitors and analyses its liquidity position at the Group level and performs stress tests of 
this position. The liquidity of the Group is monitored on a monthly basis by comparing the predicted cash needs of the Group centre, 
to meet corporate and financing costs (net of expected dividends from the business units), to the liquid resources available to it. These 
liquid resources include cash held and cash that could be raised through internal resources (for example by reporting unencumbered 
bonds). Base case and stress scenarios are reported monthly to the Balance Sheet and Capital Management Committee. The main stress 
is the assumption that the external financing markets are completely closed to Prudential, so no new external funding can be obtained, 
and existing funding cannot be rolled over. In addition, Group liquidity risk reports are prepared regularly. In summary, these address the 
sufficiency of external back-up lines, internal sources of liquidity, and monitor how external liabilities and other commitments over the 
next 12 months compare with internal and external sources. Currently, the parent company has significant internal resources of liquidity 
which are sufficient to meet all of its foreseeable future needs without having to utilise external funding. The Group maintains £2.1 billion 
of undrawn syndicated and bilateral committed banking facilities, maturing between 2011 and 2015.

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206

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

C: GROUP RISK MANAGEMENT
CONTINUED

d:  RISK EXPOSURES  >  CONTINUED

iv Insurance risk
Insurance risk is the inherent uncertainty as to the occurrence, amount and timing of insurance liabilities. This includes adverse mortality, 
morbidity and persistency experience.

Prudential needs to make assumptions about a number of factors in determining the pricing of its products and for reporting the 
results of its long-term business operations. In common with other industry participants, the profitability of the Group’s businesses 
depends on a mix of factors including mortality and morbidity trends, persistency, investment performance, unit cost of administration 
and new business acquisition expenses.

For example, the assumption that Prudential makes about future expected levels of mortality is particularly relevant for its UK 

annuity business where, in exchange for their accumulated pension fund, pension annuity policyholders receive a guaranteed payment, 
for as long as they live. Prudential conducts extensive research into longevity risk using data from its substantial annuitant portfolio. As 
part of its pension annuity pricing and reserving policy, Prudential UK assumes that current rates of mortality continuously improve over 
time at levels based on adjusted data from the Continuous Mortality Investigations (CMI) projections as published by the Institute and 
Faculty of Actuaries. 

Prudential’s persistency assumptions reflect recent past experience for each relevant line of business, and any expectations of future 

persistency. Where appropriate, allowance is also made for the relationship, which is either assumed or historically observed, between 
persistency and investment returns, and for the resulting additional risk. 

v  Non-financial risks – operational, business environment and strategic risk
Operational risk is the risk of direct or indirect loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people or systems, or from 
external events. This includes legal and regulatory compliance risk. Business environment risk may arise from exposure to forces in the 
external environment that could significantly change the fundamentals that drive the business’s overall objectives and strategy. Strategic 
risk may arise from ineffective, inefficient or inadequate senior management processes for the development and implementation of 
business strategy in relation to the business environment and the Group’s capabilities.

Prudential is exposed to operational, business environment and strategic risk in the course of running its businesses. Prudential 
processes a large number of complex transactions across numerous and diverse products, and is subject to a number of different legal 
and regulatory, including tax, regimes. Prudential also has a significant number of third-party relationships that are important to the 
distribution and processing of its products, both as market counterparties and as business partners. This results in reliance upon the 
operational performance of these outsourcing partners. 

The Group uses the qualitative and quantitative analysis of operational risk exposures material to the Group to support business 
decision making and lessons learned activities; the ongoing improvement of the control environment; the informing of overall levels of 
capital held; and determination of the adequacy of Prudential’s corporate insurance programme.
  With regard to business environment risk, the Group has a wide-ranging programme of active and constructive engagement with 
governments, policymakers and regulators in our key markets and with relevant international institutions, undertaken both directly and 
indirectly via trade associations. The Group has procedures in place to monitor and track political and regulatory developments. Where 
appropriate, the Group provides submissions and technical input to officials and others, either via submissions to formal consultations or 
through interactions with officials. 
  With regard to strategic risk, business units and the Group Head Office are required to adopt a forward-looking approach to risk 
management by performing risk assessments as part of the annual strategic planning process. This supports the identification of 
potential threats and the initiatives needed to address them, as well as competitive opportunities. The impact on the underlying 
business unit and/or Group-wide risk profile is also considered to ensure that strategic initiatives are within the Group’s risk appetite. 

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e:  REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

Regulatory capital requirements apply at an individual company level for the Group’s life assurance and asset management business. 
These are described in sections D5 and E3 respectively.

In addition, the Group as a whole is subject to the capital adequacy requirements of the European Union (EU) Insurance Groups 
Directive (IGD) as implemented by the FSA in the UK. The IGD pertains to groups whose activities are primarily concentrated in the 
insurance sector. The IGD capital adequacy requirements involves aggregating surplus capital held in our regulated subsidiaries, from 
which Group borrowings, except those subordinated debt issues that qualify as capital, are deducted. No credit for the benefit of 
diversification is permitted under this approach. The test is passed when this aggregate number is positive: a negative result at any point 
in time is a notifiable breach of UK regulatory requirements.
  Due to the geographically diverse nature of Prudential’s operations, the application of these requirements to Prudential is complex. 
In particular, for many of the Group’s Asian operations the assets, liabilities and capital requirements have to be recalculated based on 
FSA regulations as if the companies were directly subject to FSA regulation.

The FSA has established a structure for determining how much hybrid debt can count as capital which is similar to that used for 
banks. It categorises capital as Tier 1 (equity and preference shares), Upper Tier 2 and Lower Tier 2. Up to 15 per cent of Tier 1 capital 
can be in the form of hybrid debt and is called ‘Innovative Tier 1’. At 31 December 2010 the Group held £1,463 million (2009: £1,422 
million) of Innovative Tier 1 capital in the form of perpetual securities, £nil (2009: £nil) of Upper Tier 2 and £1,255 million (2009: £1,269 
million) of Lower Tier 2 capital. In addition, Jackson held £159 million of surplus notes at the end of the financial year 2010 (2009: £154 
million) which, although the US does not have a similar capital categorisation under its regulatory framework, are akin to the FSA’s Lower 
Tier 2 Capital and have been disclosed as such in note H13. Further details on Group borrowings are shown in note H13.

At 31 December 2009, Prudential met the requirements of the IGD with £3.4 billion of surplus capital before allowing for the 2009 
final dividend. In addition, during 2010, Prudential met the requirements of the FSA under the IGD. The IGD position as at 31 December 
2010 will be submitted to the FSA by 30 April 2011 and at the time of preparation of these financial statements the surplus capital under 
the test was estimated to be around £4.3 billion before allowing for the 2010 final dividend giving a solvency ratio of circa 305 per cent. 
The main components of the increase in IGD surplus during 2010 are:

•  Net capital generation mainly through operating earnings (in-force releases less investment in new business) of £1.7 billion;
•  Release of tax provisions of £0.2 billion;
•  Foreign exchange movements of positive £0.1 billion;
•  Offset by dividend payments, external financing costs and other central costs, costs incurred in relation to the terminated AIA 

transaction and inadmissible assets arising on the purchase of UOB’s life assurance subsidiary in Singapore. 

Prudential’s approach to capital allocation takes into account a range of factors, especially risk adjusted returns on capital, the impact 
of alternative capital measurement bases (accounting, regulatory, economic and ratings agency assessments), tax efficiency, and wider 
strategic objectives. 

Prudential optimises capital allocation across the Group by using a consistent set of capital performance metrics across all business 
units to ensure meaningful comparison. Capital utilisation, return on capital and new business value creation are measured at a product 
level. The use of these capital performance metrics is embedded into our decision-making processes for product design and product 
pricing.

Prudential’s capital performance metrics are based on economic capital, which provides a view of our capital requirements across 

the Group, allowing for realistic diversification benefits. Economic capital also provides valuable insights into our risk profile and is used 
both for risk measurement and capital management. 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES

D1:  GROUP OVERVIEW

a  Products and classification for IFRS reporting
The measurement basis of assets and liabilities of long-term business contracts is dependent upon the classification of the contracts 
under IFRS. Under IFRS 4, contracts are initially classified as being either ‘insurance’ contracts, if the level of insurance risk in the 
contracts is significant, or ‘investment’ contracts, if the risk is insignificant.

Insurance contracts
Insurance contracts are permitted to be accounted for under previously applied GAAP. The Group has chosen to adopt this approach. 
However, as an improvement to accounting policy, permitted by IFRS 4, the Group has applied the measurement principles for 
with-profits contracts of UK regulated entities and disclosures of the UK Standard FRS 27 from 1 January 2005. An explanation of the 
provisions under FRS 27 is provided in note D2.

Under the previously applied GAAP, UK GAAP, the assets and liabilities of contracts are reported in accordance with the MSB 

of reporting as set out in the ABI SORP.

The insurance contracts of the Group’s shareholder-backed business fall broadly into the following categories:

•    UK insurance operations  

–  bulk and individual annuity business, written primarily by Prudential Retirement Income Limited and other categories of 

non-participating UK business;

•   Jackson  

– fixed and variable annuity business and life insurance; and

•   Prudential Corporation Asia  

– non-participating term, whole life, and unit-linked policies, together with accident and health policies.

Investment contracts
Investment contracts are further delineated under IFRS 4 between those with and without discretionary participation features. For those 
contracts with discretionary participation features, IFRS 4 also permits the continued application of previously applied GAAP. The Group 
has adopted this approach, again subject to the FRS 27 improvement.

For investment contracts that do not contain discretionary participation features, IAS 39 and, where the contract includes an 
investment management element, IAS 18, apply measurement principles to assets and liabilities attaching to the contract that may 
diverge from those previously applied. 

Contracts of the Group, which are classified as investment contracts that do not contain discretionary participation features, 

can be summarised as:

•   UK  

– certain unit-linked savings and similar contracts;

•   Jackson  

– GICs and funding agreements 
– minor amounts of ‘annuity certain’ contracts; and

•   Prudential Corporation Asia  

– minor amounts for a number of small categories of business.

The accounting for the investment contracts of UK insurance operations and Jackson’s GICs and funding agreements are considered 
in turn below:

i  Certain UK unit-linked savings and similar contracts
Deferred acquisition costs
Acquisition costs are deferred to the extent that it is appropriate to recognise an asset that represents the entity’s contractual right to 
benefit from providing investment management services and are amortised as the entity recognises the related revenue. IAS 18 further 
reduces the costs potentially capable of deferral to incremental costs only. Deferred acquisition costs are amortised to the income 
statement in line with service provision.

Deferred income reserves
These are required to be established under IAS 18 with amortisation over the expected life of the contract. The majority of the relevant 
UK contracts are single premium with the initial deferred income reflecting the ‘front-end load’ i.e. the difference between the premium 
paid and the amount credited to the unit fund. Deferred income is amortised to the income statement in line with service provision. The 
amortisation profile is either on a straight-line basis or, if more appropriate, a further deferral of income recognition is applied.

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Sterling reserves
Prudent provisions established for possible future expenses not covered by future margins at a policy level reflecting the regulatory 
approach in the UK are not permitted for those contracts with insignificant insurance risk that are classified as investment contracts.

ii  Jackson – GICs and funding arrangements
Under a traditional GIC, the policyholder makes a lump sum deposit. The interest rate paid is fixed and established when the contract 
is issued. Funding agreements are of a similar nature but the interest rate may be floating, based on a rate linked to an external index. 
The US GAAP accounting requirements for such contracts are very similar to those under IFRS on the amortised cost model for 
liability measurement.

b  Concentration of risk
i  Business accepted
The Group’s exposure to life assurance risks is well diversified. This is achieved through the geographical spread of the Group’s 
operations and, within those operations, through a broad mix of product types. 

As part of the risk management framework, the Group regularly monitors concentration of risk using a variety of risk monitoring 

tools including:

•  Scenario testing and sensitivity analysis of the Group capital and profitability metrics involving IGD, Group economic capital, EEV and 
IFRS help identify concentrations of risks by risk types, products and business units, as well as the benefits of diversification of risks. 

An example of the diversification benefits for Prudential is that adverse scenarios do not affect all business units in the same way, 
providing natural hedges within the Group. For example, the Group’s US business is sensitive to increasing interest rates, whereas, in 
contrast, several business units in Asia benefit from increasing rates. Conversely, these Asian business units are sensitive towards low 
interest rates, whereas certain products in the US benefit from falling interest rates. The economic capital framework also takes into 
account situations where factors are correlated, for example the extent of correlation between UK and US economies.

•  Business units are also required to disclose to the Group risk function all material risks, along with information on their severity and 

likelihood, and mitigating actions taken or planned. 

Credit risk remains one of the largest risk exposures. This reflects the relative size of exposure in Jackson and the UK shareholder 
annuities business. The Group manages concentration of credit risks by setting limits on the maximum exposure to each counterparty 
based on their credit ratings. 

ii  Ceded business
The Group cedes certain business to other insurance companies. Although the ceding of insurance does not relieve the Group of liability 
to its policyholders, the Group participates in such agreements for the purpose of managing its loss exposure. The Group evaluates the 
financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentration of credit risk from similar geographic regions, activities or economic 
characteristics of the reinsurers to minimise its exposure from reinsurer insolvencies. Reinsurance recoverable insurance assets are not 
a significant component of the Group’s statement of financial position and accordingly, exposure to concentrations of reinsurance risk 
is not significant to the Group. At 31 December 2010, 97 per cent (2009: 98 per cent) of the reinsurance recoverable insurance assets 
were ceded by the Group’s UK and US operations, of which 90 per cent (2009: 92 per cent) of the balance were from reinsurers with 
Standard & Poor’s rating A- and above.

c  Guarantees
Notes D2(e), D3(e) and D4(e) provide details of guarantee features of the Group’s life assurance products. In the UK, guarantees of the 
with-profits products are valued for accounting purposes on a market consistent basis for 2010 as described in section D2(g)(ii). The UK 
business also has products with guaranteed annuity option features, mostly within SAIF, as described in section D2(e). There is little 
exposure to financial options and guarantees in the shareholder-backed business of the UK operations. The US business annuity 
products have a variety of option and guarantee features as described in section D3(e). Jackson’s derivative programme seeks to manage 
the exposures as described in section D3(f). The Group’s exposure to guarantees was significantly reduced during 2009 as a result of the 
disposal of the Taiwan agency business.

d  Sensitivity of EEV basis profit and equity for market and other risks
The Group prepares supplementary EEV basis financial statements for half yearly and annual publication. These statements include 
sensitivity disclosures which are part of the market risk information provided to key management. The 2010 EEV sensitivity disclosures 
are shown in note 15 of the EEV basis supplementary information in this Annual Report.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D1:  GROUP OVERVIEW  >  CONTINUED

e  Sensitivity of IFRS basis profit or loss and equity to market and other risks 
i  Overview of risks by business unit
The financial and insurance assets and liabilities attaching to the Group’s life assurance business are, to varying degrees, subject to 
market and insurance risk and other changes of experience assumptions that may have a material effect on IFRS basis profit or loss 
and equity.
  Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument or, in the case of liabilities of insurance contracts, 
their carrying value will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Market risk comprises three types of risk, namely:

•  Currency risk: due to changes in foreign exchange rates;
•  interest rate risk: due to changes in market interest rates; and
•  other price risk: due to fluctuations in market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or currency risk).

Policyholder liabilities relating to the Group’s life assurance businesses are also sensitive to the effects of other changes in experience, 
or expected future experience, such as for mortality, other insurance risk and lapse risk.

In addition, the profitability of the Group’s life assurance businesses and, as described in Section E, asset management business, 

is indirectly affected by the performance of the assets covering policyholder liabilities and related capital.

Three key points are to be noted, namely:

•  The Group’s with-profits and unit-linked funds absorb most market risk attaching to the funds’ investments. Except for second order 
effects, for example on asset management fees and shareholders’ share of cost of bonuses for with-profits business, shareholder 
results are not directly affected by market value movements on the assets of these funds;

•  The Group’s shareholder results are most sensitive to market risks for assets of shareholder-backed business; and
•  The main exposures of the Group’s IFRS basis results to market risk for life assurance operations on investments of shareholder-

backed business are for debt securities.

The most significant items for which the IFRS basis shareholders’ profit or loss and equity for the Group’s life assurance business is 
sensitive to these variables are shown in the following tables. The distinction between direct and indirect exposure is not intended 
to indicate the relative size of the sensitivity.

Type of business 

Investments/derivatives

Liabilities/unallocated  surplus Other exposure 

Insurance and lapse risk

Market and credit risk

UK insurance operations (see also section D2(j))
With-profits business 

Net neutral direct exposure (Indirect exposure only)

(including Prudential 
Annuities Limited)

Investment performance 
subject to smoothing 
through declared 
bonuses

Persistency risk to future 
shareholder transfers

SAIF sub-fund

Net neutral direct exposure (Indirect exposure only) Asset management fees 

Unit-linked business

Net neutral direct exposure (Indirect exposure only)

Asset/liability mismatch risk

Shareholder-backed 
annuity business

Credit risk

Interest rate risk for 
assets in excess of 
liabilities i.e. representing 
shareholder capital

earned by M&G

Investment performance 
through asset 
management fees

Persistency risk

Mortality experience 
and assumptions for 
longevity

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Type of business 

Investments/derivatives

Liabilities/unallocated  surplus Other exposure 

Insurance and lapse risk

Market and credit risk

US insurance operations (see also section D3(j))
All business

Currency risk

Variable annuity business Net effect of market risk arising from incidence 

Persistency risk

Fixed index annuity 

business

of guarantee features and variability of asset 
management fees offset by derivative hedging 
programme

Derivative hedge 
programme to the extent 
not fully hedged against 
liability and fund 
performance

Incidence of equity 
participation features

Fixed index annuities, 

Fixed annuities and 
GIC business

Credit risk
Interest rate risk

Spread difference 
between earned rate 
and rate credited to 
policyholders

Lapse risk but the effects 
of extreme events are 
mitigated by the use of 
swaption contracts

These risks are reflected 
in volatile profit or loss 
and shareholders’ equity 
for derivative value 
movements and 
impairment losses, 
and, in addition, for 
shareholders’ equity for 
value movements on 
fixed income securities 
classified as ‘available 
fo sale’ under IAS 39

Asian insurance operations (see also section D4(j))

All business 

Currency risk

With-profits business

Net neutral direct exposure (Indirect exposure only)

Unit-linked business 

Net neutral direct exposure (Indirect exposure only)

Investment performance 
subject to smoothing 
through declared 
bonuses

Investment performance 
through asset 
management fees

Non-participating 
business 

Interest rate and price risk Long-term interest rates

.

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Mortality and 
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Persistency risk

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D1:  GROUP OVERVIEW  >  CONTINUED

ii  IFRS shareholder results – Exposures for market and other risk 
Key Group exposures
Detailed analyses of sensitivity of IFRS basis profit or loss and equity to market and other risks are provided in notes D2(j), D3(j), D4(j) 
and E4. The sensitivity analyses provided show the effect on IFRS basis profit or loss and equity to changes in the relevant risk variables, 
all of which are reasonably possible at the relevant balance sheet date. 

The IFRS operating profit based on longer-term investment returns for UK insurance operations has high potential sensitivity for 
changes to longevity assumptions affecting the carrying value of liabilities to policyholders for shareholder-backed annuity business. 
In addition, at the total IFRS profit level the result is sensitive to temporary value movements on assets backing IFRS equity. 

For Jackson at the level of operating profit based on longer-term investment returns, the results are sensitive to market conditions to 

the extent of income earned on spread-based products not mitigated by the interest derivative programmes and second order equity-
based exposure in respect of variable annuity asset management fees. Further information is given below under the US operations 
section of market and credit risk. 

Jackson’s derivative programme is used to substantially mitigate equity market risk attaching to its equity-based products and 

interest rate risk associated with its spread-based products. Movements in interest rates and credit spreads materially affect the 
carrying value of derivatives which are used to manage the liabilities to policyholders and backing investment assets of fixed annuity 
and other general account business. Combined with the use of US GAAP measurement (as grandfathered under IFRS 4) for the asset 
and liabilities for the insurance contract liabilities, which is largely insensitive to current period market movements, the Jackson total 
profit (i.e. including short-term fluctuations in investment returns) is very sensitive to market movements. In addition to these effects 
the Jackson IFRS equity is sensitive to the impact of interest rate and credit spread movements on the value of fixed income securities. 
Movements in unrealised appreciation on these securities are included as movement in equity (i.e. outside the income statement). 
See note D3(j) for details of the hedging.

For Asian operations, the operating profit based on longer-term investment returns is mainly affected by the impact of market levels 

on unit-linked business persistency, and other insurance risk.

At the total IFRS profit level the Asian result is affected by short-term value movements on the asset portfolio for non-linked 

shareholder-backed business.
  M&G profits are affected primarily by movements in the growth in funds under management and by the effect of any impairment 
on the loan book and fair value movements on debt securities held by Prudential Capital.

Market and credit risk
UK insurance operations
With-profits business

•   With-profits business

Shareholder results of UK with-profits business are sensitive to market risk only through the indirect effect of investment performance 
on declared policyholder bonuses.

The investment assets of the PAC with-profits fund are subject to market risk. However, changes in their carrying value, net of 
related changes to asset-share liabilities of with-profit contracts, affect the level of unallocated surplus of the fund. As unallocated 
surplus is accounted for as a liability under IFRS, movements in its value do not affect shareholders’ profit or equity.

The shareholder results of the UK with-profits fund correspond to the shareholders’ share of the cost of bonuses declared on the 

with-profits business. This currently corresponds to one-ninth of the cost of bonuses declared.

Investment performance is a key driver of bonuses, and hence the shareholders’ share of cost of bonuses. Due to the ‘smoothed’ 

basis of bonus declaration the sensitivity to investment performance in a single year is low. However, over multiple periods it 
is important.

•   Prudential Annuities Limited (PAL)

PAL writes annuity business, but as PAL is owned by the PAC with-profits sub-fund, changes in the carrying value of PAL’s assets and 
liabilities are reflected in the liability for unallocated surplus which as described above, do not affect shareholder results.

•  Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund (SAIF)

SAIF is a ring-fenced fund in which, apart from asset management fees, shareholders have no interest. Accordingly, the Group’s IFRS 
profit and equity are insensitive to the direct effects of market risk attaching to SAIF’s assets and liabilities.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Shareholder-backed business
The factors that may significantly affect the IFRS results of UK shareholder-backed business are the mortality experience and 
assumptions and credit risk attaching to the annuity business of Prudential Retirement Income Limited and the PAC non-profit sub-fund.

•  Prudential Retirement Income Limited (PRIL)

The assets covering PRIL’s liabilities are principally debt securities and other investments that are held to match the expected duration 
and payment characteristics of the policyholder liabilities. These liabilities are valued for IFRS reporting purposes by applying discount 
rates that reflect the market rates of return attaching to the covering assets.

Except to the extent of any asset/liability duration mismatch which is reviewed regularly, and exposure to credit risk, the 

sensitivity of the Group’s results to market risk for movements in the carrying value of PRIL’s liabilities and covering assets is broadly 
neutral on a net basis.

The main market risk sensitivity for PRIL arises from interest rate risk on the debt securities which substantially represent IFRS 

equity. This equity comprises the net assets held within the long-term fund of the Company that cover regulatory basis liabilities 
that are not recognised for IFRS reporting purposes, for example contingency reserves, and shareholder capital held outside the 
long-term fund.

The principal items affecting the IFRS results for PRIL are mortality experience and assumptions, and credit risk.

•  PAC non-profit sub-fund

The PAC non-profit sub-fund principally comprises annuity business previously written by Scottish Amicable Life, credit life, unit-
linked and other non-participating business.

The financial assets covering the liabilities for those types of business are subject to market risk. However, for the annuity business 

the same considerations as described above for PRIL apply, whilst the liabilities of the unit-linked business change in line with the 
matching linked assets. Other liabilities of the PAC non-profit sub-fund are broadly insensitive to market risk.

•   Other shareholder-backed unit-linked business

Due to the matching of policyholder liabilities to attaching asset value movements, the UK unit-linked business is not directly affected 
by market or credit risk. The principal factor affecting the IFRS results is investment performance through asset management fees.

US insurance operations (Jackson)
The IFRS basis results of Jackson are highly sensitive to market risk on the assets covering liabilities other than variable annuity business 
segregated in the separate accounts.

Invested assets covering liabilities (other than the separate accounts) and related capital comprise principally debt securities 
classified as available-for-sale. Value movements for these securities are reflected as movements in shareholders’ equity through the 
statement of comprehensive income. Other invested assets and derivatives are carried at fair value with the value movements reflected 
in the income statement.

By contrast, the IFRS insurance liabilities for business written by Jackson, by the application of grandfathered GAAP under IFRS 4, 
are measured on US GAAP bases which with the exception of certain items covered by the equity hedging programme, are generally 
insensitive to temporary changes in market conditions or the short-term returns on the attaching asset portfolios.

These differences in carrying value of debt securities, other invested assets, derivatives and insurance liabilities give rise to 

potentially significant volatility in the IFRS income statement and shareholders’ equity. As with other shareholder-backed business the 
profit or loss for Jackson is presented in the Group’s segmental analysis of profit as described in note B1, by distinguishing the result for 
the year between an operating result based on longer-term investment returns and short-term fluctuations in investment returns. In this 
way the most significant direct effect of market changes that have taken place to the Jackson result are separately identified. 

Excluding these short-term effects, the factors that most significantly affect the Jackson IFRS operating result based on long-term 

investment returns are:

•  Variable annuity business – the spread differential between the earned rate and the rate credited to policyholders on the general 

account funds and the effect of market movements on fees earned on separate account funds;

•  Fixed annuity business – the spread differential between the earned rate and the rate credited to policyholders; and
•  Fixed index annuity business – the spread differential between the earned rate and the rate credited to policyholders.

In addition, the total profit for Jackson is affected by the level of impairment losses on the debt securities portfolio, net effect of market 
risk arising from the incidence and valuation of guarantee features, guaranteed benefit payments and equity index participation features, 
offset by variability of benefit related fees and equity derivative hedging performance, short-term value movements on derivatives held 
to manage the fixed annuity and other general account business, and other temporary value movements on portfolio investments 
classified as fair value through profit and loss.

The Group has amended its presentation of operating profit for its US insurance operations to remove the net equity hedge 
accounting effect and include it in short-term fluctuations as explained further in note A4(d)(ii). Following this change the operating 
profit based on longer-term investment returns of the US insurance operations of £833 million for 2010 (2009: £618 million) excludes 
£367 million (2009: £159 million) negative net equity hedge accounting effects, net of related change to amortisation of deferred 
acquisition costs. The presentation of results for 2009 has been amended accordingly. 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D1:  GROUP OVERVIEW  >  CONTINUED

Asian insurance operations
For Asian with-profits business the same features apply as described above for UK with-profits business. Similarly, as for other 
parts of the Group, for unit-linked business the main factor affecting IFRS basis results is investment performance through asset 
management fees.

The sensitivity of the IFRS basis results of the Group’s Asian operations to market risk is primarily restricted to the non-participating 

business.

This sensitivity is primarily reflected through the volatility of asset returns coupled with the fact that the accounting carrying value 

of liabilities to policyholders are only partially sensitive to changed market conditions. As for UK shareholder-backed operations and 
Jackson, the IFRS profit is distinguished in the Group’s segmental analysis so as to distinguish operating profits based on longer-term 
investment returns and short-term fluctuations in investment returns.

Insurance and lapse risk
The features described above cover the main sensitivities of IFRS profit and loss and equity for market, insurance and credit risk. Lapse 
and longevity risk may also be a key determination of IFRS basis results with variable impacts.

In the UK, adverse persistency experience can affect the level of profitability from with-profits and unit-linked business. For 
with-profits business in any given year, the amount represented by the shareholders’ share of cost of bonus may only be marginally 
affected. However, altered persistency trends may affect future expected shareholder transfers.

By contrast, Group IFRS operating profit is particularly sensitive to longevity outlook that results in changes of assumption for the 

UK shareholder-backed annuity business.

Jackson is sensitive to lapse risk. However, Jackson uses certain swaption derivatives to ameliorate the effect of a sharp rise in 

interest rates, which would be the most likely cause of a sudden change in policyholder behaviour.

In Asia, adverse persistency experience can impact the IFRS profitability of certain business written in the region. This risk is 

managed at a business unit level through monthly monitoring of experience and the implementation of management actions as 
necessary. These actions could include product enhancements, increased management focus on premium collection as well as other 
customer retention efforts. The potential financial impact of lapses is often mitigated through the specific features of the products, 
e.g. surrender charges.

iii Impact of diversification on risk exposure
The Group enjoys significant diversification benefits. This arises because not all risk scenarios will happen at the same time and across 
all geographic regions. The Group tests the sensitivities of results to different correlation factors such as:

Correlation across geographic regions
•  Financial risk factors
•  Non-financial risk factor

Correlation across risk factors
•  Longevity risk
•  Expenses
•  Persistency
•  Other risks

The effect of Group diversification is to significantly reduce the aggregate standalone volatility risk to IFRS operating profit based on 
longer-term investment returns. The effect is almost wholly explained by the correlations across risk types, in particular longevity risk. 

f  Duration of liabilities
Under the terms of the Group’s contracts, as for life assurance contracts generally, the contractual maturity date is the earlier of the end 
of the contract term, death, other insurable events or surrender. The Group has therefore chosen to provide details of liability duration 
that reflect the actuarially determined best estimate of the likely incidence of these factors on contract duration. Details are shown in 
sections D2(k), D3(k) and D4(k). 

In the years 2006 to 2010, claims paid on the Group’s life assurance contracts including those classified as investment contracts 
under IFRS 4 ranged from £15 billion to £18 billion. Indicatively, it is to be expected that, of the Group’s policyholder liabilities (excluding 
unallocated surplus) at 31 December 2010 of £214.7 billion, the amounts likely to be paid in 2011 will be of a similar magnitude.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
215

D2:  UK INSURANCE OPERATIONS

a  Summary statement of financial position
In order to reflect the different types of UK business and fund structure, the statement of financial position of the UK insurance 
operations may be analysed by the assets and liabilities of the Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund (SAIF), the PAC with-profits sub-fund 
(WPSF), unit-linked assets and liabilities and annuity (principally PRIL) and other business. The assets and liabilities of these funds and 
subsidiaries are shown in the table below.

£94.8 billion of the £141.4 billion of investments are held by SAIF and the PAC WPSF. Shareholders are exposed only indirectly to value 
movements on these assets.

PAC with-profits sub-fund note i

Other funds and subsidiaries

UK insurance 
operations

Scottish
Amicable
Insurance
Fund
note ii
£m

Excluding
Prudential
Annuities
Limited 
£m

Prudential
Annuities
Limited
note iii
£m

Unit-
linked
assets 
and
 liabilities 
£m

Annuity
and other
long-term 
business
£m

Total
note iv
£m

Total
£m

2010 
Total
£m

2009 
Total
£m

ASSETS
Intangible assets attributable to 

shareholders: 

  Deferred acquisition costs and other  

intangible assets

Intangible assets attributable 
to PAC with-profits fund: 
In respect of acquired subsidiaries for 

venture fund and other investment 
purposes 

  Deferred acquisition costs

Total

Deferred tax assets
Other non-investment and 

non-cash assets
Investments of long-term business    

and other operations:
Investment properties note viii

Investments accounted for using the  

equity method
Financial investments:

Loansnote v
Equity securities and portfolio  
holdings in unit trusts

  Debt securitiesnote D2c
  Other investmentsnote vi
  Deposits

–

– 

–
–

–

– 

2  

–

–

166 
13 

179 

179 

93 

– 

– 

– 
–

– 

–

14  

– 

– 

166  
13  

179  

179  

107  

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

118 

118 

118 

118 

118 

118 

127

127

–
–

–

–
–

–

118 

105 

118 

105 

166 
13 

179 

297 

214 

124
9

133

260

292

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

412  

1,810 

322  

2,132  

557 

1,532 

2,089 

4,633 

3,074

673  

7,589 

731  

8,320  

745 

1,474 

2,219  11,212 

10,861

–

–

–

–

153  

979 

138  

1,117  

–

–

69 

69 

69 

4

1,032 

1,032 

2,302 

1,815

229   23,945   13,434 

3,105   23,716 
4,704   29,013  12,785   41,798  
3,419  
6,473  

3,241 
6,038 

178  
435  

276  
793  

35  13,469  40,519 
6,045  21,757  27,802  74,304 
3,998 
9,022 

230 
1,258 

303 
1,756 

73 
498 

37,051
67,772
3,630
11,557

B
U
S
I

N
E
S
S
E
S

D

:

L
I
F
E
A
S
S
U
R
A
N
C
E

Total investmentsnote b

9,704   70,576  14,496   85,072   20,795   25,855  46,650  141,426  132,690 

Properties held for sale
Cash and cash equivalents

– 
170  

254 
1,127 

–
82  

254  
1,209  

–
1,153 

–
307 

–
1,460 

254 
2,839 

–
2,265

TOTAL ASSETS

10,288   74,039  14,914   88,953   22,505  27,917  50,422  149,663  138,581

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
216

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D2:  UK INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

PAC with-profits sub-fund note i

Other funds and subsidiaries

UK insurance 
operations

Scottish
Amicable
Insurance
Fund
note ii
£m

Excluding
Prudential
Annuities
Limited 
£m

Prudential
Annuities
Limited
note iii
£m

Unit-
linked
assets 
and
 liabilities 
£m

Annuity
and other
long-term 
business
£m

Total
note iv
£m

Total
£m

2010 
Total
£m

2009 
Total
£m

–
– 

–

–
35 

35 

–
–

–

–
35  

35  

–
–

–

2,148 
–

2,148 
–

2,148 
35 

1,939
28

2,148 

2,148 

2,183 

1,967

9,759   59,545  12,282   71,827   21,671  22,273  43,944  125,530  116,229

–

8,363 

1,824   10,187  

–

–

–

10,187 

9,966

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Shareholders’ equity
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Liabilities
Policyholder liabilities and unallocated 
surplus of with-profits funds:
Contract liabilities (including amounts  
in respect of contracts classified as  
investment contracts under IFRS 4)

Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds 
(reflecting application of ‘realistic’ 
provisions for UK regulated with-
profits funds)note vii

Total

9,759   67,908  14,106   82,014   21,671  22,273  43,944  135,717  126,195

Operational borrowings attributable 

to shareholder-financed operations
Borrowings attributable to with-profits 

funds

Deferred tax liabilities
Other non-insurance liabilities

– 

–

–

–

–

162

162

162

158

118  
80  
331  

1,404 
903 
3,789 

–
252  
556  

1,404  
1,155  
4,345  

–
–
834 

–
503 
2,831 

–
503 
3,665 

1,522 
1,738 
8,341 

1,284
1,606
7,371

Total liabilities

10,288   74,004  14,914   88,918   22,505  25,769  48,274  147,480  136,614

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

10,288   74,039  14,914   88,953   22,505  27,917  50,422  149,663  138,581

Notes
i  

For the purposes of this table and subsequent explanation, references to the PAC WPSF also include, for convenience, the amounts attaching 
to the Defined Charges Participating Sub-fund, which comprises 3.5 per cent of the total assets of WPSF and includes the with-profits annuity 
business transferred to Prudential from the Equitable Life Assurance Society on 1 December 2007 (with assets of approximately £1.7 billion). 
Profits to shareholders on this with-profits annuity business emerge on a ‘charges less expenses’ basis and policyholders are entitled to 
100 per cent of the investment earnings.
SAIF is a separate sub-fund within the PAC long-term business fund.
ii  
iii   Wholly-owned subsidiary of the PAC WPSF that writes annuity business.
iv   Excluding policyholder liabilities of the Hong Kong branch of PAC.
v  The loans of the Group’s UK insurance operations of £2,302 million (2009: £1,815 million) comprise loans held by the PAC WPSF of £1,270 million 

(2009: £1,106 million) and loans held by shareholder-backed business of £1,032 million (2009: £709 million).

The loans held by the PAC WPSF comprise mortgage loans of £256 million, policy loans of £21 million and other loans of £993 million 
(2009: £145 million, £24 million and £937 million respectively). The mortgage loans are collateralised by properties. Other loans held by the 
PAC with-profits fund are all commercial loans and comprise mainly syndicated loans.

The loans held by the UK shareholder-backed business comprise mortgage loans collateralised by properties of £1,027 million 

(2009: £702 million) and other loans of £5 million (2009: £7 million).

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
217

2010  £m

2009  £m

926
3,072

3,998

910
2,720

3,630

vi  Other investments comprise:

Derivative assets*(note G3)
Partnerships in investment pools and other†

* In the UK, Prudential uses derivatives to reduce equity and credit risk, interest rate and currency exposures, and to facilitate efficient portfolio 
management. After derivative liabilities of £792 million (2009: £709 million), which are also included in the statement of financial position, the 
overall derivative position was a net asset of £134 million (2009: £201 million).

† Partnerships in investment pools and other comprise mainly investments held by the PAC with-profits fund. These investments are primarily 

venture fund investments and investment in property funds and limited partnerships.

vii  Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

Prudential’s long-term business written in the UK comprises predominantly life insurance policies under which the policyholders are entitled 
to participate in the returns of the funds supporting these policies. Business similar to this type is also written in certain of the Group’s Asian 
operations, subject to local market and regulatory conditions. Such policies are called with-profits policies. Prudential maintains with-profits 
funds within the Group’s long-term business funds, which segregate the assets and liabilities and accumulate the returns related to that 
with-profits business. The amounts accumulated in these with-profits funds are available to provide for future policyholder benefit provisions 
and for bonuses to be distributed to with-profits policyholders. The bonuses, both annual and final, reflect the right of the with-profits 
policyholders to participate in the financial performance of the with-profits funds. Shareholders’ profits with respect to bonuses declared on 
with-profits business correspond to the shareholders’ share of the cost of bonuses as declared by the PAC Board of directors. The shareholders’ 
share currently represents one-ninth of the cost of bonuses declared for with-profits policies.

The unallocated surplus represents the excess of assets over policyholder liabilities for the Group’s with-profits funds. As allowed under 
IFRS 4, the Group has opted to continue to record unallocated surplus of with-profits funds wholly as a liability. The annual excess (shortfall) 
of income over expenditure of the with-profits funds, after declaration and attribution of the cost of bonuses to policyholders and shareholders, 
is transferred to (from) the unallocated surplus each year through a charge (credit) to the income statement. The balance retained in the 
unallocated surplus represents cumulative income arising on the with-profits business that has not been allocated to policyholders or 
shareholders. The balance of the unallocated surplus is determined after full provision for deferred tax on unrealised appreciation on 
investments.

viii  Investment properties

At 31 December 2010, the Group’s UK insurance operations had £11,212 million (2009: £10,861 million) of investment properties. The following 
table shows the property portfolio by type of investment. The properties are shown at market value below in accordance with the policies 
described in note A4.

Office buildings
Shopping centres/commercial
Retail warehouses/industrial
Development
Other

Total

2010

2009

£m

4,617
3,777
2,184
402
232

%

41.2
33.7
19.5
3.6
2.0

£m

4,820
3,699
1,780
20
542

%

44.4
34.0
16.4
0.2
5.0

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

11,212

100.0

10,861

100.0

Approximately 46.2 per cent (2009: 42.4 per cent) of the UK held investment property is located in London and Southeast England including 
Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire and Surrey, with 36.7 per cent (2009: 39.8 per 
cent) located throughout the rest of the UK and the remaining 17.1 per cent (2009: 17.8 per cent) located overseas.

B
U
S
I

N
E
S
S
E
S

D

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218

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D2:  UK INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

b  Reconciliation of movement in investments
A reconciliation of the total investments of UK insurance operations from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is 
as follows:

PAC with-profits sub-fund

Other funds and 
subsidiaries

Scottish
Amicable
Insurance
Fund
£m

Excluding
Prudential
Annuities
Limited 
£m

Prudential
Annuities
Limited
£m

Unit-
linked
assets 
and
  liabilities 
£m

Annuity
and other
long-term 
business
£m

UK 
insurance 
operations
Total
£m

Total
£m

AT 1 JANUARY 2009

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: Investments held by consolidated investment funds
Less: Derivative liabilities 

10,438
–
(414)

62,814
(145)
(2,331)

13,329
–
(280)

76,143
(145)
(2,611)

15,571
(424)
(14)

19,710 121,862
(609)
(3,401)

(40)
(362)

  Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

10,024

60,338

13,049

73,387

15,133

19,308 117,852

Net cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities
Realised gains (losses) in the year
Unrealised gains and losses and exchange movements 

in the year

Reclassification of property under development

Movement in the year of directly held investments, net of 

(1,226)
165

507
554

848
–

4,935
131

(30)
(20)

610
–

477
534

258
(285)

1,923
(306)

1,432
108

5,545
131

2,586
–

1,644
–

10,623
131

derivative liabilities 

(213)

6,127

560

6,687

2,559

3,261

12,294

AT 31 DECEMBER 2009/1 JANUARY 2010

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: Investments held by consolidated investment funds
Less: Derivative liabilitiesnote G3 

9,848
–
(37)

67,832
(1,050)
(317)

13,794
(19)
(166)

81,626
(1,069)
(483)

18,421
(729)
–

22,795 132,690
(1,835)
(709)

(37)
(189)

Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

9,811

66,465

13,609

80,074

17,692

22,569 130,146

Net cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities
Realised gains in the year
Unrealised gains and losses and exchange movements 

in the year

Dilution of PruHealth investment

Movement in the year of directly held investments, net of 

derivative liabilities 

AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

(762)
368

(838)
1,502

(21)
73

(859)
1,575

1,000
267

249
–

2,963
–

608
–

3,571
–

1,131
–

1,950
23

1,007
56

1,329
2,233

5,958
56

(145)

3,627

660

4,287

2,398

3,036

9,576

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: Investments held by consolidated investment funds
Less: Derivative liabilitiesnote G3 

9,704
–
(38)

70,576
(140)
(344)

14,496
(22)
(205)

85,072
(162)
(549)

20,795
(705)
–

25,855 141,426
(912)
(792)

(45)
(205)

Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

9,666

70,092

14,269

84,361

20,090

25,605 139,722

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
219

c  Reconciliation of movement in policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds
A reconciliation of the total policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds of UK insurance operations from the 
beginning of the year to the end of the year is as follows:

AT 1 JANUARY 2009
Premiums 
Surrenders
Maturities/Deaths

Net flowsnote a
Shareholders transfers post-tax
Switches
Assumption changes (shareholder-backed business)note D2i, note c
Investment-related items and other movementsnote b
Foreign exchange translation differences

AT 31 DECEMBER 2009/1 JANUARY 2010
Comprising:
– Policyholder liabilities
– Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

Premiums 
Surrenders
Maturities/Deaths

Net flowsnote a
Shareholders transfers post-tax
Switches
Assumption changes (shareholder-backed business)note D2i, note c
Investment-related items and other movementsnote b
Dilution of holding in PruHealth 
Foreign exchange translation differences

AT 31 DECEMBER 2010
Comprising:
– Policyholder liabilities
– Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

Average policyholder liabilities balances*
2010

2009

Other shareholder-backed 
funds and subsidiaries

Unit-
linked
  liabilities 
£m

16,318
1,860
(1,535)
(670)

(345)
–
270
–
2,849
(57)

Annuity
and other
long-term 
business
£m

UK insurance 
operations
Total
£m

17,535
1,736
(42)
(1,422)

272
–
–
(46)
1,904
–

115,961
6,867
(3,971)
(7,239)

(4,343)
(202)
–
(46)
14,118
707

SAIF
and PAC
with-profits
sub-fund
£m

82,108
3,271
(2,394)
(5,147)

(4,270)
(202)
(270)
–
9,365
764

87,495

19,035

19,665

126,195

77,529 
9,966 

3,311 
(2,453)
(5,079)

(4,221)
(223)
(236)
–
9,165 
–
(207)

19,035 
–

2,301 
(1,272)
(726)

303 
–
236 
–
2,097 
–
–

19,665 
–

2,278 
(54)
(1,498)

726 
–
–
(46)
1,956 
(27)
(1)

116,229 
9,966 

7,890 
(3,779)
(7,303)

(3,192)
(223)
–
(46)
13,218 
(27)
(208)

91,773 

21,671 

22,273 

135,717 

81,586 
10,187 

21,671 
–

22,273 
–

125,530 
10,187 

79,558

20,353

20,969

120,880

75,692 

17,677 

18,600 

111,969 

* Excluding the unallocated surplus of the with-profits funds and as adjusted for corporate transactions in the period.

Notes
a  Net flows of negative £3,192 million have improved from negative £4,343 million in 2009, principally as a result of increased premiums due to 

b 

bulk annuity transaction in 2010 and improved unit-linked flows.
Investment-related items and other movements of £13,218 million across fund types reflected the continued strong performance of UK equity 
markets in 2010, as well as the continued increase in value of debt securities.

c  Assumption changes principally represent the net impact of changes to the mortality assumptions and expense assumptions. 

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

B
U
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I

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E
S
S
E
S

D

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220
220

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D2:  UK INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

d  Information on credit risk of debt securities
The following table summarises by rating the securities held by UK insurance operations as at 31 December 2010 and 2009:

PAC with-profits sub-fund

Other funds and subsidiaries

UK insurance 
operations

Scottish
Amicable
Insurance
Fund
£m

Excluding
Prudential
Annuities
Limited 
£m

Prudential
Annuities
Limited
£m

Unit-
linked
assets 
and
  liabilities 
£m

Total
£m

1,128 
346 
1,211 
1,011 
359 

5,741 
2,045 
7,568 
6,960 
2,662 

9,056 
3,315 
1,334 
3,379 
3,778  11,346 
8,113 
1,153 
2,840 
178 

2,459 
608 
1,672 
836 
34 

Other
annuity
and 
long-term
business
£m

2010 
Total
£m

2009 
Total
£m

966  18,833 
253 
6,885 
812  21,508 
424  12,848 
3,403 

21 

16,091
6,472
19,693
12,183
2,667

PRIL
£m

5,224 
2,299 
6,467 
2,464 
149 

4,055  24,976 

9,758  34,734 

5,609  16,603 

2,476  63,477 

57,106

78 
9 
27 
63 
16 

428 
81 
169 
358 
116 

56 
51 
214 
248 
31 

484 
132 
383 
606 
147 

193 

1,152 

600 

1,752 

28 
428 

207 
2,678 

118 
2,309 

325 
4,987 

80 
52 
33 
92 
10 

267 

48 
121 

93 
141 
169 
155 
57 

615 

30 
26 
20 
33 
3 

765 
360 
632 
949 
233 

463
276
801
815
339

112 

2,939 

2,694

208 
1,622 

21 
100 

630 
7,258 

1,022
6,950

S&P – AAA
S&P – AA+ to AA-
S&P – A+ to A-
S&P – BBB+ to BBB-
S&P – Other

Moody’s – Aaa
Moody’s – Aa1 to Aa
Moody’s – A1 to A3
Moody’s – Baa1 to Baa3
Moody’s – Other

Fitch
Other

Total debt securities

4,704  29,013  12,785  41,798 

6,045  19,048 

2,709  74,304 

67,772

Where no external ratings are available, internal ratings produced by the Group’s asset management operation, which are prepared on 
the Company’s assessment of a comparable basis to external ratings, are used where possible. Of the £7,258 million total debt securities 
held in 2010 (2009: £6,950 million) which are not externally rated, £2,210 million were internally rated AAA to A-, £3,861 million were 
internally rated BBB to B- and £1,187 million were rated below B- or unrated (2009: £2,190 million, £3,445 million and £1,315 million 
respectively). The majority of unrated debt security investments were held in SAIF and the PAC with-profits fund and relate to 
convertible debt and other investments which are not covered by ratings analysts nor have an internal rating attributed to them. Of the 
£1,722 million PRIL and other annuity and long-term business investments which are not externally rated, £7 million were internally rated 
AAA, £92 million AA, £496 million A, £899 million BBB, £82 million BB and £146 million were internally rated B+ and below.

As detailed in note D2(i) below, the primary sensitivity of IFRS basis profit or loss and shareholders’ equity relates to non-linked 

shareholder-backed business which covers ‘PRIL’ and ‘other annuity and long-term business’ in the table above.

e  Products and guarantees
Prudential’s long-term products in the UK consist of life insurance, pension products and pension annuities.

These products are written primarily in:

•  One of three separate sub-funds of the PAC long-term fund, namely the with-profits sub-fund, SAIF, and the non-profit sub-fund;
•   Prudential Annuities Limited, which is owned by the PAC with-profits sub-fund;
•  Prudential Retirement Income Limited, a shareholder-owned subsidiary; or
•  Other shareholder-backed subsidiaries writing mainly non-profit unit-linked business.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
221

i  With-profits products and PAC with-profits sub-fund
Within the statement of financial position of UK insurance operations at 31 December 2010, as shown in note D2(a), there are 
policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of £82.0 billion (2009: £77.5 billion) that relate to the WPSF. These amounts include the 
liabilities and capital of Prudential Annuities Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the fund. The WPSF mainly contains with-profits 
business but it also contains some non-profit business (unit-linked, term assurances and annuities). The WPSF’s profits are apportioned 
90 per cent to its policyholders and 10 per cent to shareholders as surplus for distribution is determined via the annual actuarial 
valuation.

The WPSF held a provision of £24 million at 31 December 2010 (2009: £31 million) to honour guarantees on a small amount of 

guaranteed annuity products. SAIF’s exposure to guaranteed annuities is described below.

Beyond the generic guarantees described above, there are very few explicit options or guarantees such as minimum investment 

returns, surrender values or annuities at retirement and any granted have generally been at very low levels.
  With-profits products provide returns to policyholders through bonuses that are ‘smoothed’. There are two types of bonuses: 
‘annual’ and ‘final’. Annual bonuses are declared once a year, and once credited, are guaranteed in accordance with the terms of the 
particular product. Unlike annual bonuses, final bonuses are guaranteed only until the next bonus declaration.

The main factors that influence the determination of bonus rates are the return on the investments of the with-profits fund, inflation, 

taxation, the expenses of the fund chargeable to policyholders and the degree to which investment returns are smoothed. The overall 
rate of return earned on investments and the expectation of future investment returns are the most important influences on bonus rates. 
A high proportion of the assets backing the with-profits business are invested in equities and real estate. If the financial strength of 

the with-profits business is affected, then a higher proportion of fixed interest or similar assets might be held by the fund.

Further details on the determination of the two types of the bonuses: ‘regular’ and ‘final’, the application of significant judgement, 

key assumptions and the degree of smoothing of investment returns in determining the bonus rates are provided below.

Regular bonus rates
For regular bonuses, the bonus rates are determined for each type of policy primarily by targeting the bonus level at a prudent proportion 
of the long-term expected future investment return on underlying assets. The expected future investment return is reduced as 
appropriate for each type of policy to allow for items such as expenses, charges, tax and shareholders’ transfers. However, the rates 
declared may differ by product type, or by the date of payment of the premium or date of issue of the policy or if the accumulated annual 
bonuses are particularly high or low relative to a prudent proportion of the achieved investment return.
  When target bonus levels change the PAC Board has regard to the overall strength of the long-term fund when determining the 
length of time over which it will seek to achieve the amended prudent target bonus level.

In normal investment conditions, PAC expects changes in regular bonus rates to be gradual over time, and these are not expected to 
exceed one per cent per annum over any year. However, the PAC directors retain the discretion whether or not to declare a regular bonus 
each year, and there is no limit on the amount by which regular bonus rates can change.

Final bonus rates
A final bonus which is normally declared yearly, may be added when a claim is paid or when units of a unitised product are realised.

The rates of final bonus usually vary by type of policy and by reference to the period, usually a year, in which the policy commences 
or each premium is paid. These rates are determined by reference to the asset shares for the sample policies but subject to the smoothing 
approach, explained below.

In general, the same final bonus scale applies to maturity, death and surrender claims except that:

•  The total surrender value may be impacted by the application of a Market Value Reduction – MVR – (for accumulating with-profits 

policies) and is affected by the surrender bases (for conventional with-profits business); and

•   For the SAIF and Scottish Amicable Life (SAL), the final bonus rates applicable on surrender may be adjusted to reflect expected future 

bonus rates.

Application of significant judgement
The application of the above method for determining bonuses requires the PAC Board of directors to apply significant judgement in 
many respects, including in particular the following:

•  Determining what constitutes fair treatment of customers: Prudential is required by UK law and regulation to consider the fair 

treatment of its customers in setting bonus levels. The concept of determining what constitutes fair treatment, while established by 
statute, is not defined.

•  Smoothing of investment returns: This is an important feature of with-profits products. Determining when particular circumstances, 

such as a significant rise or fall in market values, warrant variations in the standard bonus smoothing limits that apply in normal 
circumstances requires the PAC Board to exercise significant judgement.

•  Determining at what level to set bonuses to ensure that they are competitive: The overall return to policyholders is an important 

competitive measure for attracting new business.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D2:  UK INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

Key assumptions
As noted above, the overall rate of return on investments and the expectation of future investment returns are the most important 
influences in bonus rates, subject to the smoothing described below. Prudential determines the assumptions to apply in respect of these 
factors, including the effects of reasonably likely changes in key assumptions, in the context of the overarching discretionary and 
smoothing framework that applies to its with-profits business as described above. As such, it is not possible to specifically quantify the 
effects of each of these assumptions or of reasonably likely changes in these assumptions.

Prudential’s approach, in applying significant judgement and discretion in relation to determining bonus rates, is consistent 

conceptually with the approach adopted by other firms that manage a with-profits business. It is also consistent with the requirements 
of UK law, which require all UK firms that carry out a with-profits business to define, and make publicly available, the Principles and 
Practices of Financial Management (PPFM) that are applied in the management of their with-profits funds.

Accordingly, Prudential’s PPFM contains an explanation of how it determines regular and final bonus rates within the discretionary 
framework that applies to all with-profits policies, subject to the general legislative requirements applicable. The purpose of Prudential’s 
PPFM is therefore to:

•  explain the nature and extent of the discretion available;
•  show how competing or conflicting interests or expectations of: 

– different groups and generations of policyholders; and 
– policyholders and shareholders are managed so that all policyholders and shareholders are treated fairly; and 

•  provide a knowledgeable observer (e.g. a financial adviser) with an understanding of the material risks and rewards from starting 

and continuing to invest in a with-profits policy with Prudential.

Furthermore, in accordance with industry-wide regulatory requirements, the PAC Board has appointed: 

•  an Actuarial Function Holder who provides the PAC Board with all actuarial advice;
•   a With-Profits Actuary whose specific duty is to advise the PAC Board on the reasonableness and proportionality of the manner in 

which its discretion has been exercised in applying the PPFM and the manner in which any conflicting interests have been addressed; 
and

•   a With-Profits Committee of independent individuals, which assesses the degree of compliance with the PPFM and the manner in 

which conflicting rights have been addressed.

Smoothing of investment return
In determining bonus rates for the UK with-profits policies, smoothing is applied to the allocation of the overall earnings of the UK 
with-profits fund of which the investment return is a significant element. The smoothing approach differs between accumulating and 
conventional with-profits policies to reflect the different contract features. In normal circumstances, Prudential does not expect most 
payout values on policies of the same duration to change by more than 10 per cent up or down from one year to the next, although some 
larger changes may occur to balance payout values between different policies. Greater flexibility may be required in certain 
circumstances, for example following a significant rise or fall in market values, and in such situations the PAC Board may decide to vary 
the standard bonus smoothing limits in order to protect the overall interests of policyholders.

The degree of smoothing is illustrated numerically by comparing in the following table the relatively ‘smoothed’ level of policyholder 
bonuses declared as part of the surplus for distribution with the more volatile movement in investment return and other items of income 
and expenditure of the UK component of the PAC with-profits fund for each year presented.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
223

2010  £m

2009  £m

8,815
(6,390)
(4,301)
2,019

(8,672)
3,148
9
(600)
(528)

2,172
70

2,242

2,019
223

2,242

10,461
(6,253)
(3,692)
1,827

(8,118)
3,063
(2)
(842)
(640)

3,922
(1,893)

2,029

1,827
202

2,029

Net income of the fund:
Investment return
Claims incurred
Movement in policyholder liabilities
Add back policyholder bonuses for the year (as shown below)
Claims incurred and movement in policyholder liabilities 

(including charge for provision for asset shares and excluding policyholder bonuses)

Earned premiums, net of reinsurance
Other income
Acquisition costs and other expenditure
Tax (charge)  

Net income of the fund before movement in unallocated surplus
Movement in unallocated surplus

Surplus for distribution

Surplus for distribution allocated as follows:
– 90% policyholders bonus (as shown above)
– 10% shareholders’ transfers

ii  Annuity business
Prudential’s conventional annuities include level, fixed-increase and retail price index (RPI) annuities. They are mainly written within the 
subsidiaries PAL, PRIL, Prudential Pensions Limited and the PAC with-profits sub-fund, but there are some annuity liabilities in the 
non-profit sub-fund and SAIF.

Prudential’s fixed-increase annuities incorporate automatic increases in annuity payments by fixed amounts over the policyholder’s 

life. The RPI annuities that Prudential offers provide for a regular annuity payment to which an additional amount is added periodically 
based on the increase in the UK RPI. 

Prudential’s with-profits annuities, which are written in the WPSF, combine the income features of annuity products with the 

investment smoothing features of with-profits products and enable policyholders to obtain exposure to investment return on the WPSF’s 
equity shares, property and other investment categories over time. Policyholders select a ‘required smoothed return bonus’ from the 
specific range Prudential offers for the particular product. The amount of the annuity payment each year depends upon the relationship 
between the required smoothed return bonus rate selected by the policyholder when the product is purchased and the smoothed return 
bonus rates Prudential subsequently declares each year during the term of the product. If the total bonus rates fall below the anticipated 
rate, then the annuity income falls.

At 31 December 2010, £35.6 billion (2009: £32.3 billion) of investments relate to annuity business of PAL and PRIL. These 

investments are predominantly in debt securities (including retail price index-linked bonds to match retail price index-linked annuities), 
loans and deposits and are duration matched with the estimated duration of the liabilities they support.

iii SAIF
SAIF is a ring-fenced sub-fund of the PAC long-term fund formed following the acquisition of the mutually owned Scottish Amicable Life 
Assurance Society in 1997. No new business may be written in SAIF, although regular premiums are still being paid on policies in force at 
the time of the acquisition and incremental premiums are permitted on these policies.

The fund is solely for the benefit of policyholders of SAIF. Shareholders have no interest in the profits of this fund although they are 

entitled to asset management fees on this business.

The process for determining policyholder bonuses of SAIF with-profits policies, which constitute the vast majority of obligations 
of the funds, is similar to that for the with-profits policies of the WPSF. However, in addition, the surplus assets in SAIF are allocated to 
policies in an orderly and equitable distribution over time as enhancements to policyholder benefits i.e. in excess of those based on 
asset share.

Provision is made for the risks attaching to some SAIF unitised with-profits policies that have MVR-free dates and for those SAIF 

products which have a guaranteed minimum benefit on death or maturity of premiums accumulated at four per cent per annum.

The Group’s main exposure to guaranteed annuities in the UK is through SAIF and a provision of £336 million was held in SAIF at 
31 December 2010 (2009: £284 million) to honour the guarantees. As SAIF is a separate sub-fund solely for the benefit of policyholders 
of SAIF this provision has no impact on the financial position of the Group’s shareholders’ equity.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D2:  UK INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

iv Unit-linked (non-annuity) and other non-profit business
Prudential UK insurance operations also have an extensive book of unit-linked policies of varying types and provide a range of other 
non-profit business such as credit life and protection contracts. These contracts do not contain significant financial guarantees.

There are no guaranteed maturity values or guaranteed annuity options on unit-linked policies except for minor amounts for certain 

policies linked to cash units within SAIF.

f  Exposure to market risk
i  Non-linked life and pension business
For with-profits business, the absence of guaranteed surrender values and the flexibility given by the operation of the bonus system 
means that a high proportion of the investments backing the with-profits business are in equities and real estate with the balance in debt 
securities, deposits and loans.

The investments supporting the protection business are small in value and tend to be assets of a fixed term duration reflecting the 

guaranteed nature of the liabilities.

ii  Pension annuity business
Prudential’s UK annuity business mainly employs fixed income investments (including UK retail price index-linked assets) because the 
liabilities consist of guaranteed payments for as long as each annuitant or surviving partner is alive. Retail price index-linked assets are 
used to back pension annuities where the payments are linked to the RPI.

iii Unit-linked business
Except through the second order effect on asset management fees, the unit-linked business of the UK insurance operations is not 
exposed to market risk. The lack of exposure arises from the contract nature whereby policyholder benefits reflect asset value 
movements of the unit-linked funds.

g  Process for setting assumptions and determining contract liabilities
i  Overview
The calculation of the contract liabilities involves the setting of assumptions for future experience. This is done following detailed review 
of the relevant experience including, in particular, mortality, expenses, tax, economic assumptions and where applicable, persistency.

For with-profits business written in the WPSF or SAIF, a market consistent valuation is performed (as described in section (ii) below). 
Additional assumptions required are for persistency and the management actions under which the fund is managed. Assumptions used 
for a market consistent valuation typically do not contain margins, whereas those used for the valuation of other classes of business do.
  Mortality assumptions are set based on the results of the most recent experience analysis looking at the experience over recent 
years of the relevant business. For non-profit business, a margin for adverse deviation is added. Different assumptions are applied for 
different product groups. For annuitant mortality, assumptions for current mortality rates are based on recent experience investigations 
and expected future improvements in mortality. The expected future improvements are based on recent experience and projections of 
the business and industry experience generally.
  Maintenance and, for some classes of business, termination expense assumptions are expressed as per policy amounts. They are set 
based on the expenses incurred during the year, including an allowance for ongoing investment expenditure and allocated between 
entities and product groups in accordance with the operation’s internal cost allocation model. For non-profit business a margin for 
adverse deviation is added to this amount. Expense inflation assumptions are set consistent with the economic basis and based on the 
difference between yields on nominal gilts and index-linked gilts.

The actual renewal expenses incurred on behalf of SAIF by other Group companies are recharged in full to SAIF. 
The assumptions for asset management expenses are based on the charges specified in agreements with the Group’s asset 

management operations, plus a margin for adverse deviation for non-profit business.

Tax assumptions are set equal to current rates of taxation.
For non-profit business excluding unit-linked business, the valuation interest rates used to discount the liabilities are based on the 
yields as at the valuation date on the assets backing the technical provisions. For fixed interest securities the gross redemption yield is 
used except for the PAL and PRIL annuity business where the internal rate of return of the assets backing the liabilities is used. Properties 
are valued using the rental yield, and for equities it is the greater of the dividend yield and the average of the dividend yield and the 
earnings yield. An adjustment is made to the yield on non risk-free fixed interest securities and property to reflect credit risk. To calculate 
the non-unit reserves for linked business, assumptions have been set for the gross unit growth rate and the rate of inflation of 
maintenance expenses, as well as for the valuation interest rate as described above.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
225

ii  WPSF and SAIF
The policyholder liabilities reported for the WPSF are primarily for two broad types of business. These are accumulating and 
conventional with-profits contracts. The policyholder liabilities of the WPSF are accounted for under FRS 27.

The provisions have been determined on a basis consistent with the detailed methodology included in regulations contained in the 
FSA’s rules for the determination of reserves on the FSA’s ‘realistic’ Peak 2 basis. In aggregate, the regime has the effect of placing a value 
on the liabilities of UK with-profits contracts, which reflects the amounts expected to be paid based on the current value of investments 
held by the with-profits funds and current circumstances. These contracts are a combination of insurance and investment contracts with 
discretionary participation features, as defined by IFRS 4.

The FSA’s Peak 2 calculation under the realistic regime requires the value of liabilities to be calculated as:

•  The with-profits benefits reserve (WPBR); plus
•  future policy related liabilities (FPRL); plus
•  the realistic current liabilities of the fund.

The WPBR is primarily based on the retrospective calculation of accumulated asset shares but is adjusted to reflect future expected 
policyholder benefits and other outgoings. Asset shares are calculated as the accumulation of all items of income and outgo that are 
relevant to each policy type. Income comprises credits for premiums, investment returns (including unrealised gains), and miscellaneous 
profits. Outgo comprises charges for tax (including an allowance for tax on unrealised gains), guarantees and smoothing, mortality and 
morbidity, shareholders’ profit transfers, miscellaneous losses, and expenses and commission (net of any tax relief).

The FPRL must include a market consistent valuation of costs of guarantees, options and smoothing, less any related charges, and 
this amount must be determined using either a stochastic approach, hedging costs or a series of deterministic projections with attributed 
probabilities.

The assumptions used in the stochastic models are calibrated to produce risk-free returns on each asset class. Volatilities of, and 
correlations between, investment returns from different asset classes are as determined by the Group’s Portfolio Management Group 
and aim to be market consistent.

The cost of guarantees, options and smoothing is very sensitive to the bonus, market value reduction (MVR), and investment policy 

employed and therefore the stochastic modelling incorporates a range of management actions that would help to protect the fund in 
adverse investment scenarios. Substantial flexibility has been included in the modelled management actions in order to reflect the 
discretion that is retained in adverse investment conditions, thereby avoiding the creation of unreasonable minimum capital 
requirements. The management actions assumed are consistent with the Group’s management policy for with-profits funds and the 
Group’s disclosures in the publicly available PPFM.

The contract liabilities for with-profits business also require assumptions for persistency. These are set based on the results of recent 

experience analysis.

iii Annuity business
Credit risk provisions
For IFRS reporting, the results for UK shareholder-backed annuity business are particularly sensitive to the allowances made for credit 
risk. The allowance is reflected in the deduction from the valuation rate of interest for discounting projected future annuity payments to 
policyholders that would have otherwise applied. Since mid-2007 there has been a significant increase in the actual and perceived credit 
risk associated with corporate bonds as reflected in the significant widening that has occurred in corporate bond spreads. Although 
bond spreads over swap rates have narrowed from their peak in March 2009, they are still high compared with the levels seen in the 
years immediately preceding the start of the dislocated markets in 2007. The allowance that should therefore be made for credit risk 
remains a particular area of judgement.

The additional yield received on corporate bonds relative to swaps can be broken into the following constituent parts:

(a)  the expected level of future defaults;
(b)  the credit risk premium that is required to compensate for the potential volatility in default levels; 
(c)  the liquidity premium that is required to compensate for the lower liquidity of corporate bonds relative to swaps; and
(d)   the mark to market risk premium that is required to compensate for the potential volatility in corporate bond spreads (and hence 

market values) at the time of sale.

The sum of (c) and (d) is often referred to as ‘liquidity premium’.

The credit risk allowance is a function of the asset mix and the credit quality of the underlying portfolio. At 31 December 2010, 84 per 
cent (2009: 80 per cent) of the assets backing the UK shareholder annuity and other business were debt securities as shown in D2 (a). 
This comprises both government and corporate bonds. Government bonds are generally given a credit default allowance of zero. For 
corporate bonds the credit allowance varies by credit rating. An analysis of the credit ratings of debt securities is included in note D2 (d).
  Given that the normal business model for Prudential’s annuity business is to hold bonds to match long-term liabilities, 
the valuation rate that is applied to discount the future annuity payments includes a liquidity premium that reflects the residual element 
of current bond spreads over swap rates after providing for the credit risk.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D2:  UK INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

Historically, until the second half of 2007, when corporate bond spreads widened significantly, the allowance for credit risk was 
calculated as the long-term expected defaults and a long-term credit risk premium. This long-term credit risk was supplemented by 
a short-term allowance from 31 December 2007 to allow for the concern that credit ratings applied by the rating agencies may be 
downgraded and defaults in the short-term might be higher than the long-term assumptions.

The weighted components of the bond spread over swap rates for shareholder-backed fixed and linked annuity business for PRIL 

at 31 December 2010, 2009 and 2008, based on the asset mix at the relevant balance sheet date are shown below. 

2010

Adjustment
 from
regulatory
to IFRS 
 basis
(bps)
note v

– 

– 
– 
(26)

(26)

26 

Pillar I 
Regulatory
basis
(bps)

160 

16 
10 
42 

68 

92 

2009

Adjustment
 from
regulatory
to IFRS 
 basis
(bps)
note v

Pillar I 
Regulatory
basis
(bps)

175

19
13
39

71

104

–

–
–
(24)

(24)

24

IFRS 
(bps)

160

16
10
16 

42 

118 

IFRS 
(bps)

175

19
13
15

47

128

31 December 2010

Bond spread over swap ratesnote i

Credit risk allowance

Long-term expected defaultsnote ii
Long-term credit risk premiumnote iii
Short-term allowance for credit risknote iv

Total credit risk allowance

Liquidity premium

31 December 2009

Bond spread over swap ratesnote i

Credit risk allowance

Long-term expected defaultsnote ii
Long-term credit risk premiumnote iii
Short-term allowance for credit risknote iv

Total credit risk allowance

Liquidity premium

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
227

IFRS 
(bps)

323

15
11
29

55

268

2008

Adjustment
 from
regulatory
to IFRS 
 basis
(bps)
note v

Pillar I 
Regulatory
basis
(bps)

323

15
11
54

80

243

–

–
–
(25)

(25)

25

31 December 2008

Bond spread over swap ratesnote i

Credit risk allowance

Long-term expected defaultsnote ii
Long-term credit risk premiumnote iii
Short-term allowance for credit risknote iv

Total credit risk allowance

Liquidity premium

Notes
(i)  Bond spread over swap rates reflect market observed data.
(ii)  For the valuations prior to 31 December 2010, long-term expected defaults were derived by applying Moody’s data from 1970 to 2004 uplifted by 

between 100 per cent (B) and 200 per cent (AAA) according to credit rating on the annuity asset portfolio. The credit rating assigned to each asset 
held was based on external credit rating and for this purpose the credit rating assigned to each asset held was the lowest credit rating published 
by Moody’s, Standard and Poors and Fitch. 

For the 31 December 2010 valuation, long-term expected defaults are derived by applying Moody’s data from 1970 to 2009 and the definition 

of the credit rating used has been revised from the lowest credit rating to the second highest credit rating published by Moody’s, Standard and 
Poors and Fitch. 

(iii)  For the valuations prior to 31 December 2010, the long-term credit risk premium provides compensation against the risk of potential volatility 
in the level of defaults and is derived by applying the 95th percentile from Moody’s data from 1970 to 2004 to the annuity asset portfolio. 
For the 31 December 2010 valuation, the long-term credit risk premium is derived from Moody’s data from 1970 to 2009. 

The combined effect of this change and the changes described in (ii) above is neutral on the long-term credit risk allowance for PRIL.

(iv)  The short-term allowance for credit risk assumed in the Pillar 1 solvency valuations at 31 December 2008 was determined as 25 per cent of the 

increase in corporate bond spreads (as estimated from the movements in published corporate bond indices) since 31 December 2006. 
Subsequent to this date movements have reflected events in the period, namely the impact of credit migration, the decision not to release 
favourable default experience, new business and asset trading amongst other items. This is demonstrated by the analyses below.

(v)  The very prudent Pillar 1 regulatory basis reflects the overriding objective of ensuring sufficient provisions and capital to ensure payments to 

policyholders can be made. The approach for IFRS aims to establish liabilities that are closer to ‘best estimate’. IFRS default assumptions are 
therefore set between the EEV and Pillar I assumptions.

Factors affecting the credit risk allowance at 31 December 2010
The main factors influencing the credit risk allowance at 31 December 2010 are as follows:

a  Credit downgrades and default experience
The credit risk allowances have been adjusted during 2010 to take account of emerging downgrade and default experience. Experience 
in relation to changes in credit rating has improved in 2010 and no assets defaulted for the PRIL business during the year. The allowance 
for short-term downgrades has been reduced to offset the impact of credit downgrades on the long-term assumptions. In addition, the 
allowance for short-term defaults has been updated to eliminate any experience profits that would otherwise have arisen due to default 
experience being better than allowed for in the opening reserves. 

b  Asset trading
Since the second half of 2009, the Group started trading out of subordinated financial debt into higher quality assets. The continuation 
of the reduction in the subordinated financial debt holdings in 2010 improved the overall credit quality of the corporate bond portfolio 
and so allowed for a release of long-term credit reserves. 
  On a Pillar 1 basis this transaction had no overall impact on the solvency surplus of PRIL, the PAC non-participating sub-fund and 
PAL. On an IFRS basis, the reduction in subordinated financial debt holdings generated a pre-tax IFRS operating loss of £4 million 
(2009: loss of £51 million).

c  Asset purchases in respect of new business
Similar to 2009, the assets purchased during 2010 to back new business have been of better average credit quality than the assets held 
at 31 December 2008, in particular no subordinated bank debt or sub-investment grade assets have been bought to back new business. 
As a result of the lower credit risk of the new business assets the overall allowance for credit risk required at 31 December 2010 is 
reduced when the new business assets and in-force assets are aggregated together. 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D2:  UK INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

d  Overall impact on the PRIL credit risk allowance
After taking account of the factors noted above the movement on the average basis points allowances for PRIL on the Pillar 1 regulatory 
and IFRS bases are as follows: 

Total allowance for credit risk at  

31 December 2009

Credit downgrades
Retention of surplus from favourable default 

experience

Asset trading
New business
Other

Total allowance for credit risk  
at 31 December 2010

Pillar 1 Regulatory basis 
(bps)

IFRS 
(bps)

Long-term 

Short-term

Total

Long-term 

Short-term

Total

32 
1 

– 
(5)
– 
(2)

26 

39 
(1)

7 
– 
(2)
(1)

42 

71 
– 

7 
(5)
(2)
(3)

68 

32 
1 

– 
(5)
– 
(2)

26 

15 
(1)

3 
– 
(1)
–

16 

47 
– 

3 
(5)
(1)
 (2)

42 

Overall this has led to the credit allowance for Pillar 1 purposes to be 43 per cent (2009: 41 per cent) of the bond spread over swap rates. 
For IFRS purposes it represents 26 per cent (2009: 27 per cent) of the bond spread over swap rates.

The reserves for credit risk allowance at 31 December 2010 for UK shareholder annuity fund were as follows:

PRIL
PAC non-profit sub-fund

Total

Pillar 1 Regulatory basis 
£bn

IFRS 
£bn

Long-term

Short-term

Total

Long-term

Short-term

Total

0.6 
0.1 

0.7 

1.0 
0.1 

1.1 

1.6 
0.2 

1.8 

0.6 
0.1 

0.7 

0.4 
– 

0.4 

1.0 
0.1 

1.1 

Mortality
The mortality assumptions are set in light of recent population and internal experience. The assumptions used are percentages of 
standard actuarial mortality tables with an allowance for future mortality improvements. Where annuities have been sold on an 
enhanced basis to impaired lives an additional age adjustment is made. The percentages of the standard table used are selected 
according to the source of business. 

In 2009, Prudential’s annuity business liabilities were determined using the Continuous Mortality Investigation (‘CMI’) medium 
cohort projections with a floor. In November 2009 a new mortality projection model was released by the CMI. This model is expected 
to become the new industry standard. The new model has been applied in determining the 2010 results with calibration to reflect an 
appropriate view of future mortality improvement. In recognition of the trend in assumed mortality improvements the Company has in 
previous years included margins in its annuity liabilities. In determining the 2010 results the appropriate level of these margins has been 
reassessed. See note D2 (i) below for the net effect of applying the new model, releases of margin, and changes to other related 
mortality assumptions. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
229

The tables and range of percentages used are set out in the following tables:

2010

In payment

PAL

PRIL

Males 

Females 

Males 

Females 

92% – 98% PCMA00 
with future 
improvements in line 
with Prudential’s own 
calibration of the CMI 
2009 mortality model, 
with a long-term 
improvement rate 
of 2.25%

88% – 100% PCFA00 
with future 
improvements in line 
with Prudential’s own 
calibration of the CMI 
2009 mortality model, 
with a long-term 
improvement rate 
of 1.25%

94% – 95% PCMA00 
with future 
improvements in line 
with Prudential’s own 
calibration of the CMI 
2009 mortality model, 
with a long-term 
improvement rate 
of 2.25%

86% – 97% PCFA00 
with future 
improvements in line 
with Prudential’s own 
calibration of the CMI 
2009 mortality model, 
with a long-term 
improvement rate 
of 1.25%

In deferment

AM92 minus 4 years

AF92 minus 4 years

AM92 minus 4 years

AF92 minus 4 years

2009

In payment

PAL

PRIL

Males 

Females 

Males 

Females 

102% – 126% PNMA00 
(C = 2000) with medium 
cohort improvement 
table with a minimum 
annual improvement of 
2.25% up to age 90, 
tapering to zero at 
age 120

84% – 117% PNFA00 
(C = 2000) with 75% of 
medium cohort 
improvement table with 
a minimum annual 
improvement of 1.25% 
up to age 90, tapering to 
zero at age 120

96% – 102% PNMA00 
(C = 2000) with medium 
cohort improvement 
table with a minimum 
annual improvement of 
2.25% up to age 90, 
tapering to zero at 
age 120

87% – 98% PNFA00 
(C = 2000) with 75% 
of medium cohort 
improvement table with 
a minimum annual 
improvement of 1.25% 
up to age 90, tapering to 
zero at age 120

In deferment

AM92 minus 4 years

AF92 minus 4 years

AM92 minus 4 years

AF92 minus 4 years

2008

In payment

PAL

PRIL

Males 

Females 

Males 

Females 

102% – 126% PNMA00 
(C = 2000) with medium 
cohort improvement 
table with a minimum 
annual improvement of 
2.25% up to age 90, 
tapering to zero at 
age 120

84% – 117% PNFA00 
(C = 2000) with 75% 
of medium cohort 
improvement table with 
a minimum annual 
improvement of 1.25% 
up to age 90, tapering to 
zero at age 120

97% – 102% PNMA00 
(C = 2000) with medium 
cohort improvement 
table with a minimum 
annual improvement of 
2.25% up to age 90, 
tapering to zero at 
age 120

88% – 98% PNFA00 
(C = 2000) with 75% 
of medium cohort 
improvement table with 
a minimum annual 
improvement of 1.25% 
up to age 90, tapering to 
zero at age 120

In deferment

AM92 minus 4 years

AF92 minus 4 years

AM92 minus 4 years

AF92 minus 4 years

iv Unit-linked (non-annuity) and other non-profit business
The majority of other long-term business written in the UK insurance operations is unit-linked business or other business with similar 
features. For these contracts the attaching liability reflects the unit value obligation and provision for expenses and mortality risk. 
The latter component is determined by applying mortality assumptions on a basis that is appropriate for the policyholder profile.

For unit-linked business, the assets covering unit liabilities are exposed to market risk, but the residual risk when considering the 

unit-linked liabilities and assets together is limited to the effect on fund-based charges.

For those contracts where the level of insurance risk is insignificant the assets and liabilities arising under the contracts are 

distinguished between those that relate to the financial instrument liability and acquisition costs and deferred income that relate to the 
component of the contract that relates to investment management. Acquisition costs and deferred income are recognised consistent 
with the level of service provision in line with the requirements of IAS 18.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D2:  UK INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

h  Reinsurance
The Group’s UK insurance business cedes only minor amounts of business outside the Group. During 2010, reinsurance premiums for 
externally ceded business were £128 million (2009: £122 million) and reinsurance recoverable insurance assets were £608 million 
(2009: £502 million) in aggregate. The gains and losses recognised in profit and loss for the 2010 contracts were immaterial. 
During 2009 the Group’s UK insurance business wrote a longevity swap on certain aspects of the UK’s annuity back-book liabilities. 
This  resulted in a one-off benefit of £34 million to IFRS profit before tax in 2009. The gains and losses recognised in profit and loss 
for other contracts in 2009 were immaterial. 

i  Effect of changes in assumptions used to measure insurance assets and liabilities
2010
Credit risk
The approach to reserving for credit risk is set out in note D2(g)(iii). 

Other operating assumption changes
Note D2(g)(iii) above explains the application of a new mortality projection model in 2010 to determine the Prudential’s annuity 
business. 

The net effect of applying the new model, releases of margins and changes to other related mortality assumptions for 

shareholder-backed business is a credit of £8 million. With a £38 million benefit from altered expense assumptions the overall credit 
for shareholder-backed business is £46 million.

For the with-profits sub-fund, the aggregate effect of assumption changes in 2010 was a net charge to unallocated surplus of 

£62 million, relating to changes in mortality, expense, persistency and economic assumptions.

2009
Credit risk
The approach to reserving for credit risk is set out in note D2(g)(iii). 

Other operating assumptions changes
Overall mortality experience was in line with expectations and no change was therefore required to the overall strength of mortality 
assumptions at 31 December 2009. 

For the shareholder-backed business, the aggregate effect of assumption changes in 2009 was a net credit to the shareholder result 

of £46 million, primarily related to changes to the deflation reserve, expense assumptions and modelling changes. 

For the with-profits sub-fund, the aggregate effect of assumption changes in 2009 was a net credit to unallocated surplus of 

£65 million principally for altered expense assumptions. 

j  Sensitivity of IFRS basis profit or loss and equity to market and other risks
The risks to which the IFRS basis results of the UK insurance operations are sensitive are asset/liability matching, mortality experience 
and payment assumptions for shareholder-backed annuity business. Further details are described below.

i  With-profits business
SAIF
Shareholders have no interest in the profits of SAIF but are entitled to the asset management fees paid on the investment of the assets 
of the fund.

With-profits sub-fund business
For with-profits business (including non-participating business of PAL which is owned by the WPSF) adjustments to liabilities and any 
related tax effects are recognised in the income statement. However, except for any impact on the annual declaration of bonuses, 
shareholders’ profit for with-profits business is unaffected. This is because IFRS basis profits for with-profits business, which are 
determined on the same basis as on preceding UK GAAP, solely reflect one-ninth of the cost of bonuses declared for the year.

The main factors that influence the determination of bonus rates are the return on the investments of the fund, the effect of inflation, 
taxation, the expenses of the fund chargeable to policyholders and the degree to which investment returns are smoothed. Mortality and 
other insurance risk are relatively minor factors.

Unallocated surplus represents the excess of assets over policyholder liabilities of the fund. As unallocated surplus of the WPSF is 

recorded as a liability, movements in its value do not affect shareholders’ profits or equity.

The level of unallocated surplus is particularly sensitive to the level of investment returns on the portion of the life fund assets that 

represents the surplus. The effects for 2010 and 2009 are demonstrated in note D5.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
231

ii  Shareholder-backed annuity business
Profits from shareholder-backed annuity business are most sensitive to:

•  The extent to which the duration of the assets held closely matches the expected duration of the liabilities under the contracts. 

Assuming close matching, the impact of short-term asset value movements as a result of interest rate movements will broadly offset 
changes in the value of liabilities caused by movements in valuation rates of interest;

•  actual versus expected default rates on assets held;
•  the difference between long-term rates of return on corporate bonds and risk-free rates;
•  the variance between actual and expected mortality experience;
•  the extent to which expected future mortality experience gives rise to changes in the measurement of liabilities; and
•  changes in renewal expense levels.

A decrease in assumed mortality rates of one per cent would decrease gross profits by approximately £53 million (2009: £44 million). 
A decrease in credit default assumptions of five basis points would increase gross profits by £119 million (2009: £91 million). 
A decrease in renewal expenses (excluding asset management expenses) of five per cent would increase gross profits by £23 million 
(2009: £17 million). The effect on profits would be approximately symmetrical for changes in assumptions that are directionally 
opposite to those explained above.

iii Unit-linked and other business
Unit-linked and other business represents a comparatively small proportion of the in-force business of the UK insurance operations.

Profits from unit-linked and similar contracts primarily arise from the excess of charges to policyholders, for management of assets 

under the Company’s stewardship, over expenses incurred. The former is most sensitive to the net accretion of funds under 
management as a function of new business and lapse and timing of death. The accounting impact of the latter is dependent upon the 
amortisation of acquisition costs in line with the emergence of margins (for insurance contracts) and amortisation in line with service 
provision (for the investment management component of investment contracts). By virtue of the design features of most of the contracts 
which provide low levels of mortality cover, the profits are relatively insensitive to changes in mortality experience.

iv Shareholder exposure to interest rate risk and other market risk
By virtue of the fund structure, product features and basis of accounting described in note D2(e) and (g), the policyholder liabilities of 
the UK insurance operations are, except for pension annuity business, not generally exposed to interest rate risk. For pension annuity 
business, liabilities are exposed to fair value interest rate risk. However, the net exposure to the PAC WPSF (for PAL) and shareholders 
(for liabilities of PRIL and the non-profit sub-fund) is very substantially ameliorated by virtue of the close matching of assets with 
appropriate duration. The level of matching from period to period can vary depending on management actions and economic factors 
so it is possible for a degree of mis-matching profits or losses to arise.

The close matching by the Group of assets of appropriate duration to annuity liabilities is based on maintaining economic and 

regulatory capital. The measurement of liabilities under capital reporting requirements and IFRS is not the same, with contingency 
reserves and some other margins for prudence within the assumptions required under the FSA regulatory solvency basis not included 
for IFRS reporting purposes. As a result IFRS equity is higher than regulatory capital and therefore more sensitive to interest rate risk.

The estimated sensitivity of the UK non-linked shareholder-backed business (principally pension annuities business) to a movement 

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in interest rates is as follows. 

Carrying value of debt securities and 

derivatives

Policyholder liabilities 
Related deferred tax effects

Net sensitivity of profit after tax and 

shareholders’ equity

2010 £m

2009 £m

A decrease
 of 2%

A decrease
 of 1%

An increase
 of 1%

An increase
 of 2%

A decrease
 of 2%

A decrease
 of 1%

An increase
 of 1%

An increase
 of 2%

6,547
(5,977)
(154)

2,938
(2,723)
(58)

(2,434)
2,109
88

(4,481)
3,929
149

5,372
(5,125)
(69)

2,422
(2,304)
(33)

(2,020)
1,905
32

(3,731)
3,498
65

416

157

(237)

(403)

178

85

(83)

(168)

In addition the shareholder-backed portfolio of UK non-linked insurance operations covering liabilities and shareholders’ equity includes 
equity securities and investment property. Excluding any second order effects on the measurement of the liabilities for future cash flows 
to the policyholder, a fall in their value would have given rise to the following effects on pre-tax profit, profit after tax, and shareholders’ 
equity.

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232

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D2:  UK INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

Pre-tax profit
Related deferred tax effects

Net sensitivity of profit after tax and shareholders’ equity

2010 £m

2009 £m

A decrease
 of 20%

A decrease
 of 10%

A decrease
 of 20%

A decrease
 of 10%

(302)
82

(220)

(151)
41

(110)

(292)
82

(210)

(146)
41

(105)

A 10 or 20 per cent increase in their value would have an approximately equal and opposite effect on profit and shareholders’ equity to 
the sensitivities shown above. The market risk sensitivities shown above reflect the impact of temporary market movements and, 
therefore, the primary effect of such movements would, in the Group’s segmental analysis of profits, be included within the short-term 
fluctuations in investment returns. 

In the equity risk sensitivity analysis given above, the Group has considered the impact of an instantaneous 20 per cent fall in equity 

markets. If equity markets were to fall by more than 20 per cent, the Group believes that this would not be an instantaneous fall but 
rather this would be expected to occur over a period of time during which the Group would be able to put in place mitigating 
management actions.

k  Duration of liabilities
With the exception of most unitised with-profits bonds and other whole of life contracts the majority of the contracts of the UK insurance 
operations have a contract term. However, in effect, the maturity term of contracts reflects the earlier of death, maturity, or lapsation. In 
addition, with-profits contract liabilities as noted in note D2(g) include projected future bonuses based on current investment values. 
The actual amounts payable will vary with future investment performance of SAIF and the WPSF. 

The tables below show the carrying value of the policyholder liabilities. Separately, the Group uses cash flow projections of expected 

benefit payments as part of the determination of the value of in-force business when preparing EEV basis results. The tables below also 
show the maturity profile of the cash flows used for 2010 and 2009 for that purpose for insurance contracts, as defined by IFRS, i.e. those 
containing significant insurance risk, and investment contracts, which do not.

With-profits business

 Insurance 
contracts

 Investment 
contracts 

2010 £m

Annuity business
(Insurance contracts)

Other

Total

PAL

PRIL

Total

Insurance
contracts

 Investment

contracts  

 Total

TOTAL

Policyholder liabilities

43,691  25,613  69,304  12,282

16,442

28,724

11,737  15,765  27,502  125,530 

Expected maturity: 
0 to 5 years
5 to 10 years
10 to 15 years
15 to 20 years
20 to 25 years
Over 25 years

46 
25 
13 
7 
4 
5 

31 
25 
19 
14 
8 
3 

40 
25 
16 
10 
6 
3 

32 
25 
18 
12 
7 
6 

2010 %

29 
23 
17 
13 
8 
10 

30 
24 
18 
12 
8 
8 

35 
26 
18 
10 
6 
5 

29 
21 
20 
11 
8 
11 

32 
23 
19 
11 
7 
8 

36
24
17
11
7
5

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
233

With-profits business

 Insurance 
contracts

 Investment 
contracts 

2009 £m

Annuity business
(Insurance contracts)

Other

Total

PAL

PRIL

Total

Insurance
contracts

 Investment

contracts  

 Total

TOTAL

Policyholder liabilities

40,780

24,780

65,560

11,969

14,292

26,261

10,614

13,794

24,408 116,229

Expected maturity: 
0 to 5 years
5 to 10 years
10 to 15 years
15 to 20 years
20 to 25 years
Over 25 years

50
26
13
6
3
2

29
25
19
14
9
4

41
26
15
9
6
3

32
25
18
11
7
7

2009 %

31
23
17
12
8
9

32
24
17
12
7
8

34
25
18
11
7
5

35
22
19
11
6
7

35
23
18
11
6
7

38
25
16
10
6
5

Notes
i 

The cash flow projections of expected benefit payments used in the maturity profile table above are from value of in-force business and exclude 
the value of future new business, including vesting of internal pension contracts.

ii   Benefit payments do not reflect the pattern of bonuses and shareholder transfers in respect of the with-profits business.
iii  
iv   For business with no maturity term included within the contracts, for example with-profits investment bonds such as Prudence Bond, an 

Investment contracts under Other comprise certain unit-linked and similar contracts accounted for under IAS 39 and IAS 18.

assumption is made as to likely duration based on prior experience.

v   The maturity tables shown above have been prepared on a discounted basis. Details of undiscounted cash flow for investment contracts are 

shown in note G2.

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234

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D3:  US INSURANCE OPERATIONS

a  Summary results and statement of financial position
i  Results and movements in shareholders’ equity

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns

Profit before shareholder tax
Tax

Profit for the year

Profit for the year (as above)
Items recognised in other comprehensive income:
Exchange movements

Unrealised valuation movements on securities classified as available-for-sale:

Unrealised holding gains arising during the year
Less losses included in the income statement

Total unrealised valuation movements
Related change in amortisation of deferred income and acquisition costs
Related tax

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year
Dividends, interest payments to central companies and other movements

Net increase in equity
Shareholders’ equity at beginning of year

Shareholders’ equity at end of year

2010  £m  

2009(1)  £m

833
(378)

455
(117)

338

618
(132)

486
102

588

2010  £m

2009  £m

338

85

1,170
51

1,221
(469)
(247)

563

901
(97)

804
3,011

3,815

588

(231)

2,249
420

2,669
(1,069)
(557)

812

1,400
(87)

1,313
1,698

3,011

Note
(i)  The Group has amended the presentation of operating profit for its US insurance operations to remove the net equity hedge accounting effect 
(incorporating related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include it in short-term fluctuations. The 2009 comparatives have been 
amended accordingly. Note A4(d)(ii) explains the effect of the change. 

Included within the movements in shareholders’ equity is a net increase in value of Jackson’s debt securities classified as ‘available-for-
sale’ under IAS 39 of £1,221 million (2009: £2,669 million).
  With the exception of debt securities for US insurance operations classified as ‘available-for-sale’ under IAS 39, unrealised value 
movements on the Group’s investments are booked within the income statement. However, for debt securities classified as ‘available-
for-sale’, unless impaired, fair value movements are recognised in other comprehensive income. Realised gains and losses, including 
impairments, are recorded in the income statement. This classification is applied for most of the debt securities of the Group’s US 
operations. In 2010, Jackson recorded £124 million (2009: £630 million) of impairment losses arising from:

Residential mortgage-backed securities
Public fixed income
Other

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

2010  £m

2009  £m

71
1
52

124

509
91
30

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235

Further details on the impairment losses recognised in the year are shown in note B1. Jackson’s portfolio of debt securities is managed 
proactively with credit analysts closely monitoring and reporting on the credit quality of its holdings. Jackson continues to review its 
investments on a case-by-case basis to determine whether any decline in fair value represents an impairment. In addition, investments in 
structured securities are subject to a rigorous review of their future estimated cash flows, including expected and stress case scenarios, 
to identify potential shortfalls in contractual payments (both interest and principal). Impairment charges are recorded on structured 
securities when the Company forecasts a contractual payment shortfall. Situations where such a shortfall would not lead to a recognition 
of a loss are rare. However, some structured securities do not have a single determined set of future cash flows and instead, there can be 
a reasonable range of estimates that could potentially emerge. With this variability, there could be instances where the projected cash 
flow shortfall under management’s base case set of assumptions is so minor that relatively small and justifiable changes to the base case 
assumptions would eliminate the need for an impairment loss to be recognised. The impairment loss reflects the difference between the 
fair value and book value. 

In 2010, there was a movement in the statement of financial position value for debt securities classified as available-for-sale from a 

net unrealised gain of £4 million to a net unrealised gain of £1,210 million (2009: net unrealised loss of £2,897 million to a net unrealised 
gain of £4 million).This increase reflects the effects of tightening credit spreads in the US bond market and lower interest rates. During 
2010, the gross unrealised gain in the statement of financial position increased from £970 million at 31 December 2009 to £1,580 million 
at 31 December 2010 while the gross unrealised loss decreased from £966 million at 31 December 2009 to £370 million at 31 December 
2010. Details of the securities in an unrealised loss position are shown in D3(d) below.

These features are included in the table shown below of the movements in the values of available-for-sale securities:

2010

2009

Assets fair valued at below book value
Book value*
Unrealised loss

Fair value (as included in statement of financial position)

Assets fair valued at or above book value
Book value*
Unrealised gain

Fair value (as included in statement of financial position)

Total
Book value*
Net unrealised gain (loss) 

Fair value (as included in statement of financial position)†

Reflected as part of movement in other comprehensive income 
Movement in unrealised appreciation
Exchange movements

Changes in
unrealised
appreciation‡

Foreign 
exchange 
translation

Reflected as part of movement 
in other comprehensive income
£m

£m

£m

634

(38)

587

23

1,221

(15)

4,372
(370)

4,002

20,743
1,580

22,323

25,115
1,210

26,325

1,221
(15)

1,206

£m

8,220
(966)

7,254

14,444
970

15,414

22,664
4

22,668

2,669
232

2,901

* Book value represents cost/amortised cost of the debt securities.
† Debt securities for US operations as included in the statement of financial position of £26,366 million (2009: £22,831 million) comprise £26,325 million 

(2009: £22,668 million) in respect of securities classified as ‘available-for-sale’ and £41 million (2009: £163 million) for securities of consolidated 
investment funds classified as fair value through profit and loss.

‡ Translated at the average rate of US$1.55: £1.

Included within the movement in gross unrealised losses for the debt securities of Jackson of £634 million (2009: £1,925 million) as 
shown above was a net increase in value of £84 million (2009: £72 million decrease) relating to the sub-prime and Alt-A securities as 
referred to in section B6.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D3:  US INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

ii  Statement of financial position

ASSETS
Intangible assets attributable to shareholders:
  Deferred acquisition costs and other intangible assets

Total

Deferred tax assets
Other non-investment and non-cash assets
Investments of long-term business and other operations:

Investment properties
Financial investments: 

Loansnote ii
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trustsnote v

  Debt securitiesnote D3d
  Other investmentsnote iii
  Deposits

Total investmentsnote G

Properties held for sale

Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL ASSETS

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Shareholders’ equity

Total equity

Liabilities
Policyholder liabilities:note iv

Variable annuity 
 separate account 
assets and 
liabilities
note i 
£m

Fixed
 annuity, GIC
 and other 
business
note i 
£m

3,543 

3,543 

1,391 
1,241 

–

– 

– 
– 

– 

US insurance operations

2010
Total
£m

3,543 

3,543 

1,391 
1,241 

2009
Total
£m

3,092

3,092

1,944
1,404

26 

26 

33

– 
31,203 
– 
– 
– 

4,201 
298 
26,366 
1,199 
212 

4,201 
31,501 
26,366 
1,199 
212 

31,203 

32,302

63,505 

– 

– 

3 

232 

3 

232 

4,319
20,984
22,831
955
454

49,576

3

340

31,203 

38,712 

69,915 

56,359

– 

– 

3,815 

3,815 

3,815 

3,815 

3,011

3,011

Contract liabilities (including amounts in respect of contracts  

classified as investment contracts under IFRS 4)

31,203 

29,320 

60,523 

Total

Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed operations
Operational borrowings attributable to shareholder-financed operations
Deferred tax liabilities
Other non-insurance liabilities

Total liabilities

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

31,203 

29,320 

60,523 

– 
– 
– 
– 

159 
90 
1,776
3,552 

159 
90 
1,776 
3,552 

31,203 

34,897 

66,100 

31,203 

38,712 

69,915 

48,311

48,311

154
203
1,858
2,822

53,348

56,359

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
237

Notes
i   Assets and liabilities attaching to variable annuity business that are not held in the separate account are shown within other business.
ii   Loans

The loans of the Group’s US insurance operations of £4,201 million (2009: £4,319 million) comprise mortgage loans of £3,641 million 
(2009: £3,774 million), policy loans of £548 million (2009: £530 million) and other loans of £12 million (2009: £15 million). All of the mortgage 
loans are commercial mortgage loans which are collateralised by properties. The property types are mainly industrial, multi-family 
residential, suburban office, retail and hotel. The breakdown by property type is as follows:

Industrial
Multi-family residential
Office
Retail
Hotels
Other

2010  %

2009  %

31
18
19
21
10
1

100

32
18
20
19
10
1

100

The US insurance operations’ commercial mortgage loan portfolio does not include any single-family residential mortgage loans and is therefore 
not exposed to the risk of defaults associated with residential sub-prime mortgage loans. The average loan size is £6.6 million (2009: £6.3 million). 
The portfolio has a current estimated average loan to value of 73 per cent (2009: 74 per cent) which provides significant cushion to withstand 
substantial declines in value.

The policy loans are fully secured by individual life insurance policies or annuity policies. These loans are accounted for at amortised cost, 

less any impairment.

iii  Other investments comprise:

Derivative assetsnote G3*
Partnerships in investment pools and other†

2010  £m

2009  £m

645
554

1,199

519
436

955

* In the US, Prudential uses derivatives to reduce interest rate risk, to facilitate efficient portfolio management to match liabilities under annuity 

policies, and for certain equity-based product management activities. After taking account of the derivative liability of £799 million (2009: £461 
million), which is also included in the statement of financial position, the derivative position for US operations is a net liability of £154 million 
(2009: net asset of £58 million).

† Partnerships in investment pools and other comprise primarily investments in limited partnerships. These include interest in the PPM America 
Private Equity Fund and diversified investments in 161 (2009: 159) other partnerships by independent money managers that generally invest in 
various equities and fixed income loans and securities.

iv  Summary policyholder liabilities (net of reinsurance) and reserves at 31 December 2010

The policyholder liabilities, net of reinsurers’ share of £694 million (2009: £667 million), reflect balances in respect of the following:

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

Policy reserves and liabilities on non-linked business:

Reserves for future policyholder benefits and claims payable
Deposits on investment contracts (as defined under IFRS ‘grandfathered’ US GAAP)
Guaranteed investment contracts
Unit-linked (variable annuity) business

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,567
25,494
1,565
31,203

59,829

1,645
23,706
1,654
20,639

47,644

In addition to the policyholder liabilities above, Jackson has entered into a programme of funding arrangements under contracts which, in 
substance, are almost identical to GICs. The liabilities under these funding arrangements totalled £1,411 million (2009: £1,444 million) and are 
included in ‘other non-insurance liabilities’ in the statement of financial position above.
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trusts include investments in mutual funds, the majority of which are equity based.

v 

B
U
S
I

N
E
S
S
E
S

D

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A
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238

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D3:  US INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

b  Reconciliation of movement in investments
A reconciliation of the total investments of US insurance operations from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is as follows:

AT 1 JANUARY 2009

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: Derivative liabilities 

  Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

Net cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities
Realised losses in the year
Unrealised gains and losses and exchange movements in the year

Movement in the year of directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities 

AT 31 DECEMBER 2009/1 JANUARY 2010

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: Derivative liabilitiesnote G3 

  Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

Net cash inflow from operating activities
Realised gains in the year
Unrealised gains and losses and exchange movements in the year

Movement in the year of directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities 

AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: Derivative liabilitiesnote G3 

Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

Variable 
annuity
separate 
account
 assets and
liabilities
£m

Fixed annuity, 
GIC and other
business
£m

US insurance
 operations
Total
£m

14,538
–

14,538

4,050
–
2,051

6,101

20,639
–

20,639

6,441
–
4,123

10,564

31,203
–

31,203

31,633
(863)

46,171
(863)

30,770

45,308

(1,295)
(529)
(470)

(2,294)

2,755
(529)
1,581

3,807

28,937
(461)

49,576
(461)

28,476

49,115

865
21
2,141

3,027

7,306
21
6,264

13,591

32,302
(799)

63,505
(799)

31,503

62,706

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
239

c  Reconciliation of movement in policyholder liabilities
A reconciliation of the total policyholder liabilities of US insurance operations from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is 
as follows:

AT 1 JANUARY 2009
Premiums
Surrenders
Maturities/Deaths

Net flowsnote b
Transfers from general to separate account
Investment-related items and other movementsnote c
Foreign exchange translation differencesnote a

AT 31 DECEMBER 2009/1 JANUARY 2010
Premiums
Surrenders
Maturities/Deaths

Net flowsnote b
Transfers from general to separate account
Investment-related items and other movementsnote c
Foreign exchange translation differencesnote a

AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

Average policyholder liabilities
2010
2009

Variable 
annuity
separate 
account
liabilities
£m

14,538
4,667
(882)
(199)

3,586
984
3,368
(1,837)

20,639
7,420 
(1,403)
(259)

5,758 
1,411 
2,875 
520 

Fixed annuity, 
GIC and other
business
£m

US insurance
 operations
Total
£m

30,823
4,510
(2,373)
(534)

1,603
(984)
(382)
(3,388)

27,672
4,315 
(2,195)
(510)

1,610 
(1,411)
589 
860 

45,361
9,177
(3,255)
(733)

5,189
–
2,986
(5,225)

48,311
11,735 
(3,598)
(769)

7,368 
- 
3,464 
1,380 

31,203 

29,320 

60,523 

25,921
17,589

28,496
29,248

54,417
46,837

Notes
a  Movements in the year have been translated at an average rate of 1.55 (2009: 1.57). The closing balance has been translated at closing rate of 

1.57 (2009: 1.61). Differences upon retranslation are included in foreign exchange translation differences of £1,380 million (2009: £5,225 million).

b  Net flows for the year were £7,368 million compared with £5,189 million in 2009, driven largely by increased new business volumes for the 

c 

variable annuity business.
Positive investment-related items and other movements in variable annuity separate account liabilities of £2,875 million in 2010 and 
£3,368 million in 2009 represent increases in the US equity market during the respective periods. Fixed annuity, GIC and other business 
investment and other movements primarily reflects the movement in the valuation of the product guarantees and interest credited to 
policyholder accounts. In 2010, interest credited exceeded the small reduction in the guarantee valuation to give an overall increase in 
liabilities. In 2009, there was a more significant fall in the valuation of guarantees.

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

B
U
S
I

N
E
S
S
E
S

D

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A
S
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240

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D3:  US INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

d  Information on credit risks of debt securities

Summary 

Corporate and government security and commercial loans:
  Government

Publicly traded and SEC Rule 144A securities
Non-SEC Rule 144A securities

Total
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Other debt securities

Total debt securities

2010  £m

2009  £m

Carrying 
 value

Carrying 
 value

2,440 
14,747 
3,044 

20,231 
2,784 
2,375 
976 

26,366 

379 
12,959 
3,117

16,455
3,316
2,104
956

22,831

i  Credit quality
For statutory reporting in the US, debt securities are classified into six quality categories specified by the Securities Valuation Office of 
the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The categories range from Class 1 (the highest) to Class 6 (the lowest). 
Performing securities are designated as Classes 1 to 5. Securities in or near default are designated Class 6. Securities designated as 
Class 3, 4, 5 and 6 are non-investment grade securities. Generally, securities rated AAA to A by nationally recognised statistical ratings 
organisations are reflected in Class 1, BBB in Class 2, BB in Class 3 and B and below in Classes 4 to 6. If a designation is not currently 
available from the NAIC, Jackson’s investment adviser, PPM America, provides the designation for the purposes of disclosure below.

The following table shows the quality of the publicly traded and non-SEC Rule 144A debt securities by NAIC classifications:

NAIC designation:
1
2
3
4
5
6

2010

2009

Carrying value

Carrying value

£m

% of total

£m

% of total

5,338
8,550
644
201
11
3

36
58
5
1
–
–

4,688
7,508
598
122
40
3

36
58
5
1
–
–

14,747

100

12,959

100

The following table shows the quality of the non-SEC Rule 144A private placement portfolio by NAIC classifications:

NAIC designation:
1
2
3
4
5
6

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

2010

2009

Carrying value

Carrying value

£m

% of total

£m

% of total

1,125
1,772
114
18
13
2

3,044

37
58
4
1
–
–

100

1,084
1,792
162
54
20
5

3,117

35
57
5
2
1
–

100

 
 
 
 
241

Included within other debt securities of £976 million (2009: £956 million) in the summary shown above are £723 million 
(2009: £652 million) of asset-backed securities held directly by Jackson, of which £527 million (2009: £447 million) were NAIC 
designation 1 and £135 million (2009: £152 million) NAIC designation 2. In addition, other debt securities includes £211 million 
(2009: £172 million) in respect of securities held by the Piedmont trust entity and £42 million (2009: £132 million) from the 
consolidation of investment funds managed by PPM America.

In addition to the ratings disclosed above, the following table summarises by rating the debt securities, as at 31 December 2010 
using Standard and Poor’s (S&P), Moody’s, Fitch and implicit ratings of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) based on NAIC valuations:

S&P – AAA
S&P – AA+ to AA-
S&P – A+ to A-
S&P – BBB+ to BBB-
S&P – Other

Moody’s – Aaa
Moody’s – Aa1 to Aa3
Moody’s – A1 to A3
Moody’s – Baa1 to Baa3
Moody’s – Other

Implicit ratings of MBS based on NAIC valuations (see below)
NAIC 1
NAIC 2
NAIC 3-6

Fitch
Other*

Total debt securities

2010  £m

2009  £m

Carrying 
 value

Carrying 
 value

 4,187 
 801 
 5,156 
 8,202 
 866 

3,287
846
5,192
7,659
895

19,212 

17,879

34 
32 
36 
73 
135 

310 

3,083 
181 
232 

3,496 

176 
3,172 

273
43
32
64
57

469

747
105
473

1,325

281
2,877

26,366 

22,831

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

* The amounts within Other which are not rated by S&P, Moody’s, Fitch nor are MBS securities using the revised regulatory ratings have the following 

NAIC classifications:

NAIC 1
NAIC 2 
NAIC 3-6

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,193 
1,849 
130 

3,172 

1,102
1,623
152

2,877

In the table above, with the exception of some residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities for 
2010, and for residential mortgage-backed securities for 2009, commercial mortgage-backed securities S&P ratings have been used 
where available. For securities where S&P ratings are not immediately available, those produced by Moody’s and then Fitch have been 
used as an alternative. During 2009, the NAIC in the US revised the regulatory ratings process for more than 20,000 residential 
mortgage-backed securities. In addition, in 2010, the NAIC expanded the revised process to include commercial mortgage-backed 
securities. The table above includes these securities, where held by Jackson, using the regulatory rating levels established by external 
third parties (PIMCO for residential mortgage-backed securities and BlackRock Solutions for commercial mortgage-backed securities).

B
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S
I

N
E
S
S
E
S

D

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242

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D3:  US INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

ii  Determining the fair value of debt securities when the markets are not active
Under IAS 39, unless categorised as ‘held to maturity’ or ‘loans and receivables’ debt securities are required to be fair valued. Where 
available, quoted market prices are used. However, where securities do not have an externally quoted price based on regular trades 
or are quoted in markets that are no longer active as a result of market conditions, IAS 39 requires that valuation techniques be applied. 
Note G1 sets out further details of the Group’s approach to determining fair value and classifies these fair values into a three level 
hierarchy as required by IFRS 7. At 31 December 2010, 0.3 per cent of Jackson’s debt securities were classified as level 3 (2009: three 
per cent) comprising fair values where there are significant inputs which are not based on observable market data. 

iii  Asset-backed securities funds exposures
Included within the debt securities of Jackson at 31 December 2010 are exposures to asset-backed securities as follows:

RMBS Sub-prime (31 Dec 2010: 40% AAA, 11% AA)†

Alt-A (31 Dec 2010: 15% AAA, 6% AA)
Prime including agency (31 Dec 2010: 79% AAA, 2% AA)

CMBS (31 Dec 2010: 36% AAA, 15% AA)†
CDO funds (31 Dec 2010: 4% AAA, 4% AA)*, including £1 million exposure to sub-prime
ABS (31 Dec 2010: 26% AAA, 20% AA), including £37 million exposure to sub-prime

2010  £m

2009  £m

224 
415 
2,145 
2,375 
162 
814 

6,135 

194
443
2,679
2,104
79
877

6,376

* Including Group’s economic interest in Piedmont and other consolidated CDO funds.
† MBS ratings refer to the rating implicit within NAIC risk-based capital valuation (see D3(i) previous page).

Jackson defines its exposure to sub-prime mortgages as investments in residential mortgage-backed securities in which the underlying 
borrowers have a US Fair Isaac Credit Organisation (FICO) credit score of 680 or lower. 

iv Debt securities classified as available-for-sale in an unrealised loss position
The following tables show some key attributes of those securities that are in an unrealised loss position at 31 December 2010.

a  Fair value of securities as a percentage of book value 
The unrealised losses in Jackson’s statement of financial position on unimpaired securities are £370 million (2009: £966 million). This 
relates to assets with fair market value and book value of £4,002 million (2009: £7,254 million) and £4,372 million (2009: £8,220 million) 
respectively.

The following table shows the fair value of the debt securities in a gross unrealised loss position for various percentages of book 

value at 31 December:

Fair value of securities as a percentage of book value

Between 90% and 100%
Between 80% and 90%
Below 80% note d

Total

2010 £m

2009 £m

Fair value 

Unrealised
loss

Fair value 

Unrealised
 loss

3,390 
273 
339 

4,002 

(102)
(44)
(224)

(370)

5,127
1,201
926

7,254

(169)
(203)
(594)

(966)

Included within the table above are amounts relating to sub-prime and Alt–A securities of: 

Fair value of securities as a percentage of book value

Between 90% and 100%
Between 80% and 90%
Below 80% note d

Total

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

2010 £m

2009 £m

Fair value 

Unrealised
loss

Fair value 

Unrealised
 loss

98 
55 
56 

209 

(6)
(9)
(25)

(40)

102
160
159

421

(3)
(28)
(88)

(119)

 
 
 
243

2010  £m

2009  £m

Unrealised
loss

Unrealised
 loss

–
(6)
(47)
(49)
(268)

(370)

–
(29)
(127)
(92)
(718)

(966)

b  Unrealised losses by maturity of security

Less than 1 year
1 to 5 years
5 to 10 years
More than 10 years
Mortgage-backed and other debt securities 

Total

c  Age analysis of unrealised losses for the years indicated
The following table shows the aged analysis for all the unrealised losses in the portfolio by reference to the length of time the securities 
have been in an unrealised loss position:

Less than 6 months
6 months to 1 year
1 year to 2 years
2 years to 3 years
More than 3 years

2010  £m

2009  £m

Non-
 investment
grade

Investment
grade

(3)
(2)
(13)
(27)
(58)

(103)

(67)
– 
(20)
(55)
(125)

(267)

Non-
 investment
grade

Investment
grade

(7)
(25)
(59)
(125)
(35)

(251)

(51)
(59)
(234)
(199)
(172)

(715)

Total

(70)
(2)
(33)
(82)
(183)

(370)

Total

(58)
(84)
(293)
(324)
(207)

(966)

At 31 December 2010, the gross unrealised losses in the statement of financial position for the sub-prime and Alt-A securities in an 
unrealised loss position were £40 million (2009: £119 million), as shown above in note (a). Of these losses £1 million (2009: £21 million) 
relate to securities that have been in an unrealised loss position for less than one year and £39 million (2009: £98 million) to securities that 
have been in an unrealised loss position for more than one year.

d  Securities whose fair value were below 80 per cent of the book value
As shown in the table (a) above, £224 million of the £370 million of gross unrealised losses at 31 December 2010 (2009: £594 million of 
the £966 million of gross unrealised losses) related to securities whose fair values were below 80 per cent of the book value. The analysis 
of the £224 million, (2009: £594 million) by category of debt securities and by age analysis indicating the length of time for which their 
fair value was below 80 per cent of the book value, are as follows:

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

Category analysis

Residential mortgage-backed securities
Prime (including agency)
Alt-A
Sub-prime

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Other asset-backed securities

Total structured securities
Corporates

Total 

2010  £m

2009  £m

Fair 
value

Unrealised 
loss

Fair 
value

Unrealised 
loss

88 
15 
41 

144 
8 
123 

275 
64 

339 

(39)
(4)
(20)

(63)
(29)
(105)

(197)
(27)

(224)

322
77
82

481
87
183

751
175

926

(153)
(33)
(55)

(241)
(86)
(188)

(515)
(79)

(594)

B
U
S
I

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E
S
S
E
S

D

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244

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D3:  US INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

Age analysis of fair value being below 80 per cent for the period indicated:

Age analysis

Less than 3 months
3 months to 6 months
More than 6 months

2010  £m

2009  £m

Fair 
value

Unrealised 
loss

Fair 
value

Unrealised 
loss

– 
– 
339 

339 

(1)
– 
(223)

(224)

153
5
768

926

(45)
(3)
(546)

(594)

e  Products and guarantees
Jackson provides long-term savings and retirement products to retail and institutional customers throughout the US. Jackson offers fixed 
annuities (interest-sensitive, fixed indexed and immediate annuities), variable annuities (VA), life insurance and institutional products.

i  Fixed annuities
Interest-sensitive annuities
At 31 December 2010, interest-sensitive fixed annuities accounted for 19 per cent (2009: 24 per cent) of policy and contract liabilities of 
Jackson. Interest-sensitive fixed annuities are primarily deferred annuity products that are used for retirement planning and for providing 
income in retirement. They permit tax-deferred accumulation of funds and flexible payout options.

The policyholder of an interest-sensitive fixed annuity pays Jackson a premium, which is credited to the policyholder’s account. 

Periodically, interest is credited to the policyholder’s account and in some cases administrative charges are deducted from the 
policyholder’s account. Jackson makes benefit payments at a future date as specified in the policy based on the value of the 
policyholder’s account at that date.

The policy provides that at Jackson’s discretion it may reset the interest rate, subject to a guaranteed minimum. The minimum 
guarantee varies from 1.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent (2009: 1.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent) depending on the jurisdiction of issue and the 
date of issue, with 78 per cent (2009: 82 per cent) of the fund at three per cent or less. The average guarantee rate is 3.1 per cent 
(2009: 3.1 per cent).

Approximately 45 per cent (2009: 61 per cent) of the interest-sensitive fixed annuities Jackson wrote in 2010 provide for a market 
value adjustment, that could be positive or negative, on surrenders in the surrender period of the policy. This formula-based adjustment 
approximates the change in value that assets supporting the product would realise as interest rates move up or down. The minimum 
guaranteed rate is not affected by this adjustment.

Fixed indexed annuities
Fixed indexed annuities accounted for 9 per cent (2009: 10 per cent) of Jackson’s policy and contract liabilities at 31 December 2010. 
Fixed indexed annuities vary in structure, but generally are deferred annuities that enable policyholders to obtain a portion of an 
equity-linked return (based on participation rates and caps) but provide a guaranteed minimum return. These guaranteed minimum 
rates are generally set at 1.25 to 3 per cent.

Jackson hedges the equity return risk on fixed indexed products using futures and options linked to the relevant index as well as 
through offsetting equity exposure in the VA product. The cost of these hedges is taken into account in setting the index participation 
rates or caps. Jackson bears the investment and surrender risk on these products.

Immediate annuities
At 31 December 2010, immediate annuities accounted for two per cent (2009: two per cent) of Jackson’s policy and contract liabilities. 
Immediate annuities guarantee a series of payments beginning within a year of purchase and continuing over either a fixed period of 
years and/or the life of the policyholder. If the term is for the life of the policyholder, then Jackson’s primary risk is mortality risk. The 
implicit interest rate on these products is based on the market conditions that exist at the time the policy is issued and is guaranteed for 
the term of the annuity.

ii  Variable annuities
At 31 December 2010, VAs accounted for 58 per cent (2009: 49 per cent) of Jackson’s policy and contract liabilities. VAs are deferred 
annuities that have the same tax advantages and payout options as interest-sensitive and fixed indexed annuities.

The primary differences between VAs and interest-sensitive or fixed indexed annuities are investment risk and return. If a 

policyholder chooses a VA, the rate of return depends upon the performance of the selected fund portfolio. Policyholders may allocate 
their investment to either the fixed or variable account. Investment risk on the variable account is borne by the policyholder, while 
investment risk on the fixed account is borne by Jackson through guaranteed minimum fixed rates of return. At 31 December 2010, 
approximately 12 per cent (2009: approximately 14 per cent) of VA funds were in fixed accounts.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
245

Jackson issues VA contracts where it contractually guarantees to the contractholder either a) return of no less than total deposits made 
to the contract adjusted for any partial withdrawals, b) total deposits made to the contract adjusted for any partial withdrawals plus a 
minimum return, or c) the highest contract value on a specified anniversary date adjusted for any withdrawals following the contract 
anniversary. These guarantees include benefits that are payable in the event of death (guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB)), 
annuitisation (guaranteed minimum income benefit (GMIB)), or at specified dates during the accumulation period (guaranteed minimum 
withdrawal benefit (GMWB)) and guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit (GMAB). Jackson hedges these risks using equity options 
and futures contracts as described in note D3(f). The GMIB is no longer offered, with existing coverage being reinsured. 

iii Life insurance
Jackson’s life insurance products accounted for seven per cent (2009: nine per cent) of Jackson’s policy and contract liabilities at 
31 December 2010. The products offered include variable universal life insurance, term life insurance and interest-sensitive life 
insurance.

iv Institutional products
Jackson’s institutional products consist of GICs, funding agreements (including agreements issued in conjunction with Jackson’s 
participation in the US Federal Home Loan Bank programme) and medium-term note funding agreements. At 31 December 2010, 
institutional products accounted for five per cent of policy and contract liabilities (2009: six per cent). Under a traditional GIC, the 
policyholder makes a lump sum deposit. The interest rate paid is fixed and established when the contract is issued. If deposited funds 
are withdrawn earlier than the specified term of the contract, an adjustment is made that approximates a market value adjustment.
Under a funding agreement, the policyholder either makes a lump sum deposit or makes specified periodic deposits. Jackson 
agrees to pay a rate of interest, which may be fixed but which is usually a floating short-term interest rate linked to an external index. 
The average term of the funding arrangements is one to two years. Funding agreements terminable by the policyholder with less 
than 90 days’ notice account for less than one per cent (2009: one per cent) of total policyholder reserves.
  Medium-term note funding agreements are generally issued to support trust instruments issued on non-US exchanges or to 
qualified investors (as defined by SEC Rule 144A). Through the funding agreements, Jackson agrees to pay a rate of interest, which 
may be fixed or floating, to the holders of the trust instruments.

f  Exposure to market risk and risk management
Jackson’s main exposures are to market risk through its exposure to interest rate risk and equity risk. Approximately 91 per cent 
(2009: 90 per cent) of its general account investments support interest-sensitive and fixed indexed annuities, life business and surplus 
and nine per cent (2009: ten per cent) support institutional business. All of these types of business contain considerable interest rate 
guarantee features and, consequently, require that the assets that support them are primarily fixed income or fixed maturity.

Prudential is exposed primarily to the following risks in the US arising from fluctuations in interest rates:

•  the risk of loss related to meeting guaranteed rates of accumulation following a sharp and sustained fall in interest rates;
•  the risk of loss related to policyholder withdrawals following a sharp and sustained increase in interest rates; and
•  the risk of mismatch between the expected duration of certain annuity liabilities and prepayment risk and extension risk inherent in 

mortgage-backed securities.

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Prudential is also exposed to the following risks in the US arising from equity market movements:

•  the risk of loss related to the incidence of benefits related to guarantees issued in connection with its VA contracts; and
•  the risk of loss related to meeting contractual accumulation requirements in FIA contracts.

Jackson enters into financial derivative transactions, including those noted below to reduce and manage business risks. These 
transactions manage the risk of a change in the value, yield, price, cash flows, or quantity of, or a degree of exposure with respect 
to assets, liabilities or future cash flows, which Jackson has acquired or incurred.

Jackson uses free-standing derivative instruments for hedging purposes. Additionally, certain liabilities, primarily trust instruments 

supported by funding agreements, fixed indexed annuities, certain GMWB variable annuity features and reinsured GMIB variable 
annuity features contain embedded derivatives as defined by IAS 39, ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’. Jackson 
does not account for such derivatives as either fair value or cash flow hedges as might be permitted if the specific hedge documentation 
requirements of IAS 39 were followed. Financial derivatives, including derivatives embedded in certain host liabilities that have been 
separated for accounting and financial reporting purposes are carried at fair value.

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246

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D3:  US INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

Value movements on the derivatives are reported within the income statement. In preparing Jackson’s segment profit as shown in note 
B1, value movements on Jackson’s derivative contracts, are included within short-term fluctuations in investment returns and excluded 
from operating results based on longer-term investment returns (defined as segment profit). The types of derivatives used by Jackson 
and their purpose are as follows:

•  interest rate swaps generally involve the exchange of fixed and floating payments over the period for which Jackson holds the 

instrument without an exchange of the underlying principal amount. These agreements are used for hedging purposes;

•  put-swaption contracts provide the purchaser with the right, but not the obligation, to require the writer to pay the present value of a 
long-duration interest rate swap at future exercise dates. Jackson purchases and writes put-swaptions with maturities up to 10 years. 
Put-swaptions hedge against significant movements in interest rates;

•  equity index futures contracts and equity index options (including various call and put options and put spreads) are used to hedge 
Jackson’s obligations associated with its issuance of fixed indexed immediate and deferred annuities and certain VA guarantees. 
These annuities and guarantees contain embedded options which are fair valued for financial reporting purposes;

•  total return swaps in which Jackson receives equity returns or returns based on reference pools of assets in exchange for short-term 

floating rate payments based on notional amounts, are held for both hedging and investment purposes;

•  cross-currency swaps, which embody spot and forward currency swaps and additionally, in some cases, interest rate swaps and 
equity index swaps, are entered into for the purpose of hedging Jackson’s foreign currency denominated funding agreements 
supporting trust instrument obligations;

•  spread cap options are used as a macro-economic hedge against declining short-term interest rates. Jackson receives quarterly 

settlements based on the spread between the two-year and the 10-year constant maturity swap rates in excess of a specified spread; and

•  credit default swaps, represent agreements under which Jackson has purchased default protection on certain underlying corporate 
bonds held in its portfolio. These contracts allow Jackson to sell the protected bonds at par value to the counterparty if a defined 
default event occurs in exchange for periodic payments made by Jackson for the life of the agreement.

Note D3(j) parts (iii) and (iv) show the sensitivities of Jackson’s results through its exposure to equity risk and interest rate risk.

g  Process for setting assumptions and determining contract liabilities
Under the MSB of reporting applied under IFRS 4 for insurance contracts, providing the requirements of the Companies Act, UK GAAP 
standards and the ABI SORP are met, it is permissible to reflect the previously applied UK GAAP basis. Accordingly, and consistent with 
the basis explained in note A4, in the case of Jackson the carrying values of insurance assets and liabilities are consolidated into the 
Group accounts based on US GAAP.

Under US GAAP, investment contracts (as defined for US GAAP purposes) are accounted for by applying in the first instance a 
retrospective deposit method to determine the liability for policyholder benefits. This is then augmented by potentially three additional 
amounts. These amounts are for:

•  any amounts that have been assessed to compensate the insurer for services to be performed over future periods (i.e. deferred 

income);

•  any amounts previously assessed against policyholders that are refundable on termination of the contract; and
•  any probable future loss on the contract (i.e. premium deficiency).

Capitalised acquisition costs and deferred income for these contracts are amortised over the life of the book of contracts. The present 
value of the estimated gross profits is generally computed using the rate of interest that accrues to policyholder balances (sometimes 
referred to as the contract rate). Estimated gross profits include estimates of the following elements, each of which will be determined 
based on the best estimate of amounts of the following individual elements over the life of the book of contracts without provision for 
adverse deviation for:

•  amounts expected to be assessed for mortality less benefit claims in excess of related policyholder balances;
•  amounts expected to be assessed for contract administration less costs incurred for contract administration;
•  amounts expected to be earned from the investment of policyholder balances less interest credited to policyholder balances; 
•  amounts expected to be assessed against policyholder balances upon termination of contracts (sometimes referred to as surrender 

charges); and

•  other expected assessments and credits.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
247

VA contracts written by Jackson may, as described above, provide for GMDB, GMIB, GMWB and GMAB features. In general terms, 
liabilities for these benefits are accounted for under US GAAP by using estimates of future benefits and fees under best estimate 
persistency assumptions.

In accordance with US GAAP, the grandfathered basis for IFRS, which specifies how certain guarantee features should be accounted 

for the GMDB and certain ‘for life’ GMWB liabilities are not fair valued but are instead determined each period end by estimating the 
expected value of benefits in excess of the projected account balance and recognising the excess ratably over the life of the contract 
based on total expected assessments. At 31 December 2010, these liabilities were valued using a series of deterministic investment 
performance scenarios, a mean investment return of 8.4 per cent (2009: 8.4 per cent) and assumptions for lapse, mortality and expense 
that are the same as those used in amortising the capitalised acquisition costs.

The direct GMIB liability is determined by estimating the expected value of the annuitisation benefits in excess of the projected 
account balance at the date of annuitisation and recognising the excess ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected 
assessments.

The assumptions used for calculating the direct GMIB liability at 31 December 2010 and 2009 are consistent with those used for 
calculating the GMDB and ‘for life’ GMWB liabilities. The change in these reserves, along with claim payments and associated fees 
included in reserves are included along with the hedge results in short-term fluctuations, resulting in removal of the market impact from 
the operating profit based on longer-term investment returns.

Jackson regularly evaluates estimates used and adjusts the additional GMDB and GMIB liability balances, with a related charge or 

credit to benefit expense, if actual experience or other evidence suggests that earlier assumptions should be revised.
  GMIB benefits are essentially fully reinsured, subject to annual claim limits. As this reinsurance benefit is net settled, it is considered 
to be a derivative under IAS 39 and is, therefore, recognised at fair value with the change in fair value included as a component of 
short-term derivative fluctuations.
  GMWB ‘not for life’ features, are considered to be embedded derivatives under IAS 39. Therefore, provisions for these benefits are 
recognised at fair value, with the change in fair value included in short-term fluctuations.

For GMWB and GMIB reinsurance embedded derivatives that are fair valued under IAS 39, Jackson bases its volatility assumptions 
solely on implied market volatility with no reference to historical volatility levels and explicitly incorporates Jackson’s own credit risk in 
determining discount rates.

Volatility assumptions are based on a weighting of available market data on implied volatility for durations up to ten years, at which 

point the projected volatility is held constant. Non-performance risk is incorporated into the calculation through the use of discount 
interest rates sourced from a AA corporate credit curve. Other risk margins, particularly for market illiquidity and policyholder behaviour 
are also incorporated into the model through the use of explicitly conservative assumptions. On a periodic basis, Jackson rationalises the 
resulting fair values based on comparisons to other models and market movements.
  With the exception of the GMDB, GMIB, GMWB and GMAB features of VA contracts, the financial guarantee features of Jackson’s 
contracts are in most circumstances not explicitly valued, but the impact of any interest guarantees would be reflected as they are 
earned in the current account value (i.e. the US GAAP liability).

For traditional life insurance contracts, provisions for future policy benefits are determined under US GAAP using the net level 
premium method and assumptions as of the issue date as to mortality, interest, policy lapses and expenses plus provisions for adverse 
deviation.

Institutional products are accounted for as investment contracts under IFRS with the liability classified as being in respect of financial 

instruments rather than insurance contracts, as defined by IFRS 4. In practice, there is no material difference between the IFRS and US 
GAAP basis of recognition and measurement for these contracts.

Certain institutional products representing obligations issued in currencies other than US dollars have been hedged for changes in 
exchange rates using cross-currency swaps. The fair value of derivatives embedded in funding agreements, as well as foreign currency 
transaction gains and losses, are included in the carrying value of the trust instruments supported by funding agreements recorded in 
other non-insurance liabilities.

Deferred acquisition costs 
Under IFRS 4, the Group applies grandfathered US GAAP for measuring the insurance assets and liabilities of Jackson. In the case of 
Jackson term business, acquisition costs are deferred and amortised in line with expected premiums. For annuity and interest-sensitive 
life business, acquisition costs are deferred and amortised in line with a combination of historical and future expected gross profits on 
the relevant contracts. For fixed and indexed annuity and interest-sensitive life business, the key assumption is the long-term spread 
between the earned rate on investments and the rate credited to policyholders, which is based on an annual spread analysis. Expected 
gross profits also depend on mortality assumptions, assumed unit costs and terminations other than deaths (including the related 
charges), all of which are based on a combination of actual experience of Jackson, industry experience and future expectations. 
A detailed analysis of actual mortality, lapse, and expense experience is performed using internally developed experience studies. 

As with fixed and indexed annuity and interest-sensitive life business, acquisition costs for Jackson’s variable annuity products are 
amortised in line with the emergence of profits. The measurement of the amortisation in part reflects current period fees (including those 
for guaranteed minimum death, income, or withdrawal benefits) earned on assets covering liabilities to policyholders, and the historical 
and expected level of future gross profits which depends on the assumed level of future fees, as well as components related to mortality, 
lapse, and expense. 

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248

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D3:  US INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

Under US GAAP (as grandfathered under IFRS 4) the projected gross profits reflect an assumed long-term level of equity return which, 
for Jackson, is 8.4 per cent after deduction of net external fund management fees. This is applied to the period end level of separate 
account equity assets after application of a mean reversion technique that removes a portion of the effect of levels of short-term 
variability in current market returns. Under the mean reversion technique applied by Jackson, the projected level of return for each of the 
next five years is adjusted from period to period so that in combination with the actual rates of return for the preceding two years and the 
current year, the 8.4 per cent annual return is realized on average over the entire eight year period. Projected returns after the mean 
reversion period revert back to the 8.4 per cent target. A capping feature, which currently applies due to the very sharp market falls in 
2008, is that the projected rates of return for the next five years can be no more than 15 per cent (gross of asset management fee) 
per annum. If Jackson had not applied the mean reversion methodology and had instead applied a constant 8.4 per cent annual return 
from today’s asset values, the Jackson DAC balance of £3,543 million would fall approximately £80 million to £3,463 million at 
31 December 2010.

The amortisation charge to the income statement is reflected in operating profit and short-term fluctuations in investment returns. 

The amortisation charge to the operating profit in a reporting period will incorporate an element of acceleration or deceleration that 
reflects the variance between the actual level of return attained and the assumed level in the mean reversion calculation. In 2010, 
the element of DAC amortisation charge included in operating profit includes £11 million of accelerated amortisation. This amount 
reflects actual separate account return shortfalls in the periods compared with the assumed level of 15 per cent for the year. For 2009, 
reflecting the excess of actual separate account returns over the 15 per cent assumed level, the operating profit incorporates a credit 
for decelerated amortisation of £39 million. 

For 2010, the separate account return (gross of asset management fees) was approximately 13 per cent. In 2011, while the capping 
feature is in effect, each one per cent divergence of the actual separate account return below or above the assumed return of 15 per cent 
is estimated to give rise to accelerated or decelerated amortisation, respectively, of approximately £6 million (£3 million if the projected 
rate falls below the 15 per cent cap). 

In the absence of significant market declines between now and the end of 2011, Jackson would expect to see higher amortisation 

levels than normal in 2011. This would essentially represent a reversal of the mean reversion benefits to date, as at that point highly 
negative returns from 2008 will no longer be included in the mean reverting return calculation.

Statement of changes in equity – ‘shadow DAC adjustments’
Consequent upon the positive unrealised valuation movement in 2010 of £1,221 million (2009: positive £2,669 million) there is a debit 
of £496 million (2009: £1,069 million debit) for altered ‘shadow’ amortisation booked within other comprehensive income. These 
adjustments reflect movement from period to period, in the changes to the pattern of reported gross profits that would have happened 
if the assets reflected in the statement of financial position had been sold, crystallising the unrealised gains or losses, and the proceeds 
reinvested at the yields currently available in the market. At 31 December 2010 the cumulative ‘shadow DAC balance’ was negative 
£520 million (2009: negative £10 million).

h  Reinsurance
The principal reinsurance ceded by Jackson outside the Group is on term life insurance, direct and assumed accident and health business 
and GMIB variable annuity guarantees. In 2010, the premiums for such ceded business amounted to £83 million (2009: £82 million). Net 
commissions received on ceded business and claims incurred ceded to external reinsurers totalled £12 million and £72 million 
respectively, during 2010 (2009: £12 million and £66 million respectively). There were no deferred gains or losses on reinsurance 
contracts in either 2010 or 2009. The reinsurance asset for business ceded outside the Group was £694 million (2009: £667 million).

i  Effect of changes in assumptions used to measure insurance assets and liabilities
2010
There are no changes of assumptions that had a material impact on the 2010 results of US insurance operations.

Separately, in 2010, the Group amended its presentation of operating profit for its US insurance operations to exclude the net 
equity hedge accounting effect of negative £367 million (2009: negative £159 million) relating to its variable and fixed index annuity 
business and reclassified it as a short-term fluctuation within the Group’s supplementary analysis of profit. This is explained further 
in note A4(d)(ii). This change had no effect on the measurement of insurance assets and liabilities and therefore on total profit or 
shareholders’ equity.

2009
Measurement basis for embedded derivatives of variable annuity business and other policyholder liability
Certain variable annuity products sold by Jackson include Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefits (GMWB) with lifetime benefits 
which, in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies, are measured within the IFRS balance sheet at fair value. This requires a 
number of assumptions related to projected future cash flows, including those driven by policyholder behaviours such as lapses, fund 
selections and withdrawals utilisation. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
249

During 2009 the GMWB utilisation assumptions were revised to take account of the more recent experience of policyholder behaviour. 
Previously policyholder behaviour for the utilisation of GMWB was assumed to be largely driven by the extent to which benefits were 
‘in the money’. For 2009, the assumption has been altered to take account of recent experience which shows that the attained age of the 
policyholder is the key factor in determining utilisation levels. This has led to a release in policyholder liabilities of £96 million which is 
offset by a corresponding DAC amortisation charge of £68 million to give an overall impact on profit before tax of £28 million. This 
assumption change has been offset by sundry other assumption changes such that the overall impact on operating profit of policyholder 
liability assumption changes, after taking into account DAC amortisation offsets, is a charge of £4 million. 2010 has been prepared on a 
consistent basis to 2009.

j  Sensitivity of IFRS basis profit and equity to market and other risks
i  Currency fluctuations
Consistent with the Group’s accounting policies, the profits of the Group’s US operations are translated at average exchange rates 
and shareholders’ equity at the closing rate for the reporting period. For 2010, the rates were US$1.55 (2009: US$1.57) and US$1.57 
(2009: US$1.61) to £1 sterling, respectively. A 10 per cent increase or decrease in these rates would reduce or increase profit (loss) 
before tax attributable to shareholders, profit (loss) for the year and shareholders’ equity attributable to US insurance operations 
respectively as follows:

Profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders note i
Profit (loss) for the year
Shareholders’ equity attributable to US insurance operations

A 10% increase in 
exchange rates

A 10% decrease in 
exchange rates

2010  £m

2009  £m

2010  £m

2009  £m

(41)
(31)
(347)

(44)
(54)
(274)

50
37
424

54
65
335

Note
i 

Sensitivity on profit (loss) before tax i.e. aggregate of the operating profit based on longer-term investment returns and short-term fluctuations, as 
discussed in note B1.

ii  Other sensitivities
The principal determinants of variations in operating profit based on longer-term returns are:

•  growth in the size of assets under management covering the liabilities for the contracts in force;
•  variations in fees and other income, offset by variations in market value adjustment payments and, where necessary, 

strengthening of liabilities;

•  spread returns for the difference between investment returns and rates credited to policyholders; and
•  amortisation of deferred acquisition costs.

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For term business, acquisition costs are deferred and amortised in line with expected premiums. For annuity business, acquisition costs 
are deferred and amortised in line with expected gross profits on the relevant contracts. For interest-sensitive business, the key 
assumption is the expected long-term spread between the earned rate and the rate credited to policyholders, which is based on an 
annual spread analysis. In addition, expected gross profits depend on mortality assumptions, assumed unit costs and terminations other 
than deaths (including the related charges) all of which are based on a combination of actual experience of Jackson, industry experience 
and future expectations. 

A detailed analysis of actual experience is measured by internally developed mortality and persistency studies. For variable annuity 

business, the key assumption is the expected long-term level of equity market returns, which for 2010 and 2009 was 8.4 per cent per 
annum implemented using a mean reversion methodology. These returns affect the level of future expected profits through their effects 
on the fee income and the required level of provision for guaranteed minimum benefits. The mean reversion methodology dampens the 
impact of equity market movements during a particular year, but does not fully eliminate the effects of movements in the equity markets. 

In addition, the mean reversion methodology includes both a cap and a floor that determine the maximum impact that the 

methodology may have. The projected rates of return are capped at no more than 15 per cent for each of the next five years. Further 
details are explained in note D3(g) above. 

Except to the extent of mortality experience, which primarily affects profits through variations in claim payments and GMDB 

reserves, the profits of Jackson are relatively insensitive to changes in insurance risk.

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250

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D3:  US INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

iii Exposure to equity risk
Variable annuity contracts related
Jackson issues variable annuity contracts through its separate accounts for which investment income and investment gains and losses 
accrue to, and investment risk is borne by, the contract holder (traditional variable annuities). It also issues variable annuity and life 
contracts through separate accounts where it contractually guarantees to the contract holder (variable contracts with guarantees) either 
a) return of no less than deposits made to the contract adjusted for any partial withdrawals, b) total deposits made to the contract 
adjusted for any partial withdrawals plus a minimum return, or c) the highest contract value on a specified anniversary date adjusted for 
any withdrawals following the contract anniversary. These guarantees include benefits that are payable in the event of death (GMDB), 
annuitisation (GMIB), at specified dates during the accumulation period (GMWB) or at the end of a specified period (GMAB).

At 31 December 2010 and 2009, Jackson had variable annuity contracts with guarantees, for which the net amount at risk (‘NAR’) 

is generally the amount of guaranteed benefit in excess of current account value, as follows:

31 December 2010

Return of net deposits plus a minimum return 
  GMDB
  GMWB – Premium only
  GMWB – For life
  GMAB – Premium only
Highest specified anniversary account value minus withdrawals 
post-anniversary 
  GMDB
  GMWB – Highest anniversary only 
   GMWB – For life 
Combination net deposits plus minimum return, highest 
specified anniversary account value minus withdrawals  
post-anniversary
   GMDB
   GMIB
   GMWB – For life

31 December 2009

Return of net deposits plus a minimum return 
  GMDB
  GMWB – Premium only
  GMWB – For life
  GMAB – Premium only
Highest specified anniversary account value minus withdrawals 
post-anniversary 
  GMDB
  GMWB – Highest anniversary only 
  GMWB – For life 
Combination net deposits plus minimum return, highest 
specified anniversary account value minus withdrawals  
post-anniversary 
  GMDB
  GMIB
  GMWB – For life

Minimum
 return

Account       
    value
£m 

Net amount 
at risk
£m 

Weighted 
average 
attained age

Period until
 expected 
annuitisation

0-6%
0%
0-5%*
0%

25,540 
2,742 
1,996 
48 

3,742 
2,010 
852 

  2,106  64.0 years 

149 
415† 
1  

466  63.3 years 
343  
196† 

0-6%
0-6%
0-8%*

1,768 
1,933 
15,025 

311  65.7 years
418 
672†

5.1 years

Minimum
 return

Account       
    value
£m 

Net amount 
at risk
£m 

Weighted 
average 
attained age

Period until
 expected 
annuitisation

0-6%
0%
0-5%*
0%

16,915 
2,505 
1,240 
27 

2,834 
277
471†
2  

63.8 years 

2,933 
1,694 
811  

1,307 
1,815 
6,934 

691 
496
258†

384 
488 
568†

0-6%
0-6%
0-7%*

62.8 years

65.1 years 

5.9 years

* Ranges shown based on simple interest. The upper limits of five per cent, seven per cent and eight per cent simple interest are approximately equal to 

4.1 per cent, 5.5 per cent and six per cent respectively, on a compound interest basis over a typical 10-year bonus period.

† The NAR for GMWB – ‘For life’ has been estimated as the present value of future expected benefit payments remaining after the amount of the ‘not for 

life’ guaranteed benefit is zero.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
251

2010  £m

2009  £m

23,841 
3,417 
3,345 
451 

31,054 

15,477 
2,340 
2,186 
522 

20,525

Account balances of contracts with guarantees were invested in variable separate accounts as follows:

Mutual fund type

Equity
Bond
Balanced
  Money market

Total

As noted in note D3(f), Jackson is exposed to equity risk through the options embedded in the fixed indexed liabilities and GMDB and 
GMWB guarantees included in certain VA benefits as illustrated above. This risk is managed using a comprehensive equity hedging 
programme to minimise the risk of a significant economic impact as a result of increases or decreases in equity market levels while taking 
advantage of naturally offsetting exposures in Jackson’s operations. Jackson purchases external futures and options that hedge the risks 
inherent in these products, while also considering the impact of rising and falling separate account fees. 

As a result of this hedging programme, if the equity markets were to increase further in the future, Jackson’s free-standing 

derivatives would decrease in value. However, over time, this movement would be broadly offset by increased separate account fees 
and reserve decreases, net of the related changes to amortisation of deferred acquisition costs. Due to the nature of the free-standing 
and embedded derivatives, this hedge, while highly effective on an economic basis, may not completely mute the immediate impact of 
the market movements as the free-standing derivatives reset immediately while the hedged liabilities reset more slowly and fees are 
recognised prospectively. The opposite impacts would be observed if the equity markets were to decrease. 

At 31 December 2010, based on the hedges in place at that time, it is estimated that an immediate decrease in the equity markets of 
10 per cent would result in an accounting benefit, net of related DAC amortisation, before tax of up to £100 million, excluding the impact 
on future separate account fees (2009: £60 million). After related deferred tax there would have been an estimated increase in 
shareholders’ equity at 31 December 2010 of up to £60 million (2009: £40 million). An immediate decrease in the equity markets of 
20 per cent is estimated to result in an accounting benefit, net of related DAC amortisation, before tax of up to £170 million (2009: £110 
million), excluding the impact on future separate account fees. After related deferred tax there would have been an estimated increase 
in shareholders’ equity at 31 December 2010 of up to £110 million (2009: £80 million). An immediate increase in the equity markets of 
10 and 20 per cent is estimated to result in an approximately equal and opposite estimated effect on profit and shareholders’ equity as 
that disclosed above for a decrease. 

The actual impact on financial results would vary contingent upon the volume of new product sales and lapses, changes to the 

derivative portfolio, correlation of market returns and various other factors including volatility, interest rates and elapsed time.

Other exposure to equity risk 
In addition to the above, Jackson is also exposed to equity risk from its holding of equity securities, partnerships in investment pools and 
other financial derivatives. 

A range of reasonably possible movements in the value of equity securities, partnerships in investment pools and other financial 
derivatives have been applied to Jackson’s holdings at 31 December 2010 and 31 December 2009. The table below shows the sensitivity 
to a 10 and 20 per cent fall in value and the impact that this would have on pre-tax profit, net of related changes in amortisation of DAC, 
profit after tax and shareholders’ equity.

Pre-tax profit, net of related changes in amortisation of DAC
Related deferred tax effects

Net sensitivity of profit after tax and shareholders’ equity

2010  £m

2009  £m

A decrease
 of 20%

A decrease
 of 10%

A decrease
 of 20%

A decrease
 of 10%

(143)
50

(93)

(72)
25

(47)

(117)
41

(76)

(58)
20

(38)

A 10 or 20 per cent increase in their value is estimated to have an approximately equal and opposite effect on profit and shareholders’ 
equity to the sensitivities shown above.

In the equity risk sensitivity analysis given above, the Group has considered the impact of an instantaneous 20 per cent fall in equity 

markets. If equity markets were to fall by more than 20 per cent, the Group believes that this would not be an instantaneous fall but 
rather this would be expected to occur over a period of time during which the Group would be able to put in place mitigating 
management actions.

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A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

B
U
S
I

N
E
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S

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252

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D3:  US INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

iv Exposure to interest rate risk
Notwithstanding the market risk exposure described in note D3(f), except in the circumstances of interest rate scenarios where the 
guarantee rates included in contract terms are higher than crediting rates that can be supported from assets held to cover liabilities, 
the accounting measurement of fixed annuity liabilities of Jackson products is not generally sensitive to interest rate risk. This position 
derives from the nature of the products and the US GAAP basis of measurement described in notes D3(e) and D3(g). The GMWB 
features attaching to variable annuity business (other than ‘for-life’) represents embedded derivatives which are fair valued and so 
will be sensitive to changes in interest rate.
  Debt securities and related derivatives are marked to fair value. Value movements on derivatives, net of related changes to 
amortisation of DAC and deferred tax, are recorded within profit and loss. Fair value movements on debt securities, net of related 
changes to amortisation of DAC and deferred tax, are recorded within other comprehensive income. The estimated sensitivity of these 
items and policyholder liabilities to a one per cent and two per cent decrease and increase in interest rates at 31 December 2010 and 
2009 is as follows:

Profit and loss
Direct effect
  Derivatives value change
Policyholder liabilities

Related effect on amortisation of DAC

Pre-tax profit effect: 
  Operating profit based on longer-term 

investment returns
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns 

Related effect on charge for deferred tax

Net profit effect

Other comprehensive income
Direct effect on carrying value of debt securities
Related effect on amortisation of DAC
Related effect on movement in deferred tax

Net effect 

Total net effect on IFRS equity

2010 £m

2009 £m

 A 2%
decrease

 A 1%
decrease

 A 1%
increase

 A 2%
increase

 A 2%
decrease

 A 1%
decrease

 A 1%
increase

 A 2%
increase

842 
(547)
47 

363 
(243)
23 

(277)
219 
(34)

(529)
416 
(63)

(319)
(418)
364

(148)
(185)
162

159
170
(156)

370
334
(328)

579 
(237)
342 
(120)

222 

245 
(102)
143 
(50)

(181)
89 
(92)
32 

(345)
169 
(176)
62 

93 

(60)

(114)

(144)
(229)
(373)
131

(242)

(62)
(109)
(171)
60

(111)

56
117
173
(60)

113

109
267   
376
(131)

245

2,663 
(1,174)
(521)

968 

1,190 

1,454 
(641)
(285)

(1,454)
641 
285 

(2,663)
1,174 
521 

528 

621 

(528)

(968)

(588)

(1,082)

2,183
(764)
(497)

922

680

1,179
(413)
(268)

(1,179)
413
268

(2,183)
764
497

498

387

(498)

(385)

(922)

(677)

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
  
253

k  Duration of liabilities
The table below shows the carrying value of policyholder liabilities. Separately, the Group uses cash flow projections of expected benefit 
payments as part of the determination of the value of in-force business when preparing EEV basis results. The table below also shows the 
maturity profile of the cash flows used for that purpose for 2010 and 2009:

2010  £m

2009  £m

Fixed 
annuity and
 other business
 (including
GICs and 
similar 
contracts) 

Fixed 
annuity and
 other business
 (including
GICs and 
similar 
contracts) 

Variable
annuity

Total

Policyholder liabilities

29,320 

31,203 

60,523 

27,672

Expected maturity: 
0 to 5 years
5 to 10 years
10 to 15 years
15 to 20 years
20 to 25 years
Over 25 years

% 

50 
27 
11 
5 
3 
4 

% 

50 
29 
12 
6 
2 
1 

% 

50
28
12
5
3
2

% 

52
27
10
5
3
3

Variable
annuity

20,639

Total

48,311

% 

50
28
12
6
2
2

% 

51
28
11
5
2
3

The maturity tables shown above have been prepared on a discounted basis. Details of undiscounted cash flows for investment 
contracts are shown in note G2.

F
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A
N
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B
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254

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D4:  ASIAN INSURANCE OPERATIONS

a  Summary statement of financial position 

ASSETS
Intangible assets attributable to shareholders:
  Goodwill
  Deferred acquisition costs and other intangible assets

Total

Intangible assets attributable to with-profit funds:
  Deferred acquisition costs and other intangible assets
Deferred tax assets
Other non-investment and non-cash assets
Investments of long-term business and other operations:

Investment properties
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Financial investments:

Loansnote ii
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trusts

  Debt securitiesnote d
  Other investments
  Deposits

Total investmentsnote b

Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL ASSETS

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Shareholders’ equity
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Liabilities
Policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of 
with-profits funds:

Contract liabilities (including amounts in respect of contracts 
classified as investment contracts under IFRS 4)
Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

Total

Other non-insurance liabilities:
Operational borrowings attributable to  
shareholders-financed operations

  Deferred tax liabilities
  Other non-insurance liabilities

Total liabilities

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

Asian insurance operations

With-profits 
business
note i 
£m

Unit-linked
 assets and 
liabilities
£m

– 
– 

–    

97  
–  
205  

–  
–

874  
4,321  
6,759  
192  
6  

– 
–

–

 –
   –  
94 

– 
– 

–  
9,637 
3,009 
58 
251 

12,152  

12,955 

Other
£m

236
939

2010
Total
£m

236
939

1,175

1,175

–
98
512 

9
2

466 
506 
4,340 
132 
381 

5,836 

97
98
811 

9
2

1,340 
14,464 
14,108 
382 
638 

30,943 

536  

337 

728 

1,601 

2009
Total
£m

80
822

902

97
132
880

11
2

1,207
11,182
9,984
258
746

23,390

837

12,990  

13,386 

8,349 

34,725 

26,238

– 
– 

–  

 – 
–

–

2,149 
5 

2,154 

2,149 
5 

2,154 

1,462
1

1,463

10,958  
66  

12,724 
– 

11,024  

12,724 

– 
341  
1,625  

–
25 
637 

12,990  

13,386 

12,990  

13,386 

4,992 
–

4,992 

189 
129 
885 

6,195 

8,349 

28,674 
66 

28,740 

189 
495 
3,147 

32,571 

34,725 

21,858
53

21,911

210
384
2,270

24,775

26,238

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
255

Notes
i  

The statement of financial position for with-profits business comprises the with-profits assets and liabilities of the Hong Kong, Malaysia 
and Singapore with-profits operations. Assets and liabilities of other participating business are included in the column for ‘other business’.

ii   The loans of the Group’s Asian insurance operations of £1,340 million (2009: £1,207 million) comprise mortgage loans of £25 million 

(2009: £13 million), policy loans of £528 million (2009: £437 million) and other loans of £787 million (2009: £757 million). The mortgage 
and policy loans are secured by properties and life insurance policies respectively. The majority of the other loans are commercial loans 
held by the Malaysian operation and which are all investment graded by two local rating agencies.

Summary policyholder liabilities (net of reinsurance) and unallocated surplus
At 31 December 2010, the policyholder liabilities (net of reinsurance of £41 million (2009: £18 million)) and unallocated surplus for Asian 
operations of £28.7 billion (2009: £21.9 billion) comprised the following:

Singapore
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Indonesia
Korea
Taiwan
Other countries

Total Asian operations

2010  £m

2009  £m

9,731
6,621
2,544
1,475
1,897
968
5,463

6,960
5,762
1,823
968
1,519
545
4,316

28,699

21,893

b  Reconciliation of movement in investments
A reconciliation of the total investments of Asian insurance operations from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is as follows:

With-profits 
business
£m

Unit-linked
 assets and 
liabilities
£m

AT 1 JANUARY 2009

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: Investments held by consolidated investment funds
Less: Derivative liabilities 

  Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

Net cash inflow from operating activities
Disposal of Taiwan agency business
Realised gains (losses) in the year
Unrealised gains and losses and exchange movements in the year

8,866
(705)
–

8,161

565
–
(183)
671

Movement in the year of directly held investments, net of  derivative liabilities 

1,053

AT 31 DECEMBER 2009/1 JANUARY 2010

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: Investments held by consolidated investment funds
Less: Derivative liabilitiesnote G3 

  Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

Net cash inflow from operating activities
Realised gains in the year
Unrealised gains and losses and exchange movements in the year
Acquisition of UOB Life Assurance Limited

9,547
(270)
(63)

9,214

278
638
993
527

Movement in the year of directly held investments, net of  derivative liabilities 

2,436

7,330
(153)
–

7,177

1,243
(734)
1
2,048

2,558

9,953
(218)
–

9,735

838
327
1,786
3

2,954

AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: Investments held by consolidated investment funds
Less: Derivative liabilitiesnote G3 

  Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

12,152
(382)
(120)

12,955
(266)
–

11,650

12,689

Asian 
insurance  
operations
Total
£m

21,809
(1,101)
(32)

20,676

3,028
(3,261)
(243)
2,326

1,850

23,390
(718)
(146)

22,526

2,167
984
3,301
1,004

7,456

30,943
(739)
(222)

29,982

Other
£m

5,613
(243)
(32)

5,338

1,220
(2,527)
(61)
(393)

(1,761)

3,890
(230)
(83)

3,577

1,051
19
522
474

2,066

5,836
(91)
(102)

5,643

F
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B
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256

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D4:  ASIAN INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

c  Reconciliation of movement in policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds
A reconciliation of the total policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds of Asian insurance operations from the 
beginning of the year to the end of the year is as follows:

AT 1 JANUARY 2009

Premiums 

New businessnote ii
In-force

Surrendersnote iii
Maturities/Deaths

Net flows
Change in reserving basis in Malaysia note iv
Change in other reserving basis
Shareholders’ transfers post-tax
Investment-related items and other movements
Foreign exchange translation differencesnote i
Disposal of Taiwan agency businessnote vi

AT 31 DECEMBER 2009/1 JANUARY 2010
Comprising:

– Policyholder liabilities
– Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

Premiums 

New businessnote ii
In-force

Surrendersnote iii
Maturities/Deaths

Net flows
Change in other reserving basis
Shareholders’ transfers post-tax
Investment-related items and other movementsnote v
Foreign exchange translation differencesnote i
Acquisition of UOB Life Assurance Limitednote vii

AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

Comprising:

– Policyholder liabilities
– Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

Average policyholder liability balances*

2010
2009

With-profits 
business
£m

Unit-linked
 assets and 
liabilities
£m

8,094

7,220

46
777

823
(361)
(253)

209
–
–
(20)
1,431
(853)
–

8,861

8,808 
53 

141 
897 

1,038 
(441)
(326)

271 
– 
(24)
693 
719 
504 

643
1,223

1,866
(666) 
(19) 

1,181
(9)
–
–
2,661
(612) 
(724) 

9,717

9,717 
– 

1,072 
1,130 

2,202 
(1,572)
(40)

590 
– 
– 
1,405 
1,009 
3 

Asian 
insurance  
operations
Total
£m

21,069

1,206
2,601

3,807
(1,201)
(342)

2,264
(63)
(4)
(20)
4,242
(2,069)
(3,508)

Other
£m

5,755

517
601

1,118
(174)
(70)

874
(54)
(4)
–
150
(604)
(2,784)

3,333

21,911

3,333 
– 

21,858 
53 

452 
616 

1,068 
(228)
(132)

708 
19
– 
118 
353 
461 

1,665 
2,643 

4,308 
(2,241)
(498)

1,569 
19
(24)
2,216 
2,081 
968 

11,024 

12,724 

4,992 

28,740 

10,958 
66 

12,724 
– 

4,992 
– 

28,674 
66 

10,135

11,222

8,371 

8,107 

4,393

3,152 

25,750

19,630 

 *Adjusted for transactions in the period and excluding the unallocated surplus of with-profits funds.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
257

Notes
i  Movements in the year have been translated at the average exchange rate for the year ended 31 December 2010. The closing balance has been 

translated at the closing spot rates as at 31 December 2010. Differences upon retranslation are included in foreign exchange translation 
differences of positive £2,081 million in 2010 (2009: negative £2,069 million).

ii  The increase in policyholder liabilities due to new business premium for the unit-linked business was predominantly driven by an increase in 

sales during the year of individual linked products.

iii  Following the recovery of the stock markets in Asia in late 2009 and 2010, policyholders in Asia took the opportunity to capitalise on the 

increased value of their unit-linked policies through withdrawals,  principally in Indonesia, Malaysia, and India.  
The depressed state of the investment markets in late 2008 and 2009 resulted in both the number of, and average value of, withdrawals of 
investment related products decreasing.

iv  The change in reserving basis in Malaysia of £63 million reflects the change made following the adoption of a risk-based capital (RBC) approach 

to the local regulatory reporting in that country.

v  The positive investment related items and other movements in 2010 for with-profits (£693 million) and unit-linked business (£1,405 million) are 

mainly driven from Asian equity market gains in the period.

vi  The disposal of Taiwan agency business reflects the liabilities transferred at the date of disposal. 
vii  The acquisition of UOB Life Assurance Limited reflects the liabilities acquired at the date of acquisition.

d  Information on credit risks of debt securities
The following table summarises the credit quality of the debt securities of the Asian insurance operations as at 31 December 2010 by 
rating agency ratings:

S&P – AAA
S&P – AA+ to AA-
S&P – A+ to A-
S&P – BBB+ to BBB-
S&P – Other

Moody’s – Aaa
Moody’s – Aa1 to Aa3
Moody’s – A1 to A3
Moody’s – Baa1 to Baa3
Moody’s – Other

Fitch
Other

Total debt securities

2010  £m

2009  £m

With-profits 
business 

Unit-linked
business 

Other
business 

2,199 
744 
1,337 
729 
649 

5,658 

49 
44 
55 
50 
31 

229 

4 
868 

6,759 

349 
100 
861 
24 
465 

1,799 

10 
48 
16 
10 
– 

84 

33 
1,093 

3,009 

386 
1,294 
645 
160 
659 

3,144 

6 
23 
59 
35 
18

141 

12 
1,043 

4,340 

Total

2,934 
2,138 
2,843 
913 
1,773 

10,601 

65 
115 
130 
95 
49

454 

49 
3,004 

14,108 

Total

2,259
1,594
1,496
682
917

6,948

134
349
309
40
15

847

39
2,150

9,984

F
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A
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A
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M
E
N
T
S

Of the £1,043 million (2009: £517 million) debt securities for other business which are not rated in the table above, £350 million 
(2009: £225 million) are in respect of government bonds and £666 million (2009: £265 million) are in respect of corporate bonds 
rated as investment grade by local external ratings agencies, and £5 million (2009: £22 million) structured deposits issued by 
banks which are themselves rated but where the specific deposits have not been.

 Products and guarantees

e 
The life insurance products offered by the Group’s Asian operations include a range of with-profits and non-participating term, whole 
life, endowment and unit-linked policies. The Asian operations also offer health, disability, critical illness and accident coverage to 
supplement its core life products.

The terms and conditions of the contracts written by the Asian operations and, in particular, the products’ options and guarantees, 

vary from territory to territory depending upon local market circumstances.

In general terms, the Asian participating products provide savings and protection where the basic sum assured can be enhanced by a 

profit share (or bonus) from the underlying fund as determined at the discretion of the insurers. The Asian operations’ non-participating 
term, whole life and endowment products offer savings and/or protection where the benefits are guaranteed or determined by a set of 
defined market-related parameters. Unit-linked products combine savings with protection, the cash value of the policy depends on the 
value of the underlying unitised funds. Health and Protection (H&P) policies provide mortality or morbidity benefits and include health, 
disability, critical illness and accident coverage. H&P products are commonly offered as supplements to main life policies but can be 
sold separately.

B
U
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I

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E
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D

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258

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D4:  ASIAN INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

Subject to local market circumstances and regulatory requirements, the guarantee features described in note D2(e) in respect of UK 
business broadly apply to similar types of participating contracts written in the Hong Kong branch, Singapore and Malaysia. Participating 
products have both guaranteed and non-guaranteed elements.

Non-participating long-term products are the only ones where the insurer is contractually obliged to provide guarantees on all 

benefits. Investment-linked products have the lowest level of guarantee, if any.

Product guarantees in Asia can be broadly classified into four main categories, namely premium rate, cash value and interest rate 

guarantees, policy renewability and convertibility options.

The risks on death coverage through premium rate guarantees are low due to appropriate product pricing.

Cash value and interest rate guarantees are of three types:

•   Maturity values 

Maturity values are guaranteed for non-participating products and on the guaranteed portion of participating products. 
Declared annual bonuses are also guaranteed once vested. Future bonus rates and cash dividends are not guaranteed on 
participating products.

•   Surrender values 

Surrender values are guaranteed for non-participating products and on the guaranteed portion of participating products. The 
surrender value of declared reversionary bonuses are also guaranteed once vested. Market value adjustments and surrender penalties 
are used where the law permits such adjustments in cash values.

•   Interest rate guarantees 

It is common in Asia for regulations or market-driven demand and competition to provide some form of capital value protection and 
minimum crediting interest rate guarantees. This would be reflected within the guaranteed maturity and surrender values. 
  The guarantees are borne by shareholders for non-participating and investment-linked (non-investment guarantees only) 
products. Participating product guarantees are predominantly supported by the segregated life funds and their estates.

Whole of life contracts with floor levels of policyholder benefits that accrue at rates set at inception and do not vary subsequently with 
market conditions are written in the Korean life operations. This is to a much lesser extent than the policies written by the Taiwan agency 
business which was sold in the first half of 2009, as Korea has a much higher proportion of linked and health business. The Korean 
business has non-linked liabilities and linked liabilities at 31 December 2010 of £408 million and £1,491 million respectively 
(2009: £349 million and £1,173 million respectively). 

The other area of note in respect of guarantees is the Japanese business where pricing rates are higher than current bond yields. 
Lapse risk is a feature in that policyholders could potentially surrender their policies on guaranteed terms if interest rates significantly 
increased leaving the potential for losses if bond values had depreciated significantly. However, the business is matched to a relatively 
short realistic liability duration.

The method for determining liabilities of insurance contracts for UK GAAP and IFRS purposes for some Asian operations is based 
on US GAAP principles and this method applies to contracts with cash value and interest rate guarantees. Following standard US GAAP 
procedure, premium deficiency reserve calculations are performed each year to establish whether the carrying values of the liabilities 
are sufficient.
  On the US GAAP basis the calculations are deterministic, that is to say based on a single set of projections, and expected long-term 
rates of return are applied.

f  Exposure to market risk
The Asian operations sell with-profits and unit-linked policies and, although the with-profits business generally has a lower terminal 
bonus element than in the UK, the investment portfolio still contains a proportion of equities and, to a lesser extent, property. Non-
participating business is largely backed by debt securities or deposits. The exposure to market risk of the Group arising from its Asian 
operations is therefore at modest levels. This arises from the fact that the Asian operations have a balanced portfolio of with-profits, 
unit-linked and other types of business.

g  Process for setting assumptions and determining liabilities
The future policyholder benefit provisions for Asian businesses in the Group’s IFRS accounts and previously under the MSB, are 
determined in accordance with methods prescribed by local GAAP adjusted to comply, where necessary, with UK GAAP.

For Asian operations in countries where local GAAP is not well established and in which the business written is primarily non-
participating and linked business, US GAAP is used as the most appropriate reporting basis. This basis is applied in Japan, Vietnam and 
Taiwan. The future policyholder benefit provisions for non-linked business are determined using the net level premium method, with an 
allowance for surrenders, maintenance and claims expenses. Rates of interest used in establishing the policyholder benefit provisions 
vary by operation depending on the circumstances attaching to each block of business.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
259

h  Reinsurance
The Asian businesses cede only minor amounts of business outside the Group with immaterial effects on reported profit. During 2010, 
reinsurance premiums for externally ceded business were £146 million (2009: £119 million) and the reinsurance assets were £41 million 
(2009: £18 million) in aggregate.

i  Effect of changes in bases, estimates and assumptions used to measure insurance assets and liabilities
2010
In 2010, one-off changes made to reserving assumptions resulted in a release from liabilities of £19 million.

2009
In 2009, the local regulatory basis in Malaysia was replaced by the Malaysian authority’s risk-based capital (RBC) framework. In the light 
of this development, the Company has remeasured the liabilities by reference to the method applied under the new RBC framework, but 
with an overlay constraint to the method such that negative reserves derived at an individual policyholder level are not included. This 
change resulted in a one-off release from liabilities at 1 January 2009 of £63 million. Excluding the change in Malaysia, the 2009 result for 
Asian operations was reduced by the effect of a number of individually small assumption changes of, in aggregate £4 million.

j  Sensitivity of IFRS basis profit and equity to market and other risks
Currency translation
Consistent with the Group’s accounting policies, the profits of the Asian insurance operations are translated at average exchange rates 
and shareholders’ equity at the closing rate for the reporting period. For 2010, the rates for the most significant operations are given in 
note B4.

A 10 per cent increase or decrease in these rates would have reduced or increased profit before tax attributable to shareholders, 

profit for the year and shareholders’ equity, excluding goodwill, attributable to Asian operations respectively as follows:

(Loss) profit before tax attributable to shareholdersnote i
(Loss) profit for the year
Shareholders’ equity, excluding goodwill, attributable to Asian  operations

A 10% increase in
exchange rates

A 10% decrease in
exchange rates

2010 
£m

(65)
(58)
(193)

2009 
£m

(40)
(35)
(129)

2010 
£m

80
71
236

2009 
£m

49
43
158

Note
i 

Sensitivity on profit before tax i.e. aggregate of the operating profit based on longer-term investment returns, short-term fluctuations in 
investment returns, and actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes but excluding the loss on sale and results for Taiwan 
agency business, as discussed in note B1.

Other risks
i  With-profits business
Similar principles to those explained for UK with-profits business apply to profit emergence for the Asian with-profits business. 
Correspondingly, the profit emergence reflects bonus declaration and is relatively insensitive to period by period fluctuations in 
insurance risk or interest rate movements.

ii  Unit-linked business
As for the UK insurance operations, the profits and shareholders’ equity related to the Asian operations is primarily driven by charges 
related to invested funds. For the Asian operations, substantially all of the contracts are classified as insurance contracts under IFRS 4, 
i.e. containing significant insurance risk. The sensitivity of profits and equity to changes in insurance risk is minor and, to interest rate risk, 
not material.

iii Other business
a  Interest rate risk 
Asian operations offer a range of insurance and investment products, predominately with-profits and non-participating term, whole life 
endowment and unit-linked. Excluding with-profit and unit-linked business, the results of the Asian business are sensitive to the vagaries 
of routine movements in interest rates.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D4:  ASIAN INSURANCE OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

For the purposes of analysing sensitivity to variations in interest rates, it has been determined for the majority of territories that 
a movement of one per cent in the 10 year government bond rate can be considered reasonably possible. At 31 December 2010, 
10 year government bond rates vary from territory to territory and range from 1.1 per cent to 12.25 per cent (2009: 1.3 per cent to 
11.45 per cent). Exception to this arises in Japan and Taiwan where reasonably possible interest rate movements have been determined 
as 0.5 per cent (2009: Japan and Taiwan 0.5 per cent). These reasonably possible changes would have the following impact:

Pre-tax profit
Related deferred tax (where applicable)

Net effect on profit and equity

2010  £m

2009  £m

A decrease  
of 1%
note i 

A decrease  
of 1%
note i 

110
(41)

69

91
(22)

69

Note
i 

One per cent sensitivity has been used in all territories (except Japan and Taiwan (0.5 per cent)) (2009: Japan and Taiwan 0.5 per cent).
The pre-tax impacts, if they arose, would mostly be recorded within the category short-term fluctuations in investments returns in the Group’s 
segmental analysis of profit before tax.
At 31 December 2010, an increase in the rates of one per cent (Japan and Taiwan (0.5 per cent)) (2009: one per cent except Japan and Taiwan 
0.5 per cent) is estimated to have the effect of decreasing pre-tax profit by £112 million (2009: £109 million). After adjusting these results for 
deferred tax the reasonable possible effect on shareholders’ equity is a decrease of £82 million (2009: £83 million).

b  Equity price risk
The non-linked shareholder business has limited exposure to equity and property investment (£515 million at 31 December 2010). 
Generally changes in equity and property investment values are not automatically matched by investments in policyholder liabilities. 
However, for the Vietnam business, to the extent that equity investment appreciation is realised through sales of securities then 
policyholders’ liabilities are adjusted to the extent that policyholders participate.

The estimated sensitivity to a 10 and 20 per cent change in equity and property prices for shareholder-backed Asian other business, 
which would be reflected in the short-term fluctuation component of the Group’s segmental analysis of profit before tax at 31 December 
2010 and 2009, would be as follows:

Pre-tax profit
Related deferred tax (where applicable)

Net effect on profit and equity

2010 £m

2009 £m

A decrease  
of 20%

A decrease  
of 10%

A decrease  
of 20%

A decrease  
of 10%

(103)
10

(93)

(52)
5

(47)

(58)
8

(50)

(29)
4

(25)

A 10 or 20 per cent increase in their value is estimated to have an approximately equal and opposite effect on profit and shareholders’ 
equity to the sensitivities shown above. 

In the equity risk sensitivity analysis given above the Group has considered the impact of an instantaneous 20 per cent fall in equity 

markets. If equity markets were to fall by more than 20 per cent, the Group believes that this would not be an instantaneous fall but 
rather this would be expected to occur over a period of time during which the Group would be able to put in place mitigating 
management actions. 

c  Insurance risk
Many of the territories in Asia are exposed to mortality/morbidity risk and provision is made within IFRS policyholder liabilities on a 
prudent regulatory basis to cover the potential exposure. If these prudent assumptions were strengthened by five per cent (estimated 
at one in ten year shock) then it is estimated that post-tax IFRS profit would be impacted by approximately £21 million (2009: £9 million) 
(with a corresponding change to IFRS shareholders’ equity). Mortality/morbidity has a symmetrical effect on portfolio and so a 
weakening of mortality/morbidity assumptions would have an approximately equal and opposite similar impact.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
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k  Duration of liabilities
The table below shows the carrying value of policyholder liabilities. Separately the Group uses cash flow projections of expected benefit 
payments as part of the determination of the value of in-force business when preparing EEV basis results. The table below also shows the 
maturity profile of the cash flows, taking account of expected future premiums and investment returns used for that purpose for 2010 
and 2009:

Policyholder liabilities

Expected maturity: 
0 to 5 years
5 to 10 years
10 to 15 years
15 to 20 years
20 to 25 years
Over 25 years

2010  £m

2009  £m

28,674

21,858

%

24
20
15
12
10
19

%

24
21
15
12
9
19

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262

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D5:  CAPITAL POSITION STATEMENT FOR LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES

a  Summary statement
The Group’s estimated capital position for life assurance businesses with reconciliations to shareholders’ equity is shown below. 
Available capital for each fund or group of companies is determined by reference to local regulation at 31 December 2010 and 2009.

2010 £m

Other
UK life
assurance
subsidi-
aries and
funds
note ii

Total 
PAC
 with-
profits
fund

Asian
 life 
assurance
subsidi-
aries

Total
 life 
assurance
opera-
tions

M&G
(including
Prudential
Capital)

Jackson

SAIF

WPSF
note i

Parent
company
and share-
holders’
equity of
other
subsidi-
aries and
funds

Group 
total

–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–

716
–

716
1,399

3,815
–

3,815
–

1,913
236

2,149
–

6,444
236

6,680
1,399

254
1,153

1,407
–

(1,532)
77

(1,455)
–

5,166
1,466

6,632
1,399

2,115

3,815

2,149

8,079

1,407

(1,455)

8,031

10,187

10,187

(2,938)

(2,938)

–

–

–

–

66

10,253

–

(2,938)

(13)
–

(13)
–

(116)
–

(3,543)
159

(993)
–

(4,665)
159

–

–

–

1,900

–

1,900

60

60

(1,202)

(1,202)

–

–

–

–

–

–

60

(1,202)

706

706

(292)

576

156

1,146

6,800

6,800

(408)

(908)

(771)

4,713

–

6,800

6,800

1,707

2,907

1,378

12,792

31 December 2010

GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ 

EQUITY

Held outside long-term funds:

Net assets
  Goodwill

Total
Held in long-term fundsnote iii

Total Group shareholders’ equity

ADJUSTMENTS TO 

REGULATORY  BASIS

Unallocated surplus of 
  with-profits fundsnote v
Shareholders’ share of realistic 

liabilities

Deferred acquisition costs of 

non-participating business 
not recognised for regulatory 
reporting purposes and 
goodwill

Jackson surplus notesnote iv
Investment and policyholder 
liabilities valuation 
differences between IFRS 
basis and regulatory basis 
for Jacksonnote viii

Adjustment from IAS 19 basis  
pension deficit attributable 
to  WPSF to pension liability 
for regulatory purposesnote vii

Valuation difference on PAL  
between IFRS basis and 
regulatory basis

Other adjustments to restate  
these amounts to a 
regulatory basis (with SAIF 
and the WPSF on a Peak 2 
realistic basis)note v

Total adjustments

TOTAL AVAILABLE CAPITAL 

RESOURCES OF 
LIFE ASSURANCE  
BUSINESSES ON LOCAL 
REGULATORY BASES

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
263

2010  £m

Other 
UK life
assurance
subsidi-
aries and
funds
note ii

Total 
PAC
 with-
profits
fund

SAIF

WPSF
note i

Asian life 
assurance
subsidi-
aries

Total life 
assurance
operations

Jackson

9,115

31,395

40,510

376

9,491

25,237

56,632

25,613

66,123

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5,284

45,794

119

5,403

25,732

71,526

5,555

5,555

–

–

–

–
268

2,128
13,067

2,128
13,335

8,882
19,297

31,203
27,438

12,724
4,935

54,937
65,005

31 December 2010

POLICYHOLDER LIABILITIES
With-profits liabilities of UK 

regulated with-profits funds:
Insurance contracts
Investment contracts (with 

 discretionary participation 
features)

Total

Other liabilities:

Insurance contracts:

With-profits liabilities 

of non-UK regulated funds
Unit-linked, including variable 

annuity

  Other life assurance business
Investment contracts without 
discretionary participation 
features (principally unit-linked 
and similar contracts in the  
UK and GIC liabilities of 
Jackson)note vi

–

–

–

15,765

1,882

57

17,704

Total

268 

15,195 

15,463 

43,944 

60,523 

23,271 

143,201 

TOTAL POLICYHOLDER 

LIABILITIES SHOWN IN 
THE CONSOLIDATED 
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL 
POSITION

9,759

71,827

81,586

43,944

60,523

28,674

214,727

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264

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D5:  CAPITAL POSITION STATEMENT FOR LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES  >  CONTINUED

2009 £m

Other
UK life
assurance
subsidi-
aries and
funds
note ii

Total 
PAC
 with-
profits
fund

Asian
 life 
assurance
subsidi-
aries

Total
 life 
assurance
opera-
tions

M&G
(including
Prudential
Capital)

Jackson

SAIF

WPSF
note i

Parent
company
and share-
holders’
equity of
other
subsidi-
aries and
funds

Group 
total

–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–

788
–

788
1,114

3,011
–

3,011
–

1,382
80

1,462
–

5,181
80

5,261
1,114

173
1,153

1,326
–

(1,507)
77

(1,430)
–

3,847
1,310

5,157
1,114

1,902

3,011

1,462

6,375

1,326

(1,430)

6,271

9,966

9,966

(3,001)

(3,001)

–

–

–

–

53

10,019

–

(3,001)

(2)
–

(7)
–

(9)
–

(124)
–

(3,092)
154

(786)
–

(4,011)
154

–

–

–

2

–

–

–

–

2,221

–

2,221

65

65

(1,294)

(1,294)

–

–

–

–

–

–

65

(1,294)

703

705

6,432

6,432

(171)

(295)

194

400

1,128

(523)

(333)

5,281

–

6,432

6,432

1,607

2,488

1,129

11,656

31 December 2009

GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ 

EQUITY

Held outside long-term funds:

Net assets
  Goodwill

Total
Held in long-term fundsnote iii

Total Group shareholders’ equity

ADJUSTMENTS TO 

REGULATORY  BASIS

Unallocated surplus of 
  with-profits fundsnote v
Shareholders’ share of realistic 

liabilities

Deferred acquisition costs of 

non-participating business 
not recognised for regulatory 
reporting purposes and 
goodwill

Jackson surplus notesnote iv
Investment and policyholder 
liabilities valuation 
differences  between IFRS 
basis and regulatory basis for 
Jacksonnote viii

Adjustment from IAS 19 basis  
pension deficit attributable 
to  WPSF to pension liability 
for regulatory purposesnote vii

Valuation difference on PAL  
between IFRS basis and 
regulatory basis

Other adjustments to restate  
these amounts to a 
regulatory basis (with SAIF 
and the WPSF on a Peak 2 
realistic basis)note v

Total adjustments

TOTAL AVAILABLE CAPITAL 

RESOURCES OF 
LIFE ASSURANCE  
BUSINESSES ON LOCAL 
REGULATORY BASES

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
265

2009  £m

Other 
UK life
assurance
subsidi-
aries and
funds
note ii

Total 
PAC
 with-
profits
fund

SAIF

WPSF
note i

Asian life 
assurance
subsidi-
aries

Total life 
assurance
operations

Jackson

9,285

28,449

37,734

396

9,681

24,384

52,833

24,780

62,514

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,766

42,500

100

4,866

24,880

67,380

3,942

9,717
3,287

3,942

39,147
60,124

–

–
291

–

–

1,998
12,726

1,998
13,017

6,793
18,113

20,639
25,707

–

291

–

–

14,724

15,015

13,794

38,700

1,965

48,311

46

15,805

16,992

119,018

F
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A
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T
S

9,972

67,557

77,529

38,700

48,311

21,858

186,398

31 December 2009

POLICYHOLDER LIABILITIES
With-profits liabilities of UK 

regulated with-profits funds:
Insurance contracts
Investment contracts (with 

discretionary participation 
features)

Total

Other liabilities:

Insurance contracts:
  With-profits liabilities 

of non-UK regulated funds
Unit-linked, including variable 

annuity

  Other life assurance business
Investment contracts without 
discretionary participation 
features (principally unit-linked 
and similar contracts in the  
UK and GIC liabilities of 
Jackson)note vi

Total

TOTAL POLICYHOLDER 

LIABILITIES SHOWN IN THE 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT 
OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Notes
i   WPSF unallocated surplus includes amounts related to the Hong Kong branch. Policyholder liabilities of the Hong Kong branch are included in 

the amounts of Asian life assurance subsidiaries.

ii   Excluding PAC shareholders’ equity that is included in ‘parent company and shareholders’ equity of other subsidiaries and funds’.
iii   The term shareholders’ equity held in long-term funds refers to the excess of assets over liabilities attributable to shareholders of funds which are 

required by law to be maintained with segregated assets and liabilities.

iv   For regulatory purposes the Jackson surplus notes are accounted for as capital.
v   Other adjustments to shareholders’ equity and unallocated surplus include amounts for the value of non-participating business for UK regulated 
with-profits funds, deferred tax, admissibility and other items measured differently on the regulatory basis. For Jackson the principal reconciling 
item is deferred tax related to the differences between IFRS and regulatory bases as shown in the table above and other methodology differences.
Insurance business accounted for as financial instruments under IAS 39.

vi  
vii   In determining the IAS 19 adjustment for the purposes of this table the deficit in the Group’s main pension scheme used for the calculation 

includes amounts for investments in Prudential insurance policies (see note I3).

viii  The investment and policyholder liabilities valuation difference between IFRS and regulatory bases for Jackson is mainly due to not all 

investments being carried at fair value under the regulatory basis and also due to the valuation difference on annuity reserves. 

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266

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D5:  CAPITAL POSITION STATEMENT FOR LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES  >  CONTINUED

b Basis of preparation, capital requirements and management
Each of the Group’s long-term business operations is capitalised to a sufficiently strong level for its individual circumstances. Details 
of the Group’s major operations are shown below.

i  UK insurance operations
The FSA rules which govern the Prudential regulation of insurance form part of the Prudential Sourcebook for Insurers, the General 
Prudential Sourcebook and Interim Prudential Sourcebook for Insurers. Overall, the net requirements of the General Prudential 
Sourcebook are intended to align the capital adequacy requirements for insurance business more closely with those of banking and 
investment firms and building societies, for example, by addressing tiers of capital, rather than looking at net admissible assets. An 
insurer must hold capital resources equal at least to the Minimum Capital Requirement (MCR).

The Prudential Sourcebook for Insurers also contains rules on Individual Capital Assessments. Under these rules and the rules of 
the General Prudential Sourcebook all insurers must assess for themselves the amount of capital needed to back their business. If the 
FSA views the results of this assessment as insufficient, it may draw up its own Individual Capital Guidance for a firm, which can be 
superimposed as a requirement.

PAC WPSF and SAIF
Under FSA rules, insurers with with-profits liabilities of more than £500 million must hold capital equal to the higher of the MCR and 
the Enhanced Capital Requirement (ECR). The ECR is intended to provide a more risk responsive and ‘realistic’ measure of a with-profit 
insurer’s capital requirements, whereas the MCR is broadly speaking equivalent to the previous required minimum margin under the 
Interim Prudential Sourcebook and satisfies the minimum EU Standards.
  Determination of the ECR involves the comparison of two separate measurements of the firm’s resources requirement, which the 
FSA refers to as the ‘twin peaks’ approach.

The two separate peaks are:

i 

 The requirement comprised by the mathematical reserves plus the ‘Long-Term Insurance Capital Requirement’ (LTICR), together 
known as the ‘regulatory peak’; and

ii   a calculation of the ‘realistic’ present value of the insurer’s expected future contractual liabilities together with projected ‘fair’ 

discretionary bonuses to policyholders, plus a risk capital margin, together known as the ‘realistic peak’.

Available capital of the WPSF and SAIF of £6.8 billion (2009: £6.4 billion) represents the excess of assets over liabilities on the FSA 
realistic basis. Unlike the previously discussed FRS 27 basis, realistic liabilities on the regulatory basis include the shareholders’ share 
of future bonuses. These amounts are shown before deduction of the risk capital margin (RCM) which is estimated to be £1.5 billion at 
31 December 2010 (2009: £1.4 billion).

The FSA’s basis of setting the RCM is to target a level broadly equivalent to a Standard & Poor’s credit rating of BBB and to judge 
this by ensuring there are sufficient assets to absorb a one in 200 year event. The RCM calculation achieves this by setting rules for the 
determination of margins to cover defined stress changes in asset values and yields for market risk, credit risk and termination risk for 
with-profits policies.

As noted in section D2(g)(ii), PAC has discretion in its management actions in the case of adverse investment conditions. 

Management actions encompass, but are not confined to, investment allocation decisions, levels of reversionary bonuses, crediting rates 
and total claim values. To illustrate the flexibility of management actions, rates of regular bonus are determined for each type of policy 
primarily by targeting them at a prudent proportion of the long-term expected future investment return on the underlying assets. The 
expected future investment return is reduced as appropriate for each type of policy to allow for items such as expenses, charges, tax 
and shareholders’ transfers. However, the rates declared may differ by product type, or by date of payment of the premiums or date of 
issue of the policy, if the accumulated annual bonuses are particularly high or low relative to a prudent proportion of the achieved 
investment return.
  When target bonus levels change, the PAC Board has regard to the overall financial strength of the long-term fund when determining 
the length of time over which it will seek to achieve the amended product target bonus level.

In normal investment conditions, PAC expects changes to regular bonus rates to be gradual over time and changes are not expected 

to exceed one per cent per annum over any year. However, discretion is retained as to whether or not a regular bonus is declared each 
year, and there is no limit on the amount by which regular bonus rates can be changed.

As regards smoothing of maturity and death benefits, in normal circumstances PAC does not expect most pay-out values on policies 
of the same duration to change by more than 10 per cent up or down from one year to the next, although some larger changes may occur 
to balance pay-out values between different policies. Greater flexibility may be required in certain circumstances, for example, following 
a significant rise or fall in market values (either sudden or over a period of years) and in such situations the PAC Board may decide to vary 
the standard bonus smoothing limits to protect the overall interests of policyholders.

For surrender benefits, any substantial fall in the market value of the assets of the with-profits sub-fund would lead to changes in the 

application of MVRs for accumulating with-profits policies, firstly to increase the size of MVRs already being applied and, secondly, to 
extend the range of policies for which an MVR is applied.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
267

Other UK life assurance subsidiaries and funds
The available capital of £1,707 million (2009: £1,607 million) reflects the excess of regulatory basis assets over liabilities of the 
subsidiaries and funds, before deduction of the capital resources requirement of £1,086 million (2009: £952 million).

The capital resources requirement for these companies broadly reflects a formula which, for active funds, equates to a percentage 

of regulatory reserves plus a percentage of death strains. Death strains represent the payments made to policyholders upon death in 
excess of amounts explicitly allocated to fund the provisions for policyholders claims and maturities.

ii  Jackson 
The regulatory framework for Jackson is governed by the requirements of the US NAIC approved risk-based capital standards. Under 
these requirements life insurance companies report for the most part on a formula-based capital standard that they calculate by applying 
factors to various asset, premium and reserve items and separate model based calculations of risk associated primarily with variable 
annuity products. The risk-based capital formula takes into account the risk characteristics of a company, including asset risk, insurance 
risk, interest rate risk, market risk and business risk.

The available capital of Jackson shown above of £2,907 million (2009: £2,488 million) reflects US regulatory basis assets less 
liabilities including asset valuation reserves. The asset valuation reserve is designed to provide for future credit-related losses on debt 
securities and losses on equity investments. Available capital includes a reduction for the effect of the interest maintenance reserve, 
which is designed by state regulators to defer recognition of non-credit related realised capital gains and losses and to recognise them 
rateably in the future.

Jackson’s risk-based capital ratio is significantly in excess of regulatory requirements. At 31 December 2010, Jackson had a permitted 

practice in effect as granted by the local regulator allowing Jackson to carry certain interest rate swaps at book value, as if statutory 
hedge accounting were in place, instead of at fair value as would have been otherwise required. Jackson was also required to 
demonstrate the effectiveness of its interest rate swap programme pursuant to the Michigan Insurance Code. The total effect of this 
permitted practice, which expires on 1 October 2011 was to increase statutory surplus by £83 million at 31 December 2010. 

iii Asian operations
The available capital shown above of £1,378 million (2009: £1,129 million) represents the excess of local regulatory basis assets over 
liabilities before deduction of required capital of £572 million (2009: £438 million). These amounts have been determined applying the 
local regulations in each of the operations.

The businesses in Asia are subject to local capital requirements in the jurisdictions in which they operate. The Hong Kong business 

branch of PAC and its capital requirements are subsumed within those of the PAC long-term fund. For the other material Asian 
operations, the details of the basis of determining regulatory capital and regulatory capital requirements are as follows:

Singapore
In Singapore a risk-based regulatory framework applies rather than one based on a net premium approach.

For participating business, a gross premium reserve, determined using prudent best estimate assumptions and which makes 
allowance for future bonus, is held. The amount held is subject to a minimum of the higher of the assets attributed to participating 
business and a gross premium reserve calculated on specified assumptions, but without allowance for future bonus, that include 
prescribed provisions for adverse deviations (PADs).

For non-participating business, gross premium reserves are held. For linked business the value of units is held together with a 

non-unit reserve calculated in accordance with standard actuarial methodology.

Indonesia
Policy reserves for traditional business are determined on a modified net premium basis. The valuation interest rates are capped at 
nine per cent for local currency products and five per cent for foreign currency products.

For linked business the value of units is held together with a non-unit reserve calculated in accordance with standard actuarial 
methodology. Solvency capital is determined using a risk-based capital approach. Insurance companies in Indonesia are expected 
to maintain the level of net assets above 120 per cent of solvency capital. Due to the 2008 financial crisis, the local regulator provided 
relief in solvency capital and the measure continues until further notice.

Japan
Mathematical reserves for traditional business are determined on a net premium basis using prescribed mortality and interest rates. 
Interest rates reflect the original pricing assumptions.

For linked business the value of units is held together with a non-unit reserve calculated in accordance with standard actuarial 

methodology.
  With regard to solvency, the adjusted solvency capital assets of the Company must exceed 200 per cent of the risk related capital 
requirement value at risk. It is thus a risk-based capital approach.

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268

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D5:  CAPITAL POSITION STATEMENT FOR LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES  >  CONTINUED

Malaysia
In Malaysia, a risk-based capital framework applies since 2009.

For participating business, a gross premium reserve on the guaranteed and non-guaranteed benefits determined using best estimate 
assumptions is held. The amount held is subject to a minimum of a gross premium reserve on the guaranteed benefits, determined using 
best estimate assumptions along with provisions of risk margin for adverse deviations (PRADs) discounted at the risk-free rate.

For non-participating business, gross premium reserves determined using best estimate assumptions along with provisions of risk 
margin for adverse deviations (PRADs) discounted at the risk-free rate are held. For linked business the value of units is held together 
with a non-unit reserve calculated in accordance with standard actuarial methodology.

The risk-free rate is derived from a yield curve of zero-coupon spot yields of Malaysian Government Securities.

Vietnam
Mathematical reserves are calculated using a modified net premium approach, using a stable set of assumptions agreed with the 
regulator.

The capital requirement is determined as four per cent of reserves plus a specified percentage of 0.1 per cent of sums at risk for 
policies with original term less than or equal to five years or 0.3 per cent of sums at risk for policies with original term of more than five 
years. An additional capital requirement of Vietnamese Dong 200 billion is also required for companies transacting unit-linked business.

Korea
Policy reserves for traditional business are determined on net premium reserve basis using pricing mortality and prescribed standard 
interest rates.

For linked business, the value of units is held together with the non-unit reserves calculated in accordance with regulatory standard 

actuarial methodology.

The capital requirement in Korea has moved to a risk-based regulatory framework in April 2009 with a two-year transition period 
where insurers can choose between the prior and new framework. The risk-based regulatory framework was adopted in 2009 by the 
Company. Under the new framework, insurance companies in Korea are expected to maintain a level of free surplus in excess of the 
capital requirements with the general target level of solvency margin being in excess of 150 per cent of the risk-based capital.

iv Group capital requirements
In addition to the requirements at individual company level, FSA requirements under the IGD apply additional prudential requirements 
for the Group as a whole. Discussion of the Group’s estimated IGD position at 31 December 2010, together with market risk sensitivity 
disclosure provided to key management, is provided in the business review section of the Group’s 2010 Annual Report and in section C.

c  Movements in total available capital
Total available capital for the Group’s life assurance operations has changed during 2010 as follows:

AVAILABLE CAPITAL AT 31 DECEMBER 2009
Changes in assumptions
Changes in management policy
Changes in regulatory requirements
New business and other factors(note v)

AVAILABLE CAPITAL AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

Other
UK life
assurance
subsidiaries 
and funds
note iii

1,607
30
–
–
70

1,707

WPSF
note i

6,432
(83)
364
–
87

6,800

2010  £m

Asian life
 assurance
subsidiaries
note iv

1,129
(2)
–
–
251

1,378

Jackson
note ii

2,488
–
–
(60)
479

2,907

Group 
total

11,656
(55)
364
(60)
887

12,792

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
269

Detail on the movement for 2009 is as follows:

AVAILABLE CAPITAL AT 31 DECEMBER 2008
Changes in assumptions
Changes in management policy
Changes in regulatory requirements
New business and other factors(note v)

AVAILABLE CAPITAL AT 31 DECEMBER 2009

Notes
i   WPSF

Other
UK life
assurance
subsidiaries 
and funds
note iii

1,053
23
26
–
505

1,607

WPSF
note i

5,362
18
–
–
1,052

6,432

2009  £m

Asian life
 assurance
subsidiaries
note iv

1,410
2
(101)
178
(360)

1,129

Jackson
note ii

2,758
–
–
128
(398)

2,488

Group 
total

10,583
43
(75)
306
799

11,656

The increase in 2010 reflects primarily the positive effect of changes in management policy in respect of hedge strategy, asset allocation, and 
other risk alignment changes.

The increase in 2009 reflected primarily the positive investment returns earned on the opening available capital and £18 million positive 

ii  

effect of changes in assumptions on a regulatory basis. 
Jackson
The increase of £419 million in 2010 reflects an underlying increase of £340 million (applying the 2010 year end exchange rate of $1.57:£1) and 
£79 million of exchange translation gains.

The decrease of £270 million in 2009 reflected an underlying increase of £33 million (applying the 2009 year end exchange rate of $1.61:£1) 

and £303 million of exchange translation loss.
The underlying movement of the available capital of Jackson included the effects of capital contributions, dividends paid to the parent company, 
impairment losses and also the effects of hedging transactions.

iii  Other UK life assurance subsidiaries and funds

The effect from the changes in assumptions of valuation interest rates on insurance liabilities is broadly matched by the corresponding effect on 
assets leaving no significant impact on the available capital.

iv  Asian life assurance subsidiaries 

The increase of £251 million in 2010 reflects an underlying increase of £127 million (applying the relevant 2010 year end exchange rates) and 
£124 million of exchange translation gain. The underlying increase of available capital in 2010 included the effects of the acquisition of UOB Life 
Assurance Limited in Singapore in February 2010.

The decrease of £281 million in 2009 reflected an underlying decrease of £152 million (applying the relevant 2009 year end exchange rates) 

and £129 million of exchange translation loss. The underlying decrease of available capital in 2009 included the effects of the change to a 
risk-based capital framework in Malaysia from 1 January 2009 as explained in section b above and also the sale of the Taiwan agency business 
in June 2009. 

v  New business and other factors comprise the effect of changes in new business, valuation interest rate, investment return, foreign exchange and 

other factors.

F
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d  Transferability of available capital
For PAC and all other UK long-term insurers, long-term business assets and liabilities must, by law, be maintained in funds separate from 
those for the assets and liabilities attributable to non-life insurance business or to shareholders. Only the ‘established surplus’, the excess 
of assets over liabilities in the long-term fund determined through a formal valuation, may be transferred so as to be available for other 
purposes. Distributions from the with-profits sub-fund to shareholders reflect the shareholders’ one-ninth share of the cost of declared 
policyholders’ bonuses.

Accordingly, the excess of assets over liabilities of the PAC long-term fund is retained within that company. The retention of the 

capital enables it to support with-profits and other business of the fund by, for example, providing the benefits associated with 
smoothing and guarantees. It also provides investment flexibility for the fund’s assets by meeting the regulatory capital requirements 
that demonstrate solvency and by absorbing the costs of significant events or fundamental changes in its long-term business without 
affecting the bonus and investment policies.

For other UK long-term business subsidiaries, the amounts retained within the companies are at levels which provide an appropriate 

level of capital strength in excess of the regulatory minimum.

For Jackson, capital retention is maintained at a level consistent with an appropriate rating by Standard & Poor’s. Currently Jackson 

is rated AA. Jackson can pay dividends on its capital stock only out of earned surplus unless prior regulatory approval is obtained. 
Furthermore, dividends which exceed the greater of statutory net gain from operations for the prior year or 10 per cent of Jackson’s 
statutory surplus require prior regulatory approval.

For Asian subsidiaries, the amounts retained within the companies are at levels that provide an appropriate level of capital strength 

in excess of the local regulatory minimum. For ring-fenced with-profits funds, the excess of assets over liabilities is retained with 
distribution tied to the shareholders’ share of bonuses through declaration of actuarially determined surplus. The Singapore and 
Malaysian businesses may, in general, remit dividends to the UK, provided the statutory insurance fund meets the capital adequacy 
standard required under local statutory regulations.

B
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270

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D: LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES
CONTINUED

D5:  CAPITAL POSITION STATEMENT FOR LIFE ASSURANCE BUSINESSES  >  CONTINUED

Available capital of the non-insurance business units is transferable to the life assurance businesses after taking account of an 
appropriate level of operating capital, based on local regulatory solvency targets, over and above basis liabilities. The economic capital 
model described in section D1 (concentration of risks) takes into account restrictions on mobility of capital across the Group with capital 
transfers to and from business units triggered at a solvency level consistent with these targets. The model takes into account restrictions 
on the availability to the Group of the estate of the various with-profits funds throughout the Group.

e  Sensitivity of liabilities and total capital to changed market conditions and capital management policies
Prudential manages its assets, liabilities and capital locally, in accordance with local regulatory requirements and reflecting the different 
types of liabilities Prudential has in each business. As a result of the diversity of products offered by Prudential and the different 
regulatory requirements in which it operates, Prudential employs differing methods of asset/liability and capital management, 
depending on the business concerned.

Stochastic modelling of assets and liabilities is undertaken in the UK, Jackson and Asia to assess the economic capital requirements 

under different confidence intervals and time horizons. In addition, reserve adequacy testing under a range of scenarios and dynamic 
solvency testing is carried out, including under certain scenarios mandated by the UK, US and Asian regulators.

A stochastic approach models the inter-relationship between asset and liability movements, taking into account asset correlation, 
management actions and policyholder behaviour under a large number of alternative economic scenarios. These scenarios are projected 
forward over a period of time, typically 25 years or longer, and the liabilities and solvency position of the fund are calculated in each 
scenario in each future year. The fund’s policy on management actions, including bonus and investment policy, continue to be set in 
order that they are consistent with the available capital and the targeted risk of default.

The sensitivity of liabilities and other components of total capital vary depending upon the type of business concerned and this 

conditions the approach to asset/liability management.

For example, for businesses that are most sensitive to interest rate changes, such as immediate annuity business, Prudential uses 

cash flow analysis to create a portfolio of debt securities whose value changes in line with the value of liabilities when interest rates 
change. This type of analysis helps protect profits from changing interest rates. This type of analysis is used in the UK for annuity 
business and by Jackson for its interest-sensitive and fixed indexed annuities and stable value products.

For businesses that are most sensitive to equity price changes, Prudential uses stochastic modelling and scenario testing to look at 
the future returns on its investments under different scenarios which best reflect the large diversity in returns that equities can produce. 
This allows Prudential to devise an investment and with-profits policyholder bonus strategy that, on the model assumptions, allows it to 
optimise returns to its policyholders and shareholders over time while maintaining appropriate financial strength. Prudential uses this 
methodology extensively in connection with its UK with-profits business.

f  Intra-group arrangements in respect of SAIF
Should the assets of SAIF be inadequate to meet the guaranteed benefit obligations to the policyholders of SAIF, the PAC long-term fund 
would be liable to cover any such deficiency.
  Due to the quality and diversity of the assets in SAIF and the ability of SAIF to revise guaranteed benefits in the event of an asset 
shortfall, the directors believe that the probability of either the PAC long-term fund or the Group’s shareholders’ funds, under their 
obligation to maintain the capital position of long-term funds generally, having to contribute to SAIF is remote.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
E: ASSET MANAGEMENT (INCLUDING 
US BROKER-DEALER) AND OTHER OPERATIONS

271

E1:  INCOME STATEMENT FOR ASSET MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS

The Group’s asset management operations are based in the UK, Asia and the US where they operate different models and under 
different brands tailored to their markets. 

Asset management in the UK is undertaken through M&G which is made up of three distinct businesses, being Retail, Wholesale and 
Finance, and whose operations include retail asset management, institutional fixed income, pooled life and pension funds, property and 
private finance. 

Asset management in Asia serves both the life companies in Asia by managing the life funds and funds underlying the investment 
linked products and third-party customers through mutual fund business. Asia offers mutual fund investment products in a number of 
countries within the region, allowing customers to participate in debt, equity and money market investments.

Asset management in the US is undertaken through PPM America which manages assets for the Group’s US, UK and Asian affiliates 
plus also provides investment services to other affiliated and unaffiliated institutional clients including CDOs, private investment funds, 
institutional accounts and mutual funds. In addition, broker-dealer activities are undertaken in the US where trades in securities are 
carried out for both third-party customers and for its own account. 
  Other operations covers unallocated corporate activities and includes the head office functions.

a  The profit included in the income statement in respect of asset management operations for the year is as follows:

Asset management operations

2010  £m

2009  £m

M&G

US 

Asia§

Total

Total

Revenue (excluding revenue of consolidated investment funds 

and NPH broker-dealer fees)

Revenue of consolidated investment funds*
NPH broker-dealer fees†

Gross revenue

Charges (excluding revenue of consolidated investment funds 

and NPH broker-dealer fees)

Charges of consolidated investment funds*
NPH broker-dealer fees†

Gross charges

PROFIT BEFORE TAX

Comprising:
Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns‡
Shareholders’ share of actuarial gains and losses on 

defined benefit pension schemes

PROFIT BEFORE TAX

943 
11 
–  

954 

(617)

(11)
– 

(628)

326 

284 
47 

(5)

326 

229 
–  
369 

598 

(207)

– 
(369)

(576)

22 

22 
– 

– 

22 

251 
–  
–  

251 

1,423 
11 
369 

1,803 

(179)

(1,003)

–  
– 

(11)
(369)

1,097 
102 
317 

1,516 

(744)

(102)
(317)

(179)

(1,383)

(1,163)

72 

420 

353 

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

72 
–  

– 

72 

378 
47 

(5)

420 

297 
70 

(14)

353 

 * Revenue in respect of consolidated investment funds. The investment funds are managed on behalf of third-parties and are consolidated under IFRS 
in recognition of the control arrangements for the funds. The gains (losses) in respect of the investment funds are non-recourse to M&G and the Group 
and are added back through charges and consequently there is no impact on the profit before tax.

† NPH broker-dealer fees represents commissions received and then paid to the writing broker on sales of investment products.
‡ Short-term fluctuations for M&G are primarily in respect of unrealised value movements on Prudential Capital’s bond portfolio.
§ Included within Asian asset management charges of £179 million are £60 million of commissions (2009: £57 million).

E

:

A
S
S
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T
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A
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E
M
E
N
T

A
N
D
O
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R
O
P
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R
A
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I
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S

(
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272

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

E: ASSET MANAGEMENT (INCLUDING 
US BROKER-DEALER) AND OTHER OPERATIONS
CONTINUED

E1:  INCOME STATEMENT FOR ASSET MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

b  M&G operating profit based on longer-term investment returns:

Asset management fee income
Other income
Staff costs
Other costs

Underlying profit before performance-related fees
Performance-related fees

Operating profit from asset management operations
Operating profit from Prudential Capital

Total M&G operating profit based on longer-term investment returns

2010  £m

2009  £m

612
3
(263)
(123)

229
17

246
38

284

457
13
(205)
(100)

165
12

177
61

238

The difference between the fees and other income shown above in respect of asset management operations, and the revenue figure for 
M&G shown (excluding consolidated investment funds) in the main table primarily relates to total revenue of Prudential Capital including 
short-term fluctuations of £136 million (2009: £155 million) and commissions which have been netted off in arriving at the fee income of 
£612 million (2009: £457 million) in the table above. The difference in the presentation of commission is aligned with how management 
reviews the business.  

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

273

E2:  STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION FOR ASSET MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS

Assets, liabilities and shareholders’ funds included in the Group consolidated statement of financial position in respect of asset 
management operations are as follows:

ASSETS
Intangible assets:
  Goodwill
  Deferred acquisition costs

Total

Other non-investment and non-cash assets
Financial investments:

Loansnote i
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trusts

  Debt securitiesnote ii
  Other investmentsnote v
  Deposits

Total financial investments

Cash and cash equivalentsnote v

TOTAL ASSETS

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Shareholders’ equity
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

LIABILITIES
Core structural borrowing of shareholder-financed operations 
Intra Group debt represented by operational borrowings at 

Group levelnote iv

Net asset value attributable to external holders of consolidated 

unit trusts and similar fundsnote v

Other non-insurance liabilities

Total liabilities

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Asset management operations

2010  £m

2009  £m

US 

Asia

Total

Total

16 
– 

16 

174 

– 
– 
– 
1 
22 

23 

39 

252 

122 
– 

122 

– 

– 

– 
130 

130 

252 

61 
–

61 

94 

–
10 
14 
7 
25 

56 

128 

339 

258 
– 

258 

–

–

–
81 

81 

339 

1,230 
9

1,239 

1,122 

1,418
151 
1,574 
59 
80 

3,282 

1,436 

7,079 

1,787 
4 

1,791 

1,230
8

1,238

850

1,413
137
1,164
113
63

2,890

970

5,948

1,659
3

1,662

250 

–

2,560 

2,038

458 
2,020 

5,288 

7,079 

410
1,838

4,286

5, 948

M&G
note iii

1,153  
9  

1,162  

854  

1,418  
141  
1,560  
51  
33  

3,203  

1,269  

6,488  

1,407  
4  

1,411  

250  

2,560  

458  
1,809  

5,077  

6,488  

Notes
i 

  Loans 
The M&G loans of £1,418 million (2009: £1,413 million) relate to loans and receivables managed by Prudential Capital. These assets are generally 
secured but have no external credit ratings. Internal ratings prepared by the Group’s asset management operations as part of the risk 
management process, are £213 million A+ to A– (2009: £92 million), £873 million BBB+ to BBB– (2009: £835 million), £219 million BB+ to BB– (2009: 
£330 million) and £113 million B+ to B– (2009: £156 million).

ii  Debt securities 

Of the total debt securities of £1,574 million in 2010 (2009: £1,164 million) of which £1,560 relates to M&G (2009: £1,149 million), £1,468 million were 
rated AAA to A– by Standard and Poor’s or Aaa rated by Moody’s (2009: £1,072 million).

iii  M&G includes those assets and liabilities in respect of Prudential Capital. 
iv 

Intra Group debt represented by operational borrowings at Group level  
Operational borrowings for M&G are in respect of Prudential Capital’s short-term fixed income security programme and comprise £2,311 million 
(2009: £2,031million) of commercial paper and £249 million (2009: £7 million) of medium-term notes.

v  Consolidated investment funds 

The M&G statement of financial position shown above includes investment funds which are managed on behalf of third-parties. In respect of 
these funds, the statement of financial position includes cash and cash equivalents of £304 million (2009: £269 million), £167 million of other 
investments (2009: £158 million), £(13) million of other net assets and liabilities (2009: £(17) million) and the net asset value attributable to 
external unit holders of £458 million (2009: £410 million) which are non-recourse to M&G and the Group.

F
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(
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274

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

E: ASSET MANAGEMENT (INCLUDING 
US BROKER-DEALER) AND OTHER OPERATIONS
CONTINUED

E2:  STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION FOR ASSET MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS  >  CONTINUED

Reconciliation of movement in investments

A reconciliation of the total investments of asset management operations from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is 
as follows:

AT 1 JANUARY 2009

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: Derivative liabilities 

  Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

Net cash outflow from operating activities
Realised gains in the year
Unrealised gains and losses and exchange movements in the year

Movement in the year of directly held investments, net of 

derivative liabilities 

AT 31 DECEMBER 2009/1 JANUARY 2010

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: Derivative liabilitiesnote G3 

  Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

Net cash inflow from operating activities
Realised gains in the year
Unrealised gains and losses and exchange movements in the year

Movement in the year of directly held investments, net of 

derivative liabilities 

AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

Total investments (including derivative assets)
Less: Derivative liabilitiesnote G3 

  Directly held investments, net of derivative liabilities

E3:  REGULATORY AND OTHER SURPLUS

M&G
£m

3,216
(292)

2,924

(124)
34
(48)

(138)

2,835
(49)

2,786

310
11
18

339

3,203
(78)

3,125

US
£m 

40
–

40

(21)
–
(4)

(25)

15
–

15

8
–
–

8

23
–

23

Asia
£m

Total
£m

47
–

47

(3)
–
(4)

(7)

40
–

40

11
–
5

16

56
–

56

3,303
(292)

3,011

(148)
34
(56)

(170)

2,890
(49)

2,841

329
11
23

363

3,282
(78)

3,204

Certain asset management operations are subject to regulatory requirements. The movement in the year of the surplus regulatory capital 
position of these operations, combined with the movement in the IFRS basis shareholders’ funds for unregulated asset management 
operations, is as follows:

REGULATORY AND OTHER SURPLUS
Beginning of year
Gains during the year
Movement in capital requirement
Capital injection
Distributions made
Exchange movement

End of year

Asset management operations

2010  £m

2009  £m

M&G

US 

Asia

Total

Total

85
245
9
–
(152)
–

187

111
12
–
–
(4)
3

122

126
55
(32)
1
(38)
11

123

322
312
(23)
1
(194)
14

432

155
97
125
9
(37)
(27)

322

The movement in the year reflects gains driven by profits generated during the year and also changes in regulatory requirements. 
Distributions consist of dividends paid up to the parent company.

The M&G figures include those for Prudential Capital.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
275

E4:  SENSITIVITY OF PROFIT AND EQUITY TO MARKET AND OTHER FINANCIAL RISK

i  Currency translation
Consistent with the Group’s accounting policies, the profits of the Asia and PPM America asset management operations are translated at 
average exchange rates and shareholders’ equity at the closing rate for the reporting period. For 2010, the rates for the most significant 
operations are given in note B4.

A 10 per cent increase in the relevant Asian exchange rates would have reduced reported profit before tax attributable to 
shareholders and shareholders’ equity, excluding goodwill attributable to Asia and PPM America asset management operations, 
by £9 million (2009: £5 million) and £28 million (2009: £23 million) respectively.

ii  Other sensitivities to other financial risks for asset management operations
The principal sensitivities to other financial risk of asset management operations are credit risk on the bridging loan portfolio (as 
described in note E2) of the Prudential Capital operation and the indirect effect of changes to market values of funds under 
management. Due to the nature of the asset management operations there is limited direct sensitivity to movements in interest rates. 
Total debt securities held at 31 December 2010 by asset management operations were £1,574 million (2009: £1,164 million), the majority 
of which are held by the Prudential Capital operation. Debt securities held by M&G and Prudential Capital are in general variable rate 
bonds and so market value is limited in sensitivity to interest rate movements and consequently any change in interest rates would not 
have a material impact on profit or shareholder’s equity. Asset management operations do not hold significant investments in property 
or equities. 

E5:  OTHER OPERATIONS

Other operations consist of unallocated corporate activities relating to Group Head Office and the Asia regional head office, with net 
income and expenditure for the year of negative £450 million (2009: negative £395 million) as detailed in note B1. An analysis of the 
assets and liabilities of other operations is shown in note B6.

F
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M
E
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T
S

E

:

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S
S
E
T
M
A
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A
G
E
M
E
N
T

A
N
D
O
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H
E
R
O
P
E
R
A
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I
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S

(
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B
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276

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

F: INCOME STATEMENT NOTES

F1:  SEGMENTAL INFORMATION

Insurance operations

Asset management (note E1)

Year ended 31 December 2010  £m

UK

US

Asia 

M&G

Gross premiums earned
Outward reinsurance premiums

Earned premiums, net of reinsurance
Investment returnnote ii
Other income

6,371
(128)

11,817
(83)

6,380
(146)

6,243
14,374
233

11,734
4,576
(24)

6,234
2,744
139

Total revenue, net of reinsurance

20,850

16,286

9,117

Benefits and claims 
Outward reinsurers’ share of benefits 

and claims

Movement in unallocated surplus 
of with-profits funds note iv

Benefits and claims and movements in 
unallocated surplus of with-profits 
funds, net of reinsurance

Acquisition costs and other operating 

(18,674) (15,472)

(6,462)

243

70

49

–

43

(315)

(18,361) (15,423)

(6,734)

–
–

–
186
768

954

–

–

–

–

US

–
–

–
1
597

598

–

–

–

–

Asia

Total
segment

Unallo-
cated 
corporate

Group 
total

–
–

24,568
(357)

–
–

24,568
(357)

–
3
248

24,211
21,884
1,961

–

24,211
(115) 21,769
1,666
(295)

251

48,056

(410) 47,646

– (40,608)

– (40,608)

–

–

335

(245)

–

–

335

(245)

– (40,518)

– (40,518)

expenditurenote F3

(1,093)

(395)

(1,662)

(628)

(576)

(179)

(4,533)

(266)

(4,799)

Finance costs: interest on core structural 
borrowings of shareholder-financed 
operations

–

(13)

–

–

–

–

(13)

(244)

(257)

Total charges, net of reinsurance

(19,454) (15,831)

(8,396)

(628)

(576)

(179) (45,064)

(510) (45,574)

Profit (loss) before tax (being tax 

attributable to shareholders’ and 
policyholders’ returns)note i

Tax charge attributable to policyholders’ 

1,396

455

721

326

returns

(536)

–

(75)

–

Profit (loss) from continuing operations 

before tax attributable to shareholders

860

455

646

326

22

–

22

72

2,992

(920)

2,072

–

(611)

–

(611)

72

2,381

(920)

1,461

This is represented in the segmental analysis of profit from continuing operations before tax attributable to shareholders in note B1 
as follows:

Year ended 31 December 2010  £m

Insurance operations

Asset management

UK

US

Asia 

M&G

US

Asia

Total
segment

Unallo-
cated 
corporate

Group 
total

Operating profit based on longer-term 

investment returnsnote iii

719

833

532

284

22

72

2,462

(521)

1,941

Short-term fluctuations in investment 
returns on shareholder-backed 
business

Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other 
gains and losses on defined benefit 
pension schemes

Costs of terminated AIA transaction
Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth 

investment

Profit (loss) from continuing operations 

116

(378)

114

47

(5)
–

30

–
–

–

–
–

–

(5)
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

(101)

(22)

(123)

(10)
–

30

–
(377)

(10)
(377)

–

30

before tax attributable to shareholders

860

455

646

326

22

72

2,381

(920)

1,461

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

277

Unallo-
cated 
corporate

Group 
total

Asia

Total
segment

–
–

20,299
(323)

–
–

20,299
(323)

–
74
143

217

19,976
27,355
1,222

–
(466)
12

19,976
26,889
1,234

48,553

(454)

48,099

– (39,901)

– (39,901)

–

–

265

(1,559)

–

–

265

(1,559)

– (41,195)

– (41,195)

Insurance operations

Asset management (note E1)

Year ended 31 December 2009  £m

UK

US

Asia 

M&G

Gross premiums earned
Outward reinsurance premiums

Earned premiums, net of reinsurance
Investment returnnote ii
Other income

5,757
(122)

5,635
17,366
176

9,197
(82)

9,115
5,070
(18)

5,345
(119)

5,226
4,357
110

Total revenue, net of reinsurance

23,177

14,167

9,693

Benefits and claims 
Outward reinsurers’ share of benefits 

and claims

Movement in unallocated surplus of 

with-profits fundsnote iv

Benefits and claims and movements in 
unallocated surplus of with-profits 
funds, net of reinsurance

Acquisition costs and other operating 

(18,521)

(13,297)

(8,083)

214

(1,893)

12

–

39

334

(20,200)

(13,285)

(7,710)

–
–

–
420
379

799

–

–

–

–

US

–
–

–
68
432

500

–

–

–

–

expenditurenote F3

(1,508)

(383)

(1,536)

(505)

(496)

(162)

(4,590)

18

(4,572)

Finance costs: interest on core structural 
borrowings of shareholder-financed 
operations

Loss on sale of Taiwan agency business

–
–

(13)
–

–
(559)

–
–

–
–

–
–

(13)
(559)

(196)
–

(209)
(559)

Total charges, net of reinsurance

(21,708)

(13,681)

(9,805)

(505)

(496)

(162)

(46,357)

(178)

(46,535)

Profit (loss) before tax (being tax 

attributable to shareholders’ and 
policyholders’ returns)note i

Tax charge attributable to policyholders’ 

1,469

486

(112)

294

returns

(750)

–

(68)

–

Profit (loss) from continuing operations 

before tax attributable to shareholders

719

486

(180)

294

4

–

4

55

2,196

(632)

1,564

–

(818)

–

(818)

55

1,378

(632)

746

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

This is represented in the segmental analysis of profit from continuing operations before tax attributable to shareholders in note B1 
as follows:

Year ended 31 December 2009  £m

Insurance operations

Asset management

UK

US

Asia 

M&G

US

Asia

Total
segment

Unallo-
cated 
corporate

Group 
total

Operating profit based on longer-term 

investment returnsnote iii

657

618

410

238

Short-term fluctuations in investment 
returns on shareholder-backed 
business

Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other 
gains and losses on defined benefit 
pension schemes

Loss on sale and results for Taiwan agency 

business

Profit (loss) from continuing operations 

108

(132)

31

70

(46)

–

–

–

–

(14)

(621)

–

before tax attributable to shareholders

719

486

(180)

294

4

–

–

–

4

55

1,982

(418)

1,564

–

–

–

77

(200)

(123)

(60)

(14)

(74)

(621)

–

(621)

55

1,378

(632)

746

N
O
T
E
S

F

:

I

N
C
O
M
E
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T

 
 
 
 
278

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

F: INCOME STATEMENT NOTES
CONTINUED

F1:  SEGMENTAL INFORMATION  >  CONTINUED

Notes
i 
ii 

The measure is the formal profit (loss) before tax measure under IFRS but is not the result attributable to shareholders.
Investment return principally comprises:
– Interest and dividends;
– Realised and unrealised gains and losses on securities and derivatives classified as fair value through profit and loss under IAS 39; and
– Realised gains and losses, including impairment losses, on securities classified as available-for-sale under IAS 39.

iii  The Group has amended the presentation of operating profit for its US insurance  operations to remove the net equity hedge accounting effect 
(incorporating related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include it in short-term fluctuations. The 2009 comparatives have been 
amended accordingly. Note A4d(ii) explains the effect of the change.

iv  The movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds for Asia above includes movement relating to the Hong Kong branch of PAC. 

For the purpose of the presentation of unallocated surplus of with-profits funds within the statement of financial position, the Hong Kong branch 
balance is shown within the unallocated surplus of the PAC with-profits sub-fund.

F2:  REVENUE

LONG-TERM BUSINESS PREMIUMS
Insurance contract premiums
Investment contracts with discretionary participation feature premiums
Inwards reinsurance premiums
Less: reinsurance premiums ceded

Earned premiums, net of reinsurancenote iv

INVESTMENT RETURN
Realised and unrealised gains and losses on securities at fair value through profit and loss
Realised and unrealised losses and gains on derivatives at fair value through profit and loss
Realised losses on available-for-sale securities, previously recognised in other comprehensive income 
Realised losses on loans
Interestnotes i,ii
Dividends
Other investment return

Investment return

FEE INCOME FROM INVESTMENT CONTRACT BUSINESS AND ASSET MANAGEMENTnotes iii,iv

TOTAL REVENUE

Notes
i  

The segmental analysis of interest income is as follows:

Insurance operations:

UK
US
Asia

Asset management operations:
  M&G
US
Asia

TOTAL SEGMENT

Unallocated corporate

TOTAL

2010  £m   

2009  £m

23,647
750
171
(357)

24,211

14,728
(891)
(51)
(12)
5,976
1,394
625

21,769

1,666

47,646

19,347
789
163
(323)

19,976

18,175
1,164
(420)
(115)
5,575
1,755
755

26,889

1,234

48,099

2010  £m

2009  £m

4,371
1,014
412

127
–
2

5,926

50

5,976

3,848
1,051
522

140
2
2

5,565

10

5,575

Interest income includes £21 million (2009: £17 million) accrued in respect of impaired securities. 

ii 
iii  Fee income includes £11 million (2009: £1 million) relating to financial instruments that are not held at fair value through profit and loss. 

These fees primarily related to prepayment fees, late fees and syndication fees.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
279

iv  The following table provides additional segmental analysis of revenue from external customers:

Revenue from external customers:
Insurance operations
Asset management
Unallocated corporate
Intragroup revenue eliminated on consolidation

Total revenue from external customers

Revenue from external customers:
Insurance operations
Asset management
Unallocated corporate
Intragroup revenue eliminated on consolidation

Total revenue from external customers

Revenue from external customers is made up of the following:

2010  £m

Asia 

US

UK

Intragroup

Total

6,373
248
–
(77)

6,544

11,710
597
–
(72)

12,235

6,476
768
29
(175)

7,098

(10)
(314)
–
324

–

24,549
1,299
29
–

25,877

2009  £m

Asia 

US

UK

Intragroup

Total

5,336
213
–
(70)

5,479

9,097
499
–
(67)

9,529

5,822
513
12
(145)

6,202

(11)
(271)
–
282

–

20,244
954
12
–

21,210

Earned premiums, net of reinsurance
Fee income from investment contract business and asset management (included within ‘Other income’)

Total revenue from external customers

2010  £m

2009  £m

24,211
1,666

25,877

19,976
1,234

21,210

In their capacity as fund managers to fellow Prudential Group subsidiaries, M&G, the US and the Asian asset management businesses 
earn fees for investment management and related services. Intragroup fees included within asset management revenue were 
£314 million (2009: £271 million) earned £165 million (2009: £134 million) by M&G, £72 million (2009: £67 million) by the US asset 
management segment and £77 million (2009: £70 million) by the Asian asset management segment. In 2010, the remaining £10 million 
(2009: £11 million) of intragroup revenue was recognised by UK insurance operations. These services are charged at appropriate arm’s 
length prices, typically priced as a percentage of funds under management.

Revenue from external customers of Asian, US and UK insurance operations shown above are net of outwards reinsurance 
premiums of £146 million, £83 million and £128 million respectively (2009: £119 million, £82 million and £122 million respectively).

In Asia, revenue from external customers from no individual country exceeds 10 per cent of the Group total. The largest country 

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

is Hong Kong with a total revenue from external customers of £1,246 million (2009: £1,013 million). 
  Due to the nature of the business of the Group, there is no reliance on any major customers.

N
O
T
E
S

F

:

I

N
C
O
M
E
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
280

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

F: INCOME STATEMENT NOTES
CONTINUED

F3:  ACQUISITION COSTS AND OTHER EXPENDITURE

Acquisition costs incurrednotes i,ii
Acquisition costs deferred less amortisation of acquisition costs
Administration costs and other expenditure
Movements in amounts attributable to external unit holdersnote v

Total acquisition costs and other expenditurenotes iii,iv,vi

2010  £m 

2009  £m

2,024
(918)
3,496
197

4,799

1,796
(763)
2,924
615

4,572

Notes
i 

The acquisition costs as shown on the table above relate to policy acquisition costs. Acquisition costs from business combinations are included 
within other expenditure. Acquisition costs in 2010 comprise amounts related to insurance contracts of £941 million (2009: £871 million), and 
investment contracts and asset management contracts of £165 million (2009: £162 million). 

ii  There were no fee expenses relating to financial liabilities held at amortised cost included in acquisition costs in 2010 and 2009.
iii  The total depreciation and amortisation expense is £309 million (2009: £377 million). Of this amount, £226 million (2009: £305 million) relates to 
amortisation of deferred acquisition costs of insurance contracts and asset management contracts, which is primarily borne by the insurance 
operations. The segmental analysis of total depreciation and amortisation expense is as follows:

Insurance operations:

UK
US
Asia

Asset management operations:
  M&G
US
Asia

TOTAL SEGMENT

Unallocated corporate

TOTAL

2010  £m

2009  £m

35
(6)
258

8
2
4

301

8

309

25
88
246

2
2
4

367

10

377

iv       Interest expense, excluding interest on core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed operations, amounted to £113 million 

(2009: £89 million) and is included within total acquisition costs and other operating expenditure as part of investment management expenses. 
The segmental analysis of this interest expense is as follows:

Insurance operations:

UK
US
Asia

Asset management operations:
  M&G
US
Asia

TOTAL SEGMENT

Unallocated corporate

TOTAL

2010  £m

2009  £m

28
33
13

19
–
–

93

20

113

28
32
1

–
–
–

61

28

89

v  Movements in amounts attributable to external unit holders comprises £61 million (2009: £310 million) for UK insurance operations £136 million 

(2009: £305 million) for Asian insurance operations.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
281

vi  The total amounts for acquisition costs and other expenditure shown above includes Corporate Expenditure shown in note B1 (Segment 

disclosure – income statement). The charge for Corporate Expenditure comprises:

Group head office:

Regular and project costs
Provision for property leases and other non-recurrent items

Asia regional office:
Gross costs
Recharges to Asia operations

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

(147)
(25)

 (172)

(90)
42 

 (48)

(220)

(140)
(6)

(146)

(95)
38 

(57)

(203)

F4:  FINANCE COSTS: INTEREST ON CORE STRUCTURAL BORROWINGS OF SHAREHOLDER-FINANCED OPERATIONS

Finance costs consist of £244 million (2009: £196 million) interest on core debt of the parent company and £13 million (2009: £13 million) 
on US insurance operations’ surplus notes.

F5:  TAX

a  Total tax charge by nature of expense
An analysis of the total tax benefit (expense) of continuing operations recognised in the income statement by nature of benefit (expense) 
is as follows:

Current tax expense:

Corporation tax
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Total current tax

Deferred tax arising from:
  Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Expense in respect of a previously unrecognised tax loss, tax credit or temporary difference 

from a prior period

Total deferred tax charge

Total tax charge

The total tax expense arises as follows:

Current tax expense:

UK
Foreign

Deferred tax (charge) credit:

UK
Foreign

Total

2010  £m 

2009  £m

(378)
287

(91)

(518)

(27)

(545)

(636)

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

(500)
(29)

(529)

(340)

(4)

(344)

(873)

N
O
T
E
S

F

:

I

N
C
O
M
E
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T

2010  £m 

2009  £m

(61)
(30)

(91)

(252)
(293)

(545)

(636)

(527)
(2)

(529)

(368)
24

(344)

(873)

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
282

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

F: INCOME STATEMENT NOTES
CONTINUED

F5:  TAX  >  CONTINUED

The current tax charge of £91 million includes £13 million for 2010 (2009: charge of £6 million) in respect of the tax charge for Hong 
Kong. The Hong Kong current tax charge is calculated as 16.5 per cent for all periods on either (i) five per cent of the net insurance 
premium or (ii) the estimated assessable profits, depending on the nature of the business written.

The total tax charge of £636 million for 2010 (2009: charge of £873 million) comprises a charge of £313 million (2009: charge of 

£895 million) for UK tax and a charge of £323 million (2009: credit of £22 million) for overseas tax. 

This tax charge comprises tax attributable to policyholders and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, unit-linked policies and 

shareholders. The tax charge attributable to shareholders of £25 million for 2010 (2009: charge of £55 million) comprises a credit of 
£187 million (2009: charge of £176 million) for UK tax and a charge of £212 million (2009: credit of £121 million) for overseas tax. The 
tax charge attributable to shareholders’ returns includes an exceptional tax credit of £158 million which primarily relates to the impact 
of a settlement agreed with the UK Tax authorities. This exceptional tax credit is recorded within ‘Adjustments in respect of prior years’. 
In addition, adjustments in respect of prior years also includes other changes that arose as a result of routine revision of tax returns.

The total deferred tax (charge) arises as follows:

Unrealised gains and losses on investments
Balances relating to investment and insurance contracts
Short-term timing differences
Capital allowances
Unused tax losses

Deferred tax charge

2010  £m 

2009  £m

(217)
(28)
(431)
(8)
139

(545)

(35)
(12)
(105)
1
(193)

(344)

In 2010, a deferred tax charge of £287 million (2009: charge of £546 million) has been taken through other comprehensive income. 
Other movements in deferred tax totalling a £40 million charge is mainly comprised of foreign exchange movements. When these 
amounts are taken with the deferred tax charge shown above the result is an increase of £0.9 billion in the Group’s net deferred tax 
liability (2009: increase of £0.8 billion). 

b  Reconciliation of effective tax rate
The total tax charge is attributable to shareholders and policyholders as summarised in the income statement.

i  Summary of pre-tax profit and tax (charge)
The income statement includes the following items:

Profit before tax
Tax charge attributable to policyholders’ returns

Profit before tax attributable to shareholders
Tax attributable to shareholders’ profits:

Tax charge 
Less: tax attributable to policyholders’ returns 

Tax (charge) attributable to shareholders’ returns

Profit from continuing operations after tax

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

2010  £m 

2009  £m

2,072
(611)

1,461

(636)
611

(25)

1,436

1,564
(818)

746

(873)
818

(55)

691

 
 
 
 
 
283

ii  Overview
For the purposes of explaining the relationship between tax expense and accounting profit, it is appropriate to consider the sources of 
profit and tax by reference to those that are attributable to shareholders and policyholders, as follows:

Profit before tax
Taxation charge:

Expected tax rate
Expected tax charge
Variance from expected tax chargenote v(ii)
Actual tax (charge)
Average effective tax rate

2010  £m 

2009  £m

Attributable to 
shareholders

Attributable to 
policyholders*

1,461

611

28%
(406)
381
(25)
2%

100%
(611)
–
(611)
100%

Total

2,072

49%
(1,017)
381
(636)
31%

Attributable to
 shareholders

Attributable to
policyholders*

746

31%
(233)
178
(55)
7%

818

100%
(818)
–
(818)
100%

Total

1,564

67%
(1,051)
178
(873)
56%

* For the column entitled ‘Attributable to policyholders’, the profit before tax represents income, net of post-tax transfers to unallocated surplus of 

with-profits funds, before tax attributable to policyholders and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds and unit-linked policies. 

Due to the requirements of the financial reporting standards IAS 1 and IAS 12, the profit (loss) before tax and tax charge reflect the 
aggregate of amounts that are attributable to shareholders and policyholders.

Profit (loss) before tax comprises profit attributable to shareholders and pre-tax profit attributable to policyholders of linked and 

with-profits funds and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds.

The total tax charge for linked and with-profits business includes tax expense on unit-linked and with-profits funds attributable to 
policyholders, the unallocated surplus of with-profits funds and the shareholders’ profits. This feature arises from the basis of taxation 
applied to life and pension business, principally in the UK, but with similar bases applying in certain Asian operations, and is explained 
in note (iii) below. 

Furthermore, the basis of preparation of Prudential’s financial statements incorporates the additional feature that, as permitted 
under IFRS 4, the residual equity of the Group’s with-profits funds, i.e. unallocated surplus, is recorded as a liability with transfers to and 
from that liability reflected in pre-tax profits. This gives rise to anomalous effective tax rates for profits attributable to policyholders (as 
described in note (iv) below).

In meeting the reconciliation requirements set out in paragraph 81(c) of IAS 12, the presentation shown in this disclosure note seeks 
to ensure that the explanation of the relationship between tax expense and accounting profit draw properly the distinction between the 
elements of the profit and tax charge that are attributable to policyholders and shareholders as explained below in notes (iv) and (v) 
respectively. Due to the nature of the basis of taxation of UK life and pension business (as described in note (iii) below), and the 
significance of the results of the business to the Group, it is inappropriate to seek to explain the effective tax rate on profit before tax by 
the traditional approach that would apply for other industries. 

The shareholder elements are the components of the profit and tax charge that are of most direct relevance to investors, and 
it is this aspect that the IAS 12 reconciliation requirement is seeking to explain for companies that do not need to account for both 
with-profits and unit-linked funds, where tax is borne by the Company on the policyholders’ behalf and which is not contemplated 
by the IFRS requirement.

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

N
O
T
E
S

F

:

I

N
C
O
M
E
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
284

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

F: INCOME STATEMENT NOTES
CONTINUED

F5:  TAX  >  CONTINUED

iii Basis of taxation for UK life and pension business
Different rules apply under UK tax law for taxing pension business and life insurance business and there are detailed rules for 
apportioning the investment return and profits of the fund between the types of business. 

The investment return referable to pension business, and some other less significant classes of business, is exempt from taxation, 
but tax is charged on the profit that shareholders derive from writing such business at the corporate rate of tax. The rules for taxing life 
insurance business are more complex. Initially, the UK regime seeks to tax the regulatory basis investment return less management 
expenses (I-E) on this business as it arises. However, in determining the actual tax charge, a calculation of the shareholder profits for 
taxation purposes from writing life insurance business also has to be made and compared with the I-E profit.

If the shareholder profit is higher than the I-E amount, extra income is attributable to the I-E calculation until the I-E profit equals the 

shareholder profit. If on the other hand, the I-E profit is the greater, then an amount equal to the shareholder profit is taxed at the 
corporate rate of tax, with the remainder of the I-E profit being taxed at the lower policyholder rate of tax. 

The purpose of this approach is to ensure that the Company is always at a minimum taxed on the profit, as defined for taxation 

purposes by reference to the Company’s regulatory returns (rather than IFRS basis results), that it has earned. The shareholders’ portion 
of the long-term business is taxed at the shareholders’ rate, with the remaining portion taxed at rates applicable to the policyholders. 
It is to be noted that the calculations described are determined using data from the regulatory basis returns rather than the IFRS 
basis results. The differences between the regulatory and accounting bases are very significant and extremely complex, rendering 
any explanation in general purpose financial statements to be of little if any use to users.

iv Profits attributable to policyholders and related tax
As noted above, it is necessary under IFRS requirements to include the total tax charge of the Company (both policyholder and 
shareholder elements) in the tax charge disclosed in the income statement.

For with-profits business, total pre-tax profits reflect the aggregate of profits attributable to policyholders and shareholders. 
However, amounts attributable to the equity of with-profits funds are carried in the liability for unallocated surplus. Also, as described 
in note (iii), UK with-profits business is taxed on a basis that affects policyholders’ unallocated surplus of with-profits funds and 
shareholders. For the PAC with-profits sub-fund, transfers to and from unallocated surplus are recorded in the income statement, 
so that after charging the total tax borne by the fund, the net balance reflects the statutory transfer from the fund for the year. 
The statutory transfer represents 10 per cent of the actuarially determined surplus for the year that is attributable to shareholders. 
For SAIF, similar transfers are made. However, in the case of SAIF, a net nil balance is derived, reflecting the lack of shareholder 

interest in the financial performance of the fund (other than through asset management arrangements).

The accounting anomaly that arises under IFRS is that due to the fact that the net of tax profit attributable to with-profits 

policyholders is zero, the Company’s presentation of pre-tax profit attributable to policyholders reflects an amount that is the mirror 
image of the tax charge attributable to policyholders. 

For unit-linked business, pre-tax profits also reflect the aggregate of profits attributable to policyholders and shareholders. The  
pre-tax profits attributable to policyholders represent fees earned that are used to pay tax borne by the Company on policyholders’ 
behalf. The net of tax profit attributable to policyholders for unit-linked business is thus zero.

The combined effect of these features is such that providing a reconciliation of the tax charge attributable to policyholders to an 

expected charge based on the standard corporate rate of tax on IFRS basis profits attributable to policyholders is not relevant. 

In summary, for accounting purposes, in all cases and for all reporting periods, the apparent effective rate for profit attributable to 
policyholders and unallocated surplus is 100 per cent. However, it is to be noted that the 100 per cent rate does not reflect a rate paid 
on the profits attributable to policyholders. It instead reflects the basis of accounting for unallocated surplus coupled with the 
distinction made for performance reporting between sources of profit attributable to shareholders, policyholders and unallocated 
surplus and IFRS requirements in respect of reporting of all pre-tax profits and all tax charges irrespective of policyholder or 
shareholder economic interest.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
v  Reconciliation of tax charge on profit attributable to shareholders for continuing operations:

Profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders:
  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returnsnote iii

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on 

defined benefit pension schemes

Cost of terminated AIA transaction
  Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth 

Total

Expected tax rates:note i
  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returnsnote iii

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on 

defined benefit pension schemes

Cost of terminated AIA transaction
  Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth 

Expected tax (charge) credit based on expected tax rates:
  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns note iii

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on 

defined benefit pension schemes

Cost of terminated AIA transaction
  Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth 

Total

Variance from expected tax charge:note ii
  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returnsnote iii

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on 

defined benefit pension schemes

Cost of terminated AIA transaction
  Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth 

Total

Actual tax (charge) credit:
  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns, 

excluding exceptional tax creditnote iii
Exceptional tax credit*

  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on 

defined benefit pension schemes

Cost of terminated AIA transaction
  Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth 

2010  £m (except for tax rates)

Asian 
insurance 
operations 

US 
insurance
operations

UK
 insurance 
operations

Other
operations

532 
114 

833 
(378)

–

–

–

–

646 

455 

22%
25%

–
–
–

35%
35%

–
–
–

719 
116 

(5)

30 

860 

28%
28%

28%
–
28%

(117)
(29)

(292)
132 

(201)
(32)

 –
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

1 
–
(8)

(146)

(160)

(240)

59 
21 

–
–
–

80

(58)
–

(58)
(8)

–
–
–

43 
– 

– 
– 
– 

43

(249)
– 

(249)
132 

–
–
–

18 
– 

–
–
8 

26

(183)
–

(183)
(32)

1 
–
–

(143)
25 

(5)
(377)
–   

(500)

28%
28%

28%
28%
–

40 
(7)

1 
106 
–   

140 

237 
7 

1 
(13)
–

232

119 
158 

277 
– 

2 
93 
–

Total

(66)

(117)

(214)

372 

Actual tax rate:
  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns

Total profit

Actual tax rate (excluding exceptional tax credit):* 
  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns 

Total profit

11%
10%

11%
10%

30%
26%

30%
26%

25%
25%

25%
25%

194%
74%

83%
43%

285

Total

1,941 
(123)

(10)
(377)
30 

1,461 

29%
52%

20%
28%
28%

(570)
64 

2 
106 
(8)

(406)

357 
28 

1 
(13)
8 

381

(371)
158 

(213)
92 

3 
93 
–

(25)

11%
2%

19%
13%

* The tax charge attributable to shareholders’ return includes an exceptional tax credit of £158 million which primarily relates to the impact of a 

settlement agreed with the UK tax authorities.

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

N
O
T
E
S

F

:

I

N
C
O
M
E
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
286

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

F: INCOME STATEMENT NOTES
CONTINUED

F5:  TAX  >  CONTINUED

Profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders:
  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returnsnote iii

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on  

defined benefit pension schemes

Loss on sale and results for Taiwan agency business

Total

Expected tax rates:note i
  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returnsnote iii

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on  

defined benefit pension schemes

Loss on sale and results for Taiwan agency business

Expected tax (charge) credit based on expected tax rates:
  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns note iii

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on  

defined benefit pension schemes

Loss on sale and results for Taiwan agency business

Total

Variance from expected tax charge:note ii
  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returnsnote iii

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on  

defined benefit pension schemes

Loss on sale and results for Taiwan agency business

Total

Actual tax (charge) credit:
  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns note iii

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on  

defined benefit pension schemes

Loss on sale and results for Taiwan agency business

Total

Actual tax rate: 
  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns

Total profit

2009*  £m (except for tax rates)

Asian 
insurance 
operations 

US 
insurance
operations

UK
 insurance 
operations

Other
operations

410
31

–
(621)

(180)

24%
25%

–
25%

(98)
(8)

–
155

49

35
15

–
(137)

(87)

(63)
7

–
18

(38)

618
(132)

–
–

486

35%
35%

–
–

(216)
46

–
–

657
108

(46)
–

719

28%
28%

28%
–

(184)
(30)

13
–

(170)

(201)

76
196

–
–

272

(140)
242

–
–

(29)
–

–
–

(29)

(213)
(30)

13
–

(121)
(130)

(28)
–

(279)

28%
36%

28%
–

34
47

8
–

89

8
14

–
–

22

42
61

8
–

102

(230)

111

15%
(21)%

23%
(21)%

32%
32%

35%
40%

Total

1,564
(123)

(74)
(621)

746

30%
45%

28%
25%

(464)
55

21
155

(233)

90
225

–
(137)

178

(374)
280

21
18

(55)

24%
7%

*  The Group has amended the presentation of operating profit for its US insurance operations to remove the net equity hedge accounting effect 
(incorporating related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include it in short-term fluctuations. The 2009 comparatives have been 
amended accordingly. Note A4d(ii) explains the effect of the change.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
287

Notes
(i)  Expected tax rates for profit (loss) attributable to shareholders:

• 

• 

• 

The expected tax rates shown in the table above reflect the corporation tax rates generally applied to taxable profits of the relevant country 
jurisdictions.
For Asian operations the expected tax rates reflect the corporation tax rates weighted by reference to the source of profits of operations 
contributing to the aggregate business result. 
The expected tax rate for Other operations reflects the mix of business between UK and overseas operations, which are taxed at a variety 
of rates. The rates will fluctuate from year to year dependent on the mix of profits.

(ii)  For 2010 and 2009, the principal variances arise from a number of factors, including:

(a)  Asian long-term operations 

For 2010 and 2009, profits in certain countries which are not taxable partly offset by the inability to fully recognise deferred tax assets on 
losses being carried forward. 

(b)  Jackson

For 2010, the benefit of a deduction from taxable income of a proportion of dividends received attributable to the variable annuity business. 
For 2009, the ability to fully recognise deferred tax assets on losses brought forward which we were previously unable to recognise together 
with income subject to a lower level of taxation and the benefit of a deduction from taxable income of a proportion of dividends received 
attributable to the variable annuity business.

(c)  UK insurance operations

For 2010, routine revisions to prior period tax returns. For 2009, adjustments in respect of prior year tax charge and different tax bases of 
UK life business.
(d)  Other operations

For 2010, an exceptional tax credit which primarily relates to the impact of the settlement agreed with the UK tax authorities and the ability 
to recognise a deferred tax credit on various tax losses which we were previously unable to recognise, partly offset by the inability to fully 
recognise a tax credit in respect of non deductible capital costs incurred in relation to the terminated AIA transaction. For 2009, the ability to 
recognise a deferred tax asset on various tax losses which we were previously unable to recognise partly offset by adjustments in respect of 
the prior year tax charge.

(e)  For 2009, the actual tax rate in relation to Asia excluding the result for the sold Taiwan agency business would have been 13 per cent.

(iii)  Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns is net of attributable restructuring costs and development expenses.

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

N
O
T
E
S

F

:

I

N
C
O
M
E
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
288

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

F: INCOME STATEMENT NOTES
CONTINUED

F6:  ALLOCATION OF INVESTMENT RETURN BETWEEN POLICYHOLDERS AND SHAREHOLDERS

Investment return is attributable to policyholders and shareholders. A key feature of the accounting policies under IFRS is that the 
investment return included in the income statement relates to all investment assets of the Group, irrespective of whether the return is 
attributable to shareholders, or to policyholders or the unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, the latter two of which have no net 
impact on shareholders’ profit. The table below provides a breakdown of the investment return for each regional operation attributable 
to each type of business.

ASIAN OPERATIONS

Policyholder returns

Assets backing unit-linked liabilities

  With-profits business

Shareholder returns

Total

US OPERATIONS

Policyholder returns

2010  £m 

2009  £m

1,279
1,039

2,318

429

2,747

2,539
1,519

4,058

373

4,431

Assets held to back (separate account) unit-linked liabilities

3,520

3,760

Shareholder returns

Realised gains and losses (including impairment losses on available-for-sale bonds)
Value movements on derivative hedging programme for general account business
Interest/dividend income and value movements on other financial instruments for which 

fair value movements are booked in the income statement

Total

UK OPERATIONS

Policyholder returns

Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund (SAIF)
Assets held to back unit-linked liabilities

  With-profits fund (excluding SAIF)

Shareholder returns

Prudential Retirement Income Limited (PRIL)

  Other business

Total

UNALLOCATED CORPORATE

Shareholder returns

GROUP TOTAL

Policyholder returns
Shareholder returns

Total

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

21
20

1,016

1,057

4,577

1,075
2,119
8,815

12,009

1,717
834

2,551

(529)
340

1,567

1,378

5,138

1,438
2,947
10,461

14,846

1,827
1,113

2,940

14,560

17,786

(115)

(466)

17,847
3,922

21,769

22,664
4,225

26,889

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
289

 The returns as shown in the table above, are delineated between those returns allocated to policyholders and those allocated to 
shareholders. In making this distinction, returns allocated to policyholders are those from investments in which shareholders have no 
direct economic interest, namely:

•  unit-linked business in the UK, Asia and SAIF in the UK, for which the investment return is wholly attributable to policyholders;
•  separate account business of US operations, the investment return of which is also wholly attributable to policyholders; and
•  with-profits business (excluding SAIF) in the UK and Asia (in which the shareholders’ economic interest, and the basis of recognising 
IFRS basis profits, is restricted to a share of the actuarially determined surplus for distribution (in the UK 10 per cent)). Except for this 
surplus the investment return of the with-profit funds is attributable to policyholders (through the asset-share liabilities) or the 
unallocated surplus, which is accounted for as a liability under IFRS 4.

The investment return related to the types of business above does not impact shareholders’ profits directly. However, there is an indirect 
impact, for example, investment-related fees or the effect of investment return on the shareholders’ share of the cost of bonuses of 
with-profits funds.

Investment returns for unit-linked and similar products have reciprocal impact on benefits and claims, with a decrease in market 
returns on the attached pool of assets affecting policyholder benefits on these products. Similarly for with-profits funds there is a close 
correlation between increases or decreases in investment returns and the level of combined charge for policyholder benefits and 
movement on unallocated surplus that arises from such returns.

Shareholder returns
For shareholder-backed non-participating business of the UK (comprising PRIL and other non-linked non-participating business) and of 
the Asian operations, the investment return is not directly attributable to policyholders and therefore does impact shareholders’ profit 
directly. However, it should be noted that for UK shareholder-backed annuity business, principally PRIL, where the durations of asset 
and liability cash flows are closely matched, the discount rate applied to measure liabilities to policyholders (under ‘grandfathered’ UK 
GAAP and under IFRS 4) reflects movements in asset yields (after allowances for the future defaults) of the backing portfolios. 
Therefore, the net impact on the shareholders’ profits of the investment return of the assets backing liabilities of the UK shareholder-
backed annuity business is after taking into account the consequential effect on the movement in policyholder liabilities.

Changes in shareholder investment returns for US operations reflect primarily movements in the investment income, movements in 

the value of the derivative instruments held to manage the general account assets and liability portfolio, and realised gains and losses. 
However, separately reflecting Jackson’s types of business an allocation is made to policyholders through the application of crediting 
rates. The shareholder investment return for US operations also includes the fair value movement of the derivatives and the movement 
on the related liabilities of the variable annuity guarantees under Jackson’s dynamic hedging programme.

The majority of the investments held to back the US non-participating business are debt securities for which the available-for-sale 
designation is applied for IFRS basis reporting. Under this designation the return included in the income statement reflects the aggregate 
of investment income and realised gains and losses (including impairment losses). However, movements in unrealised appreciation or 
depreciation are recognised in other comprehensive income. The return on these assets is attributable to shareholders.

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

N
O
T
E
S

F

:

I

N
C
O
M
E
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
290

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

F: INCOME STATEMENT NOTES
CONTINUED

F7:   BENEFITS AND CLAIMS AND MOVEMENTS IN UNALLOCATED SURPLUS OF WITH-PROFITS FUNDS, 

NET OF REINSURANCE

Benefits and claims represent payments, including final bonuses, to policyholders in respect of maturities, surrenders and deaths plus 
the change in technical provisions (which primarily represents the movement in amounts owed to policyholders). Benefits and claims 
are amounts attributable to policyholders. The movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds represents the transfer to (from) 
the unallocated surplus each year through a charge (credit) to the income statement of the annual excess (shortfall) of income over 
expenditure of the with-profits funds, after declaration and attribution of the cost of bonuses to policyholders and shareholders.
Benefits and claims and movements in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds net of reinsurance can be further analysed as 

follows:

Claims incurred
Increase in policyholder liabilities
Movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

Claims incurred
Increase in policyholder liabilities
Movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds

2010  £m

Asia

US

UK

Total

(2,595)
(3,824)
(315)

(4,348)
(11,075)
–

(9,941)
(8,490)
70

(16,884)
(23,389)
(245)

(6,734)

(15,423)

(18,361)

(40,518)

2009  £m

Asia

(1,814)
(6,230)
334

US

UK

Total

(4,092)
(9,193)
–

(9,875)
(8,432)
(1,893)

(15,781)
(23,855)
(1,559)

(7,710)

(13,285)

(20,200)

(41,195)

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
G: FINANCIAL ASSETS  
AND LIABILITIES

291

G1:  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – DESIGNATION AND FAIR VALUES 

The Group designates all financial assets as either fair value through profit and loss, available-for-sale, or as loans and receivables. 
Financial liabilities are designated as either fair value through profit and loss, amortised cost, or as investment contracts with 
discretionary participation features accounted for under IFRS 4 as described in note A4.

FINANCIAL ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Deposits
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trusts
Debt securitiesnote i
Loansnote ii
Other investmentsnote iii
Accrued investment income
Other debtors

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed 

operationsnotes i,H13

Operational borrowings attributable to 
shareholder-financed operationsH13

Borrowings attributable to with-profits fundsH13
Obligations under funding, securities lending and sale 

and repurchase agreements

Net asset value attributable to unit holders of 
consolidated unit trust and similar funds

Investment contracts with discretionary 

participation featuresnote iv

Investment contracts without discretionary 

participation features

Other creditors
Derivative liabilities
Other liabilities 

Fair value
through
profit
and loss

–
–
86,635
90,027
227
5,779
–
–

182,668

Fair value
through
profit
and lossv

–

–
82

–

3,372

–

15,822
–
2,037
–

21,313

–
–
–
26,325
–
–
–
–

26,325

3,676

3,004
1,440

4,199

–

–

1,882
2,321
–
1,129

2010  £m

Available-
for-sale

Loans and
Receivables

Total
carrying
value

6,631
9,952
86,635
116,352
9,261
5,779
2,668
903

Fair value 

6,631
9,952
86,635
116,352
9,083
5,779
2,668
903

6,631
9,952
–
–
9,034
–
2,668
903

29,188

238,181

2010  £m

Amortised
cost

IFRS 4
basic value

Total
carrying
value

Fair value 

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

–

–
–

–

–

3,676

3,866

3,004
1,522

2,991
1,524

4,199

4,236

3,372

3,372

25,732

25,732

–

–
–
–
–

17,704
2,321
2,037
1,129

64,696

17,652
2,321
2,037
1,129

A
N
D
L
I

A
B
I
L
I
T
I
E
S

G

:

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L
A
S
S
E
T
S

17,651

25,732

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
292

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

G: FINANCIAL ASSETS  
AND LIABILITIES
CONTINUED

G1:  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – DESIGNATION AND FAIR VALUES  >  CONTINUED

FINANCIAL ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Deposits
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trusts
Debt securitiesnote i
Loansnote ii
Other investmentsnote iii
Accrued investment income
Other debtors

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed 

operationsnotes i,H13

Operational borrowings attributable to 
shareholder-financed operationsH13

Borrowings attributable to with-profits fundsH13
Obligations under funding, securities lending and sale 

and repurchase agreements

Net asset value attributable to unit holders of 
consolidated unit trust and similar funds
Investment contracts with discretionary 

participation featuresnote iv

Investment contracts without discretionary 

participation features

Other creditors
Derivative liabilities
Other liabilities 

Fair value
through
profit
and loss

–
–
69,354
79,083
–
5,132
–
–

153,569

Fair value
through
profit
and lossv

–

–
105

–

3,809

–

13,840
–
1,501
–

19,255

2009  £m

Available-
for-sale

Loans and
Receivables

–
–
–
22,668
–
–
–
–

22,668

5,307
12,820
–
–
8,754
–
2,473
762

30,116

2009  £m

Total
carrying
value

5,307
12,820
69,354
101,751
8,754
5,132
2,473
762

206,353

Fair value 

5,307
12,820
69,354
101,751
8,686
5,132
2,473
762

Amortised
cost

IFRS 4
basic value

Total
carrying
value

Fair value 

3,394

2,751
1,179

3,482

–

–

1,965
1,612
–
877

–

–
–

–

–

3,394

2,751
1,284

3,482

3,809

3,424

2,751
1,281

3,540

3,809

24,880

24,880

–

–
–
–
–

15,805
1,612
1,501
877

59,395

15,866
1,612
1,501
877

15,260

24,880

Notes
i 

As at 31 December 2010, £685 million (2009: £659 million) of convertible bonds were included in debt securities and £352 million 
(2009: £347 million) were included in borrowings.
Loans and receivables are reported net of allowance for loan losses of £52 million (2009: £44 million).

ii 
iii  See note G3 for details of the derivative assets included. The balance also contains the PAC with-profits fund’s participation in various investment 

iv 

v 

funds and limited liability property partnerships.
It is impractical to determine the fair value of investment contracts with discretionary participation features due to the lack of a reliable basis to 
measure such features.
For financial liabilities designated as fair value through profit and loss there was no impact on profit from movements in credit risk during 2010 
and 2009. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
293

Determination of fair value
The fair values of the financial assets and liabilities as shown in the table above have been determined on the following bases. 

The fair values of the financial instruments for which fair valuation is required under IFRS are determined by the use of current 
market bid prices for exchange-quoted investments, or by using quotations from independent third-parties, such as brokers and pricing 
services or by using appropriate valuation techniques. Investments valued using valuation techniques include financial investments 
which by their nature do not have an externally quoted price based on regular trades and financial investments for which markets are no 
longer active as a result of market conditions, e.g. market illiquidity. The valuation techniques used include comparison to recent arm’s 
length transactions, reference to other instruments that are substantially the same, discounted cash flow analysis, option adjusted spread 
models and, if applicable, enterprise valuation. These techniques may include a number of assumptions relating to variables such as 
credit risk and interest rates. Changes in assumptions relating to these variables could positively or negatively impact the reported fair 
value of these instruments. When determining the inputs into the valuation techniques used priority is given to publicly available prices 
from independent sources, when available, but overall the source of pricing is chosen with the objective of arriving at a fair value 
measurement which reflects the price at which an orderly transaction would take place between market participants on the 
measurement date.

The fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based upon available market information and judgements about the 

financial instruments, including estimates of the timing and amount of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of 
counterparties. Such estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Group’s 
entire holdings of a particular financial instrument, nor do they consider the tax impact of the realisation of unrealised gains or losses 
from selling the financial instrument being fair valued. In some cases the disclosed value cannot be realised in immediate settlement 
of the financial instrument. 

The loans and receivables have been shown net of provisions for impairment. The fair value of loans has been estimated from 

discounted cash flows expected to be received. The rate of discount used was the market rate of interest.

The estimated fair value of derivative financial instruments reflects the estimated amount the Group would receive or pay in an arm’s 

length transaction. This amount is determined using quoted prices if exchange listed, quotations from independent third-parties or 
valued internally using standard market practices. In accordance with the Group’s risk management framework, all internally generated 
valuations are subject to assessment against external counterparties’ valuations.

 For investment contracts in the US with fixed and guaranteed terms the fair value is determined based on the present value of future 

cash flows discounted at current interest rates.

The fair value of other financial liabilities is determined using discounted cash flows of the amounts expected to be paid.

Level 1, 2 and 3 fair value measurement hierarchy of Group financial instruments 
In March 2009, IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ was amended by the IASB to require certain additional disclosures to be 
included in IFRS financial statements. This includes, as is presented below, a table of financial instruments carried at fair value analysed 
by level of the IFRS 7 defined fair value hierarchy. This hierarchy is based on the inputs of the fair value measurement and reflects the 
lowest level input that is significant to that measurement. 

The classification criteria and its application to Prudential can be summarised as follows:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
Level 1 principally includes exchange listed equities, mutual funds with quoted prices, exchange traded derivatives such as futures and 
options, and national government bonds unless there is evidence that trading in a given instrument is so infrequent that the market could 
not possibly be considered active. It also includes other financial instruments (including net assets attributable to unit-holders of 
consolidated unit trusts and similar funds) where there is clear evidence that the year end valuation is based on a traded price in an 
active market.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly 
(i.e. derived from prices)
Level 2 principally includes corporate bonds and other non-national government debt securities which are valued using observable 
inputs, together with over-the-counter derivatives such as forward exchange contracts and non-quoted investment funds valued with 
observable inputs. It also includes net assets attributable to unit-holders of consolidated unit trusts and similar funds and investment 
contract liabilities that are valued using observable inputs. 

The nature of Prudential’s operations in the US and the UK mean that a significant proportion of the assets backing non-linked 
shareholder-backed business are held in corporate bonds, structured securities and other non-national government debt securities. 
These assets, in line with market practice, are generally valued using independent pricing providers in the US and third-party broker 
quotes in the UK and Asia either directly or via third-parties, such as IDC or Bloomberg. Such assets are generally classified as level 2 
as the nature of these quotations means that they do not strictly meet the definition of level 1 assets. These valuations are determined 
using independent external quotations from multiple sources and are subject to a number of monitoring controls, such as monthly 
price variances, stale price reviews and variance analysis on prices achieved on subsequent trades.
Pricing services, where available, are used to obtain the third-party broker quotes. Where pricing services providers are used, a single 
valuation is obtained and applied. 

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294

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

G: FINANCIAL ASSETS  
AND LIABILITIES
CONTINUED

G1:  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – DESIGNATION AND FAIR VALUES  >  CONTINUED

When prices are not available from pricing services, quotes are sourced directly from brokers. Prudential seeks to obtain a number of 
quotes from different brokers so as to obtain the most comprehensive information available on their executability. Where quotes are 
sourced directly from brokers, the price used in the valuation is normally selected from one of the quotes based on a number of factors, 
including the timeliness and regularity of the quotes and the accuracy of the quotes considering the spreads provided. The selected 
quote is the one which best represents an executable quote for the security at the measurement date.
  Generally, no adjustment is made to the prices obtained from independent third-parties. Adjustment is made in only limited 
circumstances, where it is determined that the third-party valuations obtained do not reflect fair value (e.g. either because the value 
is stale and/or the values are extremely diverse in range). These are usually securities which are distressed or that could be subject 
to a debt restructure or where reliable market prices are no longer available due to an inactive market or market dislocation. In these 
instances, prices are derived using internal valuation techniques including those as described above in this note with the objective 
of arriving at a fair value measurement which reflects the price at which an orderly transaction would take place between market 
participants on the measurement date. The techniques used require a number of assumptions relating to variables such as credit risk 
and interest rates. Examples of such variables include an average credit spread based on the corporate bond universe and the relevant 
duration of the asset being valued. Prudential measures the input assumptions based on the best available information at the 
measurement dates. Securities valued in such manner are classified as level 3 where these significant inputs are not based on observable 
market data. 

In addition level 2 includes debt securities that are valued internally using standard market practices. Of the total level 2 debt 
securities of £89,948 million at 31 December 2010 (2009: £83,301 million), £6,638 million are valued internally (2009: £6,426 million). 
The majority of such securities are valued using matrix pricing, which is based on assessing the credit quality of the underlying borrower 
to derive a suitable discount rate relative to government securities of a comparable duration. Under matrix pricing, the debt securities are 
priced taking the credit spreads on comparable quoted public debt securities and applying these to the equivalent debt instruments 
factoring a specified liquidity premium. The majority of the parameters used in this valuation technique are readily observable in the 
market and, therefore, are not subject to interpretation. 

Level 3: Significant inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs)
Level 3 principally includes investments in private equity funds, investments in property funds which are exposed to bespoke properties 
or risks, investments which are internally valued or subject to a significant number of unobservable assumptions and certain derivatives 
which are bespoke or long dated. It also includes debt securities which are rarely traded or traded only in privately negotiated 
transactions and hence where it is difficult to assert that these have been based on observable market data. The inherent nature of the 
vast majority of these assets means that, in normal market conditions, there is unlikely to be significant change in the specific underlying 
assets classified as level 3. 

At 31 December 2010 the Group held £4,194 million (2009: £5,190 million), two per cent of the fair valued financial instruments 
(2009: three per cent), within level 3. Of these amounts £3,359 million (2009: £3,510 million) was held by the Group’s participating funds 
and therefore shareholders’ profit and equity are not impacted by movements in the valuation of these financial instruments. Total level 3 
assets represented 3.3 per cent of the total assets of the participating funds at 31 December 2010 (2009: 3.7 per cent). Total level 3 
liabilities at 31 December 2010 were £371 million out of total participating fund liabilities of £112,196 million (2009: £348 million out of 
£104,817 million).
  Of the £866 million level 3 fair valued financial investments at 31 December 2010 (2009: £1,684 million), net of derivative liabilities 
which support non-linked shareholder-backed business (1.6 per cent of the total financial investments net of derivative liabilities backing 
this business) (2009: 3.6 per cent), £728 million are externally valued and £138 million are internally valued (2009: £1,653 million and 
£31 million respectively). Internal valuations, which represent 0.2 per cent of the total financial investments net of derivative liabilities 
supporting non-linked shareholder-backed business at 31 December 2010 (2009: 0.06 per cent), are inherently more subjective than 
external valuations.

If the value of all level 3 investments backing non-linked shareholder-backed business was varied downwards by 10 per cent, the 
change in valuation would be £14 million (2009: £3 million), which would reduce shareholders’ equity by this amount before tax. Of this 
amount a £7 million decrease (2009: £5 million increase) would pass through the income statement substantially as part of short-term 
fluctuations in investment returns outside of operating profit and a £7 million decrease (2009: offset by an £8 million decrease) would be 
included as part of other comprehensive income, being unrealised movements on assets classified as available-for-sale. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
295

WITH-PROFITS 
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trusts
Debt securities
Other investments (including derivative assets)
Derivative liabilities

Total financial investments, net of derivative liabilities 
Borrowings attributable to the with-profits fund held at fair value
Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated unit trusts and 

similar funds

Total
Percentage of total

UNIT-LINKED AND VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trusts
Debt securities
Other investments (including derivative assets)
Derivative liabilities

Total financial investments, net of derivative liabilities
Investment contracts without discretionary participation features  held at fair value
Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated unit  trusts and 

similar funds

Total
Percentage of total

NON-LINKED SHAREHOLDER-BACKED
Loans
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trusts
Debt securities
Other investments (including derivative assets)
Derivative liabilities

Total financial investments, net of derivative liabilities
Investment contracts without discretionary participation features held at fair value
Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated unit  trusts and 

similar funds

Total
Percentage of total

GROUP TOTAL
Loans
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trusts
Debt securities
Other investments (including derivative assets)
Derivative liabilities

Total financial investments, net of derivative liabilities
Borrowings attributable to the with-profits fund held at fair value
Investment contracts without discretionary participation features held at fair value
Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated unit trusts and

similar funds

Total
Percentage of total

31 December 2010  £m

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total 

29,675 
11,114 
137 
(56)

40,870 
– 

1,281 
41,375 
1,207 
(626)

43,237 
(82)

415 
772 
2,543 
(25)

3,705 
– 

31,371 
53,261 
3,887 
(707)

87,812 
(82)

(519)

(511)

(346)

(1,376)

40,351 
47% 

42,644 
49% 

3,359 
4% 

86,354 
100% 

54,272 
3,784 
43 
–

58,099 
– 

(1,360)

56,739 
118% 

– 
808 
10,389 
52 
(80)

11,169 
– 

2 
5,268 
88 
–

5,358 
(13,841)

– 

(8,483)
(18)%   

227 
21 
43,305 
1,146 
(1,049)

43,650 
(1,981)

(220)

(383)

10,949 
20% 

41,286 
78% 

– 
84,755 
25,287 
232 
(136)

110,138 
– 
– 

227 
1,304 
89,948 
2,441 
(1,675)

92,245 
(82)
(15,822)

– 
2 
– 
–

2 
– 

– 

2 
– 

– 
161 
343 
563 
(201)

866 
– 

(33)

833 
2% 

– 
576 
1,117 
3,106 
(226)

4,573 
– 
– 

54,274 
9,054 
131 
–

63,459 
(13,841)

(1,360)

48,258 
100% 

227 
990 
54,037 
1,761 
(1,330)

55,685 
(1,981)

(636)

53,068 
100% 

227 
86,635 
116,352 
5,779 
(2,037)

206,956 
(82)
(15,822)

(2,099)

(894)

(379)

(3,372)

108,039 
58% 

75,447 
40% 

4,194 
2% 

187,680 
100% 

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296

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

G: FINANCIAL ASSETS  
AND LIABILITIES
CONTINUED

G1:  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – DESIGNATION AND FAIR VALUES  >  CONTINUED

WITH-PROFITS 
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trusts
Debt securities
Other investments (including derivative assets)
Derivative liabilities

Total financial investments, net of derivative liabilities 
Borrowings attributable to the with-profits fund held at fair value
Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated unit trusts and 

similar funds

Total
Percentage of total

UNIT-LINKED AND VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trusts
Debt securities
Other investments (including derivative assets)
Derivative liabilities

Total financial investments, net of derivative liabilities
Investment contracts without discretionary participation features held at fair value
Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated unit trusts and 

similar funds

Total
Percentage of total

NON-LINKED SHAREHOLDER-BACKED
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trusts
Debt securities
Other investments (including derivative assets)
Derivative liabilities

Total financial investments, net of derivative liabilities
Investment contracts without discretionary participation features held at fair value
Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated unit trusts and  

similar funds

Total
Percentage of total

GROUP TOTAL
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in unit trusts
Debt securities
Other investments (including derivative assets)
Derivative liabilities

Total financial investments, net of derivative liabilities
Borrowings attributable to the with-profits fund held at fair value
Investment contracts without discretionary participation features held at fair value
Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated unit trusts and 

similar funds

Total
Percentage of total

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

31 December 2009  £m

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total 

28,688
7,063
79
(54)

35,776
–

(1,354)

34,422
44%

38,616
3,283
30
–

41,929
–

(1,324)

40,605
119%

557
5,783
155
(20)

6,475
–

(110)

6,365
14%

67,861
16,129
264
(74)

84,180
–
–

(2,788)

81,392
52%

799
39,051
1,199
(504)

40,545
(105)

475
1,213
2,170
(25)

3,833
–

29,962
47,327
3,448
(583)

80,154
(105)

(305)

(323)

(1,982)

40,135
51%

3,510
5%

4
5,525
80
–

5,609
(12,242)

(7)

(6,640)
(19)%

36
38,725
787
(703)

38,845
(1,598)

–
40
–
–

40
–

(2)

38
0%

179
1,068
632
(195)

1,684
–

78,067
100%

38,620
8,848
110
–

47,578
(12,242)

(1,333)

34,003
100%

772
45,576
1,574
(918)

47,004
(1,598)

(342)

(42)

(494)

36,905
82%

839
83,301
2,066
(1,207)

84,999
(105)
(13,840)

1,642
4%

654
2,321
2,802
(220)

5,557
–
–

44,912
100%

69,354
101,751
5,132
(1,501)

174,736
(105)
(13,840)

(654)

(367)

(3,809)

70,400
45%

5,190
3%

156,982
100%

297

Reconciliation of movements in level 3 financial instruments measured at fair value
The following tables reconcile the value of level 3 financial instruments at 1 January 2010 to that presented at 31 December 2010 and 
at 1 January 2009 to that presented at 31 December 2009. 

Total gains and losses recorded in the income statement in the year represents realised gains and losses, including interest and 
dividend income unrealised gains and losses on financial instruments classified at fair value through profit and loss and foreign exchange 
movements on an individual entity’s overseas investments. All these amounts are included within ‘investment return’ within the income 
statement.

Total gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive income includes unrealised gains and losses on debt securities held as 
available-for-sale within Jackson and foreign exchange movements arising from the retranslation of the Group’s overseas subsidiaries 
and branches.

The transfers out from level 3 during 2010 comprise mainly transfers within the Jackson’s portfolio. Certain broker-priced assets of 
Jackson were previously classified as level 3 holdings as a result of illiquidity in the market and the resultant lack of observability into the 
assumptions used to produce those fair values. During 2010, as a result of ongoing consideration regarding the use of assumptions by 
pricing sources and the changes in the level of observability of these inputs over recent periods, Jackson determined that these assets 
would be more appropriately categorised as level 2. As a result, Jackson transferred debt securities of £606 million and derivative assets 
of £101 million from level 3 to level 2. The remaining transfers out of level 3 of the Group are primarily debt securities reclassifications 
from level 3 to level 2 which reflect improving liquidity during the period. 

The transfers out from level 3 during 2009 included a transfer of £2,072 million from level 3 to level 2 in respect of structured 

securities of Jackson. At 31 December 2008, Jackson had utilised internal valuations for certain structured securities given the illiquidity 
of the market at that time. These assets had therefore been classified as level 3 given the unobservable nature of assumptions within the 
internal valuation models used. During the first half of 2009, improvements were observed in the level of liquidity for these structured 
securities such that external prices based on observable inputs from pricing services or brokers were used to value nearly all of the 
structured securities at 31 December 2009. The remaining transfers in and out of level 3 in 2009 represented sundry individual asset 
reclassifications, none of which are materially significant as highlighted in the table below.

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298

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

G: FINANCIAL ASSETS  
AND LIABILITIES
CONTINUED

G1:  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – DESIGNATION AND FAIR VALUES  >  CONTINUED

Total
gains/
losses in
income
statement
£m

At 1 Jan
2010
£m

Total
gains/
losses
recorded
in other
compre-
hensive
income
£m

Purchases
£m

Sales
£m

Settled
£m 

Transfers
into
level 3
£m

Transfers
out of
level 3
£m

At
 31 Dec
2010
£m

WITH-PROFITS 
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in 

unit trusts
Debt securities
Other investments (including derivative 

assets)

Derivative liabilities

Total financial investments, net of 

derivative liabilities 

Net asset value attributable to unit holders of 
consolidated unit trusts and similar funds

Total

UNIT-LINKED AND VARIABLE ANNUITY 

SEPARATE ACCOUNTS

  Debt securities

Total financial investments, net of 

derivative liabilities

Net asset value attributable to unit holders of 
consolidated unit trusts and similar funds

Total

NON-LINKED SHAREHOLDER-BACKED
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in 

unit trusts
Debt securities
Other investments (including derivative 

assets)

Derivative liabilities

Total financial investments, net of 

derivative liabilities

Net asset value attributable to unit holders of 
consolidated unit trusts and similar funds

Total

GROUP TOTAL
Equity securities and portfolio holdings in 

unit trusts
Debt securities
Other investments (including derivative 

assets)

Derivative liabilities

Total financial investments, net of 

derivative liabilities

Net asset value attributable to unit holders of 
consolidated unit trusts and similar funds

Total

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

475
1,213

2,170
(25)

(6)
(113)

309
–

3,833

190

(323)

3,510

(32)

158

40

40

(2)

38

179
1,068

632
(195)

–

–

–

–

43
49

15
(5)

–
18

5
–

23

–

23

3

3

–

3

48
15

372
–

(59)
(158)

(312)
–

–
(34)

–
–

435

(529)

(34)

9

–

–

444

(529)

(34)

(4)

(18)

2

2

–

2

(4)

–

(4)

5
72

32
(1)

30
46

129
–

(95)
(213)

(144)
–

(18)

–

(18)

–
(27)

–
–

1,684

102

108

205

(452)

(27)

(42)

1,642

(17)

85

(1)

(16)

43

–

107

189

(409)

(27)

654
2,321

2,802
(220)

37
(64)

324
(5)

5
93

37
(1)

78
63

501
–

(154)
(375)

(456)
–

–
(79)

–
–

–
11

–
–

11

–

11

–

–

–

–

2
61

–
–

63

–

63

2
72

–
–

(43)
(180)

415
772

(1)
–

2,543
(25)

(224)

3,705

–

(346)

(224)

3,359

(21)

(21)

2

(19)

2

2

–

2

(3)
(713)

(101)
–

161
343

563
(201)

(817)

866

–

(33)

(817)

833

(46)
(914)

576
1,117

(102)
–

3,106
(226)

5,557

292

134

642

(985)

(79)

74

(1,062)

4,573

(367)

5,190

(49)

243

(1)

(7)

43

–

–

2

(379)

133

635

(942)

(79)

74

(1,060)

4,194

299

Purchases
£m

Sales
£m

Settled
£m 

Transfers
into
level 3
£m

Transfers
out of
level 3
£m

At
 31 Dec
2009
£m

–
142
–
–

142

–

142

–

–

(1)

(1)

–
(54)
–
–

475
1,213
2,170
(25)

(54)

3,833

–

(323)

(54)

3,510

(4)

(4)

–

(4)

40

40

(2)

38

–
200
43
(1)

(24)
(2,177)
(2)
–

179
1,068
632
(195)

242

(2,203)

1,684

–

–

(42)

242

(2,203)

1,642

26
50
403
–

479

49

528

16

16

(1)

15

21
104
153
(64)

214

–

214

47
170
556
(64)

(56)
(225)
(55)
(23)

–
(17)
–
–

(359)

(17)

–

–

(359)

(17)

(8)

(8)

–

(8)

–
(2)
–
–

(2)

–

(2)

–

–

–

–

(55)
(473)
(308)
23

(813)

–

(813)

(111)
(698)
(363)
–

–
(27)
–
–

–
342
43
(1)

(24)
(2,235)
(2)
–

654
2,321
2,802
(220)

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Total
gains/
losses in
income
statement
£m

At 1 Jan
2009
£m

Total
gains/
losses
recorded
in other
compre-
hensive
income
£m

509
1,342
2,122
–

(3)
(14)
(211)
(2)

(1)
(11)
(89)
–

3,973

(230)

(101)

(381)

9

–

3,592

(221)

(101)

2

2

–

2

(47)
(15)
130
93

161

17

178

(50)
(27)
(81)
91

1

1

–

1

(34)
(565)
(76)
–

(675)

6

(669)

(35)
(575)
(165)
–

WITH-PROFITS 
Equity securities and portfolio holdings 

in unit trusts

Debt securities
Other investments (including derivative assets)
Derivative liabilities

Total financial investments, net of 

derivative liabilities 

Net asset value attributable to unit holders of 
consolidated unit trusts and similar funds

Total

UNIT-LINKED AND VARIABLE ANNUITY 

SEPARATE ACCOUNT

  Debt securities

Total financial investments, net of 

derivative liabilities

Net asset value attributable to unit holders of 
consolidated unit trusts and similar funds

Total

33

33

–

33

NON-LINKED SHAREHOLDER-BACKED
Equity securities and portfolio holdings 

in unit trusts
Debt securities
Other investments (including derivative assets)
Derivative liabilities

318
3,996
692
(246)

Total financial investments, net of 

derivative liabilities

Net asset value attributable to unit holders of 
consolidated unit trusts and similar funds

Total

4,760

(65)

4,695

GROUP TOTAL
Equity securities and portfolio holdings 

in unit trusts
Debt securities
Other investments (including derivative assets)
Derivative liabilities

827
5,371
2,814
(246)

Total financial investments, net of 

derivative liabilities

Net asset value attributable to unit holders of 
consolidated unit trusts and similar funds

8,766

(67)

(775)

709

(1,172)

(27)

384

(2,261)

5,557

(446)

26

6

48

–

–

(1)

–

(367)

Total

8,320

(41)

(769)

757

(1,172)

(27)

383

(2,261)

5,190

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
300

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

G: FINANCIAL ASSETS  
AND LIABILITIES
CONTINUED

G1:  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – DESIGNATION AND FAIR VALUES  >  CONTINUED

Of the total gains and losses in the income statement in 2010 of £243 million gains, £315 million relates to financial instruments still held 
at the end of the year, which can be analysed as £18 million for equity securities, £110 million for debt securities, £243 million for other 
investments, £(6) million for derivative liabilities and £(50) million for net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated unit 
trusts and similar funds. 
  Of the total gains and losses in the income statement in 2009 of £41 million losses, £(205) million relates to financial instruments still 
held at the end of the year, which can be analysed as £41 million losses for equity securities, £44 million losses for debt securities, 
£221 million losses for other investments, £76 million gains for derivative liabilities and £25 million gains for net asset value attributable 
to unit holders of consolidated unit trusts and similar funds.

Transfers between level 1 and level 2
During 2010, transfers from level 1 to level 2 amounted to £354 million in respect of certain investment funds held by the Group’s 
participating funds which arose to reflect the change in the observability of the inputs used in valuing these funds. 

There were no significant transfers between level 1 and level 2 during 2009. 

Interest income and expense
The interest income on financial assets not at fair value through profit and loss for the year ended 31 December 2010 from continuing 
operations was £1,994 million (2009: £1,998 million).

The interest expense on financial liabilities not at fair value through profit and loss for the year ended 31 December 2010 from 

continuing operations was £427 million (2009: £366 million).

G2:  MARKET RISK

Interest rate risk
The following table shows an analysis of the classes of financial assets and liabilities and their direct exposure to interest rate risk. 
Each applicable class of the Group’s financial assets or liabilities is analysed between those exposed to fair value interest rate risk, 
cash flow interest rate risk and those with no direct interest rate risk exposure:

FINANCIAL ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Deposits
Debt securities
Loans 
Other investments (including derivatives)

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed operations
Operational borrowings attributable to shareholder-financed operations
Borrowings attributable to with-profits funds
Obligations under funding, securities lending and sale 

and repurchase agreements

Investment contracts without discretionary participation features
Derivative liabilities
Other liabilities 

2010  £m

Fair value
interest 
rate risk

Cash flow
interest
rate risk

Not directly
 exposed to
interest
rate risk

–
887
110,168
6,238
1,616

–
8,941
5,824
3,001
448

6,631
124
360
22
3,715

Total 

6,631
9,952
116,352
9,261
5,779

118,909

18,214

10,852

147,975

3,676
2,624
679

631
988
705
121

9,424

–
377
710

3,568
894
431
129

6,109

–
3
133

–
15,822
901
879

17,738

3,676
3,004
1,522

4,199
17,704
2,037
1,129

33,271

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Deposits
Debt securities
Loans 
Other investments (including derivatives)

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed operations
Operational borrowings attributable to shareholder-financed operations
Borrowings attributable to with-profits funds
Obligations under funding, securities lending and sale 

and repurchase agreements

Investment contracts without discretionary participation features
Derivative liabilities
Other liabilities 

2009  £m

Fair value
interest 
rate risk

Cash flow
interest
rate risk

Not directly
 exposed to
interest
rate risk

–
896
95,817
5,923
1,381

104,017

3,394
2,128
804

611
1,098
647
79

8,761

–
11,884
5,550
2,816
368

20,618

–
620
312

2,871
867
286
92

5,048

5,307
40
384
15
3,383

9,129

–
3
168

–
13,840
568
706

15,285

301

Total 

5,307
12,820
101,751
8,754
5,132

133,764

3,394
2,751
1,284

3,482
15,805
1,501
877

29,094

Liquidity analysis
i)  Contractual maturities of financial liabilities
The following table sets out the contractual maturities for applicable classes of financial liabilities, excluding derivative liabilities and 
investment contracts that are separately presented. The financial liabilities are included in the column relating to the contractual 
maturities at the undiscounted cash flows (including contractual interest payments) due to be paid assuming conditions are consistent 
with those of year end.

Total
carrying
value

1 year
or less

After 1
 year to
5 years

After 5
 years to
10 years

After 10
 years to
15 years

After 15
 years to
20 years 

Over
20 years

No stated
maturity

Total

2010  £m

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Core structural borrowings of 

shareholder-financed operationsH13

3,676

164

Operational borrowings attributable 

to shareholder-financed operationsH13

3,004

2,510

861

561

3

Borrowings attributable to 
  with-profits fundsH13
Obligations under funding, securities 
lending and sale and repurchase 
agreements
Other liabilities 
Net asset value attributable to unit 

holders of consolidated unit-trusts 
and similar funds 

Other creditors

1,522

155

1,051

161

4,199 
1,129

4,199
867

3,372
2,321

3,372
2,321

–
16

–
–

–
50

–
–

731

1,314

835

1,244

1,469

6,618

3

2

–
–

–
–

3

2

–
–

–
–

10

–

3,090

121

182

1,674

–
–

–
–

–
196

4,199
1,129

–
–

3,372
2,321

A
N
D
L
I

A
B
I
L
I
T
I
E
S

G

:

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L
A
S
S
E
T
S

19,223

13,588

2,489

945

1,319

840

1,375

1,847

22,403

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
302

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

G: FINANCIAL ASSETS  
AND LIABILITIES
CONTINUED

G2:  MARKET RISK  >  CONTINUED

Total
carrying
value

1 year
or less

After 1
 year to
5 years

After 5
 years to
10 years

After 10
 years to
15 years

After 15
 years to
20 years 

Over
20 years

No stated
maturity

Total

2009  £m

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Core structural borrowings of 

shareholder-financed operationsH13

3,394

148

Operational borrowings attributable 

to shareholder-financed operationsH13

2,751

2,351

Borrowings attributable to 
  with-profits fundsH13
Obligations under funding, securities 
lending and sale and repurchase 
agreements
Other liabilities 
Net asset value attributable to unit 

holders of consolidated unit-trusts 
and similar funds 

Other creditors

1,284

228

3,482
877

3,482
643

3,809
1,612

3,809
1,612

588

435

882

–
11

–
–

733

1,394

877

1,343

1,422

6,505

9

102

–
14

–
–

9

–

–
–

–
–

9

–

–
–

–
–

31

–

2,844

–

–
–

–
–

205

1,417

–
211

3,482
879

–
–

3,809
1,612

17,209

12,273

1,916

858

1,403

886

1,374

1,838

20,548

ii) Maturity analysis of derivatives
The following table provides a maturity analysis of derivative assets and liabilities:

Net derivative position

Net derivative position

Total
carrying
value

2

Total
carrying
value

279

 1 year
or less

1

 1 year
or less

340

2010  £m

After 1
 year to 
3 years

1

After 3
 years to
5 years

–

2009  £m

After 1
 year to 
3 years

10

After 3
 years to
5 years

(1)

The net derivative positions as shown in the table above comprise the following derivative assets and liabilities:

Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities

Net derivative position

After
5 years

–

After
5 years

–

Total 

2

Total 

349

2010  £m

2009  £m

2,039
(2,037)

2

1,780
(1,501)

279

The majority of derivative assets and liabilities have been included at fair value within the one year or less column representing the basis 
on which they are managed (i.e. to manage principally asset or liability value exposures). Contractual maturities are not considered 
essential for an understanding of the timing of the cash flows for these instruments and in particular the Group has no cash flow hedges. 
The only exception is certain identified interest rate swaps which are fully expected to be held until maturity solely for the purposes of 
matching cash flows on separately held assets and liabilities. For these instruments the undiscounted cash flows (including contractual 
interest amounts) due to be paid under the swap contract assuming conditions are consistent with those at year end are included in the 
column relating to the contractual maturity of the derivative.

The table below shows the maturity profile for investment contracts on an undiscounted basis to the nearest billion. This maturity 
profile has been based on the cash flow projections of expected benefit payments as part of the determination of the value of in-force 
business when preparing EEV basis results. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
303

Life assurance investment contracts

3

12

15

14

12

15

71

43

2010  £bn

1 year
or less

After 1
 year to
5 years

After 5
 years to
10 years

After 10
 years to
15 years

After 15
 years to
20 years 

Over
20 years

Total
undis-
counted
value

Carrying
value

2009  £bn

1 year
or less

After 1
 year to
5 years

After 5
 years to
10 years

After 10
 years to
15 years

After 15
 years to
20 years 

Over
20 years

Total
undis-
counted
value

Carrying
value

Life assurance investment contracts

3

11

13

13

11

17

68

41

Most investment contracts have options to surrender early, albeit these are often subject to surrender or other penalties. It is therefore 
the case that most contracts could be said to have a contractual maturity of less than one year, but in reality the additional charges and 
term of the contracts means these are unlikely to be exercised in practice and the more useful information is to present information on 
expected payment. 

The maturity profile above excludes certain corporate unit-linked business with gross policyholder liabilities of £11 billion 

(2009: £9 billion) which has no stated maturity but which is repayable on demand.

This table has been prepared on an undiscounted basis and accordingly the amounts shown for life assurance investment contracts 

differ from those disclosed on the statement of financial position. Durations of long-term business contracts, covering insurance and 
investment contracts, on a discounted basis are included in section D.

The vast majority of the Group’s financial assets are held to back the Group’s policyholder liabilities. Although asset/liability 
matching is an important component of managing policyholder liabilities (both those classified as insurance and those classified as 
investments), this profile is mainly relevant for managing market risk rather than liquidity risk. Within each business unit this asset/
liability matching is performed on a portfolio by portfolio basis.

In terms of liquidity risk a large proportion of the policyholder liabilities contain discretionary surrender values or surrender charges, 

meaning that many of the Group’s liabilities are expected to be held for the long term. Much of the Group’s investment portfolios is in 
marketable securities, which can therefore be converted quickly to liquid assets.

For the reasons above an analysis of the Group’s assets by contractual maturity is not considered necessary to evaluate the nature 

and extent of the Group’s liquidity risk.

Credit risk
The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk of financial instruments before any allowance for collateral or allocation of losses to 
policyholders is represented by the carrying value of financial instruments on the balance sheet that have exposures to credit risk. 
These assets comprise cash and cash equivalents, deposits, debt securities, loans and derivative assets, and other debtors, the carrying 
value of which are disclosed at the start of this note and note G3 for derivative assets. The collateral in place in relation to derivatives is 
described in G4. Notes D2, D3 and D4, describe the security for these loans held by the Group, as disclosed at the start of this note. 
  Of the total loans and receivables held £74 million (2009: £64 million) are past their due date but have not been impaired. Of the total 
past due but not impaired, £26 million is less than one year past their due date and £9 million is more than six months but less than one 
year past their due date (2009: £64 million and £11 million respectively). The Group expects full recovery of these loans and receivables. 
No further analysis has been provided of the age of financial assets that are past due at the end of the reporting period but not impaired 
as the amounts are immaterial.

No further analysis has been provided of the element of loans and receivables that was neither past due nor impaired for the total 

portfolio. This is on the grounds of immateriality of the difference between the neither past due nor impaired elements and the total 
portfolio. 

Financial assets that would have been past due or impaired had the terms not been renegotiated amounted to £97 million 

(2009: £55 million). 

There was no collateral held against loans that are past due and impaired or that are past due but not impaired at 31 December 2010 

(2009: £nil).

In addition, during the year the Group took possession of £22 million (2009: £15 million) of other collateral held as security, which 

mainly consists of assets that could be readily convertible into cash. 

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

A
N
D
L
I

A
B
I
L
I
T
I
E
S

G

:

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L
A
S
S
E
T
S

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
304

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

G: FINANCIAL ASSETS  
AND LIABILITIES
CONTINUED

G2:  MARKET RISK  >  CONTINUED

Currency risk
As at 31 December 2010, the Group held 18 per cent (2009: 19 per cent) and 14 per cent (2009: 13 per cent) of its financial assets and 
financial liabilities respectively, in currencies, mainly US dollar and Euro, other than the functional currency of the relevant business unit.
The financial assets, of which 70 per cent (2009: 74 per cent) are held by the PAC with-profits fund, allow the PAC with-profits fund 

to obtain exposure to foreign equity markets.

The financial liabilities, of which 28 per cent (2009: 34 per cent) are held by the PAC with-profits fund, mainly relate to foreign 

currency borrowings.

The exchange risks inherent in these exposures are mitigated through the use of derivatives, mainly forward currency contracts 

(note G3 below).

The amount of exchange gains recognised in the income statement in 2010, except for those arising on financial instruments 
measured at fair value through profit and loss, is £82 million (2009: £201 million losses). This constitutes £16 million losses (2009: 
£41 million losses) on Medium Term Notes (MTN) liabilities and £98 million of net gains (2009: £160 million net losses), mainly arising 
on investments of the PAC with-profits fund. The gains/losses on MTN liabilities are fully offset by value movements on cross-currency 
swaps, which are measured at fair value through profit and loss.

G3:  DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

Derivatives
The Group enters into a variety of exchange traded and over-the-counter derivative financial instruments, including futures, options, 
forward currency contracts and swaps such as interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps, swaptions and credit default swaps.
All over-the-counter derivative transactions are conducted under standardised ISDA (International Swaps and Derivatives 
Association Inc) master agreements and the Group has collateral agreements between the individual Group entities and relevant 
counterparties in place under each of these market master agreements.

The total fair value balances of derivative assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2010 were as follows:

Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities

Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities

2010  £m

UK insurance
 operations

US insurance
 operations

Asian 
insurance
 operations

Asset
 management

Unallocated
to a segment 

926
(792)

134

645
(799)

(154)

310
(222)

88

44
(78)

(34)

114
(146)

(32)

2009  £m

UK insurance
 operations

US insurance
 operations

Asian 
insurance
 operations

Asset
 management

Unallocated
to a segment 

910
(709)

201

519
(461)

58

150
(146)

4

48
(49)

(1)

153
(136)

17

Group
 total 

2,039
(2,037)

2

Group
 total 

1,780
(1,501)

279

The above derivative assets are included in ‘other investments’ in the primary statements.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
305

The notional amount of the derivatives, distinguishing between UK insurance and US operations, was as follows:

As at 31 December 2010

Cross-currency swaps*
Equity index put options
Swaptions
Futures
Forwards*
Inflation swaps
Credit default swaps
Credit derivatives
Put options
Equity options
Total return swaps
Interest rate swaps*

As at 31 December 2009

Cross-currency swaps*
Swaptions
Futures
Forwards*
Inflation swaps
Credit default swaps
Credit derivatives
Put options
Equity options
Total return swaps
Interest rate swaps*

2010  £m

UK insurance operations
Notional amount on which
future payments are based

US insurance operations
Notional amount on which
future payments are based

Asset

Liability

Asset

Liability

808
–
–
3,068
19,668
3,032
1,148
–
–
34
215
4,035

921
1,458
18
7,150
19,793
2,945
20
–
–
–
215
4,403

379
–
13,093
–
–
–
26
–
8,048
3,514
–
7,185

173
–
3,832
2,701
–
–
–
134
–
867
192
8,495

2009  £m

UK insurance operations
Notional amount on which
future payments are based

US insurance operations
Notional amount on which
future payments are based

Asset

Liability

Asset

Liability

808
900
2,267
20,235
2,337
90
–
–
30
420
5,529

881
900
2,987
20,184
2,205
12
–
–
552
421
5,710

376
12,694
–
–
–
–
–
9,072
3,246
–
1,579

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

168
5,263
1,534
–
–
–
189
–
562
–
3,957

* In addition, the other operations, including the Group Treasury function and the Asian operations, have cross-currency swap assets and liabilities 
with notional amounts of £492 million (2009: £819 million) and £209 million (2009: £122 million) respectively, forward currency contracts assets 
and liabilities with notional amounts of £2,619 million (2009: £570 million) and £440 million (2009: £958 million) respectively, interest rate swaps 
assets and liabilities of £832 million (2009: £793 million) and of £195 million (2009: £522 million), respectively, and cliquet options assets of £nil 
(2009: £7  million).

These derivatives are used for efficient portfolio management to obtain cost effective and efficient exposure to various markets in 
accordance with the Group’s investment strategies and to manage exposure to interest rate, currency, credit and other business risks. 
See also note D3 for use of derivatives by the Group’s US operations.

The Group uses various interest rate derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps to reduce exposure to interest rate volatility.
The UK insurance operations use various currency derivatives in order to limit volatility due to foreign currency exchange rate 
fluctuations arising on securities denominated in currencies other than sterling. See also note G2 above. In addition, total return swaps 
and interest rate swaps are held for efficient portfolio management.

As part of the efficient portfolio management of the PAC with-profits fund, the fund may, from time to time, invest in cash-settled 

forward contracts over Prudential plc shares, which are accounted for consistently with other derivatives. This is in order to avoid a 
mismatch of the with-profits investment portfolio with the investment benchmarks set for its equity-based investment funds. The 
contracts will form part of the long-term investments of the with-profits fund. These contracts are subject to a number of limitations 
for legal and regulatory reasons.

A
N
D
L
I

A
B
I
L
I
T
I
E
S

G

:

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L
A
S
S
E
T
S

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
306

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

G: FINANCIAL ASSETS  
AND LIABILITIES
CONTINUED

G3:  DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING  >  CONTINUED

Some of the Group’s products, especially those sold in the US, have certain guarantee features linked to equity indexes. A mismatch 
between product liabilities and the performance of the underlying assets backing them, exposes the Group to equity index risk. In order 
to mitigate this risk, the relevant business units purchase swaptions, equity options and futures to match asset performance with 
liabilities under equity-indexed products.

The US operations and some of the UK operations hold large amounts of interest-rate sensitive investments that contain credit risks 

on which a certain level of defaults is expected. These entities have purchased some swaptions in order to manage the default risk on 
certain underlying assets and hence reduce the amount of regulatory capital held to support the assets.

Hedging
The Group has formally assessed and documented the effectiveness of the following hedges under IAS 39.

Fair value hedges
The Group used interest rate derivatives to hedge the interest rate exposures on its US$300 million, 6.5 per cent perpetual subordinated 
capital securities until September 2010. The hedge terminated at this point. The impact on the Group’s income statement was 
immaterial. Where the hedge relationship has been de-designated and re-designated, the fair value adjustment to the hedged item up to 
the point of de-designation continues to be reported as part of the basis of the hedged item and is amortised to the income statement 
based on a recalculated effective interest rate over the residual period to the first break clause date of the perpetual subordinated capital 
securities.

The Group has chosen to designate as a fair value hedge certain fixed to floating rate swaps which hedge the fair value exposure to 

interest rate movements of certain of the Group’s operational borrowings.

The fair value of the derivatives designated as fair value hedges above at 31 December 2010, was an asset of £5 million (2009: asset 
of £7 million and liability of £1 million). Movements in the fair value of the hedging instruments of a net loss of £1 million (2009: net loss 
of £11 million) and the hedged items of a net gain of £1 million (2009: net gain of £11 million) are recorded in the income statement in 
respect of the fair value hedges above.

Cash flow hedges
The Group has no cash flow hedges in place. 

Net investment hedges
The Group has designated perpetual subordinated capital securities totalling US$2.3 billion (2009: US$1.55 billion) as a net investment 
hedge to hedge the currency risks related to the net investment in Jackson. The carrying value of the subordinated capital securities was 
£1,462 million as at 31 December 2010 (2009: £966 million). The foreign exchange loss of £45 million (2009: gain of £118 million) on 
translation of the borrowings to pounds sterling at the statement of financial position date is recognised in the translation reserve in 
shareholders’ equity.

This net investment hedge was 100 per cent effective.

G4:  DERECOGNITION AND COLLATERAL

Securities lending and reverse repurchase agreements
The Group has entered into securities lending (including repurchase agreements) whereby blocks of securities are loaned to third-
parties, primarily major brokerage firms. The amounts above the fair value of the loaned securities required to be held as collateral by the 
agreements depend on the quality of the collateral, calculated on a daily basis. The loaned securities are not removed from the Group’s 
consolidated statement of financial position, rather they are retained within the appropriate investment classification. Collateral typically 
consists of cash, debt securities, equity securities and letters of credit. At 31 December 2010, the Group had lent £8,708 million 
(2009: £10,501 million) of which £6,488 million (2009: £7,910 million) was lent by the PAC with-profits fund of securities and held 
collateral under such agreements of £9,334 million (2009: £10,669 million) of which £6,910 million (2009: £8,086 million) was held by 
the PAC with-profits fund.

At 31 December 2010, the Group had entered into reverse repurchase transactions under which it purchased securities and had 

taken on the obligation to resell the securities for the purchase price of £1,208 million (2009: £1,587 million), together with accrued 
interest.

Collateral and pledges under derivative transactions
At 31 December 2010, the Group had pledged £800 million (2009: £644 million) for liabilities and held collateral of £804 million 
(2009: £586 million) in respect of over-the-counter derivative transactions.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
307

G5:  IMPAIRMENT OF FINANCIAL ASSETS

In accordance with the Group’s accounting policy set out in note A4, impairment reviews were performed for available-for-sale securities 
and loans and receivables. In addition, impairment reviews were undertaken for the reinsurers’ share of insurance contract liabilities.
  During the year ended 31 December 2010, impairment losses of £145 million (2009: £647 million) were recognised for available-for-
sale securities and loans and receivables. These were £124 million (2009: £630 million) in respect of available-for-sale securities held by 
Jackson and £21 million (2009: £17 million) in respect of loans and receivables. The 2010 impairment charge for loans and receivables of 
£21 million (2009: £17 million) relates to loans held by the UK with-profits fund and mortgage loans held by Jackson. 

Impairment losses recognised on available-for-sale securities amounted to £124 million (2009: £630 million). Of this amount, 

90 per cent (2009: 86 per cent) has been recorded on structured asset-backed securities, primarily due to reduced cash flow 
expectations on such securities that are collateralised by diversified pools of primarily below investment grade securities. Of the losses 
related to the impairment of fixed maturity securities, the top five individual corporate issuers made up 32 per cent (2009: 11 per cent), 
reflecting a deteriorating business outlook of the companies concerned. 

The impairment losses have been recorded in ‘investment return’ in the income statement.
In 2010, the Group realised gross losses on sales of available-for-sale securities of £160 million (2009: £134 million) with 45 per cent 

(2009: 60 per cent) of these losses related to the disposal of fixed maturity securities of 15 (2009: five) individual issuers, which were 
disposed of as part of risk reduction programmes intended to limit future credit loss exposure. Of the £160 million (2009: £134 million), 
£99 million (2009: £6 million) relates to losses on sales of impaired and deteriorating securities.

The effect of those reasonably likely changes in the key assumptions underlying the estimates that underpin the assessment of 
whether impairment has taken place depends on the factors described in note A3. A key indicator of whether such impairment may 
arise in future, and the potential amounts at risk, is the profile of gross unrealised losses for fixed maturity securities accounted for 
on an available-for-sale basis by reference to the time periods by which the securities have been held continuously in an unrealised 
loss position and by reference to the maturity date of the securities concerned. 

For 2010 the amounts of gross unrealised losses for fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale under IFRS in an 
unrealised loss position was £370 million (2009: £966 million). Notes B1 and D3 provide further details on the impairment charges 
and unrealised losses of Jackson’s available-for-sale securities.

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

A
N
D
L
I

A
B
I
L
I
T
I
E
S

G

:

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L
A
S
S
E
T
S

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
308

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

H: OTHER INFORMATION ON STATEMENT  
OF FINANCIAL POSITION ITEMS

H1:  INTANGIBLE ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS 

a  Goodwill

COST
At 1 January 
Disposal of Taiwan Agency business
Additional consideration paid on previously acquired businesses
Acquisition of UOB Life Assurance Limited in Singapore 
Exchange differences

At 31 December

AGGREGATE IMPAIRMENT
At 1 January and 31 December

NET BOOK AMOUNT AT 31 DECEMBER

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,430
–
–
141
15

1,586

(120)

1,466

1,461
(44)
13
–
–

1,430

(120)

1,310

Impairment testing
Goodwill does not generate cash flows independently of other groups of assets and thus is assigned to cash generating units (CGUs) for 
the purposes of impairment testing. These CGUs are based upon how management monitors the business and represent the lowest level 
to which goodwill can be allocated on a reasonable basis. An allocation to CGUs of the Group’s goodwill attributable to shareholders is 
shown below:

M&G
Other

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,153
313

1,466

1,153
157

1,310

‘Other’ represents goodwill amounts allocated across CGUs in Asia and US operations. Other goodwill amounts are not individually 
material. During 2010 £141 million (SGD313 million) of goodwill was recognised upon the acquisition of UOB Life Assurance Limited. 
Upon translation at the year end exchange rate, the carrying value of this UOB Life Assurance goodwill at 31 December 2010 was 
£156 million.

Assessment of whether goodwill may be impaired
Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the CGU’s carrying amount, including any goodwill, with its recoverable amount.
  With the exception of M&G, the goodwill attributable to shareholders in the statement of financial position mainly relates to acquired 
life businesses. The Company routinely compares the aggregate of net asset value and acquired goodwill on an IFRS basis of acquired 
life business with the value of the business as determined using the EEV methodology, as described in note D1. Any excess of IFRS over 
EEV carrying value is then compared with EEV basis value of current and projected future new business to determine whether there is 
any indication that the goodwill in the IFRS statement of financial position may be impaired. The assumptions underpinning the Group’s 
EEV basis of reporting are included in the EEV basis supplementary information in this Annual Report. In particular at 31 December 2010, 
the EEV of the CGU containing the UOB Life Assurance goodwill (being the Singapore insurance operations) materially exceeded its 
IFRS net asset value and so no impairment was deemed to arise.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

309

M&G
The recoverable amount for the M&G CGU has been determined by calculating its value in use. This has been calculated by aggregating 
the present value of future cash flows expected to be derived from the M&G operating segment (based upon management projections).

The discounted cash flow valuation has been based on a three-year plan prepared by M&G, and approved by management, and cash 

flow projections for later years.

The value in use is particularly sensitive to a number of key assumptions as follows:

i 

 The set of economic, market and business assumptions used to derive the three-year plan. The direct and secondary effects of recent 
developments, e.g. changes in global equity markets, are considered by management in arriving at the expectations for the financial 
projections for the plan.

ii   The assumed growth rate on forecast cash flows beyond the terminal year of the plan. A growth rate of 2.5 per cent (2009: 2.5 per 
cent) has been used to extrapolate beyond the plan period representing management’s best estimate view of the long-term growth 
rate of the business after considering the future and past growth rates and external sources of data.

iii  The risk discount rate. Differing discount rates have been applied in accordance with the nature of the individual component 

businesses. For retail and institutional business a risk discount rate of 12 per cent (2009: 12 per cent) has been applied to post-tax 
cash flows. The pre-tax risk discount rate was 16 per cent (2009: 16 per cent). Management have determined the risk discount rate 
by reference to an average implied discount rate for comparable UK listed asset managers calculated by reference to risk-free rates, 
equity risk premiums of five per cent and an average ‘beta’ factor for relative market risk of comparable UK listed asset managers. 
A similar approach has been applied for the other component businesses of M&G.

iv That asset management contracts continue on similar terms.

Management believes that any reasonable change in the key assumptions would not cause the recoverable amount of M&G to fall below 
its carrying amount.

Japanese life company
The aggregate goodwill impairment of £120 million at 31 December 2010 and 2009 relates to the goodwill held in relation to the 
Japanese life operation which was impaired in 2005.

b  Deferred acquisition costs and other intangible assets attributable to shareholders
The deferred acquisition costs and other intangible assets in the Group consolidated statement of financial position attributable to 
shareholders comprise:

Deferred acquisition costs (DAC) related to insurance contracts as classified under IFRS 4
Deferred acquisition costs related to investment management contracts, including life

assurance contracts classified as financial instruments and investment management
contracts under IFRS 4

Present value of acquired in-force policies for insurance contracts as classified under IFRS 4
Present value of future profits of acquired investment management contracts, including 

life assurance contracts classified as financial instruments and investment management 
contracts under IFRS 4

Distribution rights

2010  £m

2009  £m

4,316

3,823

110

4,426

70

–
113

183

107

3,930

52

1
66

119

Total of deferred acquisition costs and other intangible assets

4,609

4,049

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

P
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

I
T
E
M
S

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
O
F
F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L

:

H
O
T
H
E
R

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I
O
N
O
N

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
310

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

H: OTHER INFORMATION ON STATEMENT  
OF FINANCIAL POSITION ITEMS
CONTINUED

H1:  INTANGIBLE ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS  >  CONTINUED

Deferred acquisition costs

BALANCE AT 1 JANUARY
Additions
Acquisition of UOB Life Assurance Ltd
Amortisation to the income statement:

Operating profit
Amortisation related to short-term 

fluctuations in investment returns

Exchange differences
Change in shadow DAC related to 
movement in unrealised 
appreciation of Jackson’s securities 
classified as available-for-sale (see 
note D3(g) for explanation)
Dilution of holding in PruHealth
DAC movement on sale of Taiwan 

agency business

UK
£m

124
19
–

(20)

–
(20)
–

–
(7)

–

US(i)
£m

3,092
851
–

(334)

358
24
72

(496)
–

–

Asia
£m

706
210
–

(208)

–
(208)
50

–
–

–

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER

116

3,543

758

Asset
 management
£m

Other
intangibles
£m

Total
2010
£m

4,049
1,135
12

(579)

358
(221)
137

(496)
(7)

–

119
50
12

(13)

–
(13)
15

–
–

–

183

4,609

Total
2009
£m 

5,349
1,071
–

(469)

153
(316)
(550)

(1,069)
–

(436)

4,049

8
5
–

(4)

–
(4)
–

–
–

–

9

Note
i 

The DAC amount in respect of US insurance operations includes £2,834 million (2009: £1,938 million) in respect of variable annuity business, 
£1,229 million (2009: £1,164 million) in respect of other business and £(520) million (2009: £(10) million) in respect of cumulative shadow DAC. 

Deferred acquisition costs related to insurance contracts attributable to shareholders
The movement in deferred acquisition costs relating to insurance contracts attributable to shareholders is as follows:

DEFERRED ACQUISITION COSTS AT 1 JANUARY 
Additions
Amortisation
Exchange differences
Change in shadow DAC related to movement in unrealised appreciation of Jackson’s securities   

classified as available-for-sale

Dilution of holding in PruHealth
DAC movement on sale of Taiwan agency business

DEFERRED ACQUISITION COSTS AT 31 DECEMBER

2010  £m

2009  £m

3,823
1,064
(190)
122

(496)
(7)
–

4,316

5,097
1,054
(286)
(537)

(1,069)
–
(436)

3,823

Deferred acquisition costs related to investment management contracts attributable to shareholders
Incremental costs associated with the origination of investment management contracts written by the Group’s insurance and asset 
management businesses are capitalised and amortised as the related revenue is recognised.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

311

2010  £m

2009  £m

162
(55)

107

21
(18)

110

183
(73)

110

148
(40)

108

14
(15)

107

162
(55)

107

AT 1 JANUARY
Gross amount
Accumulated amortisation

NET BOOK AMOUNT

Additions (through internal development)
Amortisation

AT 31 DECEMBER

COMPRISING:
Gross amount
Accumulated amortisation

NET BOOK AMOUNT

Present value of acquired in-force business of long-term business contracts attributable to shareholders
The present value of acquired in-force business (PVAIF) relating to investment contracts without discretionary participation features 
represents the contractual right to benefit from providing these investment management services in the future. The fair value is 
measured as the present value of the future profits of the investment management component of these contracts. These contracts are 
accounted for under the provisions of IAS 18. The PVAIF balance relating to insurance contracts is accounted for under UK GAAP as 
permitted by IFRS 4.

The present value of future profits of acquired investment management contracts which was fully amortised during the year related 

to unit-linked contracts acquired as part of the M&G acquisition in 1999.

Amortisation is charged to the ‘acquisition costs and other operating expenditure’ line in the income statement over the period of 

provision of asset management services as those profits emerge.

AT 1 JANUARY
Cost
Accumulated amortisation

NET BOOK AMOUNT

Acquisition of UOB Life Assurance Ltd(note I1)
Exchange differences
Amortisation charge

AT 31 DECEMBER 

COMPRISING:
Cost
Accumulated amortisation

NET BOOK AMOUNT

2010  £m

2009  £m

Insurance
business

Investment
management

Insurance
business

Investment
management 

175
(123)

52

12
10
(4)

70

203
(133)

70

12
(11)

1

–
–
(1)

–

–
–

–

184
(120)

64

–
(6)
(6)

52

175
(123)

52

12
(11)

1

–
–
–

1

12
(11)

1

Distribution rights attributable to the Asian insurance operations
Distribution rights relate to facilitation fees paid in respect of the bancassurance partnership arrangements in Asia for the bank 
distribution of Prudential’s insurance products for a fixed period of time. The distribution rights amounts are amortised over the 
term of the distribution contracts.

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

P
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

I
T
E
M
S

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
O
F
F
I
N
A
N
C
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A
L

:

H
O
T
H
E
R

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I
O
N
O
N

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
312

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

H: OTHER INFORMATION ON STATEMENT  
OF FINANCIAL POSITION ITEMS
CONTINUED

H1:  INTANGIBLE ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS  >  CONTINUED

AT 1 JANUARY
Gross amount
Accumulated amortisation

Additions(i)
Amortisation charge
Exchange differences

AT 31 DECEMBER

COMPRISING:
Gross amount
Accumulated amortisation

2010  £m

2009  £m

79
(13)

66

50
(8)
5

113

136
(23)

113

84
(5)

79

3
(9)
(7)

66

79
(13)

66

Note
i 

In addition to the acquired assets and liabilities of UOB Life Assurance in 2010, as explained in note I1, the Group entered into distribution 
agreements with UOB for consideration of SGD 110 million (£50 million). The distribution rights have been accounted for as an intangible asset.

H2:  INTANGIBLE ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO WITH-PROFITS FUNDS

a  Goodwill in respect of acquired investment subsidiaries for venture fund and other investment purposes

AT 1 JANUARY 
Additions in the year(note I8(iii))
Impairment

AT 31 DECEMBER 

2010  £m

2009  £m

124
42
–

166

174
–
(50)

124

All the goodwill relates to the UK insurance operations segment. 

The venture fund investments consolidated by the Group relates to investments by PAC with-profits fund managed by M&G. 

The goodwill shown in the table above relates to these venture fund investments. Goodwill is tested for impairment for these investments by 
comparing the investment’s carrying value including goodwill with its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of the investments 
is determined by calculating their fair value less costs to sell. The fair value is determined by using a discounted cash flow valuation. 
The valuations are based on cash flow projections to 2015 prepared by management after considering the historical experience and future 
growth rates of the business. The key assumption applied in the calculations is the risk discount rate ranging from 10 to 14 per cent derived 
by reference to risk-free rates and an equity premium risk. In 2010, no goodwill was deemed to be impaired following the impairment 
testing carried out. In 2009, following the impairment testing carried out, £50 million of the goodwill was deemed to be impaired. 
In 2009, the impairment charge was recorded under ‘acquisition costs and other expenditure’ but was also taken account of in 
determining the charge/credit in the income statement for the transfer to the liability for unallocated surplus of with-profits funds. 
Accordingly, the charge did not affect shareholders’ profits or equity.

b  Deferred acquisition costs and other intangible assets
Other intangible assets in the Group consolidated statement of financial position attributable to with-profits funds consist of:

Deferred acquisition costs related to insurance contracts attributable to the PAC with-profits fund
Distribution rights attributable to with-profits funds of the Asian insurance operations

2010  £m

2009  £m

13
97

110

9
97

106

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
313

Deferred acquisition costs related to insurance contracts attributable to the PAC with-profits fund
The movement in deferred acquisition costs relating to insurance contracts attributable to the PAC with-profits fund is as follows:

AT 1 JANUARY
Additions
Amortisation charge

AT 31 DECEMBER

2010  £m

2009  £m

9
9
(5)

13

13
–
(4)

9

The above costs relate to non-participating business written by the PAC with-profits sub-fund. 

No deferred acquisition costs are established for the participating business.

Distribution rights attributable to with-profit funds of the Asian insurance operations
Distribution rights relate to facilitation fees paid in relation to the bancassurance partnership arrangements in Asia for the bank 
distribution of Prudential’s insurance products for a fixed period of time. The distribution rights amounts are amortised over the term 
of the distribution contracts.

AT 1 JANUARY
Gross amount
Accumulated amortisation

Additions
Amortisation charge
Exchange differences

AT 31 DECEMBER

COMPRISING:
Gross amount
Accumulated amortisation

2010  £m

2009  £m

103
(6)

97

–
(4)
4

97

108
(11)

97

115
(2)

113

–
(4)
(12)

97

103
(6)

97

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

H3:  REINSURERS’ SHARE OF INSURANCE CONTRACT LIABILITIES

Insurance contract liabilities
Claims outstanding

The movement on reinsurers’ share of insurance contract liabilities is as follows:

AT 1 JANUARY
Movement in the year
Foreign exchange translation differences

AT 31 DECEMBER

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,167
177

1,344

1,114
73

1,187

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,114
31
22

1,167

1,176
24
(86)

1,114

P
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

I
T
E
M
S

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
O
F
F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L

:

H
O
T
H
E
R

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I
O
N
O
N

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
314

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

H: OTHER INFORMATION ON STATEMENT  
OF FINANCIAL POSITION ITEMS
CONTINUED

H4:  TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Assets
Of the £555 million (2009: £636 million) current tax recoverable, the majority is expected to be recovered in one year or less.

Deferred tax asset

Unrealised losses on investments
Balances relating to investment and insurance contracts
Short-term timing differences
Capital allowances
Unused deferred tax losses

Total

The deferred tax asset at 31 December 2010 and 2009 arises in the following parts of the Group:

UK insurance operations:

SAIF
PAC with-profits fund (including PAL)

  Other
US insurance operations
Asian insurance operations
Other operations

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

449
11
1,152
16
560

2,188

1,156
20
1,228
18
286

2,708

2010  £m

2009  £m

2
108
104
1,391
98
485

2,188

2
141
149
1,944
132
340

2,708

The decrease in deferred tax asset primarily relates to the reduction in unrealised losses on investments due to the improved investment 
markets.
  Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that they are regarded as recoverable, that is to the extent that, on the basis of all 
available evidence, it can be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of 
the underlying temporary differences can be deducted. 

The taxation regimes applicable across the Group apply separate rules to trading and capital profits and losses. The distinction 
between temporary differences that arise from items of either a trading or capital nature may affect the recognition of deferred tax 
assets. Accordingly, for the 2010 results and statement of financial position at 31 December 2010, the possible tax benefit of 
approximately £143 million (2009: £257 million), which may arise from capital losses valued at approximately £0.5 billion (2009: 
£1.2 billion), is sufficiently uncertain that it has not been recognised. In addition, a potential deferred tax asset of £298 million (2009: 
£607 million), which may arise from tax losses and other potential temporary differences totalling £1.2 billion (2009: £2.1 billion) is 
sufficiently uncertain that it has not been recognised. Forecasts as to when the tax losses and other temporary differences are likely 
to be utilised indicate that they may not be utilised in the short-term.

Liabilities
The current tax liability decreased to £831 million (2009: £1,215 million) due to an exceptional tax credit which primarily relates to the 
impact of a settlement agreed with the UK tax authorities together with the ability to recognise a tax credit on costs incurred in relation 
to the terminated AIA transaction. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
315

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,678
1,057
1,477
12

4,224

1,744
961
1,159
8

3,872

Deferred tax liability

Unrealised gains on investments
Balances relating to investment and insurance contracts
Short-term timing differences
Capital allowances

Total

The increase in deferred tax liability primarily relates to the rise in deferred acquisition costs (shown within short-term timing differences 
above) as a result of the increase in insurance new business during the year.

Unprovided deferred income tax liabilities on temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and 

interests in joint ventures are considered to be insignificant due to the availability of various UK tax exemptions and reliefs.

The UK government’s tax rate change to 27 per cent has had the effect of reducing the UK with-profits and shareholder-backed 
business elements of the net deferred tax balances as at 31 December 2010 by £11 million. The tax change to 27 per cent is effective 
from 1 April 2011 but enacted at 31 December 2010.The subsequent proposed phased rate changes to 24 per cent are expected 
to have the effect of reducing the UK with-profits and shareholder-backed business elements of the net deferred tax balances at 
31 December 2010 by £65 million. 

H5:  ACCRUED INVESTMENT INCOME AND OTHER DEBTORS

ACCRUED INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest receivable
Other

Total

OTHER DEBTORS
Premiums receivable:

From policyholders
From intermediaries
From reinsurers

Other

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,844
824

2,668

141
28
27
707

903

1,718
755

2,473

148
17
82
515

762

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

TOTAL ACCRUED INVESTMENT INCOME AND OTHER DEBTORS

3,571

3,235

Of the £3,571 million (2009: £3,235 million) of accrued investment income and other debtors, £151 million (2009: £134 million) is 
expected to be settled after one year or more.

P
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

I
T
E
M
S

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
O
F
F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L

:

H
O
T
H
E
R

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I
O
N
O
N

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
316

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

H: OTHER INFORMATION ON STATEMENT  
OF FINANCIAL POSITION ITEMS
CONTINUED

H6:  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment comprise Group occupied properties, development property (until 2009) and tangible assets. 
A reconciliation of the carrying amount of these items from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is as follows:

AT 1 JANUARY 2009
Cost
Accumulated depreciation

NET BOOK AMOUNT

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2009
Opening net book amount
Exchange differences
Depreciation charge
Additions
Disposals (including amounts disposed of with the Taiwan agency business)
Reclassified as investment property*

CLOSING NET BOOK AMOUNT

AT 1 JANUARY 2010
Cost
Accumulated depreciation

Net book amount

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010
Opening net book amount
Exchange differences
Depreciation charge
Additions
Arising on acquisitions of subsidiaries
Disposals

CLOSING NET BOOK AMOUNT

AT 31 DECEMBER 2010
Cost
Accumulated depreciation

NET BOOK AMOUNT

Group
occupied
property
£m

Development
property
£m

Tangible
assets
£m

292
(29)

263

263
(9)
(4)
2
(99)
–

153

173
(20)

153

153
5
(4)
19
–
–

173

197
(24)

173

131
–

131

131
–
–
–
–
(131)

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

717
(476)

241

241
(31)
(70)
89
(15)
–

214

661
(447)

214

214
9
(68)
74
220
(10)

439

908
(469)

439

Total
£m 

1,140
(505)

635

635
(40)
(74)
91
(114)
(131)

367

834
(467)

367

367
14
(72)
93
220
(10)

612

1,105
(493)

612

* In line with the 2008 IASB Annual Improvements Project, all development properties were reclassified as investment properties with effect from 

1 January 2009.

The total property, plant and equipment relates to continuing operations only.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

317

2010  £m

2009  £m

23
25
28

2
1
4

83

10

93

5
12
65

–
1
2

85

6

91

Capital expenditure: property, plant and equipment by segment

Insurance operations:

UK
US
Asia

Asset management operations:
  M&G
US
Asia

TOTAL SEGMENT

Unallocated corporate

TOTAL

H7:  INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

Investment properties principally relate to the PAC with-profits fund and are carried at fair value. A reconciliation of the carrying amount 
of investment properties at the beginning and end of the year is set out below:

AT 1 JANUARY

Reclassification of development property*
Additions:

Resulting from acquisitions
Resulting from expenditure capitalised
Resulting from acquisitions through business combinations

Disposals (including amounts disposed of with the Taiwan agency business)
Net gain (loss) from fair value adjustments
Net foreign exchange differences
Transfers to held for sale assets
Transfers to owner occupied properties

AT 31 DECEMBER

2010  £m

2009  £m

10,905

11,992

–

131

267
44
–
(390)
636
38
(254)
1

184
133
1
(1,220)
(203)
(113)
–
–

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

11,247

10,905

* In line with changes issued by the IASB as part of its Annual Improvement Project in May 2008 (as shown in note H6) all development properties 
with a total cost of £131 million have been reclassified as investment properties at 1 January 2009. At this date these investments had a fair value 
of £152 million. The initial gain of £21 million is included as part of ‘net loss from fair value adjustments’.

The income statement includes the following items in respect of investment properties:

Rental income from investment properties
Direct operating expenses (including repairs and maintenance expenses) 

 arising from investment properties that generated rental income during the year

Further information on the investment property held by the UK insurance operations is included in note D2(a).

2010  £m

2009  £m

625

125

755

131

P
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

I
T
E
M
S

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
O
F
F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L

:

H
O
T
H
E
R

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I
O
N
O
N

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
318

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

H: OTHER INFORMATION ON STATEMENT  
OF FINANCIAL POSITION ITEMS
CONTINUED

H7:  INVESTMENT PROPERTIES  >  CONTINUED

Investment properties of £3,435 million (2009: £3,177 million) are held under finance leases. A reconciliation between the total of future 
minimum lease payments at the statement of financial position date and their present value is shown below:

Future minimum lease payments at 31 December
Future finance charges on finance leases

Present value of minimum lease payments

Future minimum lease payments are due as follows:

Less than 1 year
1 to 5 years

  Over 5 years

Total

The present values of these minimum lease payments are:

Less than 1 year
1 to 5 years

  Over 5 years

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,107
(972)

135

7
28
1,072

1,107

7
24
104

135

1,683
(1,517)

166

9
38
1,636

1,683

8
38
120

166

Contingent rent is that portion of the lease payments that is not fixed in amount but is based on the future value of a factor that changes 
other than with the passage of time. There was no contingent rent recognised as income or expense in 2010 and 2009. 

The Group’s policy is to rent investment properties to tenants through operating leases. Minimum future rentals to be received on 

non-cancellable operating leases are receivable in the following periods:

Less than 1 year
1 to 5 years
Over 5 years

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

601
2,121
5,616

8,338

662
2,282
7,792

10,736

The total minimum future rentals to be received on non-cancellable sub-leases for land and buildings at 31 December 2010 are £3,366 
million (2009: £3,684 million).

H8:  INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

Investments in associates
The Group had three associates at 31 December 2010 (2009: three) that are accounted for using the equity method. The Group’s 
associates are a 30 per cent interest in The Nam Khang, a Vietnamese property developer, a 30 per cent interest in Apollo Education and 
Training Organisation Vietnam and a 25 per cent interest in PruHealth, following the loss of joint control in the period (see note I2). 
OYO Developments Limited a 25 per cent associate was disposed during the year.

The Group also has investments in associates which meet the IAS 28 criteria for measurement at fair value through profit and loss in 

accordance with IAS 39.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
319

Associates accounted for using the equity method
A summary of the movements in investments in associates accounted for using the equity method in 2010 and 2009 is set out below:

BALANCE AT 1 JANUARY 2009
Exchange translations and other movements 
Share of loss for the year after tax

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2009

Transfer of PruHealth to associates (note I2)
Acquisition/capital injection in PruHealth
Exchange translation and other movements
Share of loss for the year after tax

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

Share of
capital
£m

Share of
reserves
£m

Share of
net assets
£m

Goodwill
£m

Total 
carrying
 value
£m 

12
(7)
–

5
1
9
(3)
–

12

(4)
4
–

–
65
–
(1)
(6)

58

8
(3)
–

5
66
9
(4)
(6)

70

2
(1)
–

1
–
–
–
–

1

10
(4)
–

6
66
9
(4)
(6)

71

There have been no changes recognised in the other comprehensive income of associates that would also be recognised in the other 
comprehensive income by the Group.

The Group’s share of the assets, liabilities, revenues and profit and loss of associates accounted for using the equity method at 

31 December 2010 and 2009 is as follows:

FINANCIAL POSITION
Total assets (excluding goodwill)
Total liabilities

Net assets

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenue*
Loss in the year*

2010  £m

2009  £m

70
–

70

39
(6)

5
–

5

1
–

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

* The 2010 amounts include the Group’s share of PruHealth’s revenue and profit and loss for the five months ended 31 December 2010.

Prior to August 2010, PruHealth was accounted for as a joint venture (see note I2 and the note below).

Associates carried at fair value through profit and loss
The Group’s associates that are carried at fair value through profit and loss comprise investments in OEICs, unit trusts, funds holding 
collateralised debt obligations, property unit trusts, and venture capital investments of the PAC with-profits fund where the Group has 
significant influence. These investments are incorporated both in the UK and overseas, and some have year ends which are non-
coterminous with that of the Group. In these instances, the investments are recorded at fair value at 31 December 2010 based on 
valuations or pricing information at that specific date. The aggregate fair value of associates carried at fair value through profit and loss 
where there are published price quotations is approximately £5 billion (2009: £6 billion) at 31 December 2010.

The aggregate assets of these associates are approximately £6 billion (2009: £9 billion). Aggregate liabilities, excluding liabilities to 

unit holders and shareholders for unit trusts and OEICs, are approximately £1 billion (2009: £2 billion). Fund revenues, with revenue 
arising in unit trusts and OEICs deemed to constitute the investment return for these vehicles, were approximately £0.4 billion 
(2009: £0.8 billion) and net loss in the year, excluding unit trusts and OEICs where all investment returns accrue to unit holders or 
shareholders respectively, was approximately £0.1 billion (2009: profit of £0.2 billion).

P
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

I
T
E
M
S

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
O
F
F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L

:

H
O
T
H
E
R

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I
O
N
O
N

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
320

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

H: OTHER INFORMATION ON STATEMENT  
OF FINANCIAL POSITION ITEMS
CONTINUED

H8:  INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES  >  CONTINUED

Investments in joint ventures
Joint ventures represent activities over which the Group exercises joint control through contractual agreement with one or more parties. 
The Group’s significant joint ventures, which are accounted for using proportionate consolidation, comprise various joint ventures 
relating to property investments where the Group has a 50 per cent interest as well as the following interests:

Investment

% held

Principal activity

Country

CITIC Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited
CITIC Prudential Fund Management Company Limited
Prudential ICICI Asset Management Company Limited
Prudential BSN Takaful Berhad
BOCI Prudential Asset Management Limited
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited

50
49
49
49
36
26

Life assurance
Asset management
Asset management
General and life insurance
Asset management
Life assurance

China
China
India
Malaysia
China
India

The investments noted in the table above have the same accounting year end as the Group, except for ICICI Prudential Life Insurance 
Company Limited and Prudential ICICI Asset Management Company Limited. Although these investments have reporting periods 
ending 31 March, 12 months of financial information up to 31 December is recorded. Accordingly, the information covers the same 
period as that of the Group.

The summarised financial data for the Group’s share of investments in joint ventures is as follows:

FINANCIAL POSITION
Current assets
Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net equity

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues*
Expenses*

Net profit (loss)

2010  £m

2009  £m

327
3,386

3,713

(329)
(3,093)

(3,422)

291

1,195
(1,135)

60

386
2,462

2,848

(150)
(2,392)

(2,542)

306

974
(945)

29

* The 2010 amounts include the Group’s share of PruHealth’s results for the seven months ended 31 July 2010. On 1 August 2010 the Group’s interest in 

PruHealth was diluted and the Group’s investment was reclassified as an associate (see note I2 and the note above).

There are several minor service agreements in place between the joint ventures and the Group. During 2010, the aggregate amount of 
the transactions was £29.7 million (2009: £14.1 million) and the balance outstanding as at 31 December 2010 was £69.5 million 
(2009: £54.6 million).

The joint ventures have no significant contingent liabilities to which the Group is exposed nor does the Group have any significant 

contingent liabilities in relation to its interest in the joint ventures.

H9:  PROPERTIES HELD FOR SALE

Investment properties are classified as held for sale when contracts have been exchanged but the sale has not been completed at the 
period end. At 31 December 2010 the value of assets held for sale was £257 million (2009: £3 million).
  Gains on disposal of held for sale assets are recorded in ‘investment return’ within the income statement.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
321

H10:  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash at bank and in hand, deposits held at call with banks, treasury bills and other short-term highly 
liquid investments with less than 90 days maturity from the date of acquisition. Cash and cash equivalents included in the cash flow 
statement comprise the following statement of financial position amounts:

Cash
Cash equivalents

TOTAL CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

2010  £m

2009  £m

6,167
464

6,631

5,071
236

5,307

Cash and cash equivalents held centrally are considered to be available for general use by the Group. These funds amount to 
£523 million and £895 million at 31 December 2010 and 2009, respectively. The remaining funds are considered not to be available for 
general use by the Group, and include funds held for the benefit of policyholders.

H11:  SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: SHARE CAPITAL, SHARE PREMIUM AND RESERVES

SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARE PREMIUM
Share capital
Share premium
RESERVES
Retained earnings
Translation reserve
Available-for-sale reserve

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

A summary of the ordinary shares in issue is set out below:

Share capital and share premium

Issued shares of 5p each fully paid:

At 1 January 2010
Shares issued under share option schemes
Shares issued in lieu of cash dividends
Reserve movements in respect of shares issued in lieu of cash dividends

At 31 December 2010

Issued shares of 5p each fully paid:

At 1 January 2009
Shares issued under share option schemes
Shares issued in lieu of cash dividends
Reserve movements in respect of shares issued in lieu of cash dividends

At 31 December 2009

2010  £m

2009  £m

127
1,856

4,982
454
612

8,031

127
1,843

3,964
203
134

6,271

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

2010 

Number of
ordinary
shares

Share
capital
£m

Share
premium
£m 

2,532,227,471
2,455,227
10,911,808
–

2,545,594,506

127
–
–
–

127

1,843
13
62
(62)

1,856

2009 

Number of
ordinary
shares

Share
capital
£m

Share
premium
£m 

2,496,947,688
605,721
34,674,062
–

2,532,227,471

125
–
2
–

127

1,840
3
136
(136)

1,843

P
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

I
T
E
M
S

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
O
F
F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L

:

H
O
T
H
E
R

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I
O
N
O
N

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
322

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

H: OTHER INFORMATION ON STATEMENT  
OF FINANCIAL POSITION ITEMS
CONTINUED

H11:  SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: SHARE CAPITAL, SHARE PREMIUM AND RESERVES  >  CONTINUED

Amounts recorded in share capital represent the nominal value of the shares issued. The difference between the proceeds received on 
issue of shares, net of issue costs, and the nominal value of shares issued is credited to the share premium account. Shares issued in lieu 
of cash dividends are considered to take the legal form of bonus issue shares and have been accounted for as such.

At 31 December 2010, there were options outstanding under Save As You Earn schemes to subscribe for 12,802,482 

(2009: 12,230,833) shares at prices ranging from 288 pence to 572 pence (2009: 266 pence to 572 pence) and exercisable by the year 
2016 (2009: 2016). 

The cost of own shares of £75 million as at 31 December 2010 (2009: £75 million) is deducted from retained earnings. The Company 

has established trusts to facilitate the delivery of shares under employee incentive plans and savings-related share option schemes. 
At 31 December 2010, 4.5 million (2009: 5.3 million) Prudential plc shares with a market value of £30 million (2009: £34 million) were 
held in such trusts. Of this total, 4.4 million (2009: 4.8 million) shares were held in trusts under employee incentive plans. In 2010, 
the Company purchased 5.7 million (2009: 3.4 million) shares in respect of employee incentive plans at a cost of £32 million 
(2009: £17 million). The maximum number of shares held in the year was 5.3 million which was at the beginning of the year. 
  Of the total shares held in trust, 0.1 million (2009: 0.5 million) shares were held by a qualifying employee share ownership trust. 
These shares are expected to be fully distributed in the future on maturity of savings-related share option schemes.

The shares purchased each month are as follows:

Number of
shares

9,338 
11,638 
3,908,274 
11,129 
14,638 
190,991 
13,457 
10,016 
13,727 
11,634 
385,321 
1,153,611 

5,733,774 

Share Price

Low
£

6.38 
5.68 
5.16 
5.63 
5.59 
5.26 
5.14 
5.86 
5.25 
6.37 
5.74 
6.04 

High
£

6.38 
5.68 
6.09 
5.63 
5.59 
5.66 
5.14 
5.86 
5.84 
6.37 
6.49 
6.65 

Cost
£ 

59,530 
66,046 
20,884,460 
62,601 
81,753 
1,075,712 
69,102 
58,644 
78,539 
74,108 
2,244,770 
7,445,358 

32,200,623 

2010

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

TOTAL

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
323

Number of
shares

19,852 
19,926 
1,112,209 
22,164 
32,416 
26,594 
342,062 
14,059 
12,435 
10,332 
10,576 
1,739,591 

3,362,216 

Share Price

Low
£

3.83 
3.52 
2.02 
3.38 
4.45 
4.44 
3.86 
4.85 
5.50 
6.34 
6.04 
6.06 

High
£

3.94 
3.52 
3.50 
3.38 
6.59 
7.31 
4.30 
4.85 
5.50 
6.34 
6.04 
6.35 

Cost
£ 

76,575 
70,140 
3,837,968 
74,859 
173,242 
145,230 
1,374,929 
68,144 
68,393 
65,453 
63,879 
10,941,847 

16,960,659 

2009

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

TOTAL

The Group has consolidated a number of authorised investment funds where it is deemed to control these funds under IFRS. Some 
of these funds hold shares in Prudential plc. The total number of shares held by these funds at 31 December 2010 was 9.8 million 
(2009: 10.6 million) and the cost of acquiring these shares of £47 million (2009: £50 million) is included in the cost of own shares. 
The market value of these shares as at 31 December 2010 was £65 million (2009: £67 million).

During 2010 and 2009 respectively, these funds made 833,618 net disposals and 1,414,263 net acquisitions of Prudential shares 

for a net decrease of £3 million and a net increase of £3 million to book cost.

All share transactions were made on an exchange other than the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.
The Company did not buy back any of its own shares during 2010 or 2009.

Reserves
The translation reserve represents cumulative foreign exchange translation differences taken directly to equity in accordance with IFRS, 
net of related tax. In accordance with IFRS 1, cumulative translation differences are deemed to be zero at 1 January 2004, the date of 
transition to IFRS.

The available-for-sale reserve represents gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of available-for-sale securities of 

Jackson, net of the related change in amortisation of deferred income and acquisition costs and of the related tax. 

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

H12:  INSURANCE CONTRACT LIABILITIES AND UNALLOCATED SURPLUS OF WITH-PROFITS FUNDS

Movement in year

At 1 January 2009
Income and expense included in the income statement
Foreign exchange translation differences
Disposal of Taiwan agency business 

AT 1 JANUARY 2010
Income and expense included in the income statement
Foreign exchange translation differences
Dilution of holding in PruHealth

AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

Insurance
contract
liabilities 
£m

136,030
19,765
(6,574)
(3,508)

Unallocated
surplus 
of with-
profits funds 
£m

8,414
1,559
46
–

145,713

10,019

22,412
3,193
(27)

245
(11)
–

171,291

10,253

Notes B6, D2c, D3c and D4c provide further analysis of the movement in the year of the Group’s policyholder liabilities and unallocated 
surplus of the with-profits funds. 

P
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

I
T
E
M
S

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
O
F
F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L

:

H
O
T
H
E
R

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I
O
N
O
N

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
324

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

H: OTHER INFORMATION ON STATEMENT  
OF FINANCIAL POSITION ITEMS
CONTINUED

H13:  BORROWINGS

Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed operations

2010  £m

2009  £m

Innovative
Tier 1*

Innovative
Tier 2*

Senior†

Total

Total 

CENTRAL OPERATIONS
Subordinated debt:

¤500m 5.75% Subordinated Notes 2021note i
¤20m Medium-Term Subordinated Notes 2023note ii 
£435m 6.125% Subordinated Notes 2031 
£400m 11.375% Subordinated Notes 2039
US$1,000m 6.5% Perpetual Subordinated Capital Securities
US$250m 6.75% Perpetual Subordinated Capital 

Securitiesnote iii

US$300m 6.5% Perpetual Subordinated Capital 

Securitiesnote iii

US$750m 11.75% Perpetual Subordinated Capital Securities

639

160

192
472

428
17
428
382

428
17
428
382
639

160

192
472

443
18
428
380
619

155

192
456

1,463

1,255

–

2,718

2,691

Senior debt:

£300m 6.875% Bonds 2023
£250m 5.875% Bonds 2029

TOTAL CENTRAL OPERATIONS

PRUCAP

£250m bank loan note iv

JACKSON

US$250m 8.15% Surplus Notes 2027 note v

TOTAL notes vi, vii

–

–

1,463

1,255

1,463

159

1,414

300
249

549

300
249

549

3,267

3,240

300
249

549

549

250

250

159

–

154

3,394

799

3,676

* These debt classifications are consistent with the treatment of capital for regulatory purposes, as defined in the FSA Handbook.
† The senior debt ranks above subordinated debt in the event of liquidation.

Notes
i 

The €500 million 5.75 per cent borrowings have been swapped into borrowings of £333 million with interest payable at six month £LIBOR plus 
0.962 per cent.

ii  The €20 million borrowings were issued at 20-year Euro Constant Maturity Swap (capped at 6.5 per cent). These have been swapped into 

borrowings of £14 million with interest payable at three month £LIBOR plus 1.2 per cent.

iii  The US$250 million 6.75 per cent borrowings and the US$300 million 6.5 per cent borrowings can be converted, in whole or in part, at the 
Company’s option and subject to certain conditions, on any interest payment date falling on or after 23 March 2010 and 23 March 2011 
respectively, into one or more series of Prudential preference shares.

iv  The £250 million PruCap bank loan was made in two tranches: £135 million maturing in June 2014, currently drawn at a cost of six month £LIBOR 

plus 1.2 per cent and £115 million maturing in August 2012, currently drawn at a cost of twelve month £LIBOR plus 1.41 per cent.
The Jackson borrowings are unsecured and subordinated to all present and future indebtedness, policy claims and other creditor claims of Jackson.

v 
vi  Maturity analysis

The following table sets out the contractual maturity analysis of the Group’s core structural borrowings:

Less than 1 year
1 to 2 years
2 to 3 years
3 to 4 years
4 to 5 years
Over 5 years

Total

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

2010  £m

2009  £m

–
115
–
135
–
3,426

3,676

–
–
–
–
–
3,394

3,394

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
vii  Management analyses the net core structural borrowings position as follows:

Total core structural borrowings (as above)
Less: Holding company cash and short-term investments
(recorded within the consolidated statement of financial position)

Net core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed operations

Operational borrowings attributable to shareholder-financed operations

BORROWINGS IN RESPECT OF SHORT-TERM FIXED INCOME SECURITIES PROGRAMMES
Commercial paper
Medium-Term Notes 2010
Bank Notes 2013

NON-RECOURSE BORROWINGS OF US OPERATIONSnote i
Jacksonnote ii
Investment subsidiaries
Piedmont and CDO fundsnote iii

OTHER BORROWINGS
Bank loans and overdrafts 
Obligations under finance leases
Other borrowingsnote iv

325

2010  £m

2009  £m

3,676

3,394

(1,232)

2,444

(1,486)

1,908

2010  £m

2009  £m

2,311
–
249

2,560

10
20
60

90

5
2
347

354

2,031
7
–

2,038

–
20
183

203

148
3
359

510

TOTAL notes v, vi

3,004

2,751

Notes
i 

In all instances the holders of the debt instruments issued by these subsidiaries and funds do not have recourse beyond the assets of those 
subsidiaries and funds.

ii  This represents senior debt issued through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis and was secured on collateral posted with FHLB by 

Jackson. 

iii  Piedmont is an investment trust investing in certain asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities in the US. These borrowings pertain to debt 

instruments issued to external parties.

iv  Other borrowings represents amounts whose repayment to the lender is contingent on future surpluses emerging from certain contracts 

v 

specified under the arrangement. If insufficient surplus emerges on the contracts, there is no recourse to other assets of the Group and the 
liability is not payable to the degree of shortfall.
In addition to the listed debt above, £200 million Floating Rate Notes were issued by Prudential plc in October 2010 which mature in April 2011. 
These Notes have been wholly subscribed by a Group subsidiary and accordingly have been eliminated on consolidation in the Group financial 
statements. These Notes were originally issued in October 2008 and have been reissued upon their maturity. 

vi  Maturity analysis

The following table sets out the contractual maturity analysis of the Group’s operational borrowings attributable to shareholder-financed 
operations:

Less than 1 year
1 to 2 years
2 to 3 years
3 to 4 years
4 to 5 years
Over 5 years

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

2,496
98
401
–
–
9

3,004

2,183
121
239
172
6
30

2,751

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326

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

H: OTHER INFORMATION ON STATEMENT  
OF FINANCIAL POSITION ITEMS
CONTINUED

H13:  BORROWINGS  >  CONTINUED

Borrowings attributable to with-profits operations

Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated investment funds note i
£100m 8.5% Undated Subordinated Guaranteed Bonds of Scottish Amicable Finance plc note ii
Other borrowings (predominantly obligations under finance leases)

TOTAL note iii

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,287
100
135

1,522

1,016
100
168

1,284

Notes
i 
ii  The interests of the holders of the bonds issued by Scottish Amicable Finance plc, a subsidiary of the Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund, are 

In all instances the holders of the debt instruments issued by these funds do not have recourse beyond the assets of those funds.

subordinate to the entitlements of the policyholders of that fund.

iii  Maturity analysis

The following table sets out the contractual maturity analysis of the Group’s borrowings attributable to with-profits operations: 

Less than 1 year
1 to 2 years
2 to 3 years
3 to 4 years
4 to 5 years
Over 5 years

Total

H14:  PROVISIONS AND CONTINGENCIES

Provisions

Provision in respect of defined benefit pension schemes:I3
  Deficit, gross of deferred tax, based on scheme assets held, including investments in 

Prudential insurance policies:
Attributable to PAC with-profits fund (i.e. absorbed by the liability for unallocated surplus)
Attributable to shareholder-financed operations (i.e. to shareholders’ equity)

Add back: Investments in Prudential insurance policies

Provision after elimination of investments in Prudential insurance policies and matching 

policyholder liability from Group statement of financial position

Other provisions (see below)

TOTAL PROVISIONS

2010  £m

2009  £m

96
635
99
74
1
617

33
77
706
1
1
466

1,522

1,284

2010  £m

2009  £m

106
114

220
227

447
282

729

122
128

250
187

437
206

643

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
327

2010  £m

2009  £m

206

182
(10)
(106)
10

282

20
26
236

282

155

148
(13)
(75)
(9)

206

15
17
174

206

Analysis of other provisions:

At 1 January
Charged to income statement:
Additional provisions
Unused amounts released

Used during the year
Exchange differences

At 31 December

Comprising:

Legal provisions
Restructuring provisions

  Other provisions

TOTAL

Of the other provisions balance of £282 million (2009: £206 million), £141 million (2009: £148 million) is expected to be settled within 
one year. Employer contributions expected to be paid into defined benefit pension schemes within one year are shown in note I3.

Legal provisions
Of the legal provisions of £20 million (2009: £15 million), £19 million (2009: £11 million) relates to Jackson. Jackson has been named in 
civil proceedings, which appear to be substantially similar to other class action litigation brought against many life insurers in the US, 
alleging misconduct in the sale of insurance products. During 2010 and 2009, £1 million and £9 million was paid respectively. In 2010, 
Jackson established an additional £9 million reserve for potential litigation. We expect the provision balance to be utilised over the next 
six years. 

Restructuring provisions
Restructuring provisions of £26 million (2009: £17 million) primarily relate to restructuring activities of UK insurance operations. 
The provisions pertain to property liabilities resulting from the closure of regional sales centres and branches and staff terminations 
and other transformation costs to enable streamlining of operations.

These activities resulted in additional provisions in 2010 of £14 million. During 2010, £2 million (2009: £1 million) of unused provision 

was released, and £3 million (2009: £3 million) was paid.
  We expect the provision balance to be paid out within the next six years.

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Other provisions
Other provisions of £236 million (2009: £174 million) include provisions of £200 million (2009: £143 million) relating to staff benefit 
schemes which are mostly benefits that will generally be paid out within the next three years. During 2010, another £148 million (2009: 
£112 million) was provided (including exchange movement of £2 million (2009: £6 million)), £6 million (2009: £10 million) of unused 
provision was released and £92 million (2009: £54 million) was paid. Other provisions also include £28 million (2009: £27 million) 
relating to various onerous contracts where, in 2010, an additional £10 million (2009: £15 million) was provided and £8 million (2009: 
£4 million) was used. Other provisions also include £4 million (2009: £4 million) of regulatory provisions, where £nil (2009: £9 million) 
was provided, £1 million (2009: £2 million) of unused provision was released and £nil (2009: £3 million) was paid.

Contingencies and related obligations
Litigation regarding the Prudential Staff Pension Scheme (PSPS) and other matters
The Company is currently awaiting the decision of the English High Court in a case that was heard in early 2011 involving PSPS. This case 
relates to the defined benefit section of PSPS and was heard at the request of the trustees of the scheme who are seeking to clarify the 
Company’s obligations relating to discretionary pension increases.

In the event that the English High Court decides that the obligations relating to discretionary pension increases are greater than the 

Company currently believes, the assumptions applied for IAS 19 reporting purposes, and therefore the level of surplus of the Scheme 
may be affected. The Court decision might also affect the level of future deficit funding agreed concurrently with the next actuarial 
valuation as at 5 April 2011. 

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328

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

H: OTHER INFORMATION ON STATEMENT  
OF FINANCIAL POSITION ITEMS
CONTINUED

H14:  PROVISIONS AND CONTINGENCIES  >  CONTINUED

The impact of such changes on the deficit funding obligations of the shareholders’ funds of the Group would be determined in the 
context of the pre-existing features applicable to the PSPS scheme described below: 

(i) 

 Although underlying surpluses of the scheme are not recognised for IAS 19 Group accounting purposes under IFRIC 14, the surplus 
determined on the actuarial valuation basis would be considered in the context of setting altered levels of future deficit funding, and 
(ii)   the allocation of any such altered future deficit funding between the PAC life fund and shareholder-backed operations would be in a 
70/30 ratio. This ratio was determined following detailed consideration in 2005 of the source of previous contributions and has been 
applied from then when deficit funding has been required.

Additional details on the Prudential Staff Pension Scheme and these features are included in note I3. 

Consistent with the Company’s expectations as to the decision of the Court, no amount has been provided in the 2010 financial 

statements for this item. 

In addition to the legal proceedings relating to Jackson mentioned under the legal provisions section above, and PSPS, the Group 

is involved in other litigation and regulatory issues. 
  Whilst the outcome of each of the above matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes that the ultimate 
outcome of such litigation and regulatory issues will not have a material adverse effect on the Group’s financial condition, results of 
operations, or cash flows.

Pension mis-selling review
The pensions review by the UK insurance regulator of past sales of personal pension policies required all UK life insurance companies to 
review their cases of potential mis-selling and record a provision for the estimated costs. The Group met the requirement of the FSA to 
issue offers to all cases by 30 June 2002.

The table below summarises the change in the pension mis-selling provision for the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009. 
The change in the provision is included in benefits and claims in the income statement and the movement in unallocated surplus of 
with-profits funds has been determined accordingly.

Balance at beginning of year
Changes to actuarial assumptions and method of calculation
Discount unwind
Redress to policyholders
Payment of administrative costs

Balance at end of year

2010  £m

2009  £m

322
37
2
(46)
(1)

314

345
20
3
(44)
(2)

322

The pension mis-selling provision is included within the liabilities in respect of investment contracts with discretionary participation 
features under IFRS 4.

The pension mis-selling provision at 31 December 2010 set out above of £314 million is stochastically determined on a discounted 

basis. The average discount rate implied in the movement in the year is four per cent. The undiscounted amounts at 31 December 2010 
expected to be paid in each of the years ending 31 December are as follows:

Year ended 31 December
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Thereafter

Total undiscounted amount
Aggregate discount

Discounted pension mis-selling provision at 31 December 2010

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

2010  £m

40
10
9
10
9
441

519
(205)

314

 
 
 
 
 
329

The directors believe that, based on current information, the provision, together with future investment return on the assets backing 
the provision, will be adequate to cover the costs of pension mis-selling including administration costs. Such provision represents 
the best estimate of probable costs and expenses. However, there can be no assurance that the current provision level will not need to 
be increased.

The costs associated with the pension mis-selling review have been met from the inherited estate (see below). Accordingly, these 
costs have not been charged to the asset shares used in the determination of policyholder bonus rates. Hence policyholders’ pay-out 
values have been unaffected by pension mis-selling.

In 1998, Prudential stated that deducting mis-selling costs from the inherited estate would not impact its bonus or investment policy 
and it gave an assurance that if this unlikely event were to occur, it would make available support to the fund from shareholder resources 
for as long as the situation continued, so as to ensure that policyholders were not disadvantaged. The assurance was designed to protect 
both existing policyholders at the date it was announced, and policyholders who subsequently purchased policies while the pension 
mis-selling review was continuing.

The bonus and investment policy for each type of with-profits policy is the same irrespective of whether or not the assurance applies 

and this is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Hence removal of the assurance for new business has had no impact on 
policyholder returns.

Mortgage endowment products review
In common with several other UK insurance companies, the Group used to sell low-cost endowment products related to repayment of 
residential mortgages. At sale, the initial sum assured is set at a level such that the projected benefits, including an estimate of the annual 
bonus receivable over the life of the policy, will equal or exceed the mortgage debt. Because of a decrease in expected future investment 
returns since these products were sold, the FSA is concerned that the maturity value of some of these products will be less than the 
mortgage debt. The FSA has worked with insurance companies to devise a programme whereby the companies write to customers 
indicating whether they may have a possible shortfall and outline the actions that the customers can take to prevent this possibility.

The Group is exposed to mortgage endowment products in respect of policies issued by Scottish Amicable Life plc (SAL) and the 
Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society (SALAS) which were transferred into SAIF. At 31 December 2010, provisions of £2 million 
(2009: £4 million) in respect of the SAL policies and £20 million (2009: £35 million) in SAIF were held within policyholder liabilities to 
cover potential compensation in respect of mortgage endowment product mis-selling claims. As SAIF is a separate sub-fund of the 
Prudential Assurance long-term business fund, wholly attributable to the policyholders of the fund, this provision has no impact on 
shareholders.

In addition, in the year ended 31 December 2010 Prudential Assurance’s main with-profits fund paid compensation of £2 million 
(2009: £2 million) in respect of mortgage endowment products mis-selling claims and at 31 December 2010 held a provision of £32 million 
(2009: £47 million) in respect of further compensation. The movement in this provision has no impact on the Group’s profit before tax.
In May 2006, the Group introduced a deadline for both Prudential and Scottish Amicable mortgage endowment complaints. 
Impacted customers have three years to lodge a mis-selling complaint in line with the time limit prescribed by the FSA and the ABI.

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Guaranteed annuities
Prudential Assurance used to sell guaranteed annuity products in the UK and at 31 December 2010 held a provision of £24 million 
(2009: £31 million) within the main with-profits fund within policyholder liabilities to honour guarantees on these products. The Group’s 
main exposure to guaranteed annuities in the UK is through SAIF and at 31 December 2010 a provision of £336 million (2009: £284 
million) was held in SAIF to honour the guarantees. As SAIF is a separate sub-fund of the Prudential Assurance long-term business fund, 
wholly attributable to the policyholders of the fund, the movement in this provision has no impact on shareholders.

Other matters
Inherited estate of the PAC long-term fund
The assets of the with-profits sub-fund (WPSF) within the long-term insurance fund of The Prudential Assurance Company Limited 
(PAC) comprise the amounts that it expects to pay out to meet its obligations to existing policyholders and an additional amount used as 
working capital. The amount payable over time to policyholders from the WPSF is equal to the policyholders’ accumulated asset shares 
plus any additional payments that may be required by way of smoothing or to meet guarantees. The balance of the assets of the WPSF is 
called the ‘inherited estate’ and has accumulated over many years from various sources.

The inherited estate, as working capital, enables PAC to support with-profits business by providing the benefits associated with 
smoothing and guarantees, by providing investment flexibility for the fund’s assets, by meeting the regulatory capital requirements that 
demonstrate solvency and by absorbing the costs of certain significant events or fundamental changes in its long-term business without 
affecting the bonus and investment policies. The size of the inherited estate fluctuates from year to year depending on the investment 
return and the extent to which it has been required to meet smoothing costs, guarantees and other events.

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330

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

H: OTHER INFORMATION ON STATEMENT  
OF FINANCIAL POSITION ITEMS
CONTINUED

H14:  PROVISIONS AND CONTINGENCIES  >  CONTINUED

Support for long-term business funds by shareholders’ funds
As a proprietary insurance company, PAC is liable to meet its obligations to policyholders even if the assets of the long-term funds are 
insufficient to do so. The assets, represented by the unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, in excess of amounts expected to be paid 
for future terminal bonuses and related shareholder transfers (‘the excess assets’) in the long-term funds could be materially depleted 
over time by, for example, a significant or sustained equity market downturn, costs of significant fundamental strategic change or a 
material increase in the pension mis-selling provision. In the unlikely circumstance that the depletion of the excess assets within the 
long-term fund was such that the Group’s ability to satisfy policyholders’ reasonable expectations was adversely affected, it might 
become necessary to restrict the annual distribution to shareholders or to contribute shareholders’ funds to the long-term funds to 
provide financial support.

In 1997, the business of SALAS, a mutual society, was transferred to PAC. In effecting the transfer, a separate sub-fund, SAIF, was 
established within PAC’s long-term business fund. This sub-fund contains all the with-profits business and all other pension business 
that was transferred. No new business has been or will be written in the sub-fund and the sub-fund is managed to ensure that all the 
invested assets are distributed to SAIF policyholders over the lifetime of SAIF policies. With the exception of certain amounts in respect 
of the unitised with-profits life business, all future earnings arising in SAIF are retained for SAIF policyholders. Any excess (deficiency) of 
revenue over expense within SAIF during a period is attributable to the policyholders of the fund. Shareholders have no interest in the 
profits of SAIF but are entitled to the asset management fees paid on this business. With the exception of certain guaranteed annuity 
products mentioned earlier in this note, and certain products which include a minimum guaranteed rate of accumulation, the majority 
of SAIF with-profits policies do not guarantee minimum rates of return to policyholders.

Should the assets of SAIF be inadequate to meet the guaranteed benefit obligations to the policyholders of SAIF, the PAC long-term 

fund would be liable to cover any such deficiency. Due to the quality and diversity of the assets in SAIF and the ability of SAIF to revise 
guaranteed benefits in the event of an asset shortfall, the directors believe that the probability of either the PAC long-term fund or the 
Group’s shareholders’ funds having to contribute to SAIF is remote.

Guarantees and commitments
Guarantee funds in both the UK and the US provide for payments to be made to policyholders on behalf of insolvent life insurance 
companies. These guarantee funds are financed by payments assessed on solvent insurance companies based on location, volume and 
types of business. The Group estimated its reserve for future guarantee fund assessments for Jackson, included within other liabilities to 
be £16 million at 31 December 2010 (2009: £15 million). Similar assessments for the UK businesses were not significant. The directors 
believe that the reserve is adequate for all anticipated payments for known insolvencies.

At 31 December 2010, Jackson has unfunded commitments of £363 million (2009: £339 million) related to its investments in limited 
partnerships and of £88 million (2009: £89 million) related to commercial mortgage loans. These commitments were entered into in the 
normal course of business and the directors do not expect a material adverse impact on the operations to arise from them.

Jackson owns debt instruments issued by securitisation trusts managed by PPM America. At 31 December 2010, the support 
provided by certain forbearance agreements Jackson entered into with the counterparty to certain of these trusts could potentially 
expose Jackson to maximum losses of £332 million, if circumstances allowed the forbearance period to cease. Jackson believes that, 
so long as the forbearance period continues, the risk of loss under the agreements is remote.

The Group has provided other guarantees and commitments to third-parties entered into in the normal course of business but the 

Company does not consider that the amounts involved are significant.

H15:  OTHER LIABILITIES

Creditors arising from direct insurance and reinsurance operations
Interest payable
Other items

TOTAL

2010  £m

2009  £m

821
66
242

1,129

615
83
179

877

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
I: OTHER NOTES

331

I1:  ACQUISITION OF UNITED OVERSEAS BANK LIFE ASSURANCE LIMITED

On 1 February 2010, the Group acquired from United Overseas Bank (UOB) its 100 per cent interest in UOB Life Assurance Limited 
in Singapore for total cash consideration, after post-completion adjustments of SGD67 million (£32 million), of SGD495 million 
(£220 million). As part of the transaction the Group also entered into a long-term strategic partnership to develop a major regional 
bancassurance business with UOB. 

In addition to the amounts above, the Group incurred £2 million of acquisition-related costs (excluding integration costs). These 
have been excluded from the consideration transferred and have been recognised as an expense in the period, in the consolidated 
income statement. 

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Cash consideration 
Less: fair value of identifiable net assets acquired

Goodwill arising on acquisition

£m

220
(79)

141

Goodwill arose on the acquisition of UOB Life Assurance Limited in Singapore because the acquisition included revenue and cost 
synergies. These synergies could not be recognised as assets separately from goodwill because they are not capable of being separated 
from the Group and sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, either individually or together with any related contracts and did 
not arise from contractual or other legal rights.

None of the goodwill arising on this transaction is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition

Assets:
Intangible assets attributable to shareholders: present value of acquired in-force business
Other non-investment and non-cash assets
Investments of long-term business and other operations
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities:
Policyholder liabilities
Other non-insurance liabilities

Total liabilities

FAIR VALUE OF IDENTIFIABLE NET ASSETS ACQUIRED

£m

12
16
1,004
89

1,121

968
74

1,042

79

Total assets include loans and receivables with a fair value of £15 million. This value represents the gross contractual amount and all 
amounts have been collected.

The consolidated statement of cash flows contains a £133 million net cash outflow in respect of this acquisition representing cash 

consideration of £220 million, acquisition related costs paid of £2 million less cash and cash equivalents acquired of £89 million.

Impact of acquisition on the results of the Group 
Included in the Group’s consolidated profit before tax for the year is £8 million attributable to UOB Life Assurance Limited in Singapore. 
Consolidated revenue, including investment returns, for the year includes £125 million in respect of UOB Life Assurance Limited in 
Singapore.

Had the acquisition been effected at 1 January 2010, the revenue and profit of the Group from continuing operations for the year 

ended 31 December 2010 would not have been materially different. 

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332

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I: OTHER NOTES
CONTINUED

I2:  DILUTION OF THE GROUP’S HOLDING IN PRUHEALTH IN 2010 AND SALE OF TAIWAN AGENCY BUSINESS IN 2009

a  Dilution of the Group’s holding in PruHealth in 2010
On 1 August 2010, Discovery Holdings of South Africa, the Group’s joint venture partner in its investment in PruHealth, completed 
the acquisition of the entire share capital of Standard Life Healthcare, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Standard Life Group, for 
£138 million. Discovery funded the purchase of the Standard Life Healthcare transaction, and contributed Standard Life Healthcare to 
PruHealth as a capital investment on completion. As a result of the transaction, Discovery have increased their shareholding in PruHealth 
from the previous level of 50 per cent to 75 per cent, and Prudential’s shareholding has been reduced from 50 per cent of the previous 
joint venture structure to 25 per cent of the new structure with the much enlarged business. 

As a result of this dilution in holding and the consequential loss of control, PruHealth has been reclassified from a joint venture 
to an associate and the entity is no longer proportionally consolidated from the date of the transaction. In accordance with IAS 31 
‘Interests in joint ventures’ a gain of £30 million arises upon the dilution, representing the difference between the fair value of the 
enlarged 25 per cent investment still held and the book value of the original 50 per cent investment holding. 

b  Sale of Taiwan agency business in 2009
In 2009, the Company sold the assets and liabilities of its agency distribution business and its agency force in Taiwan to China Life 
Insurance Company Ltd of Taiwan for the nominal sum of NT$1. In addition, the Company invested £45 million to purchase a 9.99 per 
cent stake in China Life through a share placement. The business transferred represented 94 per cent of Prudential’s in-force liabilities 
in Taiwan and included Prudential’s legacy interest rate guaranteed products. The sale was completed on 19 June 2009.

The Company retains its interest in life insurance business in Taiwan through its retained bank distribution partnerships and 

its direct investment in China Life made in 2009. At 31 December 2010 the Company’s interest in China Life was 8.66 per cent 
(2009: 9.99 per cent). 

The effect on the IFRS income statement was a pre-tax loss of £621 million comprising a loss on sale of £559 million and trading 
losses before tax up to the date of sale of £62 million. After allowing for tax and other adjustments, the reduction to shareholders’ equity 
was £607 million.

The loss on disposal of £559 million includes cumulative foreign exchange gains of £9 million recycled through the profit and loss 

account as required by IAS 21. 

Cash and cash equivalents disposed of were £388 million and restructuring and other costs incurred in cash in the year were 
£64 million. In addition, the Company invested £45 million in China Life as described above. Accordingly, the cash outflow for the 
Group arising from the sale of the Taiwan agency business, as shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows, was £497 million. 

I3:  STAFF AND PENSION PLANS

a  Staff and employment costs
The average number of staff employed by the Group during the year was:

Business operations:
Asian operations
US operations
UK operations

TOTAL

The costs of employment were:

Business operations:
  Wages and salaries
Social security costs

  Other pension costs (see below)

Pension actuarial and other losses (gains) charged to income statement

TOTAL

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

2010

2009

17,988
3,545
4,459

25,992

19,502
3,371
4,516

27,389

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,052
69
95
26
121

1,242

878
61
95
138
233

1,172

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
333

Other pension costs comprises £58 million (2009: £57 million) relating to defined benefit schemes and £37 million (2009: £38 million) 
relating to defined contribution schemes of continuing operations. Of the defined contribution scheme costs, £26 million (2009: £27 million) 
related to overseas defined contribution schemes. The £58 million (2009: £57 million) relating to defined benefit schemes comprises 
a charge of £27 million (2009: £29 million) relating to PSPS and a charge of £31 million (2009: £28 million) for other schemes. 

Consistent with the derecognition of the Company’s interest in the underlying IAS 19 surplus of PSPS as described in note (b)(i)1 

below, the £27 million (2009: £29 million) for PSPS represents the cash cost of contributions for ongoing service of active members 
and the unwind of discount on the opening provision for deficit funding for PSPS. The charge of £31 million (2009: £28 million) for 
other schemes comprises £18 million (2009: £19 million) charge on an economic basis, reflecting the total assets of the schemes, 
and a further £13 million (2009: £9 million) charge to adjust for amounts invested in Prudential insurance policies to arrive at the 
IAS 19 basis charge.

The loss of £26 million (2009: £138 million) for actuarial and other gains comprises a loss of £15 million (2009: £155 million) 
for actuarial and other losses on an economic basis and £11 million actuarial gains (2009: £17 million) to adjust for amounts invested 
in Prudential insurance policies. The derivation of these amounts is shown in note (b)(i)7.

b  Pension plans
i  Defined benefit plans
1  Summary 
The Group business operations operate a number of pension schemes. The specific features of these plans vary in accordance with the 
regulations of the country in which the employees are located, although they are, in general, funded by the Group and based either on 
a cash balance formula or on years of service and salary earned in the last year or years of employment. The largest defined benefit 
scheme is the principal UK scheme, namely the Prudential Staff Pension Scheme (PSPS); 86 per cent (2009: 86 per cent) of the 
underlying scheme liabilities of the Group defined benefit schemes are accounted for within PSPS.

The Group also operates two smaller defined benefit schemes for UK employees in respect of Scottish Amicable and M&G. For all 

three schemes the projected unit method was used for the most recent full actuarial valuations. There is also a small defined benefit 
scheme in Taiwan but as part of the sale of the Taiwan agency business completed in June 2009, the Group settled the majority of the 
obligations under the scheme as a significant number of employees transferred out.
  Defined benefit schemes in the UK are generally required to be subject to full actuarial valuation every three years in order to 
assess the appropriate level of funding for schemes in relation to their commitments. These valuations include assessments of the likely 
rate of return on the assets held within the separate trustee administered funds. PSPS was last actuarially valued as at 5 April 2008. 
This valuation demonstrated the scheme to be 106 per cent funded by reference to the Scheme Solvency Target that forms the basis of 
the scheme’s statutory funding objective. No formal deficit funding plan was required. However, in recognition of the fall in value of the 
Scheme’s investments between 5 April 2008 and the completion of the actuarial valuation, an additional funding akin to deficit funding 
was agreed with the Trustees. This is subject to a reassessment when the next valuation is completed. The total contribution being currently 
made by the Group into the scheme, representing the annual accrual cost and deficit fundings, are £50 million per annum. Deficit funding 
for PSPS is apportioned in the ratio of 70/30 between the PAC life fund and shareholder-backed operations following detailed consideration 
in 2005 of the sourcing of previous contributions. Employer contributions for ongoing service of current employees are apportioned in 
the ratio relevant to current activity. In 2010, total contributions for the year including expenses and augmentations were £55 million at 
31 December (2009: £67 million). The market value of scheme assets as at 5 April 2008 was £4,759 million.

The actuarial assumptions used in determining benefit obligations and the net periodic benefit costs for the purposes of the valuation 

were as follows:

Rate of increase in salaries 
Rate of inflation 
Rate of increase of pensions in payment for inflation:
Guaranteed (maximum 5%) 
Guaranteed (maximum 2.5%) 
Discretionary  
Expected returns on plan assets 

Nil
3.5%

3.5%
2.5%
Nil
4.55%

Mortality assumptions
The tables used for PSPS pensions in payment at 5 April 2008 were:

Base post retirement mortality:
For current male (female) pensioners 108.6 per cent (103.4 per cent) of the mortality rates of the 2000 series mortality tables, published 
by the Continuous Mortality Investigation Bureau. For male (female) non-pensioners 113.4 per cent (97.4 per cent) of the 2000 series rates.

Allowance for future improvements to post retirement mortality:
For males (females) 100 per cent (75 per cent) of Medium Cohort subject to a minimum rate of improvement of 1.75 per cent (1 per cent) 
up to the age of 90, decreasing linearly to zero by age of 120.

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334

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I: OTHER NOTES
CONTINUED

I3:  STAFF AND PENSION PLANS  >  CONTINUED

The valuation of the Scottish Amicable Pension Scheme as at 31 March 2008 demonstrated the scheme to be 91 per cent funded, with a 
shortfall of actuarially determined liabilities of nine per cent, representing a deficit of £38 million. Based on this valuation, deficit funding 
amounts designed to eliminate the actuarial deficit over a seven year period were made from July 2009 of £7.3 million per annum. Since the 
valuation date, there has been deterioration in the funding level. During 2010, the Group agreed to pay additional funding of £5.8 million 
per annum from October 2010 until conclusion of the next formal valuation, or until the funding level reaches 90 per cent, whichever is 
the earlier. The IAS 19 deficit of the Scottish Amicable Pension Scheme at 31 December 2010 of £146 million (2009: £139 million) has 
been allocated approximately 50 per cent to the PAC with-profits fund and 50 per cent to the shareholders’ fund.

The valuation of the M&G Pension Scheme as at 31 December 2008 was finalised in January 2010 and demonstrated the scheme to 
be 76 per cent funded. Based on this valuation, deficit funding amounts designed to eliminate the actuarial deficit over a five year period 
are being made from January 2010 of £14.1 million per annum for the first two years and £9.3 million per annum for the subsequent three 
years. The IAS 19 deficit of the M&G Pension Scheme on an economic basis at 31 December 2010 was £27 million (2009: £36 million) 
and is wholly attributable to shareholders.

The next triennial valuations for the PSPS, Scottish Amicable and M&G pension schemes are scheduled to take place by 5 April 2011, 

31 March 2011 and 31 December 2011.

Under the IAS 19 valuation basis, the Group applies IFRIC 14, ‘IAS 19 – The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding 
Requirements and their Interaction’. Under IFRIC 14, for PSPS, where the Group does not have unconditional right of refund to any 
surplus in the scheme, the surplus is not recognised. Additionally, the Group has to recognise a liability for committed deficit funding 
obligation to PSPS. At 31 December 2010, the Group has not recognised the underlying PSPS surplus of £485 million gross of deferred 
tax (2009: £513 million) and has recognised a liability for deficit funding to 30 June 2012 for PSPS of £47 million, gross of deferred tax 
(2009: £75 million).

The asset and liabilities of PSPS are unaffected by the impact of the application of IFRIC 14. PSPS is managed on an economic basis 
for the longer-term benefit of its current and deferred pensioners and active members. The surplus in PSPS is available to absorb future 
adverse asset value movements and, if required, strengthening in mortality assumptions.

As at 31 December 2010, after the effect of the application of IFRIC 14, the shareholders’ share of the pension liability for PSPS 
deficit funding obligation and the deficits of the defined benefit pension schemes amounted to a £83 million liability net of related tax 
relief (2009: £92 million). These amounts are determined after including amounts invested by the M&G scheme in Prudential policies 
as explained later in this note.
  On the economic basis (including investments of the M&G scheme in Prudential policies as assets), for 2010, a £27 million (2009: 
£32 million) pre-tax shareholder charge to operating results based on longer-term returns arises. In addition, outside the operating result 
but included in total profits is a pre-tax shareholder loss of £10 million (2009: £74 million) for shareholders’ share of actuarial and other 
gains and losses. 

In addition, also on the economic basis, the PAC with-profits sub-fund was charged £18 million (2009: charge of £16 million) for its 
share of the pension charge of PSPS and Scottish Amicable and charged with £5 million (2009: £81 million) for its share of net actuarial 
and other losses on the scheme assets and liabilities. As shareholder profits for the PAC with-profits sub-fund reflects the surplus for 
distribution, these amounts are effectively absorbed by an increased credit in the income statement for the transfer to the liability for 
unallocated surplus. 

At 31 December 2010, after the effect of the application of IFRIC 14, the total share of the liability for deficit funding on PSPS and 

the deficit on the smaller Scottish Amicable Scheme attributable to the PAC with-profits fund amounted to a liability of £99 million 
(2009: £110 million) net of related tax relief.

2  Corporate governance
The rules of the Group’s largest pension arrangement, the defined benefit section of PSPS, a final salary scheme, specify that, in 
exercising its investment powers, the Trustee’s objective is to achieve the best overall investment return consistent with the security of 
the assets of the scheme. In doing this, consideration is given to the nature and duration of the scheme’s liabilities. The Trustee sets the 
benchmark for the asset mix, following analysis of the liabilities by the Scheme’s Actuary and, having taken advice from the Investment 
Managers, then selects benchmark indices for each asset type in order to measure investment performance against a benchmark return.
The Trustee reviews strategy, the asset mix benchmark and the Investment Managers’ objectives every three years, to coincide with 

the Actuarial Valuation, or earlier if the Scheme Actuary recommends. Interim reviews are conducted annually based on changing 
economic circumstances and financial market levels.

The Trustee sets the general investment policy and specifies any restrictions on types of investment and the degrees of divergence 
permitted from the benchmark, but delegates the responsibility for selection and realisation of specific investments to the Investment 
Managers. In carrying out this responsibility, the Investment Managers are required by the Pensions Act 1995 to have regard to the need 
for diversification and suitability of investments. Subject to a number of restrictions contained within the relevant asset management 
agreements, the Investment Managers are authorised to invest in any class of investment asset. However, the Investment Managers will 
not invest in any new class of investment asset without prior consultation with the Trustee.

The Trustee consults the Principal Employer, the Prudential Assurance Company, on these investment principles, but the ultimate 

responsibility for the investment of the assets of the scheme lies with the Trustee.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
335

The investment policies and strategies for the other two UK defined benefit schemes, the M&G Group Pension Scheme and the Scottish 
Amicable Staff Pension Scheme, which are both final salary schemes, follow similar principles, but have different target allocations 
reflecting the particular requirements of the schemes.

3  Assumptions
The actuarial assumptions used in determining benefit obligations and the net periodic benefit costs for the years ended 31 December 
were as follows:

Discount rate*
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of inflation
Rate of increase of pensions in payment for inflation:
  Guaranteed (maximum 5%)
  Guaranteed (maximum 2.5%)†
  Discretionary†
Expected returns on plan assets

2010  %

2009  %

5.45
5.55
3.55

3.55
2.5
2.5
5.9

5.8
5.7
3.7

3.7
2.5
2.5
4.5

* The discount rate has been determined by reference to an ‘AA’ corporate bond index adjusted, where applicable, to allow for the difference in 

duration between the index and the pension liabilities.

† The rates of 2.5 per cent shown are those for PSPS. Assumed rates of increase of pensions in payment for inflation for all other schemes are 

3.55 per cent in 2010 (2009: 3.7 per cent).

The calculations are based on current actuarially calculated mortality estimates with a specific allowance made for future improvements 
in mortality. The 2010 specific allowance is in line with custom calibration of the 2009 mortality model from the Continuous Mortality 
Investigation Bureau of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (‘CMI’). The 2009 specific allowance was broadly based on adjusted 
versions of the medium cohort projections prepared by the CMI.

The tables used for PSPS immediate annuities in payment at 31 December 2010 were:

Male: 108.6 per cent PNMA00 with improvements in line with a custom calibration of the CMI’s 2009 mortality model, with a long-term 
mortality improvement rate of 1.75 per cent per annum; and
Female: 103.4 per cent PNFA00 with improvements in line with a custom calibration of the CMI’s 2009 mortality model, with a long-term 
mortality improvement rate of 1.00 per cent per annum.

The tables used for PSPS immediate annuities in payment at 31 December 2009 were:

Male: 108.6 per cent PNMA00 with medium cohort improvements subject to a floor of 1.75 per cent up to the age of 90, decreasing 
linearly to zero by age of 120; and 
Female: 103.4 per cent PNFA00 with 75 per cent medium cohort improvements subject to a floor of 1.00 per cent up to the age of 90 
and decreasing linearly to zero by age of 120.

The assumed life expectancies on retirement at age 60, based on the mortality table used was:

Retiring today
Retiring in 20 years’ time

2010  years

2009  years

Male

27.7
30.3

Female

29.0
31.1

Male

27.4
30.1

Female

28.6
30.8

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The mean term of the current PSPS liabilities is around 18 years. 

Using external actuarial advice provided by the scheme actuaries being Towers Watson for the valuation of PSPS, Aon Consulting 

Limited for the M&G scheme, and Xafinity Consulting for the Scottish Amicable scheme, the most recent full valuations have been 
updated to 31 December 2010, applying the principles prescribed by IAS 19.

 
 
 
 
336

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I: OTHER NOTES
CONTINUED

I3:  STAFF AND PENSION PLANS  >  CONTINUED

In July 2010, the UK Government announced plans to use the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in place of the Retail Price Index (RPI) in 
its determination of the statutory minimum pension increases for private sector occupational pension schemes. In December 2010, the 
Government published the statutory revaluation order for 2011 which confirms the change to use CPI. In addition, the Government has 
also published in December 2010 a consultation paper which sets out the Government’s views on the impact that the switch from RPI to 
CPI will have on the private sector occupational pension schemes. The consultation period closed on 2 March 2011. 

For the Group’s UK defined benefit schemes, the pensions in deferment and/or pensions in payment for certain tranches of these 
schemes are subject to statutory increases in accordance with the schemes’ rules and may therefore be affected by the Government’s 
decision to change the indexation from RPI to CPI. Other tranches, where RPI is specified in the scheme rules, are unaffected. 

The above has no impact on the results for the year ended 31 December 2010. The impact of this change, if and when made, will 
be recognised in a future period. Using the underlying information as at 31 December 2010, the estimated effect of such a change would 
give rise to an accounting benefit of approximately £30 million to the Group’s operating profit based on longer-term investment returns 
and profit attributable to shareholders before tax and £20 million shareholders’ equity.

4  Summary financial position
The Group liability in respect of defined benefit pension schemes is as follows:

Economic position:
  Deficit, gross of deferred tax, based on scheme assets held, including investments in Prudential 

insurance policies:
Attributable to the PAC with-profits fund (i.e. absorbed by the liability for unallocated surplus)
Attributable to shareholder-backed operations (i.e. to shareholders’ equity)

Economic deficit – as explained in note 5 below
Exclude: investments in Prudential insurance policies (offset on consolidation in the Group financial 

statements against insurance liabilities)

Deficit under IAS 19 included in provisions in the statement of financial position – as explained in note 7 below

2010  £m

2009  £m

(106)
(114)

(220)

(227)

(447)

(122)
(128)

(250)

(187)

(437)

The following disclosures explain the economic position and IAS 19 basis of accounting after eliminating investment in Prudential 
insurance policies on consolidation.

5  Group economic financial position
The following tables illustrate the movement on the financial position of the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes on an economic 
basis. The underlying position on an economic basis reflects the assets (including investments in Prudential policies that are offset 
against liabilities to policyholders on the Group consolidation) and the liabilities of the schemes. At 31 December 2010, the investments 
in Prudential policies comprise £118 million (2009: £101 million) for PSPS and £227 million (2009: £187 million) for the M&G scheme. 
Separately, the economic financial position also includes the effect of the application of IFRIC 14, ‘IAS 19 – The Limit on a Defined 
Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction’. For PSPS, where there are constraints in the trust deed to prevent 
the company access, the surplus is not recognised and a liability to additional funding is established (as described earlier). 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
337

Estimated pension scheme deficit – economic basis
Movements on the pension scheme deficit (determined on the ‘economic basis’) are as follows, with the effect of the application of 
IFRIC 14 being shown separately:

ALL SCHEMES
UNDERLYING POSITION 
(WITHOUT THE EFFECT OF IFRIC 14) 
Surplus (deficit)
Less: amount attributable to PAC with-profits fund

Shareholders’ share:
  Gross of tax surplus (deficit)

Related tax

Net of shareholders’ tax

EFFECT OF IFRIC 14 
Surplus (deficit)
Less: amount attributable to PAC with-profits fund

Shareholders’ share: 
  Gross of tax surplus (deficit)

Related tax

Net of shareholders’ tax

WITH THE EFFECT OF IFRIC 14 
Surplus (deficit)
Less: amount attributable to PAC with-profits fund

Shareholders’ share:
  Gross of tax surplus (deficit)

Related tax 

Net of shareholders’ tax

2010  £m

(Charge) credit to
 income statement

Operating 
results 
(based on 
longer-term
 investment
 returns)
note a

Surplus (deficit) 
in scheme at 
1 January 2010

Actuarial and 
other gains 
and losses
note b

Contributions 
paid

Surplus (deficit) 
in scheme at
 31 Dec 2010
note c

338
(285)

53
(15)

38

(588)
407

(181)
51

(130)

(250)
122

(128)
36

(92)

(7)
(11)

(18)
5

(13)

(38)
29

(9)
2

(7)

(45)
18

(27)
7

(20)

(109)
71

(38)
11

(27)

94
(66)

28
(9)

19

(15)
5

(10)
2

(8)

90
(39)

51
(14)

37

–
–

–
–

–

90
(39)

51
(14)

37

312
(264)

48
(13)

35

(532)
370

(162)
44

(118)

(220)
106

(114)
31

(83)

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338

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I: OTHER NOTES
CONTINUED

I3:  STAFF AND PENSION PLANS  >  CONTINUED

ALL SCHEMES
UNDERLYING POSITION 
(WITHOUT THE EFFECT OF IFRIC 14) 
Surplus (deficit)
Less: amount attributable to PAC with-profits fund

Shareholders’ share:
  Gross of tax surplus (deficit)

Related tax

Net of shareholders’ tax

EFFECT OF IFRIC 14 
Surplus (deficit)
Less: amount attributable to PAC with-profits fund

Shareholders’ share: 
  Gross of tax surplus (deficit)

Related tax

Net of shareholders’ tax

WITH THE EFFECT OF IFRIC 14 
Surplus (deficit)
Less: amount attributable to PAC with-profits fund

Shareholders’ share:
  Gross of tax surplus (deficit)

Related tax 

Net of shareholders’ tax

* Including the effect of exchange translation difference.

2009  £m

(Charge) credit to
 income statement

Operating 
results 
(based on 
longer-term
 investment
 returns)
note a

Surplus (deficit) 
in scheme at 
1 January 2009

Actuarial and 
other gains 
and losses
note b

Contributions 
paid

Disposal of
Taiwan 
agency
business*

Surplus (deficit) 
in scheme at
 31 Dec 2009
note c

644
(483)

161
(47)

114

(793)
550

(243)
68

(175)

(149)
67

(82)
21

(61)

(71)
33

(38)
11

(27)

23
(17)

6
(2)

4

(48)
16

(32)
9

(23)

(337)
207

(130)
36

(94)

182
(126)

56
(15)

41

(155)
81

(74)
21

(53)

85
(42)

43
(11)

32

–
–

–
–

–

85
(42)

43
(11)

32

17
–

17
(4)

13

–
–

–
–

–

17
–

17
(4)

13

338
(285)

53
(15)

38

(588)
407

(181)
51

(130)

(250)
122

(128)
36

(92)

a   The components of the (charge) credit to operating results (gross of allocation of the share attributable to the PAC with-profits fund) 

are as follows:

Service cost
Finance (expense) income:

Interest on pension scheme liabilities
Expected return on assets

Total (charge) credit without the effect of IFRIC 14
Effect of IFRIC 14 for pension schemes

Total charge after the effect of IFRIC 14 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

2010  £m

2009  £m

(38)

(294)
325

(7)
(38)

(45)

(34)

(277)
240

(71)
23

(48)

 
 
 
 
 
339

The net charge to operating profit (gross of the share attributable to the PAC with-profits fund) of £45 million (2009: £48 million) is 
made up of a charge of £27 million (2009: £29 million) relating to PSPS and a charge of £18 million (2009: £19 million) for other schemes. 
This net charge represents:

Underlying IAS 19 charge for other pension schemes
Cash costs for PSPS
Unwind of discount on opening provision for deficit funding for PSPS

2010  £m

2009  £m

(18)
(23)
(4)

(45)

(19)
(25)
(4)

(48)

Consistent with the derecognition of the Company’s interest in the underlying IAS 19 surplus of PSPS, the charge to operating profit on 
longer-term investment returns for PSPS reflects the cash cost of contributions for ongoing service of active members. In addition, the 
charge to the operating results also includes a charge for the unwind of discount on the opening provision for deficit funding for PSPS.

b   The components of the credit (charge) for actuarial and other gains and losses (gross of allocation of the share attributable to the 

PAC with-profits fund but excluding the charge relating to the sold Taiwan agency business) are as follows:

Actual less expected return on assets
Losses on changes of assumptions for plan liabilities
Experience (losses) gains on liabilities

Total charge without the effect of IFRIC 14
Effect of IFRIC 14 for pension schemes

Actuarial and other gains and losses after the effect of IFRIC 14

2010  £m

2009  £m

306
(411)
(4)

(109)
94

(15)

108
(521)
76

(337)
182

(155)

The net charge for actuarial and other gains and losses is recorded within the income statement but, within the segmental analysis of 
profit, the shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses (i.e. net of allocation of the share to the PAC with-profits funds) is 
excluded from operating profit based on longer-term investment returns.

The 2010 actuarial losses of £109 million primarily reflects the effect of decrease in risk discount rates and the change in economic 
assumptions underlying PSPS commutation factors partially offset by the effect of decreases in inflation rates and the excess of market 
returns over long-term assumptions.

Consistent with the derecognition of the Company’s interest in the underlying IAS 19 surplus of PSPS, the actuarial gains and losses 

do not include those of PSPS. In addition, as a result of applying IFRIC 14, the Group has recognised a provision for deficit funding in 
respect of PSPS. The change in 2010 in relation to this provision recognised above as other gains and losses on defined benefit pension 
schemes was £nil (2009: £48 million).

F
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340

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I: OTHER NOTES
CONTINUED

I3:  STAFF AND PENSION PLANS  >  CONTINUED

c   On the ‘economic basis’, after including the underlying assets represented by the investments in Prudential insurance policies as 

scheme assets, the underlying statements of financial position of the schemes at 31 December were:

Equities
Bonds
Properties
Cash-like investmentsnote i

Total value of assets
Present value of benefit obligations

2010

2009

Other
schemes
note iii
£m

277
339
29
8

PSPS
£m

548
3,864
199
740

Total
£m

825
4,203
228
748

5,351
(4,866)

653
(826)

6,004
(5,692)

485

(173)

312

%

14
70
4
12

100

Other
schemes
note iii
£m

266
280
15
2

PSPS
£m

830
3,406
272
441

Total
£m

1,096
3,686
287
443

4,949
(4,436)

513

563
(738)

(175)

5,512
(5,174)

338

%

20
67
5
8

100

Effect of the application of IFRIC 14 for pension schemes:
  Derecognition of PSPS surplus

Adjust for deficit funding for PSPS

(485)
(47)

–
–

(485)
(47)

(513)
(75)

–
–

(513)
(75)

Pre-tax deficitnote ii

(47)

(173)

(220)

(75)

(175)

(250)

Notes
i 

The PSPS has entered into a derivatives based strategy to match the duration and inflation profile of its liabilities. This involved a reallocation 
from other investments to cash-like investments with an interest and inflation swap overlay. In broad terms, the scheme is committed to making 
a series of payments related to LIBOR on a nominal amount and in return the scheme receives a series of fixed and inflation-linked payments 
which match a proportion of its liabilities. As at 31 December 2010, the nominal value of the interest and inflation-linked swaps amounted to 
£1.1 billion (2009: £1.1 billion) and £1.8 billion (2009: £1.9 billion) respectively.

ii  The resulting scheme deficit arising from the excess of liabilities over assets at 31 December 2010 of £220 million (2009: £250 million) 

iii 

comprised a deficit of £106 million (2009: £122 million) attributable to the PAC with-profits fund and deficit of £114 million (2009: £128 million) 
attributable to shareholder operations.
In addition to PSPS, there are two smaller schemes in the UK, the Scottish Amicable Pension Scheme, and the M&G Pension Scheme, with a 
combined deficit at 31 December 2010 of £173 million (2009: £175 million), gross of tax. There is also a small scheme in Taiwan, with a negligible 
amount of deficit at 31 December 2010 and 2009. As part of the sale of the Taiwan agency business in June 2009 the Group has settled the 
majority of the obligations under the Taiwan scheme relating to the employees who were transferred out. 

The movements in the deficit on the ‘economic basis’ between scheme assets and liabilities were:

Current service cost
Other finance income
Cash costs and unwind of discount on opening provision for deficit funding for PSPS
Contributions
Actuarial and other gains and losses
Movement due to the sold Taiwan agency business and exchange translation difference

Net increase (decrease) in deficit

2010  £m

2009  £m

(13)
(5)
(27)
90
(15)
–

30

(11)
(8)
(29)
85
(155)
17

(101)

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
341

6  Movement in IAS 19 basis financial position
The change in the present value of the benefit obligation and the change in fair value of the assets for the total of the PSPS, Scottish 
Amicable, M&G and Taiwan schemes over the period were as follows:

PSPS

2010  £m

Other schemes

Provision
for deficit
funding

IAS 19 basis:
change in fair 
value of plan
assets

Investments 
in Prudential
insurance
policies

Economic 
basis:
total
assets

IAS 19 basis:
change in 
present value
of benefit
obligations

376

187

563

376

187

563

25

15
20
(10)

13
1
20
11
(5)

38
1
35
31
(15)

426

227

653

(738)

(738)
(13)
(43)

(1)

(46)
15

(826)

(75)

(75)

55

(27)

(47)

Total

Economic 
basis:
net
obligations

563

(738)
(75)

(250)
(13)
(43)
38
–
90
(15)

(27)

653
(826)
(47)

(220)

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year
Present value of benefit obligation,  

beginning of year

Provision for deficit funding for PSPS

Service cost – current charge only
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Employee contributions
Employer contributions
Actuarial gains (losses)
Benefit payments
Cash costs and unwind of discount on the opening 

provision for deficit funding for PSPS

Fair value of plan assets, end of year
Present value of benefit obligation, end of year
Provision for deficit funding of PSPS

Economic basis deficit

F
I

N
A
N
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I

A
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S
T
A
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E
M
E
N
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342

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I: OTHER NOTES
CONTINUED

I3:  STAFF AND PENSION PLANS  >  CONTINUED

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year
Present value of benefit obligation,  

beginning of year

Provision for deficit funding for PSPS

Service cost – current charge only
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Employee contributions
Employer contributions
Actuarial gains (losses)
Benefit payments
Cash costs and unwind of discount on the opening 

provision for deficit funding for PSPS
Movement in the provision for deficit funding 

for PSPS

Disposal of Taiwan agency business, including 

exchange translation difference

Fair value of plan assets, end of year
Present value of benefit obligation, end of year
Provision for deficit funding of PSPS

Economic basis deficit

PSPS

2009  £m

Other schemes

Provision
for deficit
funding

IAS 19 basis:
change in fair 
value of plan
assets

Investments 
in Prudential
insurance
policies

Economic 
basis:
total
assets

IAS 19 basis:
change in 
present value
of benefit
obligations

357

157

514

357

157

514

18

9
6
(11)

9
1
9
17
(6)

27
1
18
23
(17)

(598)

(598)
(11)
(35)

(1)

(130)
17

(3)

(3)

20

376

187

563

(738)

(65)

(65)

67

(29)

(48)

(75)

Total

Economic 
basis:
net
obligations

514

(598)
(65)

(149)
(11)
(35)
27
–
85
(107)
–

(29)

(48)

17

563
(738)
(75)

(250)

7  IAS 19 basis financial position as consolidated
The IAS 19 basis pensions deficit can be summarised as follows:

Fair value of plan assets, end of year
Present value of funded benefit obligation

Funded status
Present value of unfunded obligations (M&G scheme)*

Effect of the application of IFRIC 14 for pension schemes
Derecognition of PSPS’ surplus
Set up obligation for deficit funding for PSPS 
Adjustment in respect of investment of PSPS in Prudential policies

Deficit recognised in the statement of financial position

2010  £m

2009  £m

2008  £m

2007  £m

2006  £m

5,659
(5,438)

5,224
(4,951)

5,057
(4,493)

5,150
(4,826)

4,988
(5,023)

221
(254)

(33)

(485)
(47)
118

(447)

273
(223)

50

(513)
(75)
101

(437)

564
(180)

384

(728)
(65)
103

(306)

324
(189)

135

(528)
(102)
140

(355)

(35)
(187)

(222)

(141)
(143)
126

(380)

* The M&G pension scheme assets are invested in Prudential insurance policies. For IFRS accounting purposes, the M&G scheme is in effect unfunded.

Please see above for more details.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
343

2010  £m

2009  £m

(38)
(294)
325
(21)
304

(28)

(30)

(58)

(109)
(20)
(129)
103

(26)

(34)
(277)
240
(16)
224

(87)

30

(57)

(337)
8
(329)
191

(138)

COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC PENSION COST
Current service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on assets – economic basis
Less: expected return on investments of scheme assets in Prudential insurance policies
Expected return on assets – IAS 19 basis†

Effect of the application of IFRIC 14

Pension cost (as referred to in note I3a)

Actuarial gains and losses – economic basis
Less: actuarial gains on investments of scheme assets in Prudential insurance policies

Effect of the application of IFRIC 14

Actuarial gains and losses – IAS 19 basis* (as referred to in note I3a)

Net periodic pension cost (included within acquisition and other operating expenditure  

in the income statement)

(84)

(195)

* Consistent with the derecognition of the Company’s interest in the underlying IAS 19 surplus of PSPS, the effect on the net periodic pension cost for 
PSPS was to replace the usual IAS 19 pension charges and credits with the cash cost of contribution for ongoing services of active members and also 
not to report the actuarial gains and losses.

† In determining the expected return on scheme assets for 2010, the 5.9 per cent (2009: 4.5 per cent) rate shown below has been applied to the 

opening assets.

The long-term expected rate of return has been taken to be the weighted average (by market value) of the long-term expected rates of 
return on each major asset class shown below:

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

£m

%

£m

%

£m

%

£m

%

£m

%

SCHEME ASSETS (IAS 19 BASIS 

BEFORE EFFECT OF IFRIC 14)

Equity
Bonds
Properties
Cash-like investments

Total

610
4,095
206
748

5,659

11
72
4
13

917
3,587
278
442

18
69
5
8

875
2,619
290
1,273

17
52
6
25

1,332
1,299
583
1,936

26
25
11
38

1,432
2,185
621
750

29
44
12
15

100

5,224

100

5,057

100

5,150

100

4,988

100

LONG-TERM EXPECTED RATE OF RETURN
Equity
Bonds
Properties
Cash-like investments

Weighted average long-term expected rate of return

Prospectively for 2011  %

2010  %

2009  %

8.2
4.6
6.9
4.75

5.1

8.5
5.3
6.75
4.75

5.9

6.8
4.8
6.05
2.0

4.5

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The expected rates of return have been determined by reference to long-term expectations, the carrying value of the assets and equity 
and other market conditions at the statement of financial position date.

The actual return on scheme assets was a gain of £631 million (2009: £348 million) on an IAS 19 basis.

 
 
 
 
344

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I: OTHER NOTES
CONTINUED

I3:  STAFF AND PENSION PLANS  >  CONTINUED

None of the scheme assets included shares in Prudential plc or property occupied by the Prudential Group.

Fair value of scheme assets, end of year (IAS 19 basis)
Present value of the benefit obligation, end of year

5,659
(5,692)

5,224
(5,174)

5,057
(4,673)

 5,150
(5,015)

 4,988
(5,210)

2010  £m

2009  £m

2008  £m

2007  £m

2006  £m

Underlying scheme assets in surplus (deficit) of benefit 

obligation, before the effect of IFRIC 14

Experience adjustments on scheme liabilities
Percentage of scheme liabilities at 31 December
Experience adjustments on scheme assets (IAS 19 basis)
Percentage of scheme assets at 31 December

(33)

50

384

135

(222)

(4)
(0.07)%
287
5.07%

76
1.47%
100
1.91%  

145
3.10%
(277)
(5.48)%  

(14)
0.28%  
(7)
(0.14)%

18
(0.35)%
140
2.81%

The experience adjustments on scheme liabilities in 2008 of a gain of £145 million related mainly to the ‘true up’ reflecting improvements 
in data consequent upon the 2008 triennial valuation of PSPS.

Total employer contributions expected to be paid into the Group defined benefit schemes for the year ending 31 December 2011 

amounts to £94 million (2010: £88 million).

8  Sensitivity of the pension scheme liabilities of the PSPS, Scottish Amicable and M&G pension schemes to key variables 
The table below shows the sensitivity of the underlying PSPS, Scottish Amicable and M&G pension scheme liabilities at 31 December 
2010 of £4,866 million, £572 million and £254 million respectively (2009: £4,436 million, £515 million and £223 million) to changes in 
discount rates and inflation rates. In addition, the table below shows the sensitivity of the underlying PSPS, Scottish Amicable and M&G 
pension scheme liabilities at 31 December 2010 to changes to mortality rate assumptions.

Assumption

Discount rate

Change in assumption

Impact on scheme liabilities on IAS 19 basis

Decrease by 0.2% from 5.45% to 5.25%

Increase in scheme liabilities by:

2010

Discount rate

Increase by 0.2% from 5.45% to 5.65%

Rate of inflation

Decrease by 0.2% from 3.55% to 3.35% with
consequent reduction in salary increases

Mortality rate

Increase life expectancy by one year

PSPS
Scottish Amicable

  M&G
Decrease in scheme liabilities by:

PSPS
Scottish Amicable

  M&G
Decrease in scheme liabilities by:

PSPS
Scottish Amicable

  M&G
Increase in scheme liabilities by:

PSPS
Scottish Amicable

  M&G

Assumption

Discount rate

Change in assumption

Impact on scheme liabilities on IAS 19 basis

Decrease by 0.2% from 5.8% to 5.6%

Increase in scheme liabilities by:

2009

Discount rate

Increase by 0.2% from 5.8% to 6.0%

Rate of inflation

Decrease by 0.2% from 3.7% to 3.5% with

consequent reduction in salary increases

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

PSPS
Scottish Amicable

  M&G
Decrease in scheme liabilities by:

PSPS
Scottish Amicable

  M&G
Decrease in scheme liabilities by:

PSPS
Scottish Amicable

  M&G

3.6%
5.2%
5.1%

3.5%
4.9%
4.8%

1.0%
5.0%
4.5%

2.1%
2.5%
2.9%

3.5%
5.2%
4.9%

3.2%
4.8%
4.9%

0.9%
4.9%
4.5%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
345

The sensitivity of the underlying pension scheme liabilities to changes in discount, inflation and mortality rates as shown above does not 
directly equate to an impact on the profit or loss attributable to shareholders or shareholders’ equity due to the effect of the application 
of IFRIC 14 on PSPS and the allocation of a share of the interest in financial position of the PSPS and Scottish Amicable schemes to the 
PAC with-profits fund as described above. 

The sensitivity to the changes in the key variables as shown in the table above has no significant impact on the pension costs included 

in the Group’s operating results. This is due to the pension costs charged in each of the periods presented being derived largely from 
market conditions at the beginning of the period. After applying IFRIC 14 and to the extent attributable to shareholders, any residual 
impact from the changes to these variables is reflected as actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes within the 
supplementary analysis of profits. The relevance of this to each of the three UK schemes is described further below.

For PSPS, the underlying surplus of the scheme of £485 million (2009: £513 million) has not been recognised under IFRIC 14. Any 
change in the underlying scheme liabilities to the extent that it is not sufficient to alter PSPS into a liability in excess of the deficit funding 
provision will not have an impact on the Group’s results and financial position. Based on the underlying financial position of PSPS as at 
31 December 2010, none of the changes to the underlying scheme liabilities for the changes in the variables shown in the table above 
have had an impact on the Group’s 2010 results and financial position.

In the event that a change in the PSPS scheme liabilities results in a deficit position for the scheme which is recognisable, the deficit 

recognised affects the Group’s results and financial position only to the extent of the amounts attributable to shareholder operations. 
The amounts attributable to the PAC with-profits fund are absorbed by the liability for unallocated surplus and have no direct effect on 
the profit or loss attributable to shareholders or shareholders’ equity. 

The deficit of the Scottish Amicable pension scheme has been allocated approximately 50 per cent to the PAC with-profits fund and 

50 per cent to the shareholders. Accordingly, half of the changes to the scheme liabilities for the changes in the variables shown in the 
table above would have had an impact on the Group’s shareholder results and financial position. The M&G pension scheme is wholly 
attributable to shareholders.

9  Transfer value of PSPS scheme
At 31 December 2010, it is estimated that the assets of the scheme are broadly sufficient to cover the liabilities of PSPS on a ‘buyout’ 
basis including an allowance for expenses. The ‘buyout’ basis refers to a basis that might apply in the circumstance of a transfer to 
another appropriate financial institution. In making this assessment it has been assumed that a more conservative investment strategy 
applies together with a more prudent allowance for future mortality improvements and no allowance for discretionary pension increases.

ii  Other pension plans
The Group operates various defined contribution pension schemes including schemes in Jackson and Asia. The cost of the Group’s 
contributions for continuing operations to these schemes in 2010 was £37 million (2009: £38 million).

I4:  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

The Group maintains 10 main share award and share option plans relating to Prudential plc shares, which are described below.

The Group Performance Share Plan (GPSP) is the incentive plan in which all executive directors and other senior executives within 

the Group can participate. This scheme was established as a replacement for the Restricted Share Plan (RSP) under which no further 
awards could be made after March 2006. Awards are granted either in the form of a nil cost option, conditional right over shares, or such 
other form that shall confer to the participant an equivalent economic benefit, with a vesting period of three years. The performance 
measure for the awards is that Prudential’s Total Shareholder Return (TSR) outperforms an index comprising of peer companies. Vesting 
of the awards between each performance point is on a straight line sliding scale basis. Participants are entitled to the value of reinvested 
dividends that would have accrued on the shares that vest. Beginning in 2010, newly issued shares will be used in settling the awards 
that vest and are released.

The RSP was, until March 2006, the Group’s long-term incentive plan for executive directors and other senior executives designed 
to provide rewards linked to shareholder return. Each year participants were granted a conditional option to receive a number of shares. 
There was a deferment period of three years at the end of which the award vested to an extent that depended on the performance of the 
Group’s shares including notional reinvested dividends and on the Group’s underlying financial performance. After vesting, the option 
may be exercised at zero cost at any time, subject to closed period rules, in the balance of a 10-year period. Shares are purchased in the 
open market by a trust for the benefit of qualifying employees. 

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346

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I: OTHER NOTES
CONTINUED

I4:  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS  >  CONTINUED

The Business Unit Performance Plan (BUPP) is an incentive plan created to provide a common framework under which awards would 
be made to senior employees in the UK, Jackson and Asia including the Chief Executive Officers. Awards under this plan are based on 
growth in Shareholder Capital Value on the European Embedded Value (EEV) basis with performance measured over three years. Upon 
vesting of awards made up to 2008, half of the awards will be released as shares and the other half released in cash. Since the year ended 
31 December 2009 all awards made will be settled in shares after vesting. Participants are entitled to receive the value of reinvested 
dividends over the performance period for those shares that vest. The growth parameters for the awards are relevant to each region and 
vesting of the awards between each performance point is on a straight line sliding scale basis. Beginning in 2010, newly issued shares will 
be used in settling the awards that vest and are released. During 2009, the Remuneration Committee decided that future BUPP awards 
for the UK business unit would be based on the same relative TSR measure applied to GPSP awards. As a result, 2010 awards made 
under the UK BUPP reflect those TSR conditions applied to 2010 GPSP awards.

The Group maintains four share option schemes satisfied by the issue of new shares. UK-based executive directors are eligible to 
participate in the Prudential HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) approved UK Savings Related Share Option Scheme (SAYE scheme) and 
the Asia-based executive directors can participate in the equivalent International SAYE scheme. Dublin-based employees are eligible to 
participate in the Prudential International Assurance Sharesave Plan, and Hong Kong-based agents can participate in the Non-employee 
Savings Related Share Option Scheme. The schemes allow participants to save towards the exercise of options over Prudential plc 
shares, at an option price set at the beginning of the savings period as determined by reference to the average market value of the 
ordinary shares on the three business days immediately preceding the invitation at a discount of 20 per cent to the market price. 
Participants may save up to £250 per month for three or five years. On maturity at the end of the set term, participants may exercise their 
options within six months of the end of the savings period and purchase Prudential plc shares. If an option is not exercised within six 
months, participants are entitled to a refund of their cash contributions plus interest if applicable under the rules. The exercise period 
of the options granted may be advanced to an earlier date in certain circumstances, for example on retirement, and may be extended in 
certain circumstances, for example on the death of the participant the personal representative may exercise the options beyond 
the normal exercise period. Shares are issued to satisfy options that are exercised. No options may be granted under the schemes if the 
grant would cause the number of shares which have been issued, or which remain issuable pursuant to options granted in the preceding 
10 years under the scheme and other share option schemes operated by the Company, or which have been issued under any other 
share incentive scheme of the Company, to exceed 10 per cent of the Company’s ordinary share capital at the proposed date of grant.
UK-based executive directors are also eligible to participate in the Company’s HMRC approved Share Incentive Plan which allows 
all UK-based employees to purchase shares of Prudential plc (partnership shares) on a monthly basis out of gross salary. For every four 
partnership shares bought, an additional matching share is awarded, purchased on the open market. Dividend shares accumulate while 
the employee participates in the plan. Partnership shares may be withdrawn from the scheme at any time. If the employee withdraws 
from the plan within five years, the matching shares are forfeit and if within three years, dividend shares are forfeit.

Jackson operates a performance-related share award which, subject to the prior approval of the Jackson Remuneration Committee, 

may grant share awards to eligible Jackson employees in the form of a contingent right to receive shares or a conditional allocation of 
shares. These share awards have vesting periods of four years and are at nil cost to the employee. Award holders do not have any right 
to dividends or voting rights attaching to the shares. The shares are held in the employee share trust in the form of American Depository 
Receipts which are tradable on the New York Stock Exchange. 

The Prudential Corporation Asia Long-Term Incentive Plan (PCA LTIP) is an incentive plan created in 2008 for senior employees 
and Chief Executive Officers to replace the Asia Business Unit Performance Plan (BUPP). Awards under the new PCA LTIP will vest after 
three years subject to the employee being in employment at the time of vesting without any performance conditions. Awards will be 
discretionary and on a year by year basis determined by Prudential’s full year financial results and the employee’s contribution to the 
business. All awards will be in Prudential shares except for countries where share awards are not feasible due to securities and/or tax 
reasons, where awards will be replaced by the cash value of the shares that would otherwise have been transferred. 

Certain senior executives have annual incentive plans with awards paid in cash up to the target level of their plan. The portion of 
any award for above target performance is made in the form of awards of shares deferred for three years, with the release of shares 
subject to close periods. The shares are held in the employee share trust and shares equivalent to dividends otherwise payable will 
accumulate for the benefit of award holders during the deferral period up to the release date. 

In addition, there are other share awards including the Prudential Corporation Asia Deferred Bonus Plan (PCA DBP), Prudential 
Capital Deferred Bonus Plan (PruCap DBP) and other arrangements. There are no performance conditions attaching to these deferred 
bonus plans and awards vest in full subject to the individual being employed by Prudential at the end of the vesting period. The other 
arrangements relate to various awards that have been made without performance conditions to individual employees, typically in order 
to secure their appointment or ensure retention.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
347

Options outstanding under SAYE schemes

Beginning of year:
  Granted

Exercised
Forfeited
Cancelled
Lapsed

End of year

Options immediately exercisable, end of year

2010

2009

Number
of options 
millions

Weighted
average
exercise
price 
£

Number
of options 
millions

Weighted
average
exercise
price 
£

12.2
2.2
(0.6)
(0.2)
(0.5)
(0.3)

12.8

0.2

3.20
4.61
3.15
3.44
3.37
3.89

3.40

5.52

6.8
10.7
(0.4)
(0.5)
(3.8)
(0.6)

12.2

0.3

4.54
2.96
3.98
3.87
4.58
4.42

3.20

4.45

The weighted average share price of Prudential plc for the year ended 31 December 2010 was £5.68 compared to £4.17 for the year 
ended 31 December 2009.

Movements in share awards outstanding under the Group’s share-based compensation plans relating to Prudential plc shares at 
31 December 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

Awards outstanding under incentive plans including conditional options

Beginning of year:
  Granted

Exercised
Forfeited
Expired

End of year

2010

2009

Number of
awards 
millions

Number of
awards 
millions

19.2
11.2
(4.7)
(1.2)
(0.6)

23.9

14.5
11.1
(3.4)
(1.0)
(2.0) 

19.2

The following table provides a summary of the range of exercise prices for Prudential plc options outstanding at 31 December 2010.

Range of exercise prices

Between £0 and £1
Between £1 and £2
Between £2 and £3
Between £3 and £4
Between £4 and £5
Between £5 and £6
Between £6 and £7
Between £7 and £8

Outstanding

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life 
years

Number
outstanding 
millions

Exercisable

Weighted
average
exercise
prices 
£

Number
exercisable 
millions

Weighted
average
exercise
prices 
£

–
–
9.0
0.1
3.3
0.4
–
–

12.8

–
–
2.6
1.3
3.3
1.0
–
–

2.8

–
–
2.88
3.59
4.51
5.59
–
–

3.40

–
–
–
–
–
0.2
–
–

0.2

–
–
–
3.67
4.07
5.63
–
–

5.52

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348

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I: OTHER NOTES
CONTINUED

I4:  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS  >  CONTINUED

The following table provides a summary of the range of exercise prices for Prudential plc options outstanding at 31 December 2009.

Range of exercise prices

Between £0 and £1
Between £1 and £2
Between £2 and £3
Between £3 and £4
Between £4 and £5
Between £5 and £6
Between £6 and £7
Between £7 and £8

Outstanding

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life 
years

Number
outstanding 
millions

Exercisable

Weighted
average
exercise
prices 
£

Number
exercisable 
millions

Weighted
average
exercise
prices 
£

–
–
10.0
0.1
1.5
0.6
–
–

12.2

–
–
3.6
1.0
3.0
1.9
–
–

3.4

–
–
2.88
3.62
4.37
5.60
–
–

3.20

–
–
–
0.1
0.2
0.0
–
–

0.3

–
–
–
3.43
4.73
5.65
–
–

4.45

The years shown above for weighted average remaining contractual life include the time period from end of vesting period to expiration 
of contract.

The weighted average fair values of Prudential plc options and awards granted during the period are as follows:

2010  £

2009  £

Weighted average fair value

Weighted average fair value

GPSP

2.74

SAYE
Options

2.91

Awards

5.14

GPSP

3.52

SAYE
Options 

1.55

Awards

4.67

The fair value amounts relating to all options including conditional nil cost options above were determined using the Black-Scholes and 
the Monte Carlo option-pricing models using the following assumptions:

Dividend yield (%)
Expected volatility (%)
Risk-free interest rate (%)
Expected option life (years)
Weighted average exercise price (£)
Weighted average share price (£)

2010

2009

GPSP

3.43
42.69
1.70
3.00
–
5.70

SAYE
Options

3.43
64.65
1.07
3.49
4.61
6.38

GPSP

4.41
56.21
1.92
3.00
–
4.83

SAYE
Options

4.41
60.55
2.15
3.67
2.96
3.82

Under IFRS, compensation costs for all share-based compensation plans are determined using either the Black-Scholes model or the 
Monte Carlo model. Share options and awards are valued using the share price at the date of grant. The compensation costs for all 
awards and options are recognised in net income over the plans’ respective vesting periods. The Group uses the Black-Scholes model to 
value all options and awards other than the GPSP, for which the Group uses a Monte Carlo model in order to allow for the impact of the 
TSR performance conditions. These models are used to calculate fair values for share options and awards at the grant date based on the 
quoted market price of the stock at the measurement date, the amount, if any, that the employees are required to pay, the dividend yield, 
expected volatility, risk-free interest rates and exercise prices.

The expected volatility is measured as the standard deviation of expected share price returns based on statistical analysis of daily 

share prices over a period up to the grant date equal to the expected life of options. Risk-free interest rates are UK gilt rates with 
projections for three and five-year terms to match corresponding vesting periods. Dividend yield is determined as the average yield over 
the year of grant and expected dividends are not incorporated into the measurement of fair value. For the GPSP, volatility and correlation 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
349

between Prudential and an index constructed from a simple average of the TSR growth of 11 companies is required. For grants in 2010, 
an average index volatility and correlation of 35 per cent and 82 per cent respectively, were used. Changes to the subjective input 
assumptions could materially affect the fair value estimate.
  When options are granted or awards made to employees, an estimate is made of what percentage is more than likely to vest, be 
forfeited, lapse or cancelled based on historical information. Based on these estimates, compensation expense to be accrued at that date 
is calculated and amortised over the vesting period. For early exercises of options or release of awards due to redundancy, death or 
resignation, the compensation expense is immediately recognised and for forfeitures due to employees leaving the Group, any previously 
recognised expense is reversed. However, if an employee loses their award because of the Group’s failure to meet the performance criteria, 
previously recognised expense is not reversed.
  During the year, the Group granted share options to certain non-employee independent financial advisors. Those options were 
measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with assumptions consistent with those of other share options. These transactions 
were measured using an option model because the Group does not receive a separate and measurable benefit from those non-employees 
in exchange for the options granted. As such, the fair value of the options themselves is more readily determinable than the services 
received in return.

c  Total share-based payment expense
Total expense recognised in the year in the consolidated financial statements related to share-based compensation is as follows:

Share-based compensation expense
Amount accounted for as equity-settled
Carrying value at 31 December of liabilities arising from share-based payment transactions
Intrinsic value of above liabilities for which rights had vested at 31 December

I5:  KEY MANAGEMENT REMUNERATION

2010  £m

2009  £m

47
37
17
6

37
29
13
7

Key management constitutes the directors of Prudential plc as they have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and 
controlling the activities of the Group.

Total key management remuneration amounts to £21,677,000 (2009: £20,989,000). This comprises salaries and short-term benefits 
of £9,594,000 (2009: £11,570,000), post-employment benefits of £926,000 (2009: £1,132,000), leaving benefits of £ nil (2009: £915,000) 
and share-based payments of £11,157,000 (2009: £7,372,000).

Post-employment benefits comprise the change in the transfer value of the accrued benefit relating to directors’ defined benefit 

pension schemes in the year and the total contributions made to directors’ other pension arrangements.

The share-based payments charge is the sum of £7,320,000 (2009: £5,270,000), which is determined in accordance with IFRS 2, 

‘Share-Based Payments’ (see note I4) and £3,837,000 (2009: £2,102,000) of deferred share awards.

Total key management remuneration includes total directors’ emoluments of £14,225,000 (2009: £15,090,000) as shown in the 
directors’ remuneration table and related footnotes in the directors’ remuneration report, and additional amounts in respect of pensions 
and share-based payments. Further information on directors’ remuneration is given in the directors’ remuneration report.

I6:  FEES PAYABLE TO AUDITOR

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for other services:

Audit of subsidiaries and associates pursuant to legislation

  Other services supplied pursuant to legislation
  Other services relating to taxation
Valuation and actuarial services
Services relating to other corporate finance transactions
All other services
Services relating to the AIA transaction

Total

In addition, there were fees incurred of £0.1 million (2009: £0.2 million) for the audit of pension schemes.

2010  £m

2009  £m

1.9

6.1
2.4
0.4
0.1
0.1
1.0
5.5

1.8

5.5
2.7
0.6
0.1
0.7
1.0
–

17.5

12.4

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350

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I: OTHER NOTES
CONTINUED

I6:  FEES PAYABLE TO AUDITOR  >  CONTINUED

 The fees for services relating to the AIA transaction of £5.5 million were primarily comprised of the following services:

•  Accountants’ Report on historical financial information on Prudential Group
•  Consulting Actuaries’ Report on AIA EEV information
•  Technical accounting advice
•  Financial due diligence
•  Working capital review
•  Synergies review
•  Extraction comfort

All services were specifically approved by the Prudential Group Audit Committee.

The Audit Committee regularly monitors the non-audit services provided to the Group by its auditor and has developed a 
formal Auditor Independence Policy which sets out the types of services that the auditor may provide, consistent with the guidance in 
Sir Robert Smith’s report ‘Audit Committees – Combined Code Guidance’ and with the provisions of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

The Audit Committee annually reviews the auditor’s objectivity and independence. More information on these issues is given in the 

corporate governance report within this Annual Report.

I7:  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation.

In addition, the Company has transactions and outstanding balances with certain unit trusts, OEICs, collateralised debt obligations 

and similar entities which are not consolidated and where a Group company acts as manager. These entities are regarded as related 
parties for the purposes of IAS 24. The balances are included in the Group’s statement of financial position sheet at fair value or 
amortised cost in accordance with their IAS 39 classifications. The transactions are included in the income statement and include 
amounts paid on issue of shares or units, amounts received on cancellation of shares or units and paid in respect of the periodic charge 
and administration fee. Further details of the aggregate assets, liabilities, revenues, profits or losses and reporting dates of entities 
considered to be associates under IFRS are disclosed in note H8.

Executive officers and directors of the Company may from time to time purchase insurance, asset management or annuity products 

marketed by Group companies in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for 
comparable transactions with other persons.

Apart from the transactions with directors referred to below, no director had interests in shares, transactions or arrangements that 
require disclosure, other than those given in the directors’ remuneration report. Key management remuneration is disclosed in note I5.
In 2010 and 2009, other transactions with directors were not deemed to be significant both by virtue of their size and in the context 
of the directors’ financial positions. As indicated above, all of these transactions are on terms broadly equivalent to those that prevail in 
arm’s length transactions.

I8:  SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS

i  Principal subsidiaries
The principal subsidiary undertakings of the Company at 31 December 2010, all wholly owned were:

The Prudential Assurance Company Limited
Prudential Annuities Limited*
Prudential Retirement Income Limited (PRIL)*
M&G Investment Management Limited*
Jackson National Life Insurance Company*
Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Limited*

* Owned by a subsidiary undertaking of the Company.

Main activity

Insurance
Insurance
Insurance
Asset management
Insurance
Insurance

Country of
incorporation

England and Wales
England and Wales
Scotland
England and Wales
US
Singapore

Each subsidiary has one class of ordinary shares and operates mainly in its country of incorporation, except for PRIL which operates 
mainly in England and Wales.
  Details of all Prudential subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates will be annexed to the next Annual Returns of Prudential plc filed 
with the UK Registrar of Companies and the Registrar of Companies in Hong Kong.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
351

ii  Dividend restrictions and minimum capital requirements
Certain Group subsidiaries are subject to restrictions on the amount of funds they may transfer in the form of cash dividends or otherwise 
to the parent company. UK insurance companies are required to maintain solvency margins which must be supported by capital reserves 
and other resources, including unrealised gains on investments. Jackson can pay dividends on its capital stock only out of earned surplus 
unless prior regulatory approval is obtained. Furthermore, without the prior regulatory approval, dividends cannot be distributed if all 
dividends made within the preceding 12 months exceed the greater of Jackson’s statutory net gain from operations or 10 per cent of 
Jackson’s statutory surplus for the prior year. In 2010, the maximum amount of dividends that could be paid by Jackson without prior 
regulatory approval is US$377 million (£241 million) (in 2009: US$454 million (£281 million)). The Group’s Asian subsidiaries may remit 
dividends to the Group, in general, provided the statutory insurance fund meets the capital adequacy standard required under local 
statutory regulations.

The Group capital position statement for life assurance businesses is set out in note D5, showing the available capital reflecting the 

excess of regulatory basis over liabilities for each fund or group of companies determined by reference to the local regulation of the 
subsidiaries. In addition, disclosure is also provided in note D5 of the local capital requirement of each of the fund or group of companies. 

iii  Acquisition and disposal of subsidiaries
During 2010, the Group acquired a 100 per cent interest in United Overseas Bank Life Assurance Limited (UOB) in Singapore. Further 
details are set out in note I1. 
  On 1 October 2010, the PAC with-profits fund, via its venture fund holdings and as part of its investment portfolio, acquired control 
of Meterserve (North West) Limited and Meterserve (North East) Limited (together referred to as ‘Meterserve’), increasing its 50 per 
cent stake to 100 per cent.

As this transaction is within the with-profits fund it has no impact on shareholders’ profit or equity for the period ended 31 December 

2010. The impact on the Group’s consolidated revenue, including investment returns, is not material. Had the acquisition been effected 
at 1 January 2010, the revenue and profit of the Group from continuing operations for the year ended 31 December 2010 would not have 
been materially different.

A summary of the consideration, goodwill and net assets acquired relating to Meterserve is provided in the table below:

Cash consideration paid 
Fair value of existing stake

Total consideration

Net assets acquired:
Property, plant and equipment
Derivative assets
Other non-investment and non-cash assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Borrowings attributable to with-profits funds
Other non-insurance liabilities

Fair value of net assets acquired

Total goodwill arising on acquisition attributable to the with-profits fund

2010  £m

22
25

47

219
(35)
11
10
(194)
(6)

5

42

The acquisition costs associated with this transaction were expensed as incurred and totalled less than £1 million. Goodwill represents 
management’s expectation of future income streams and is not allowable for tax. 

As noted above the transaction increased the previously held stake from 50 per cent to 100 per cent. The fair value of the existing 
stake at the date of the transaction was £25 million. As the investment was held in the Group’s balance sheet as a financial instrument 
classified as at fair value through profit and loss no gain or loss arises as a result of the transaction.

There were no new acquisitions or disposals by the PAC with-profits fund in 2009. However, during 2009, the holding in the voting 

equity interest of Red Funnel increased from 90 per cent to 100 per cent. Red Funnel is a venture capital holding owned by the PAC 
with-profits fund managed by M&G. 
  Other than the above there were no other material acquisitions or disposals of subsidiaries during 2010 or 2009.

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352

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I: OTHER NOTES
CONTINUED

I9:  COMMITMENTS

i  Operating leases
The Group leases various offices to conduct its business. Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are 
retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the 
lessor) are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Future minimum lease payments for non-cancellable operating leases fall due during the following periods:
Not later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
Later than 5 years

2010  £m

2009  £m

70
236
120

63
178
104

The total minimum future sublease rentals to be received on non-cancellable operating leases for land and buildings for the year ended 
31 December 2010 were £nil (2009: £nil).
  Minimum lease rental payments for the year ended 31 December 2010 of £92 million (2009: £105 million) are included in the 
consolidated income statement.

ii  Capital commitments
The Group has provided, from time to time, certain guarantees and commitments to third-parties including funding the purchase or 
development of land and buildings and other related matters. The contractual obligations to purchase or develop investment properties 
at 31 December 2010 was £28 million (2009: £nil).

I10:  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The charge of £14 million in 2009, which is net of £nil tax, reflects completion adjustments for a previously disposed business.

I11:  CASH FLOWS

Structural borrowings of shareholder-financed operations comprise core debt of the parent company and Jackson surplus notes. 
Core debt excludes borrowings to support short-term fixed income securities programmes, non-recourse borrowings of investment 
subsidiaries of shareholder-financed operations and other borrowings of shareholder-financed operations. Cash flows in respect of 
these borrowings are included within cash flows from operating activities. 

Structural borrowings of with-profits operations relate solely to the £100 million 8.5 per cent undated subordinated guaranteed 

bonds which contribute to the solvency base of the Scottish Amicable Insurance fund (SAIF) a ring-fenced sub-fund of the PAC 
with-profits fund. Cash flows in respect of other borrowings of with-profits funds, which principally relate to consolidated investment 
funds, are included within cash flows from operating activities.

I12:  POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

In January 2011, the Company issued US$550 million 7.75 per cent Tier 1 subordinated debt, primarily to retail investors. The proceeds, net 
of costs, were US$539 million and are intended to finance the repayments of the ¤500 million Tier 2 subordinated notes in December 2011. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
INDEX TO THE ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED  
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Selected historical financial information of Prudential

I.   
354  Selected historical financial information of Prudential

II.   
357 

IFRS profit and loss information
(a) 

 Analysis of long-term insurance business pre-tax IFRS 
operating profit based on longer-term investment returns 
by driver 
 Asian operations – analysis of IFRS operating profit 
by territory 
 Analysis of asset management operating profit based 
on longer-term investment returns

362 

(b) 

363 

(c) 

III.   
365 

IFRS balance sheet information
(a) 

367 

(b) 

 Memorandum fair value of Jackson's GMDB and 
GMWB liabilities 
 IFRS shareholders' funds summary by business unit 
and net asset value per share 

IV.    Other information
368 
368 
371 

(a) 
(b) 
(c) 

 Funds under management 
 Effect of foreign currency rate movements on results
 Option schemes

353

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354

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED  
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

I:  SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PRUDENTIAL 

The following table sets forth Prudential’s selected consolidated financial data for the periods indicated. Certain data is derived from 
Prudential’s audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) 
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’) and as adopted by the European Union (‘EU’) and European Embedded 
Value (EEV).

This table is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with Prudential’s consolidated financial statements and the related 

notes included elsewhere in this document.

Income statement data

IFRS basis results
Gross premium earned
Outward reinsurance premiums

Earned premiums, net of reinsurance
Investment return
Other income

Total revenue, net of reinsurance

Benefits and claims and movement in unallocated surplus of 

with-profits funds, net of reinsurance
Acquisition costs and other expenditure
Finance costs: interest on core structural borrowings of 

shareholder-financed operations
Loss on sale of Taiwan agency business

Year Ended 31 December

2010  £m

2009  £m

2008  £m

2007  £m

2006  £m

24,568
(357)

24,211
21,769
1,666

47,646

20,299
(323)

19,976
26,889
1,234

48,099

18,993
(204)

18,789
(30,202)
1,146

(10,267)

18,359
(171)

18,188
12,225
2,457

32,870

16,157
(171)

15,986
17,141
1,917

35,044

(40,518)
(4,799)

(41,195)
(4,572)

10,824
(2,459)

(26,785)
(4,859)

(28,267)
(4,489)

(257)
–

(209)
(559)

(172)
–

(168)
–

(177)
–

Total charges, net of reinsurance

(45,574)

(46,535)

8,193

(31,812)

(32,933)

Profit (loss) before tax (being tax attributable to shareholders’ 

and policyholders’ returns) 1

Tax (charge) credit attributable to policyholders’ returns

Profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders
Tax (charge) credit attributable to shareholders’ returns

Profit (loss) from continuing operations after tax
Discontinued operations (net of tax)

Profit (loss) for the year

Based on profit (loss) for the year attributable to the equity 

holders of the Company:
Basic earnings per share (in pence)
  Diluted earnings per share (in pence)
  Dividend per share declared and paid in reporting period  

2,072
(611)

1,461
(25)

1,436
–

1,436

1,564
(818)

(2,074)
1,624

746
(55)

691
(14)

677

(450)
59

(391)
–

(391)

1,058
5

1,063
(354)

709
241

950

2,111
(830)

1,281
(365)

916
(105)

811

56.7p
56.6p

27.0p  
27.0p  

(16.0)p
(16.0)p

38.7p
38.6p

33.6p
33.6p

(in pence)

20.17p

19.2p

18.29p

17.42p

16.44p

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
355

Supplementary IFRS income statement data

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns2
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-

backed business

Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on 

defined benefit pension schemes

Costs of terminated AIA transaction
Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth
Loss on sale and results of Taiwan agency business

Profit (loss) from continuing operations before tax attributable  

2010  £m

2009  £m

2008  £m

2007  £m

2006  £m

1,941

1,564

1,212

1,152

1,068

(123)

(10)
(377)
30
–

(123)

(1,650)

(74)
–
–
(621)

(13)
–
–
1

(51)

(1)
–
–
(37)

88

76
–
–
49

to shareholders2

1,461

746

(450)

1,063

1,281

Operating earnings per share (reflecting operating profit based 
on longer-term investment returns after related tax and 
non-controlling interests and excluding 2010 exceptional 
tax credit) (in pence)

Operating earnings per share (reflecting operating profit based 
on longer-term investment returns after related tax and 
non-controlling interests and including 2010 exceptional 
tax credit) (in pence)

Supplementary EEV income statement data

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns2
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-

backed business

Mark to market value movements on core borrowings
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on 

defined benefit pension schemes
Effect of changes in economic assumptions 
Costs of terminated AIA transaction
Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth
Profit on sale and results of Taiwan agency business 

Profit (loss) from continuing operations before tax attributable  

62.0p

47.5p

38.1p

31.3p

28.8p

68.3p

47.5p

38.1p

31.3p

28.8p

2010  £m

2009  £m

2008  £m

2007  £m

2006  £m

3,696

3,090

2,865

2,353

1,998

(30)
(164)

(11)
(10)
(377)
3
–

351
(795)

(84)
(910)
–
–
91

(4,967)
656

(14)
(398)
–
–
(248)

200
223

(5)
632
–
–
267

692
85

207
163
–
–
77

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to shareholders 

3,107

1,743

(2,106)

3,670

3,222

Operating earnings per share (reflecting operating profit based 
on longer-term investment returns after related tax and 
non-controlling interests and excluding 2010  exceptional 
tax credit) (in pence)

Operating earnings per share (reflecting operating profit based 
on longer-term investment returns after related tax and 
non-controlling interests and including 2010 exceptional  
tax credit) (in pence)

106.9p

88.8p

85.1p

69.2p

58.2p

113.2p

88.8p

85.1p

69.2p

58.2p

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED  
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONTINUED

I:  SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PRUDENTIAL  >  CONTINUED

New business data
New business3 excluding Japan and Taiwan.

Annual premium equivalent (APE) sales:

– Asia
– US
– UK

– Total APE sales

EEV new business profit (NBP) 

NBP margin (% APE) 

Statement of financial position data

2010  £m

2009  £m

2008  £m

2007  £m

2006  £m

 AER

1,501
1,164
820

3,485

2,028

58%

1,209
912
723

2,844

1,619

57%

1,174
716
947

2,837

1,205

42%

1,044
671
910

2,625

1,103

42%

814
613
900

2,327

975

42%

As of and for the Year Ended 31 December

2010  £m

2009  £m

2008  £m

2007  £m

2006  £m

IFRS basis results
Total assets
Total policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of
  with-profits funds
Core structural borrowings of shareholder – 

financed operations

Total liabilities
Total equity

Other data

260,806

227,754

215,542

219,382

216,528

224,980

196,417

182,391

190,317

178,539

3,676
252,731
8,075

3,394
221,451
6,303

2,958
210,429
5,113

2,492
213,218
6,164

3,063
210,972
5,556

As of and for the Year Ended 31 December

2010  £bn

2009  £bn

2008  £bn

2007  £bn

2006  £bn

Funds under management4
EEV shareholders’ equity, excluding non-controlling interests
Insurance Groups Directive capital surplus (as adjusted) 5

340
18.2
4.3

290
15.3
3.4

249
15.0
1.5

267
14.6
1.9

251
11.9
1.2

Notes
1 
2  Operating profits are determined on the basis of including longer-term investment returns. EEV and IFRS operating profits are stated after 

This measure is the formal profit (loss) before tax measure under IFRS but is not the result attributable to shareholders. 

excluding the effect of short-term fluctuations in investment returns against long-term assumptions, the shareholders’ share of actuarial and 
other gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes, transaction costs arising from business combinations in the period, costs associated 
with the terminated AIA transaction, and the effect of disposal and results of the Taiwan agency business, for which the sale process was 
completed in June 2009. In 2010, the Group amended the presentation of IFRS operating profit for its US insurance operations to remove the net 
equity hedge accounting effect (incorporating related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include it in short-term fluctuations. The 
prior period comparatives for 2009 and 2008 have been amended accordingly. 
In addition, for EEV basis results, operating profit excludes the effect of changes in economic assumptions and the market value movement on 
core borrowings. 

3  New business sales exclude the results of the Japanese life operation which ceased writing new business in February 2010, and the results of the 

4 

5 

Taiwan agency business for which the sale process was completed in June 2009.
Funds under management comprise funds of the Group held in the statement of financial position and external funds that are managed by 
Prudential asset management operations.
The surpluses shown are before allowing for the final dividends for each year, which are paid in the following year. The 2010 surplus is estimated. 
Since 2007, following the sale of Egg Banking, Prudential has been subject to the capital adequacy requirements of the Insurance Groups 
Directive (IGD) which applies to groups whose activities are mainly in the insurance sector. Prior to the sale of Egg Banking, Prudential was 
subject to the capital adequacy requirements of the Financial Conglomerates Directive (FCD) which applies to groups with significant cross-
sector activities in insurance and banking/investment services. Prudential was classified as an insurance conglomerate under the FCD. As the 
requirements for insurance conglomerates under the FCD are closely aligned to the requirements for insurance groups under the IGD, the move 
for Prudential from FCD to IGD did not result in a significant impact.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
357

II(a):   ANALYSIS OF LONG-TERM INSURANCE BUSINESS PRE-TAX IFRS OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM 

INVESTMENT RETURNS BY DRIVER 

This schedule classifies the Group’s pre-tax operating earnings from long-term insurance operations into the underlying drivers of those 
profits, using the following categories:

i 

 Spread income represents the difference between net investment income (or premium income in the case of the UK annuities 
new business) and amounts credited to policyholder accounts. It excludes the longer-term investment return on assets in excess 
of those covering shareholder-backed policyholder liabilities, which has been separately disclosed as expected return on 
shareholder assets.

ii 

 Fee income represents profits driven by net investment performance, being asset management fees that vary with the size of the 
underlying policyholder funds net of investment management expenses.

iii  With-profits business represents the shareholders’ transfer from the with-profits fund in the period.

iv 

Insurance margin primarily represents profits derived from the insurance risks of mortality, morbidity and persistency.

v 

vi 

 Margin on revenues primarily represents amounts deducted from premiums to cover acquisition costs and administration expenses.

 Acquisition costs and administration expenses represent expenses incurred in the period attributable to shareholders. It excludes 
items such as restructuring costs and Solvency II costs which are not included in the segment profit for insurance as well as items that 
are more appropriately included in other source of earnings lines (e.g. investment expenses are netted off investment income as part 
of spread income or fee income as appropriate).

vii 

 DAC adjustments comprises DAC amortisation for the period, excluding amounts related to short-term fluctuations, net of costs 
deferred in respect of new business.

Analysis of pre-tax IFRS operating profit by source

Spread income
Fee income 
With-profits
Insurance margin
Margin on revenues
Expenses

Acquisition costs
Administration expenses 

  DAC adjustments
Expected return on shareholder assets

Long-term business operating profit
Asset management operating profit
GI commission
Other income and expenditure*

Total operating profit based on longer-term investment returns

* Including restructuring and Solvency II implementation costs.

Asia

70 
122 
32 
392 
1,018 

(656)
(467)
2 
19 

532 
72 
 – 
 – 

604 

2010  £m

UK

Unallocated

251 
60 
310 
12 
223 

(167)
(113)
(1)
98 

673 
284 
46 
 – 

1,003 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
(521)

(521)

US

692 
506 
– 
188 
– 

(851)
(344)
517 
125 

833 
22 
 – 
 – 

855 

Total

1,013 
688 
342 
592 
1,241 

(1,674) 
(924) 
518 
242 

2,038 
378 
46 
(521) 

1,941 

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L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

A
D
D

I
T
I

O
N
A
L
U
N
A
U
D

I
T
E
D

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L
I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I

O
N

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
358

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED  
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONTINUED

II(a):   ANALYSIS OF LONG-TERM INSURANCE BUSINESS PRE-TAX IFRS OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM 

INVESTMENT RETURNS BY DRIVER   >  CONTINUED

Spread income
Fee income 
With-profits
Insurance margin
Margin on revenues
Expenses

Acquisition costs
Administration expenses 

  DAC adjustments
Expected return on shareholder assets
Non-recurrent release of reserves for Malaysia life operations

Long-term business operating profit
Asset management operating profit
GI commission
Other income and expenditure*

Total operating profit based on longer-term investment returns

Spread income
Fee income 
With-profits
Insurance margin
Margin on revenues
Expenses

Acquisition costs
Administration expenses 

  DAC adjustments
Expected return on shareholder assets

Long-term business operating profit
Asset management operating profit
GI commission
Other income and expenditure*

Total operating profit based on longer-term investment returns

* Including restructuring and Solvency II implementation costs.

Asia

31 
80 
29 
253 
766 

(605)
(382)
150 
25 
63 

410 
55 
 – 
 – 

465 

Asia

38 
54 
30 
198 
672 

(619)
(331)
173 
16 

231 
52 
 – 
 – 

283 

2009i  £m

UK

Unallocated

198 
54 
281 
41 
275 

(192)
(173)
(3)
125 
– 

606 
238 
51 
 – 

895 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
(418)

(418)

Total

753 
458 
310 
448 
1,041 

(1,487) 
(814) 
614 
248 
63 

1,634 
297 
51 
(418) 

1,564 

2008i  £m

UK

Unallocated

Total

35 
57 
395 
(12)
314 

(172)
(212)
32 
108 

545 
286 
44 
– 

875 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
– 

 – 
 – 
 – 
(288)

(288)

534 
403 
425 
347 
986 

(1,242) 
(760) 
205 
213 

1,111 
345 
44 
(288) 

1,212 

US

524 
324 
– 
154 
– 

(690)
(259)
467 
98 
– 

618 
4 
 – 
 – 

622 

US

461 
292 
 – 
161 
– 

(451)
(217)
 – 
89 

335 
7 
 – 
 – 

342 

Note
i 

During 2010 the Group amended its presentation of operating profit for its US insurance operations to remove the net equity hedge accounting 
effect associated with Jackson’s variable annuity and fixed index annuity products, which are now classified in the Group’s supplementary 
analysis of profit before tax attributable to shareholders as part of short-term fluctuations in investment returns. 2009 and 2008 operating profit 
have been amended accordingly and so net equity hedge effects of £159 million negative and £71 million positive have been removed from the 
previously stated operating profits of £1,405 million and £1,283 million to give restated values of £1,564 million and £1,212 million, respectively. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
359

Margin analysis of long-term insurance business
The following analysis expresses certain of the Group’s sources of operating profit as a margin of policyholder liabilities or other suitable 
driver. Details of the Group’s average policyholder liability balances are given in note B6(e).

Long-term business

Spread income
Fee income 
With-profits
Insurance margin
Margin on revenues
Expenses

Acquisition costs*
Administration expenses

  DAC adjustments
Expected return on shareholder assets
Non-recurrent release of reserve for Malaysia Life

2010

Average
Liability
 £m

Profit
 £m

1,013  53,858 
688  57,496 
342  89,693 
592 
1,241 

(1,674) 3,492 
(924) 111,354 
518 
242 
–

Total

2009

Average
Liability
 £m

Margin
 bps

Profit
 £m

2008

Average
Liability
 £m

Margin
 bps

Profit
 £m

188 
120 
38 

753  51,000 
458  43,373 
310  84,063 
448 
1,041 

148 
106 
37 

534  44,281 
403  38,850 
425  89,075 
347 
986 

(48)% (1,487)

(51)% (1,242)

(83)

(86)

2,896 
(814) 94,373 
614 
248 
63 

2,879 
(760) 83,131 
205 
213 
–

Margin
 bps

121 
104 
48 

(43)%
(91)

Operating profit

2,038 

1,634 

1,111 

Long-term business

Spread income
Fee income 
With-profits
Insurance margin
Margin on revenues
Expenses

2010

Average
Liability
 £m

Profit
 £m

Margin
 bps

Profit
 £m

70 

4,393 
122  11,222 
32  10,135 

159 
109 
32 

392 
1,018 

31 
80 
29 
253 
766 

Asia

2009

Average
Liability
 £m

3,152 
8,107 
8,371 

Acquisition costs*
Administration expenses

(656) 1,508 
(467) 15,615 

(44)%
(299)

  DAC adjustments
Expected return on shareholder assets
Non-recurrent release of reserve for Malaysia Life

Operating profit

2 
19 
– 

532 

(605)
1,261 
(382) 11,259 
150 
25 
63 

410 

Margin
 bps

Profit
 £m

98 
99 
35 

(48)%
(339)

38 
54 
30 
198 
672 

(619)
(331)
173 
16 
– 

231 

2008

Average
Liability
 £m

2,421 
6,419 
7,168 

Margin
 bps

157 
84 
42 

1,216 
8,840 

(51)%
(374)

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

* The ratio for acquisition costs is calculated as a percentage of APE including with-profits sales and Japan (2010: £7 million; 2009: £52 million). 

Acquisition costs include only those relating to shareholders.

A
D
D

I
T
I

O
N
A
L
U
N
A
U
D

I
T
E
D

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L
I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I

O
N

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
360

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED  
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONTINUED

II(a):   ANALYSIS OF LONG-TERM INSURANCE BUSINESS PRE-TAX IFRS OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM 

INVESTMENT RETURNS BY DRIVER   >  CONTINUED

Analysis of Asian operating profit drivers:

•  Spread income has increased from £31 million in 2009 to £70 million in 2010. This increase arises primarily as a result of improved 
investment return in Vietnam (where the return in 2009 was particularly low compared to both 2008 and 2010) and additional 
dividend income received in Japan. 

•  Fee income has increased both in absolute terms by £42 million and as an improvement in margin, which has increased 10 bps to 

109 bps. This primarily relates in a change in mix towards those countries with a higher asset management fee margin (e.g. Indonesia) 
from countries where fees charged are lower.

•  Insurance margin has increased by £139 million from £253 million in 2009 to £392 million in 2010. This reflects the continued growth 
in the in-force book, which has a relatively high proportion of risk-based products. 2010 includes £19 million relating to reserving 
changes in India and China.

•  Margin on revenues has increased by £252 million, reflecting the growth in the size of the portfolio and changes in country mix.

•  Acquisition costs – the costs as a percentage of APE new business sales has fallen over the period 2008-2010, reflecting 

management’s continued focus on capital management activities, such as the closure of Japan to new business in the first quarter 
of 2010 and changes to business and country mix. The analysis above uses shareholder acquisition costs as a proportion of total 
APE, excluding with-profits sales from the denominator the margin would become 2010: 53 per cent, 2009: 56 per cent and 
2008: 58 per cent.

•  Administration expenses – margin has reduced from 339 bps in 2009 in part reflecting operational leverage benefit and a shift in mix 

towards countries with highly efficient business models (e.g. Indonesia).

2010

Average
Liability
 £m

Profit
 £m

Margin
 bps

Profit
 £m

US

2009

Average
Liability
 £m

Margin
 bps

Profit
 £m

2008

Average
Liability
 £m

692  28,496 
506  25,921 

243 
195 

524  29,248 
324  17,589 

179 
184 

461  25,322 
292  14,783 

Margin
 bps

182 
198 

– 
188 
– 

– 
154 
– 

– 
161 
– 

(73)%
(63)

(851) 1,164 
(344) 54,417 
517 
125 

833 

(690)
912 
(259) 46,837 
467 
98 

618 

(76)%
(55)

(451)
716   
(217) 40,105 

(63)%
(54)

– 
89 

335 

Spread income
Fee income 
With-profits
Insurance margin
Margin on revenues
Expenses

Acquisition costs
Administration expenses

  DAC adjustments
Expected return on shareholder assets

Operating profit

Analysis of US operating profit drivers:

•  Spread income benefited from the effect of transactions to more closely match the overall asset and liability duration in 2010. 

Excluding this effect (£108 million), spread margin in 2010 would have been 205 bps. The increase over the 2009 margin of 179 bps is 
due in part to decreased crediting rates on fixed annuities.

•  Fee income margins are based on the average of the opening and closing separate account balances. In normal years this is expected 
to be a reasonable proxy for the average balances throughout the year. In 2009 separate account flows were weighted towards the 
end of the year artificially lowering the 2009 margin. Using an average based on end of month balances, margins show little movement 
between years, (2010: 200 bps; 2009: 203 bps; 2008: 200 bps) indicating that absolute revenue amounts are growing in line with 
separate accounts values. Separate account values increased between 2008 and 2010 both as a result of strong sales and improving 
equity markets.

•  Insurance margin represents operating profits from insurance risks, including variable annuity guarantees and other sundry net 

income. Positive net flows into variable annuity business with life contingent and other guarantees have helped to improve the margin 
from £154 million in 2009 to £188 million in 2010.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
361

•  Acquisition costs have increased in 2010 in absolute terms compared to 2009 following an increase in sales volumes. However, 

acquisition costs as a percentage of APE has fallen from 76 per cent in 2009 to 73 per cent in 2010 as more advisers are electing to take 
asset-based commission, which is paid over the life of the policy based on fund value. This asset-based commission is treated as an 
administration expense in this analysis as opposed to a cost of acquisition, resulting in a lower acquisition cost ratio but a higher 
administration expenses margin.

2008 acquisition costs as a percentage of APE sales were 63 per cent, lower than 2009 and 2010. This is primarily because sales of 
GICs in 2008 (APE £120 million), on which no acquisition costs are incurred, reduces the margin for that year. Excluding GIC APE sales 
the acquisition cost ratio for 2008 becomes 76 per cent, in line with 2009.

•  Administration expenses margin has increased to 63 bps in 2010, partly as a result of higher asset based commission, which lowers 

acquisition costs but increases the expenses classified as administration expenses in the table above.

Spread income
Fee income 
With-profits
Insurance margin
Margin on revenues
Expenses

2010

Average
Liability
 £m

Profit
 £m

Margin
 bps

Profit
 £m

UK

2009

Average
Liability
 £m

Margin
 bps

Profit
 £m

2008

Average
Liability
 £m

251  20,969 
60  20,353 
310  79,558 

120 
29 
39 

198  18,600 
54  17,677 
281  75,692 

106 
31 
37 

12 
223 

41 
275 

35  16,538 
57  17,648 
395  81,907 
(12)
314 

Margin
 bps

21 
32 
48 

Acquisition costs*
Administration expenses

  DAC adjustments
Expected return on shareholder assets

Operating profit

(167)
(113) 41,322 

820    (20)%
(27)

(192)
723   
(173) 36,277 

(27)%
(48)

(172)
947   
(212) 34,186 

(18)%
(62)

(1)
98 

673 

(3)
125 

606 

32 
108 

545 

* The ratio for acquisition costs is calculated as a percentage of APE including with-profits sales. Acquisition costs include only those relating to 

shareholders.

Analysis of UK operating profit drivers:

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

•  Spread income has increased by £53 million to £251 million in 2010, reflecting in a higher margin of 120 bps, up from 106 bps in 2009. 

The improved margin primarily reflects the beneficial impacts of the bulk annuity deal written in 2010, improved margins on retail 
annuity new business and improved spread on equity release business following its closure to new business. Spread income was lower 
in 2008 due to lower margins on new business and the establishment of credit default and deflation reserves in that year in light of the 
credit crisis offset by the impact of actions to rebalance the credit portfolio.

•  Fee income has increased by 11 per cent to £60 million broadly in line with the value of unit-linked liabilities following the 

improvement in equity markets.

•  Margin on revenues represents premiums charges for expenses and other sundry net income received by the UK. Lower amounts 
were recorded in 2010 (£223 million) compared to 2009 (£275 million) reflecting, in part, lower premiums from shareholder-backed 
retail business in 2010 as compared to 2009.

•  Insurance margin has fallen by £29 million to £12 million in 2010, reflecting that 2009 included a one-off benefit of £34 million in 

respect of a longevity swap on certain aspects of the UK’s annuity back-book liabilities, which was not repeated in 2010.

•  Acquisition costs as a percentage of new business sales has fallen from 27 per cent in 2009 to 20 per cent in 2010. This reflects in part 

the impact of the bulk annuity deal which contributed £88 million APE in the period with a relatively low level of acquisition costs, 
together with the closure of equity release to new business as well as on-going cost saving initiatives.

The ratio above expresses the percentage of shareholder acquisition costs as a percentage of total APE sales. It is therefore impacted 
by the level of with-profits sales in the year. Acquisition costs as a percentage of shareholder-backed new business sales were 
36 per cent in 2010 (49 per cent in 2009), with the most significant impact being the effect of the bulk annuity deal.

•  Administration expenses have fallen by £60 million to £113 million and the ratio from 48 bps in 2009 to 27 bps in 2010. 
This is primarily the result of cost savings initiatives initiated by the UKIO in line with the business’ stated objectives.

A
D
D

I
T
I

O
N
A
L
U
N
A
U
D

I
T
E
D

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L
I

N
F
O
R
M
A
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I

O
N

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
362

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED  
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONTINUED

II(b):  ASIAN OPERATIONS – ANALYSIS OF IFRS OPERATING PROFIT BY TERRITORY

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns for Asian operations is analysed as follows:

Chinanote ii
Hong Kong 
India note iii
Indonesia 
Japan 
Korea 
Malaysia 

– Underlying results 
– Exceptional creditnote i

Philippines 
Singapore 
Taiwan bancassurance businessnote iv
Thailand 
Vietnam 
Other 

TOTAL INSURANCE OPERATIONSnote v
Development expenses 

TOTAL LONG-TERM BUSINESS OPERATING PROFIT 
Asset management 

TOTAL ASIAN OPERATIONS 

2010  £m

2009  £m

(12)
51 
60 
157 
(6)
12 

97 

2 
129 
(4)
2 
43 
5 

536 
(4)

532 
72 

604 

4 
48 
12 
102 
(18)
6 

65 
63 
2 
112 
(7)
(1)
30 
(2)

416 
(6)

410 
55 

465 

Notes
i 

For the Malaysia life business, under the basis applied previously, 2008 IFRS basis liabilities were determined on the local regulatory basis using 
prescribed interest rates such that a high degree of prudence resulted. As of 1 January 2009, the local regulatory basis has been replaced by the 
Malaysian authority’s risk-based capital (RBC) framework. In the light of this development, the Company has re-measured the liabilities by 
reference to the method applied under the new RBC framework, which is more realistic than the previous approach, but with an overlay 
constraint to the method such that negative reserves derived at an individual policyholder level are not included. This change has resulted in a 
one-off release from liabilities at 1 January 2009 of £63 million.

ii  China’s operating loss of £12 million is after a net charge of £17 million for local reserving changes and associated impacts that have been 

reflected in the Group’s IFRS accounts. Excluding this effect, China’s underlying result is a £5 million profit.

iii  The operating profit of £60 million from India, a joint venture, includes £36 million arising from changes that improve the reserving estimation 

technique.

iv  Sale of Taiwan agency business

In order to facilitate comparisons of operating profit based on longer-term investment returns that reflect the Group’s retained operations, the 
results attributable to the Taiwan agency business for which the sale process was completed in June 2009 are excluded from analysis of 
operating profit.

v  Analysis of operating profit between new and in-force business

The result for insurance operations comprises amounts in respect of new business and business in-force as follows:

New business strain (excluding Japan)
Japan

New business strain (including Japan)
Business in force

Total

2010  £m

2009  £m

(56)
(1)

(57)
593 

536 

(72)
(6)

(78)
494 

416 

The IFRS new business strain corresponds to approximately four per cent of new business APE premiums for 2010 (2009: approximately 
six per cent of new business APE).
The strain reflects the aggregate of the pre-tax regulatory basis strain to net worth after IFRS adjustments for deferral of acquisition costs and 
deferred income where appropriate.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
363

II(c):  ANALYSIS OF ASSET MANAGEMENT OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM INVESTMENT RETURNS

Operating income before performance-related fees
Performance-related fees

Operating income*
Operating expense

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns

M&Gi

615 
17 

632 
(386) 

246 

2010  £m

PruCap

88 
– 

88 
(50)

38 

Asiai

185 
6 

191 
(119) 

72 

US

229 
– 

229 
(207)

22 

Total

1,117 
23 

1,140 
(762)

378 

Average funds under management (FUM)†
Margin based on operating income†
Cost/income ratio‡

£186.5 bn 
34 bps 
63% 

£47.2 bn 
40 bps 
64% 

Operating income before performance-related fees
Performance-related fees

Operating income*
Operating expense

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns

M&Gi

470 
12 

482 
(305) 

177 

2009  £m

PruCap

89 
– 

89 
(28)

61 

Asiai

157 
3 

160 
(105) 

55 

Average funds under management (FUM)†
Margin based on operating income†
Cost/income ratio‡

£157.5 bn 
31 bps 
65% 

£39.6 bn 
40 bps 
67% 

Operating income before performance-related fees
Performance-related fees

Operating income*
Operating expense

Operating profit based on longer-term investment returns

M&Gi

480 
43 

523 
(295) 

228 

2008  £m

PruCap

123 
– 

123 
(65)

58 

Asiai

144 
3 

147 
(95) 

52 

Average funds under management (FUM)†
Margin based on operating income†
Cost/income ratio‡

£154.0 bn 
34 bps 
61% 

£36.9 bn 
40 bps 
66% 

US

183 
– 

183 
(179)

4 

US

139 
– 

139 
(132)

7 

Total

899 
15 

 914 
(617)

297 

Total

886 
46 

932 
(587)

345 

* Operating income is net of commissions and includes performance related fees.
† Margin represents operating income as a proportion of the related funds under management (FUM). Opening and closing internal and external funds 
managed by the respective entity have been used to derive the average. Any funds held by the Group’s insurance operations which are managed by 
third parties outside of the Prudential Group are excluded from these amounts. 

‡ Cost/income ratio is calculated as a percentage of income excluding performance-related fees.

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

A
D
D

I
T
I

O
N
A
L
U
N
A
U
D

I
T
E
D

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L
I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I

O
N

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
364

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED  
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONTINUED

II(c):   ANALYSIS OF ASSET MANAGEMENT OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM INVESTMENT 

RETURNS   >  CONTINUED

i  M&G and Asia asset management businesses can be further analysed as follows:

2010 
2009 
2008 

2010 
2009 
2008 

M&G
Operating income*

Margin of 
FUM†
 bps

Institutional §
 £m

Margin of 
FUM†
 bps

93 
102 
122 

287 
227 
280 

19 
17 
21 

Asia

Operating income*

Margin of 
FUM†
 bps

Institutional §
 £m

Margin of 
FUM†
 bps

62 
60 
59 

71 
62 
56 

26 
27 
26 

Retail
 £m

345 
255 
243 

Retail
 £m

120 
98 
91 

Total
 £m

632 
482 
523 

Total
 £m

191 
160 
147 

Margin of 
FUM†
 bps

34 
31 
34 

Margin of 
FUM†
 bps

40 
40 
40 

* Operating income is net of commissions and includes performance-related fees.
† Margin represents operating income as a proportion of the related funds under management (FUM). Opening and closing internal and external 
funds managed by the respective entity have been used to derive the average. Any funds held by the Group’s insurance operations which are 
managed by third-parties outside of the Prudential Group are excluded from these amounts. 

§ Institutional includes internal funds.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

365

III(a):  MEMORANDUM FAIR VALUE OF JACKSON’S GMDB AND GMWB LIABILITIES 

The IFRS accounting for minimum death and withdrawal benefits guarantees of the Group’s US insurance operations has a mixed 
measurement approach. 

‘Not for life’ Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefits (GMWB) are accounted for as ‘embedded derivatives’. Where the economic 

characteristics and risks of embedded derivatives are not closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host insurance 
contract, and where the contract is not measured at fair value with the changes in fair value recognised in the income statement, the 
embedded derivative is bifurcated and carried at fair value as a derivative in accordance with IAS 39. In Jackson, the embedded 
derivative liabilities for GMWB liabilities are fair valued using the economic assumptions shown below, in line with IAS 39 (FAS 157 – 
‘Fair Value Measurements’.)

Where a significant insurance element is present, such as for Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (GMDB) and ‘for life’ GMWB, 

the guarantees are accounted for as part of the accounting applied to the host insurance contracts. Under IFRS 4, the insurance 
contract accounting applied prior to IFRS adoption has continued to be applied. Accordingly for US variable annuity business the 
US GAAP standards applicable to insurance contract accounting are applied. Consistent with that approach, the GMDB and ‘for life’ 
GMWB guarantees are valued under FASB Accounting Standards codification Topic 944 (sub-topics 944-20, 944-40 and 944-80), 
formerly known as ‘SOP 03-1’ (Statement of Position 03-1: ‘Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises Contracts and for 
Separate Accounts’).

The two reserving methodologies typically produce quite different patterns of results. It is the variation in assumptions, and the 

way the two reserving methods react to emerging experience, that produces potentially significant differences in reserve patterns 
through time.

Both methods determine a hypothetical fee or charge (referred to in the rest of this note as ‘fee assessment’) that is anticipated to 

fund future projected benefit payments arising using the assumptions applicable for that method. After determination at issue, the 
FAS 157 fee assessment is fixed for the life of the policy, so that variations in experience from that assumed at issue, as well as cash flow 
timing issues, will create a liability or asset as the value of future benefits becomes more or less, respectively, than the value of the 
fee assessments.

The SOP 03-1 fee assessment, on the other hand, is recomputed at each valuation date to take into account emerging experience 

and cash flow timing differences. After redetermination based on valuation date parameters, the new fee assessment is applied 
retrospectively from issue date to recompute the current reserve provision. This retrospective aspect of the calculation is not present 
in the FAS 157 methodology.

The chart below compares the assumption bases for the two methods in general terms as well as showing representative 

comparative values as of 31 December 2010. The comparative values for the projected earned rate and AA corporate bond rate are the 
10-year rate in both cases, and the comparative value for volatility is the 5-year rate.

Assumption

Fund earned rate

Discount rate

Equity volatility

SOP 03-1

8.4% before fees

8.4%

15%

IAS 39 (FAS 157)

 Quoted rate swap curve  
(10-year rate: 3.4% before fees)
 AA corporate rate curve  
(10-year rate: 4.8%)
 Implied curve  
(5-year volatility: 24%)

To provide an approximate translation of values from the SOP 03-1 basis to the IAS 39 basis, the table below shows estimates of the 
impact of changing each primary economic assumption from the SOP 03-1 values to the IAS 39 values.  

Two other items are shown in addition: a reconciling item to account for the difference in how each method adjusts for emerging 
economic experience (labelled as the ‘method’ component below), and a further adjustment to recognise the impact of additional fees 
collected over and above those considered for reserving purposes (i.e. the difference between fees actually collected and the 
hypothetical fee assessment referenced earlier). 

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

A
D
D

I
T
I

O
N
A
L
U
N
A
U
D

I
T
E
D

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N
A
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I

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366

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED  
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONTINUED

III(a):  MEMORANDUM FAIR VALUE OF JACKSON’S GMDB AND GMWB LIABILITIES   >  CONTINUED

Guaranteed benefit liability supplemental disclosure as of 31 December 2010

As recorded in the 31 December 2010 financial statements:

Note

– SOP 03-1
– IAS 39 fair value

Total per 31 December 2010 financial statements 

Change in assumed fund earned rate
Change in discount rate
Change in equity volatility assumption
Change in method

Hypothetical IAS 39 basis fair value
Adjustment to full fees

Hypothetical fair value with full fee recognition

1 
1 

2 
3 
4 
 5

6
7 

8 

GMDB
 £m

220 

375 
200 
225 
(150)

870 
(200)

670 

GMWB
 ‘for life’
 £m

GMWB
 ‘not for life’
 £m

29 

25 
50 
0
(25)

201 

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

280 
(600)

(320)

Total
 £m

249
201

450
400
250
225
(175)

700

1,150
(800)

350

Notes
1 
2 

Note GMWB benefits have reported components on both an SOP 03-1 and IAS 39 basis.
Change in fund earned rate: 8.4 per cent to 3.4 per cent, producing significantly higher values of future benefit payments due to lower future 
assumed fund growth and therefore greater potential for future guaranteed benefit payouts. For GMWBs, future fee income is less dramatically 
affected, given that for most benefit forms fee income is based on a more stable benefit base rather than a current account value.
Change in discount rate: 8.4 per cent to 4.8 per cent, producing significantly higher values, both for future benefit payments and future fees, 
with a net increase in liability. The absolute impact of this item will be influenced not only by the rate difference, but also by current market 
conditions, as the proportional impact of a particular rate change will be diluted if applied to a lower absolute value of future cash flows.
Change in equity volatility assumption: 15 per cent to 24 per cent, producing higher values, primarily for future benefit payments. The impact 
is muted for GMWBs due primarily to the length of time until benefit payments occur, and also by the SOP 03-1 methodology itself. 

3 

4 

5  Generally, it is expected that the SOP 03-1 methodology will ‘lag’ market events in terms of reflecting their impact in the reserve calculation. 

This is because of the retrospective aspect of the calculation described above. This line item is also the balancing item in the reconciliation so 
contains any cross-effects from other variables.

6  Representation of an approximate hypothetical IAS 39 (FAS 157) value were all guaranteed benefits to be reported on this basis.
7  Value of actual fees collected, on an IAS 39 assumption basis, over and above those already considered in the reserve calculation. The reserve 
calculation restricts the level of future guarantee fees to a level that is sufficient to meet the expected benefit payments at issue using at issue 
assumptions to avoid profit recognition at inception. 

8  Resulting modified hypothetical IAS 39 value including adjustment for the value of fees in excess of those considered in the reserve calculation. 

In all cases, values shown above, were they to be reflected in actual financial statements, would be significantly offset by an adjustment 
to deferred acquisition costs, which is impacted by changes in gross profit elements of the variable annuity product. Thus, for example, 
it might be expected that the GMDB impacts shown would be offset by some 70 to 75 per cent of the change illustrated, and the GMWB 
impacts shown would be offset by some 50 to 55 per cent of the change illustrated. The table below illustrates the approximate impact 
on shareholders’ equity.  

Estimated impact on shareholders’ equity

Estimated increase/(decrease) in liability
Related adjustments to:
  DAC
  Deferred tax

Estimated decrease/(increase) in shareholders’ equity

All numbers rounded to the nearest £25 million.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

Accounts 
carrying value 
to hypothetical 
IAS 39 basis 
fair value
£m

Accounts 
carrying value 
to hypothetical 
fair value 
with full fee 
recognition
£m

700 

(475)
(75)

150 

(100)

(50)
50 

(100)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
367

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,913 
236
2,149

197 
61 
258 

1,382 
80
1,462 

161 
61
222

2,407 

1,684 

3,815 

3,011 

106 
16 
122 

95 
16
111 

3,937 

3,122 

2,115 
33 
2,148 

254 
1,153 
1,407 

3,555 

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

1,902 
37
1,939

173 
1,153
1,326 

3,265 

III(b):  IFRS SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS SUMMARY BY BUSINESS UNIT AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE

i  Shareholders’ funds summary

ASIAN OPERATIONS 
Insurance operations 

Net assets of operation 
Acquired goodwill 
Total 

Asset management 

Net assets of operation 
Acquired goodwill 
Total 

Total 

US OPERATIONS 

Jackson (net of surplus note borrowings) 
Broker-dealer and asset management operations: 
Net assets of operation 
Acquired goodwill 
Total 

Total 

UK OPERATIONS 
Insurance operations: 

Long-term business operations 

  Other 
Total 

M&G 

Net assets of operation 
Acquired goodwill 
Total 

Total 

OTHER OPERATIONS 

Holding company net borrowings 
Shareholders' share of provision for future deficit funding of the Prudential Staff Pension Scheme  

(net of tax) 

  Other net assets (liabilities) 

Total 

TOTAL OF ALL OPERATIONS 

ii  Net asset value per share

Closing equity shareholders' funds 
Net asset value per share attributable to equity shareholdersnote i

Note  
i 

Based on the closing issued share capital as at 31 December 2010 of 2,546 million shares (2009: 2,532 million shares). 

(2,035)

(1,754)

(10)
177 

(16)
(30)

(1,868)

(1,800)

8,031 

6,271 

2010  £m

2009  £m

8,031 
315p

6,271 
248p

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D

I
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O
N
A
L
U
N
A
U
D

I
T
E
D

F
I

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A
N
C
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A
L
I

N
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368

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED  
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONTINUED

IV(a):  FUNDS UNDER MANAGEMENT

i  Summary

Business area 

Asian operations 
US operations 
UK operations 

Internal funds under management 
External fundsnote i

Total funds under management 

2010  £bn

2009  £bn

30.9 
63.6 
145.2 

239.7 
100.4 

340.1 

23.7 
49.6 
135.6 

208.9 
80.9 

289.8 

Note
i 

External funds shown above for 2010 of £100.4 billion (2009: £80.9 billion) comprise £111.4 billion (2009: £89.8 billion) in respect of investment 
products, as published in the New Business schedules (see Note B5) less £11.0 billion (2009: £8.9 billion) that are classified within internal funds.

ii  Internal funds under management – analysis by business area

Investment propertiesnote i
Equity securities 
Debt securities 
Loans and receivables 
Other investments 

Total 

Asian operations

US operations

UK operations

Total

2010 
£bn

– 
14.5 
14.1 
1.3 
1.0 

2009 
£bn

– 
11.4 
10.0 
1.2 
1.1 

2010 
£bn

0.1 
31.5 
26.4 
4.2 
1.4 

2009 
£bn

0.1 
21.0 
22.8 
4.3 
1.4 

2010 
£bn

11.5 
40.7 
75.9 
3.8 
13.3 

2009 
£bn

11.0 
37.0 
69.1 
3.3 
15.2 

2010 
£bn

2009 
£bn

11.6 
86.7 
116.4 
9.3 
15.7 

11.1 
69.4 
101.9 
8.8 
17.7 

30.9 

23.7 

63.6 

49.6 

145.2 

135.6 

239.7 

208.9 

Note
i 

As included in the investments section of the consolidated statement of financial position at 31 December 2010 except for £0.4 billion 
(2009: £0.2 billion) investment properties which are held-for-sale or occupied by the Group and, accordingly under IFRS, are included in 
other statement of financial position captions.

IV(b):  EFFECT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY RATE MOVEMENTS ON RESULTS

i  Rates of exchange
The profit and loss accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated at average exchange rates for the year. Assets and liabilities of foreign 
subsidiaries are translated at closing exchange rates. Foreign currency borrowings that have been used to provide a hedge against Group 
equity investments in overseas subsidiaries are also translated at closing exchange rates. The impact of these translations is recorded as a 
component of the movement in shareholders’ equity.
The following translation rates have been applied:

Closing

Average

Closing

Average

2010

2010

2009

2009

12.17 
14,106.51 
4.83 
2.01 
70.01
30,526.26
1.57 

12.01 
14,033.41 
4.97 
2.11 
70.66
29,587.63
1.55 

12.52 
15,171.52 
5.53 
2.27 
75.15
29,832.74
1.61 

12.14 
16,173.28 
5.51 
2.27 
75.70
27,892.39
1.57 

Local currency: £

Hong Kong
Indonesia
Malaysia
Singapore
India
Vietnam
USA

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
369

As published 
2010
note i 
£m

Memorandum 
2009
note i and ii 
£m

536 
(4) 

532 
72 

604 

833 
22 

855 

673 
46 

719 
284 

1,003 

2,462 

(450) 
(26) 
(45) 

1,941 

8,031 

451 
(6) 

445 
58 

503 

626 
4 

630 

606 
51 

657 
238 

895 

2,028 

(396) 
(23) 
–

1,609 

6,473 

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

ii  Effect of rate movements on results
IFRS basis results

Asian operations:

Long-term operations
  Development expenses

Total Asian insurance operations after development costs
Asset management

Total Asia operations 

US operations

Jacksonnote iii
Broker-dealer, asset management and Curian operations

Total US operations

UK operations

Long-term business

  General insurance commission

Total UK insurance operations

  M&G

Total UK operations

Total segment profit

Other income and expenditure
Restructuring costs 
Solvency II costs

Operating profit from continuing operations based on longer-term investment returns

Shareholders’ funds

Notes
i 

The ‘as published’ operating profit for 2010 and ‘memorandum’ operating profit for 2009 have been calculated by applying average 2010 
exchange rates (CER).

The ‘as published’ shareholders’ funds for 2010 and 'memorandum’ shareholders’ funds for 2009 have been calculated by applying closing 

period end 2010 exchange rates.

ii  The 2009 operating profit of Asian long-term operations excludes the results of the Taiwan agency business for which the sale process was 

completed in June 2009.

iii  The Company has amended the presentation of IFRS operating profit for its US insurance operations to remove the net equity hedge accounting 

credit/charge (incorporating related amortisation of deferred acquisition costs) and include it in short-term fluctuations.  
The 2009 ‘memorandum’ operating profit amounts have been amended accordingly.

A
D
D

I
T
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O
N
A
L
U
N
A
U
D

I
T
E
D

F
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N
A
N
C
I

A
L
I

N
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370

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED  
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONTINUED

IV(b):  EFFECT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY RATE MOVEMENTS ON RESULTS  >  CONTINUED

EEV basis results

Asian operations:
New business:

Excluding Japan
Japan

Total 

Business in force

Long-term operations
Asset management
  Development expenses

Total Asia operations 

US operations

New business
Business in force

Jackson
Broker-dealer, asset management and Curian operations

Total US operations

UK operations

New business
Business in force

Long-term business

  General insurance commission

Total insurance

  M&G

Total UK operations

Other income and expenditure
Restructuring costs
Solvency II costs

Operating profit from continuing operations based on longer-term investment returns

Shareholders’ funds

As published 
2010
note i 
£m

Memorandum 
2009
note i and ii 
£m

902 
(1) 

901 
549 

1,450 
72 
(4) 

1,518 

761 
697 

1,458 
22 

1,480 

365 
571 

936 
46 

982 
284 

783 
(13) 

770 
420 

1,190 
58 
(6) 

1,242 

673 
576 

1,249 
4 

1,253 

230 
640 

870 
51 

921 
238 

1,266 

1,159 

(494) 
(28) 
(46) 

(434) 
(27) 
– 

3,696 

3,193 

18,207 

15,904 

Notes
i 

The ‘as published’ operating profit for 2010 and ‘memorandum’ operating profit for 2009 have been calculated by applying average 2010 
exchange rates (CER).

The ‘as published’ shareholders’ funds for 2010 and ‘memorandum’ shareholders’ funds for 2009 have been calculated by applying closing 

period end 2010 exchange rates.

ii  The 2009 operating profit of Asian long-term operations excludes the results of the Taiwan agency business for which the sale process was 

completed in June 2009.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
371

IV(c):  OPTION SCHEMES

The Group maintains four share option schemes satisfied by the issue of new shares. UK-based executive directors are eligible to 
participate in the UK Savings Related Share Option Scheme, and Asia-based executives can participate in the International Savings 
Related Share Option Scheme. Dublin-based employees are eligible to participate in the Prudential International Assurance Sharesave 
Plan, and Hong Kong-based agents can participate in the Non-employee Savings Related Share Option Scheme. Further details of the 
schemes and accounting policies are detailed in Note I4 of the IFRS basis condensed consolidated financial statements.

All options were granted at £nil consideration. No options have been granted to substantial shareholders, suppliers of goods or 
services (excluding options granted to agents under the Non-employee Savings Related Share Option Scheme) or in excess of the 
individual limit for the relevant scheme.

The options schemes will terminate as follows, unless the directors resolve to terminate the plans at an earlier date:

•  UK Savings Related Share Option Scheme: 8 May 2013
•  International Savings Related Share Option Scheme: 19 May 2011
•  Prudential International Assurance Sharesave Plan: 19 May 2011
•  Non-employee Savings Related Share Option Scheme: 9 May 2012

The weighted average share price of Prudential plc for the year ended 31 December 2010 was £5.68 (2009: £4.17).
Particulars of options granted to directors are included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 124.
The closing price of the shares immediately before the dates on which the options were granted during the current period was £6.16.
The following analyses show the movement in options for each of the option schemes for the year ended 31 December 2010. 

F
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A
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L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

A
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D

I
T
I

O
N
A
L
U
N
A
U
D

I
T
E
D

F
I

N
A
N
C
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L
I

N
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372

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED  
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONTINUED

IV(c):  OPTION SCHEMES  >  CONTINUED

UK Savings Related Share Option Scheme

Exercise period

Number of options

Date of grant

09 Oct 2002
17 Apr 2003
01 Oct 2003
15 Apr 2004
15 Apr 2004
30 Sep 2004
30 Sep 2004
12 Apr 2005
12 Apr 2005
12 Apr 2005
29 Sep 2005
29 Sep 2005
20 Apr 2006
20 Apr 2006
20 Apr 2006
28 Sep 2006
28 Sep 2006
28 Sep 2006
26 Apr 2007
26 Apr 2007
26 Apr 2007
27 Sep 2007
27 Sep 2007
27 Sep 2007
25 Apr 2008
25 Apr 2008
25 Apr 2008
25 Sep 2008
25 Sep 2008
25 Sep 2008
27 Apr 2009
27 Apr 2009
27 Apr 2009
25 Sep 2009
25 Sep 2009
28 Sep 2010
28 Sep 2010

Exercise
price £

3.29
2.66
3.62
3.46
3.46
3.43
3.43
3.87
3.87
3.87
4.07
4.07
5.65
5.65
5.65
4.75
4.75
4.75
5.72
5.72
5.72
5.52
5.52
5.52
5.51
5.51
5.51
4.38
4.38
4.38
2.88
2.88
2.88
4.25
4.25
4.61
4.61

Beginning

01 Dec 2009
01 Jun 2010
01 Dec 2010
01 Jun 2009
01 Jun 2011
01 Dec 2009
01 Dec 2011
01 Jun 2008
01 Jun 2010
01 Jun 2012
01 Dec 2010
01 Dec 2012
01 Dec 2009
01 Jun 2011
01 Jun 2013
01 Dec 2009
01 Dec 2011
01 Dec 2013
01 Jun 2010
01 Jun 2012
01 Jun 2014
01 Dec 2010
01 Dec 2012
01 Dec 2014
01 Jun 2011
01 Jun 2013
01 Jun 2015
01 Dec 2011
01 Dec 2013
01 Dec 2015
01 Jun 2012
01 Jun 2014
01 Jun 2016
01 Dec 2012
01 Dec 2014
01 Dec 2013
01 Dec 2015

End

Beginning
of period

Granted

Exercised

Cancelled

Forfeited

Lapsed

End of 
period

27,010
31 May 2010
273,250
30 Nov 2010
4,343
31 May 2011
942
30 Nov 2009
17,946
30 Nov 2011
15,014
31 May 2010
8,430
31 May 2012
8,121
30 Nov 2008
49,694
30 Nov 2010
12,222
30 Nov 2012
37,483
31 May 2011
11,172
31 May 2013
661
31 May 2010
15,933
30 Nov 2011
8,169
30 Nov 2013
83,095
31 May 2010
55,381
31 May 2012
13,325
31 May 2014
48,685
30 Nov 2010
10,284
30 Nov 2012
1,118
30 Nov 2014
53,257
31 May 2011
19,960
31 May 2013
5,249
31 May 2015
63,326
30 Nov 2011
35,835
30 Nov 2013
4,836
30 Nov 2015
181,003
31 May 2012
62,042
31 May 2014
23,161
31 May 2016
30 Nov 2012 3,454,462
30 Nov 2014 2,099,760
212,170
30 Nov 2016
299,769
31 May 2013
109,447
31 May 2015
31 May 2014
31 May 2016

–
20,231
– 273,250
1,568
–
–
–
–
–
6,543
–
–
–
–
–
45,256
–
–
–
26,426
–
–
–
661
–
678
–
–
–
42,821
–
–
–
–
–
11,119
–
–
–
–
–
25,015
–
–
–
–
–
3,187
–
1,595
–
–
–
–
4,055
2,054
–
–
2,341
–
–
–
–
–
– 317,521
– 138,655

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
8,121
–
–
–
1,680
–
569
605
21,690
1,033
–
132
1,374
615
1,874
874
2,653
5,145
3,128
–
9,642
4,207
–
54,222 124,900
44,054
13,349
3,637
1,040
22,705
2,444
1,463
442
2,730
–
4,017
–

–
–
–
–
–
191
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3,449
–
1,653
–
–
695
–
928
2,455
–
3,166
1,140
765
–
52,437
1,735
113
3,157
4,390
234
–

6,779
–
–
942
–
8,280
–
–
4,438
–
460
–
–
802
–
18,584
2,896
–
32,223
573
–
640
1,216
–
1,587
2,892
–
12,168
5,980
5,963

–
–
2,775
–
17,946
–
8,430
–
–
12,222
10,597
9,492
–
13,884
7,564
–
48,003
13,325
3,558
8,337
503
25,033
17,870
1,668
50,952
28,220
1,670
153,998
49,036
14,857
84,581 3,138,322
47,092 1,993,530
202,734
264,812
101,327
314,557
134,638

4,646
6,651
1,825
–
–

7,326,555 456,176 538,297 266,848

76,508 251,218 6,649,860

The total number of securities available for issue under the scheme is 6,649,860, which represents 0.261 per cent of the issued share 
capital at 31 December 2010.

The weighted average closing price of the shares immediately before the dates on which the options were exercised during the 

current period was £5.70.

The fair value of options granted under the Plan in the period was £2.91.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

373

International Savings Related Share Option Scheme 

Exercise period

Number of options

Date of grant

30 Sep 2004
12 Apr 2005
20 Apr 2006
20 Apr 2006
28 Sep 2006
28 Sep 2006
26 Apr 2007
26 Apr 2007
27 Sep 2007
25 Apr 2008
25 Apr 2008
25 Sep 2008
25 Sep 2008
27 Apr 2009
27 Apr 2009
25 Sep 2009
25 Sep 2009
28 Sep 2010
28 Sep 2010

Exercise
price £

3.43
3.87
5.65
5.65
4.75
4.75
5.72
5.72
5.52
5.51
5.51
4.38
4.38
2.88
2.88
4.25
4.25
4.61
4.61

Beginning

01 Dec 2009
01 Jun 2010
01 Jun 2009
01 Jun 2011
01 Dec 2009
01 Dec 2011
01 Jun 2010
01 Jun 2012
01 Dec 2010
01 Jun 2011
01 Jun 2013
01 Dec 2011
01 Dec 2013
01 Jun 2012
01 Jun 2014
01 Dec 2012
01 Dec 2014
01 Dec 2013
01 Dec 2015

End

Beginning
of period

Granted

Exercised

Cancelled

Forfeited

Lapsed

End of 
period

741
31 May 2010
758
30 Nov 2010
5,732
30 Nov 2009
820
30 Nov 2011
26,951
31 May 2010
968
31 May 2012
93,401
30 Nov 2010
17,847
30 Nov 2012
44,517
31 May 2011
32,754
30 Nov 2011
4,192
30 Nov 2013
252,450
31 May 2012
6,951
31 May 2014
30 Nov 2012 2,105,236
116,072
30 Nov 2014
141,426
31 May 2013
3,529
31 May 2015
31 May 2014
31 May 2016

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
– 176,353
6,501
–

–
–
–
–
20,387
–
3,179
–
2,584
–
–
11,410
–
47,332
6,490
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
1,612
–
1,108
5,686
–
4,340
–
83,676
14,246
5,595
847
1,303
–

–
–
4,021
–
4,435
259
–
–
360
–
–
–
–
68,123
5,307
2,994
–
–
–

–
741
758
–
–
1,711
820
–
–
2,129
709
–
88,610
–
17,847
–
40,465
–
27,068
–
4,192
–
236,700
–
–
6,951
– 1,906,105
90,029
–
132,837
–
2,682
–
175,050
–
6,501
–

2,854,345 182,854

91,382 118,413

85,499

4,581 2,737,324

The total number of securities available for issue under the scheme is 2,737,324, which represents 0.108 per cent of the issued share 
capital at 31 December 2010.

The weighted average closing price of the shares immediately before the dates on which the options were exercised during the 

current period was £5.83.

The fair value of options granted under the Plan in the period was £2.91.

Prudential International Assurance Sharesave Plan 

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Exercise period

Number of options

Date of grant

29 Sep 2005
20 Apr 2006
28 Sep 2006
27 Sep 2007
25 Sep 2008
27 Apr 2009
27 Apr 2009
25 Sep 2009

Exercise
price £

4.07
5.65
4.75
5.52
4.38
2.88
2.88
4.25

Beginning

01 Dec 2008
01 Jun 2009
01 Dec 2009
01 Dec 2010
01 Dec 2011
01 Jun 2012
01 Jun 2014
01 Dec 2012

End

Beginning
of period

Granted

Exercised

Cancelled

Forfeited

Lapsed

31 May 2009
30 Nov 2009
31 May 2010
31 May 2011
31 May 2012
30 Nov 2012
30 Nov 2014
31 May 2013

495
1,469
1,110
618
1,520
34,125
6,567
4,327

50,231

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
1,184
–
–

1,184

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
2,621
–
1,901

495
1,469
1,110
–
–
–
–
–

End of 
period

–
–
–
618
1,520
30,320
6,567
2,426

4,522

3,074

41,451

The total number of securities available for issue under the scheme is 41,451, which represents 0.002 per cent of the issued share capital 
at 31 December 2010.

The weighted average closing price of the shares immediately before the dates on which the options were exercised during the 

current period was £5.47.

The fair value of options granted under the Plan in the period was £2.91.

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374

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL UNAUDITED  
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONTINUED

IV(c):  OPTION SCHEMES  >  CONTINUED

Non-employee Savings Related Share Option Scheme 

Date of grant

15 Apr 2004
12 Apr 2005
29 Sep 2005
20 Apr 2006
28 Sep 2006
28 Sep 2006
26 Apr 2007
26 Apr 2007
27 Sep 2007
27 Sep 2007
25 Apr 2008
25 Apr 2008
25 Sep 2008
25 Sep 2008
27 Apr 2009
27 Apr 2009
25 Sep 2009
25 Sep 2009
28 Sep 2010
28 Sep 2010

Exercise
price £

3.46
3.87
4.07
5.65
4.75
4.75
5.72
5.72
5.52
5.52
5.51
5.51
4.38
4.38
2.88
2.88
4.25
4.25
4.61
4.61

Exercise period

Number of options

Beginning

End

1 Jun 2009 30 Nov 2009
1 Jun 2010 30 Nov 2010
1 Dec 2008 31 May 2009
1 Jun 2009 30 Nov 2009
1 Dec 2009 31 May 2010
1 Dec 2011 31 May 2012
1 Jun 2010 30 Nov 2010
1 Jun 2012 30 Nov 2012
1 Dec 2010 31 May 2011
1 Dec 2012 31 May 2013
1 Jun 2011 30 Nov 2011
1 Jun 2013 30 Nov 2013
1 Dec 2011 31 May 2012
1 Dec 2013 31 May 2014
1 Jun 2012 30 Nov 2012
1 Jun 2014 30 Nov 2014
1 Dec 2012 31 May 2013
1 Dec 2014 31 May 2015
1 Dec 2013 31 May 2014
1 Dec 2015 31 May 2016

Beginning
of period

Granted

Exercised

Cancelled

Forfeited

Lapsed

End of 
period

11,538
3,876
3,659
8,305
49,824
8,577
16,947
15,557
19,595
5,748
20,951
6,934
42,913
17,135
919,475
785,662
51,289
11,717

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
– 1,136,477
382,504
–

–
3,876
–
–
6,051
–
3,414
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
2,739
172

21,627
35,754
677
–
–
3,251

–
–
3,659
8,305
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

11,538
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
43,773
–
–
8,577
–
13,533
–
15,557
–
19,595
–
5,748
–
20,951
–
4,195
–
42,741
–
17,135
–
897,848
–
749,908
–
50,612
11,717
–
– 1,136,477
379,253
–

1,999,702 1,518,981

13,341

64,220

11,964

55,311 3,373,847

The total number of securities available for issue under the scheme is 3,373,847, which represents 0.133 per cent of the issued share 
capital at 31 December 2010.

The weighted average closing price of the shares immediately before the dates on which the options were exercised during the 

current period was £5.59.

The fair values of options granted under the Plan in the period was £2.91. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  PARENT COMPANY

375

BALANCE SHEET OF THE  
PARENT COMPANY

31 December 2010

FIXED ASSETS
Investments:

Shares in subsidiary undertakings
Loans to subsidiary undertakings

CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors:

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings

  Deferred tax
  Other debtors
Derivative assets
Cash at bank and in hand

LESS LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Commercial paper
Other borrowings
Derivative liabilities
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Tax payable
Sundry creditors
Accruals and deferred income

NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES)

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

LESS LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
Subordinated liabilities
Debenture loans
Other borrowings
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings

TOTAL NET ASSETS (EXCLUDING PENSION)
Pension asset (net of related deferred tax)

TOTAL NET ASSETS (INCLUDING PENSION)

CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Share capital
Share premium
Profit and loss account

Shareholders’ funds

Note

2010  £m

2009  £m

5 
5 

8

7
7
8

7
7
7

9

10
10
11

11

9,410 
849 

10,259 

10,071 
899 

10,970 

4,244 
345 
6 
112 
162 

4,869 

(2,311) 
(200) 
(146) 
(1,084) 
(169) 
(19) 
(59) 

(3,988) 

881 

2,760 
180 
7 
151 
360 

3,458 

(2,031)
(207)
(136)
(1,279)
(379)
(4)
(41)

(4,077)

(619)

11,140 

10,351 

(2,718) 
(549) 
(249) 
(3,398) 

(6,914) 

4,226 
41 

4,267 

127 
1,856 
2,284 

4,267 

(2,687)
(549)
–
(3,326)

(6,562)

3,789 
37 

3,826 

127 
1,843 
1,856 

3,826 

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The financial statements of the parent company on pages 375 to 386 were approved by the Board of directors on 
8 March 2011 and signed on its behalf.

HARVEY MCGRATH
CHAIRMAN 

TIDJANE THIAM
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE

NIC NICANDROU
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
376

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES ON THE PARENT COMPANY  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1:  NATURE OF OPERATIONS 

Prudential plc (the Company) is a parent holding company. The Company together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the Group) is an 
international financial services group with its principal operations in the UK, the US and Asia. The Group operates in the UK through its 
subsidiaries, primarily The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, Prudential Annuities Limited, Prudential Retirement Income Limited 
and M&G Investment Management Limited. In the US, the Group’s principal subsidiary is Jackson National Life Insurance Company. 
The Group also has operations in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and other Asian countries. The Company is responsible for 
the financing of each of its subsidiaries.

2:  BASIS OF PREPARATION

The financial statements of the Company, which comprise the balance sheet and related notes, are prepared in accordance with Part 15 
of the Companies Act 2006, which applies to companies generally. The Company has taken advantage of the exemption under Section 
408 of the Companies Act 2006 from presenting its own profit and loss account.

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards under UK Generally Accepted Accounting 

Practice (UK GAAP), including Financial Reporting Standards (FRS) and Statements of Standard Accounting Practice (SSAP).

The Company has not prepared a cash flow statement on the basis that its cash flow is included within the cash flow statement in 
the consolidated financial statements. The Company has also taken advantage of the exemption within FRS 29, ‘Financial Instruments: 
Disclosures’, from the requirements of this standard on the basis that the Company’s results are included in the publicly available 
consolidated financial statements of the Group that include disclosures that comply with IFRS 7, ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’, 
which is equivalent to FRS 29. 

The amendments to FRS 20 ‘Group cash settled share-based payment transactions’ which expanded FRS 2 to bring into scope 
group cash-settled share-based payment transactions became effective for the Company in 2010. These amendments incorporated 
the guidance in UITF 41, ‘Scope of FRS 20’ and UITF 44, ‘Group and Treasury Share Transactions’ which were withdrawn as a result. 
In particular, the amendments specify that the entity which has the obligation to settle the share-based payment arrangement shall 
recognise it as an ‘equity-settled transaction’ if it is settled in its own equity instruments and as ‘cash-settled transaction’ otherwise, no 
matter which entity in the Group receives the goods or service in the arrangement. The Company’s share-based payment accounting 
treatment prior to 2010 was consistent with these amendments and accordingly, there was no impact on the Company’s results and 
financial position upon the adoption of these amendments. 

In addition, following the UK Government’s announcement in July 2010 of the use of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rather than the 
Retail Price Index (RPI) in its determination of the statutory minimum pension increases for private sector occupational pension schemes, 
in December 2010, the ASB’s Urgent Issues Task Force (UITF) published its abstract UITF 48 providing guidance on the accounting 
implications of the change. See note 9 for further details. 

Further, in 2010, the Company adopted the Improvements to Financial Reporting Standards 2009, the Amendment to FRS 25 
‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’ – Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising On Liquidation. Their adoption had no 
material impact on the financial statements of the Company. 

3:  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Shares in subsidiary undertakings
Shares in subsidiary undertakings are shown at the lower of cost and estimated realisable value.

Loans to subsidiary undertakings
Loans to subsidiary undertakings are shown at cost, less provisions.

Derivatives
Derivative financial instruments are used to reduce or manage interest rate and currency exposures. Derivative financial instruments 
are carried at fair value with changes in fair value included in the profit and loss account.

Under FRS 26, hedge accounting is permissible only if certain criteria are met regarding the establishment of documentation and 
continued measurement of hedge effectiveness. For derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges, the movements 
in the fair value are recorded in the profit and loss account with the accompanying change in fair value of the hedged item attributable 
to the hedged risk.

Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs, and subsequently accounted for on an amortised cost basis 
using the effective interest method. Under the effective interest method, the difference between the redemption value of the borrowing 
and the initial proceeds, net of transaction costs, is amortised through the profit and loss account to the date of maturity, or, for hybrid 
debt, over the expected life of the instrument.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

377

Dividends
Interim dividends are recorded in the period in which they are paid. Final dividends are recorded in the period in which they are 
approved by shareholders. 

Share premium
The difference between the proceeds received on issue of shares and the nominal value of the shares issued is credited to the share 
premium account.

Foreign currency translation
Foreign currency borrowings that have been used to finance or provide a hedge against Group equity investments in overseas 
subsidiaries are translated at year-end exchange rates. The impact of these currency translations is recorded within the profit and loss 
account for the year.

Other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are also converted at year end exchange rates with the related foreign 

currency exchange gains or losses reflected in the profit and loss account for the year.

Tax
Current tax expense is charged or credited to operations based upon amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of 
taxable operations for the current year. To the extent that losses of an individual UK company are not offset in any one year, they can be 
carried back for one year or carried forward indefinitely to be offset against profits arising from the same company.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised in accordance with the provisions of FRS 19. The Company has chosen not to apply 
the option available of recognising such assets and liabilities on a discounted basis to reflect the time value of money. Except as set out in 
FRS 19, deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the balance sheet date. 
Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is regarded as more likely than not that they will be recovered.

The Group’s UK subsidiaries each file separate tax returns. In accordance with UK tax legislation, where one domestic UK company 
is a 75 per cent owned subsidiary of another UK company or both are 75 per cent owned subsidiaries of a common parent, the companies 
are considered to be within the same UK tax group. For companies within the same tax group, trading profits and losses arising in the 
same accounting period may be offset for the purposes of determining current and deferred taxes.

Pensions
The Company assumes a portion of the pension surplus or deficit of the Group’s largest pension scheme, the Prudential Staff Pension 
Scheme (PSPS) and applied the requirements of FRS 17 (as amended in December 2006) to its interest in the PSPS surplus or deficit. 
Further details are disclosed in note 9.

A pension surplus or deficit is recorded as the difference between the present value of the scheme liabilities and the fair value of the 
scheme assets. The Company’s share of pension surplus is recognised to the extent that the Company is able to recover a surplus either 
through reduced contributions in the future or through refunds from the scheme. 

The assets and liabilities of the defined benefit pension schemes of the Prudential Group are subject to a full triennial actuarial 
valuation using the projected unit method. Estimated future cash flows are then discounted at a high quality corporate bond rate, 
adjusted to allow for the difference in duration between the bond index and the pension liabilities where appropriate, to determine its 
present value. These calculations are performed by independent actuaries.

The aggregate of the actuarially determined service costs of the currently employed personnel and the unwind of the discount on 
liabilities at the start of the period, gains and losses on settlements and curtailments, less the expected investment return on the scheme 
assets at the start of the period, is recognised in the profit and loss account. To the extent that part or all of the Company’s interest in the 
pension surplus is not recognised as an asset, the unrecognised surplus is initially applied to extinguish any past service costs, losses on 
settlements or curtailments that would otherwise be included in the profit and loss account. Next, the expected investment return on the 
scheme’s assets is restricted so that it does not exceed the total of the current service cost, interest cost and any increase in the 
recoverable surplus. Any further adjustment for the unrecognised surplus is treated as an actuarial gain or loss.

Actuarial gains and losses as a result of the changes in assumptions, the difference between actual and expected investment return 
on scheme assets and experience variances are recorded in the statement of total recognised gains and losses. Actuarial gains and losses 
also include adjustment for unrecognised pension surplus as described above.

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Share-based payments
The Group offers share award and option plans for certain key employees and a SAYE plan for all UK and certain overseas employees. 
The share-based payment plans operated by the Group are mainly equity-settled plans with a few cash-settled plans. 

Under FRS 20, where the Company, as the parent company, has the obligation to settle the options or awards of its equity 
instruments to employees of its subsidiary undertakings, and such share-based payments are accounted for as equity-settled in the 
Group financial statements, the Company records an increase in the investment in the subsidiary undertakings for the value of the share 
options and awards granted with a corresponding credit entry recognised directly in equity. The value of the share options and awards 
granted is based upon the fair value of the options and awards at the grant date, the vesting period and the vesting conditions.

 
 
378

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES ON THE PARENT COMPANY  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTINUED

4:  RECONCILIATION FROM UK GAAP TO IFRS

The Company financial statements are prepared in accordance with UK GAAP and the consolidated financial statements are prepared 
in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB and endorsed by the EU. The tables below provide a reconciliation between UK GAAP 
and IFRS.

PROFIT AFTER TAX
Profit for the financial year of the Company in accordance with UK GAAP
IFRS adjustment 

Profit for the financial year of the Company (including dividends from subsidiaries) in 

accordance with IFRS 

Share in the IFRS profit (loss) of the Group, net of distributions to the Company 

PROFIT AFTER TAX OF THE GROUP ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS IN 

ACCORDANCE WITH IFRS 

NET EQUITY
Shareholders’ equity of the Company in accordance with UK GAAP 
IFRS adjustment 

Shareholders’ equity of the Company in accordance with IFRS 
Share in the IFRS net equity of the Group 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY OF THE GROUP IN ACCORDANCE WITH IFRS 

2010  £m

2009  £m

881
(8)

873
558

913

(5) 

908
(232)

1,431

676

2010  £m

2009  £m

4,267 
(51) 

4,216 
3,815 

8,031 

3,826 
(53)

3,773 
2,498 

6,271 

The profit for the financial year of the Company in accordance with UK GAAP and IFRS includes dividends declared in the year from 
subsidiary undertakings of £1,318 million and £1,039 million for the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The ‘IFRS adjustment’ lines in the above tables represent the difference in the accounting treatment for pension schemes between 

UK GAAP and IFRS. Under UK GAAP, the parent company’s interest in the surplus of one of the pension schemes recognised on the 
balance sheet represents the element which is recoverable through reduced future contributions. Under IFRS, as the terms of the 
relevant trust deed restrict shareholders’ access to any underlying surplus, not only is the underlying IAS 19 basis surplus not recognised, 
but the Company’s share of the obligation for deficit funding has also to be recognised on the balance sheet. 

The shares in the IFRS profit and net equity of the Group represent the Company’s equity in the earnings and net assets of its 

subsidiaries and associates.

As stated in note 3, under UK GAAP, the Company accounts for its investments in subsidiary undertakings at the lower of cost and 

estimated realisable value. For the purpose of this reconciliation, no adjustment is made to the Company in respect of any valuation 
adjustments to shares in subsidiary undertakings which would be eliminated on consolidation.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
379

2010  £m

Shares in 
subsidiary 
undertakings

Loans to 
subsidiary
undertakings

10,071 
(667) 
6 
– 
–

9,410 

899 
– 
– 
16    
(66)

849 

5:  INVESTMENTS OF THE COMPANY

At 1 January 
Transfer of investment in subsidiary undertaking
Additional investment in subsidiary undertakings
Foreign exchange movement
Loan repayment

At 31 December

The transfer of investment in subsidiary undertaking relates to the sale of shares in a central finance subsidiary to another such company. 
The additional investment in subsidiary undertakings relates to share-based payments reflecting the value of payments settled by 

the Company for the employees of its subsidiary undertakings in 2010. 

6:  SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS

The principal subsidiary undertakings of the Company at 31 December 2010, all wholly-owned, were:

The Prudential Assurance Company Limited
Prudential Annuities Limited*
Prudential Retirement Income Limited (PRIL)*
M&G Investment Management Limited*
Jackson National Life Insurance Company*
Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Limited*

* Owned by a subsidiary undertaking of the Company.

Main activity

Country of incorporation

Insurance
Insurance
Insurance
Asset management
Insurance
Insurance

England and Wales
England and Wales
Scotland
England and Wales
US
Singapore

Each subsidiary has one class of ordinary shares and operates mainly in its country of incorporation, except for PRIL which operates 
mainly in England and Wales. 

Details of all Prudential subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates will be annexed to the Company’s next Annual Returns filed with 

the UK Registrar of Companies and the Registrar of Companies in Hong Kong.

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380

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES ON THE PARENT COMPANY  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTINUED

7:  BORROWINGS

Core structural borrowings: 

¤500m 5.75% Subordinated Notes 2021note i
£300m 6.875% Bonds 2023 
¤20m Medium-Term Subordinated Notes 

2023note ii

£250m 5.875% Bonds 2029 
£435m 6.125% Subordinated Notes 2031 
£400m 11.375% Subordinated Notes 2039
US$1,000m 6.5% Perpetual Subordinated 

Capital Securities

US$250m 6.75% Perpetual Subordinated 

Capital Securitiesnote iii

US$300m 6.5% Perpetual Subordinated 

Capital Securitiesnotes iii, iv

US$750m 11.75% Perpetual Subordinated 

Capital Securities 

Total core structural borrowings 
Other borrowings: 

Commercial papernote v
  Medium-Term Notes 2010

Floating Rate Notes 2011note vi
  Medium-Term Notes 2013note v

Core structural borrowings

Other borrowings

Total

2010  £m 

2009  £m 

2010  £m 

2009  £m 

2010  £m 

2009  £m 

 428
300 

17 
249 
428 
382 

639 

160 

192 

472 

443 
300 

18 
249 
428 
380 

619 

155 

188 

456 

3,267 

3,236 

– 
– 
– 
–

–
–
–
–

 –
 –

 –
 –
 –
 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

2,311 
 –
200 
249

2,760 

 2,511
 249
 –

2,760 

–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–

2,031 
7 
200 
–

2,238 

2,238 
–
–

2,238 

 428
 300

 17
 249
 428
 382

 639

 160

 192

472 

443 
300 

18 
249 
428 
380 

619 

155 

188 

456

 3,267

3,236 

 2,311
 –
 200
249

 6,027

 2,511
 249
 3,267

 6,027

2,031 
7 
200 
–

5,474 

2,238 
–
3,236 

5,474 

Total borrowings 

3,267 

3,236 

Borrowings are repayable as follows: 
  Within 1 year or on demand 
Between 1 and 5 years 
After 5 years 

Recorded in the balance sheet as: 
Subordinated liabilitiesnote vii

  Debenture loans 

 –
– 
3,267 

3,267 

2,718 
549 

3,267 

–
–
3,236 

3,236 

2,687 
549 

3,236 

Notes
i 

The €500 million 5.75 per cent borrowings have been swapped into borrowings of £333 million with interest payable at six month £LIBOR plus 
0.962 per cent.

ii  The €20 million borrowings were issued at 20-year Euro Constant Maturity Swap (capped at 6.5 per cent). These borrowings have been swapped 

into borrowings of £14 million with interest payable at three month £LIBOR plus 1.2 per cent.

iv 

iii  The US$250 million 6.75 per cent borrowings and the US$300 million 6.5 per cent borrowings can be converted, in whole or in part, at the 
Company’s option and subject to certain conditions, on any interest payment date falling on or after 23 March 2010 and 23 March 2011, 
respectively into one or more series of Prudential preference shares.
Interest on the US$300 million 6.5 per cent borrowings was swapped into floating rate payments but, in 2008, swapped back into fixed rate 
payments of 6.5 per cent until September 2010. Upon the maturity of the floating to fixed swap in September 2010, the fixed to floating swap was 
also cancelled. Hedge accounting was applied at both the Group consolidated level and Company level until the cancellation of the fixed to 
floating interest rate of swap of the US$300 million 6.5 per cent borrowings in September 2010. Due to different dates of commencement of this 
accounting treatment, the hedge values differed between these two levels.

v  These borrowings support a short-term fixed income securities programme.
vi  The Company issued £200 million Floating Rate Notes in 2010 which mature in April 2011. All Notes have been subscribed to by a Group 

subsidiary and accordingly have been eliminated on consolidation in the Group financial statements. These Notes were originally issued in 
October 2008 and have been reissued upon their maturity.

vii  The interests of the holders of the Subordinated Notes and the Subordinated Capital Securities are subordinate to the entitlements of other 

creditors of the Company. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
381

8:  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Derivative financial instruments held to manage interest rate and currency 

profile:
Interest rate swaps
Cross-currency swaps
Inflation-linked swap

Total

2010  £m 

2009  £m 

Fair value 
assets

Fair value 
liabilities

Fair value 
assets

Fair value 
liabilities

13 
99 
– 

112 

–
–
146 

146 

33 
118 
–

151 

8 
–
128 

136 

The change in fair value of the derivative financial instruments of the Company was a loss before tax of £33 million (2009: gain before tax 
of £83 million).

The Company had a US$300 million fair value hedge in place which hedged the interest rate exposure on the US$300 million 

6.5 per cent perpetual subordinated capital securities until the hedge was cancelled in September 2010.

The derivative financial instruments are valued internally using standard market practices. In accordance with the Company’s risk 
management framework, all internally generated valuations are subject to independent assessment against external counterparties’ 
valuations.

9:  PENSION SCHEME FINANCIAL POSITION

The majority of UK Prudential staff are members of the Group’s pension schemes. The largest scheme is the Prudential Staff Pension 
Scheme (the ‘Scheme’) which is primarily a closed defined benefit scheme. At 31 December 2010, on the FRS 17, ‘Retirement Benefits’ 
basis of valuation, the underlying pension liabilities of the Scheme accounted for 86 per cent (2009: 86 per cent) of the liabilities of the 
Group’s defined benefit schemes.

For the purpose of preparing consolidated financial statements, the Group applies IFRS basis accounting including IAS 19, ‘Employee 

Benefits’. However, the individual accounts of the Company continue to follow UK GAAP including FRS 17. The FRS 17 disclosures are 
aligned with IAS 19. Under IFRS, the Group applies IFRIC 14, interpretation guidance to IAS 19 with the effect of derecognising the 
Group’s interest in the Scheme’s surplus and recognising an additional liability for the deficit funding obligation for the Scheme in the 
Group financial statements. Further details are described in note I3 ‘Staff and pension plans’ of the notes on the financial statements of 
the Group.

At 31 December 2005, the allocation of surpluses and deficits attaching to the Scheme between the Company and the unallocated 
surplus of the Prudential Assurance Company’s (PAC) with-profits funds was apportioned in the ratio 30/70 between the Company and 
the PAC with-profits fund following detailed consideration of the sourcing of previous contributions. This ratio was applied to the base 
deficit position at 1 January 2006 and for the purpose of determining the allocation of the movements in that position up to 31 December 
2010. The FRS 17 service charge and ongoing employer contributions are allocated by reference to the cost allocation for current 
activity.

Defined benefit schemes are generally required to be subject to full actuarial valuation every three years to assess the appropriate 
level of funding for schemes having regard to their commitments. These valuations include assessments of the likely rate of return on the 
assets held within the separate trustee administered funds. The Scheme was last actuarially valued as at 5 April 2008 using the projected 
unit method. The next triennial valuation of the Scheme is scheduled to take place as at 5 April 2011.

The 2008 valuation demonstrated the Scheme to be 106 per cent funded by reference to the Scheme Solvency Target that forms the 

basis of the Scheme’s statutory funding objective. Accordingly, the total contributions to be made by the Group to the Scheme, 
representing the annual accrual cost and deficit funding, were reduced from the previous arrangement of £70-£75 million per annum to 
£50 million per annum effective from 1 July 2009. As the Scheme was in a surplus position at the valuation date, no formal recovery plan 
was required. However, recognising that there had been a significant deterioration in the value of the Scheme’s assets from 5 April 2008 
to the date of the finalisation of the valuation, an additional funding akin to deficit funding was agreed with the Scheme Trustees subject 
to a reassessment when the next valuation is completed.

In 2010, total contributions for the year, including expenses and augmentations, were £55 million (2009: £67 million).
Using external actuarial advice provided by the professionally qualified actuaries, Towers Watson, for the valuation of the Scheme, 

the most recent full valuations have been updated to 31 December 2010 applying the principles prescribed by FRS 17.

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382

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES ON THE PARENT COMPANY  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS           
CONTINUED

9:  PENSION SCHEME FINANCIAL POSITION  >  CONTINUED

The key assumptions adopted were:

Rate of inflation
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase in pension payments for inflation: 
  Guaranteed (maximum 5%)
  Guaranteed (maximum 2.5%)
  Discretionary
Rate used to discount Scheme liabilities

Long-term expected rate of return:

Equities
Bonds
Properties
Other assets

Weighted average long-term expected rate of return 

2010  %

2009  %

3.55
5.55

3.55 
2.5 
2.5 
5.45 

 3.7 
 5.7 

 3.7 
 2.5 
 2.5 
 5.8 

Prospectively
for 2011  %

2010  %

2009  %

8.2
4.6
6.9
4.75

 5.1

8.5 
5.3 
6.75 
4.75 

5.9 

 6.8 
 4.8 
 6.1 
 2.0 

 4.5 

The long-term expected rates of return have been determined after applying due consideration to the requirements of paragraph 54 
of FRS 17, in particular, taking account of the values of the assets.

In July 2010, the UK Government announced plans to use the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in place of the Retail Price Index (RPI) in 
its determination of the statutory minimum pension increases for private sector occupational pension schemes. In December 2010, the 
Government published the statutory revaluation order for 2011 which confirms the change to use CPI. In addition, the Government has 
also published in December 2010 a consultation paper which sets out the Government’s views on the impact that the switch from RPI 
to CPI will have on the private sector occupational pension schemes. The consultation period closed on 2 March 2011.  

Only those tranches of the Scheme which are subject to statutory increases in accordance with the Scheme rules may be affected 

by the Government’s decision to change the indexation from RPI to CPI. Other tranches of the Scheme are unaffected. 

In line with the guidance of UITF 48, the above has no impact on the results for the year ended 31 December 2010. For the 

Government’s announcement to have had an effect on the 2010 results, it would have been necessary for communication of the altered 
arrangement to have been made to the members of the schemes for which benefits are paid by reference to RPI, as a constructive 
obligation. No such communication has been completed. Accordingly, the Company has not recognised this change for the year ended 
31 December 2010. The impact of the change, if and when made, will be recognised in a future period. However, as the Company is only 
able to recognise a restricted FRS 17 surplus for the Scheme, any reduction in the underlying Scheme liabilities has no effect on the profit 
or shareholders’ funds of the Company.

Further details of the Scheme, including mortality assumptions, are shown in note I3 ‘Staff and pension plans’ of the notes on the 

financial statements of the Group.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
383

The assets and liabilities of the Scheme were:

Equities
Bonds
Properties
Cash-like investments

Total value of assets
Present value of Scheme liabilities

Underlying surplus in the Scheme 

Surplus in the Scheme recognised by the 

Company

Amount reflected in the balance sheet of 
the Company, net of deferred tax

31 Dec 2010

31 Dec 2009

31 Dec 2008

31 Dec 2007

31 Dec 2006

£m

%

£m

%

£m

%

£m

%

£m

%

 16.8 
 68.8 
 5.5 
 8.9 

 100.0 

 10.3 
 72.2 
 3.7 
 13.8 

 100.0 

548 
3,864 
199 
740 

5,351 
4,866 

485 

56

41 

830 
3,406 
272 
441 

4,949 
4,436 

513 

52 

37 

 28.3 
 43.8 
 12.2 
 15.7 

 100.0 

 26.1 
 23.2 
 11.2 
 39.5 

 100.0 

 17.1 
 50.6 
 5.9 
 26.4 

 100.0 

823 
2,430 
283 
1,267 

4,803 
4,075 

728 

50 

36 

1,278 
1,134 
545 
1,932 

4,889 
4,361 

528 

163 

117 

1,346 
2,077 
580 
745 

4,748 
4,607 

141 

48 

34 

The surplus in the Scheme recognised in the balance sheet of the Company represents the element of the amount which is recoverable 
through reduced future contributions and is net of the apportionment to the PAC with-profits fund.

Underlying Scheme liabilities and assets
The change in the present value of the underlying Scheme liabilities and the change in the fair value of the underlying Scheme assets are 
as follows:

Present value of Scheme liabilities, at 1 January
Service costs 
Interest costs
Employee contributions
Actuarial losses
Benefit payments

Present value of Scheme liabilities, at 31 December

Fair value of Scheme assets, at 1 January
Expected return on Scheme assets
Employee contributions
Employer contributions*
Actuarial gains 
Benefit payments

Fair value of Scheme assets, at 31 December

* The contributions include deficit funding, ongoing service contributions, expenses and augmentations.

2010  £m

2009  £m

4,436 
25 
251 
1 
369 
(216) 

4,866 

4,075 
23 
242 
2 
315 
(221)

4,436 

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2010  £m

2009  £m

4,949  
287 
1 
55 
275 
(216) 

5,351 

4,803 
213 
2 
67 
85 
(221)

4,949 

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384

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES ON THE PARENT COMPANY  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTINUED

9:  PENSION SCHEME FINANCIAL POSITION  >  CONTINUED

Pension credit (charge) and actuarial (losses) gains of the Scheme
The pension credit (charge) recognised in the Company’s profit and loss account is as follows:

Pension credit (charge):

Operating charge:
Service costs

Finance income (expense):

Interest on Scheme liabilities
Expected return on Scheme assets

Total pension credit (charge) of the Scheme 

Pension charge attributable to the Company

2010  £m

2009  £m

(25) 

(251) 
287 
36 

11 

(6) 

(23)

(242)
213
(29)

(52)

(25)

The pension charge attributable to the Company is net of the apportionment to the PAC with-profits fund and is related to the surplus 
recognised on the balance sheet of the Company. 

2010  £m 

2009  £m

2008  £m

2007  £m

2006  £m

Actuarial gains (losses):
Actual less expected return on Scheme assets (5% (2009: 2%) 

(2008: 5%) (2007: 0%) (2006: 3%) of assets)

Experience gains (losses) on Scheme liabilities (0% (2009: 1%) 

(2008: 3%) (2007: 0%) (2006: 0%) of liabilities)

Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of 

Scheme liabilities

Total actuarial (losses) gains (2% (2009: 5%) (2008: 2%) 

(2007: 7%) (2006: 8%) of Scheme liabilities)

Actuarial (losses) gains attributable to the Company

275 

1 

85 

59 

(370) 

(374)

(94) 

(14) 

(230)

(3)

(259)

127 

200 

68 

(143)

(12)

(10)

324 

302 

91 

141 

17 

232 

390 

118 

The total actual return on Scheme assets was a gain of £562 million (2009: £298 million).

The experience gains on Scheme liabilities in 2008 of £127 million related mainly to the ‘true-up’ reflecting improvements in data 

consequent upon the 2008 triennial valuation.

The actuarial gains (losses) attributable to the Company are net of the apportionment to the PAC with-profits fund and are related 
to the surplus recognised in the balance sheet of the Company. In 2010, the actuarial losses attributable to the Company included an 
amount credited of £14 million (2009: £66 million) for the adjustment to the unrecognised portion of surplus which has not been 
deducted from the pension charge.

The actuarial losses before tax of £14 million (2009: £3 million) attributable to the Company are recorded in the statement of total 

recognised gains and losses. Cumulative actuarial gains as at 31 December 2010 amount to £74 million (2009: £88 million). 

Total employer contributions expected to be paid into the Scheme for the year ending 31 December 2011 amount to £54 million, 

reflecting the annual accrual cost and deficit funding, and expenses.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
385

10:  SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARE PREMIUM

A summary of the ordinary shares in issue is set out below:

Issued shares of 5 pence each fully paid

At 1 January
Shares issued under share option schemes
Shares issued in lieu of cash dividends
Reserve movements in respect of shares issued in lieu of cash dividends

At 31 December

2010

Number of 
ordinary 
shares

Share 
capital 
£m

Share 
premium 
£m

2,532,227,471 
2,455,227 
10,911,808 
– 

2,545,594,506 

127 
– 
– 
– 

127 

1,843 
13 
62 
(62) 

1,856 

At 31 December 2010, there were options to subscribe for 12,802,482 (2009: 12,230,833) shares at prices ranging from 288 pence to 
572 pence (2009: 266 pence to 572 pence) and exercisable by the year 2016 (2009: 2016). Further information on the Group’s employee 
share options is given in note I4 ‘Share-based payments’ of the notes on the financial statements of the Group. 

11:  PROFIT OF THE COMPANY AND RECONCILIATION OF THE MOVEMENT IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

The profit after tax of the Company for the year was £881 million (2009: £913 million). After dividends of £511 million (2009: 
£481 million), actuarial losses net of tax in respect of the pension scheme of £10 million (2009: £2 million), share-based payment credits 
of £6 million (2009: £10 million) and scrip dividends of £62 million (2009: £136 million), retained profit at 31 December 2010 amounted 
to £2,284 million (2009: £1,856 million). 

A reconciliation of the movement in shareholders’ funds of the Company for the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009 is given 

below:

Profit for the year note 4
Dividends

Actuarial losses recognised in respect of the pension scheme net of related tax note 9
Share-based paymentsnote 5
New share capital subscribednote 10

Net increase in shareholders’ funds
Shareholders’ funds at beginning of year

Shareholders’ funds at end of year

2010  £m

2009  £m

881
(511)

370
(10)
6
75

441
3,826

4,267

913
(481)

432
(2)
10
141

581
3,245

3,826

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386

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  NOTES ON THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES ON THE PARENT COMPANY  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTINUED

12:  OTHER INFORMATION

a 

b 

 Information on directors’ remuneration is given in the directors’ remuneration report section of this Annual Report and note I5 ‘Key 
management remuneration’ of the notes on the financial statements of the Group. 
 Information on transactions of the directors with the Group is given in note I7 ‘Related party transactions’ of the notes on the financial 
statements of the Group. 
c  The Company employs no staff.
d 

 Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts were £0.1 million (2009: £0.1 million). 
In addition, the Company paid fees for other services of £6.0 million (2009: £0.2 million). 
In certain instances the Company has guaranteed that its subsidiaries will meet their obligations when they fall due for payment.

e 

13:  POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

In January 2011, the Company issued US$550 million 7.75% Tier 1 subordinated debt, primarily to retail investors. The proceeds, net 
of costs, were US$539 million and are intended to finance the repayment of the ¤500m Tier 2 subordinated debt in December 2011.

Following the Board’s decision to rebase the dividend upwards and subject to shareholders’ approval, a final dividend for 2010 of 

17.24 pence per ordinary share will be paid on 26 May 2011 in sterling to shareholders on the principal and Irish branch registers at 
6.00pm BST on Friday, 1 April 2011 (the Record Date), and in Hong Kong dollars to shareholders on the Hong Kong branch register 
at 4.30pm Hong Kong time on the Record Date (HK Shareholders).

Holders of US American Depositary Receipts will be paid their dividend in US dollars on or about five days after the payment date 

of the dividend to shareholders on the principal register. The dividend will be paid on or about 2 June 2011 in Singapore dollars to 
shareholders with shares standing to the credit of their securities accounts with The Central Depository (Pte) Limited (CDP) at 5.00pm 
Singapore time on the Record Date (SG Shareholders).

The dividend payable to the HK Shareholders will be translated at the exchange rate ruling at the close of business on 8 March 2011. 

The exchange rate at which the dividend payable to the SG Shareholders will be translated will be determined by the CDP.

The dividend will distribute an estimated £439 million of shareholders’ funds. The scrip dividend alternative is not being offered in 

respect of this dividend. In its place, shareholders will be offered a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP).

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

387

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES  
IN RESPECT OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual 
Report and the Group and parent company financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law and 
regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group and parent 
company financial statements for each financial year. Under that 
law the directors are required to prepare the Group financial 
statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union (EU) and 
applicable law and have elected to prepare the parent company 
financial statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards 
and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

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

•  Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently; 

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the parent 
company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at 
any time the financial position of the parent company and enable 
them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the 
Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for taking 
such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets 
of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other 
irregularities. 

Under applicable law and regulations, the directors are also 
responsible for preparing a directors’ report, directors’ 
remuneration report and corporate governance statement that 
comply with that law and those regulations. 

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

The directors of Prudential plc, whose names and positions are set 
out on pages 100 to 103 confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

•  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and 

•  The financial statements, prepared in accordance with the 

prudent; 

•  for the Group financial statements, state whether they have 

been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU; 

•  for the parent company financial statements, state whether 
applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained 
in the parent company financial statements; and

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the 
parent company will continue in business.

applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view 
of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the 
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole; and

•  the directors’ report includes a fair review of the development 

and performance of the business and the position of the 
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal 
risks and uncertainties that they face.

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388

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT  
TO THE MEMBERS OF PRUDENTIAL PLC

We have audited the financial statements of Prudential 
plc for the year ended 31 December 2010 set out on pages 
153 to 352 and 375 to 386. The financial reporting framework 
that has been applied in the preparation of the group 
financial statements is applicable law and International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
EU. The financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in the preparation of the parent company 
financial statements is applicable law and UK Accounting 
Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies 
Act 2006
In our opinion:

•  the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited 

has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2006; and

•  the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial 

year for which the financial statements are prepared is 
consistent with the financial statements.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, 
in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 
2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state 
to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state 
to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the 
fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume 
responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the 
Company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, 
or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement set out on page 387, the directors are responsible for 
the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied 
that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit, 
and express an opinion on, the financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK 
and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the 
Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is 
provided on the APB’s website at www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/
private.cfm 

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:

•  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state 
of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 
31 December 2010 and of the Group’s profit for the year 
then ended;

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared 

in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;

•  the parent company financial statements have been properly 

prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice;

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Companies Act 2006; and, as regards 
the group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion:

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent 

company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 
received from branches not visited by us; or

•  the parent company financial statements and the part of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law 

are not made; or

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

•  the directors’ statement, set out on page 121, in relation to going 

concern;

•  the part of the Corporate Governance Statement set out in the 
Governance report relating to the Company’s compliance with 
the nine provisions of the June 2008 Combined Code specified 
for our review; and

•  certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board on 

directors’ remuneration.

G BAINBRIDGE
SENIOR STATUTORY AUDITOR

for and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants
London

8 March 2011

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

389

EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE  
(EEV) BASIS RESULTS

OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM INVESTMENT RETURNS i

Results analysis by business area

Note

2010  £m

2009  £mv

ASIAN OPERATIONS 
New business: 

Excluding Japan 
Japaniv

Total 

Business in force 

Long-term business 
Asset management 
Development expenses 

Total 

US OPERATIONS 
New business 
Business in force 

Long-term business 
Broker-dealer and asset management 

Total 

UK OPERATIONS 
New business 
Business in force 

Long-term business 
General insurance commission 

Total UK insurance operations 
M&G 

Total 

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENDITURE 
Investment return and other income 
Interest payable on core structural borrowings 
Corporate expenditure
Charge for share-based payments for Prudential schemes 
Charge for expected asset management marginii

Total 

Solvency II implementation costsiii
Restructuring costsiii

OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM INVESTMENT RETURNSi

Analysed as profits (losses) from: 
New business: 

Excluding Japan 
Japaniv

Total 

Business in force 

Long-term business 
Asset management 
Other results 

Total 

2

3

2
3

2
3

2

3

902 
(1)

901 
549 

1,450 
72 
(4)

1,518 

761 
697 

1,458 
22 

1,480 

365 
571 

936 
46 

982 
284 

725 
(12) 

713 
392 

1,105 
55 
(6) 

1,154 

664 
569 

1,233 
4 

1,237 

230 
640 

870 
51 

921 
238 

1,266 

1,159 

30 
(257)
(220)
(3)
(44)

(494)

(46)
(28)

22 
(209) 
(203) 
(5) 
(38) 

(433) 

– 
(27) 

3,696 

3,090 

2,028 
(1)

2,027 
1,817 

3,844 
378 
(526)

3,696 

1,619 
(12) 

1,607 
1,601 

3,208 
297 
(415) 

3,090 

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390

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE  
(EEV) BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

Notes
i 

EEV basis operating profit based on longer-term investment returns excludes the recurrent items of short-term fluctuations in investment 
returns, the mark to market value movements on core borrowings, the shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on defined 
benefit pension schemes, and the effect of changes in economic assumptions. In addition, for 2010, operating profit excludes costs associated 
with the terminated AIA transaction and the gain arising upon the dilution of the Group’s holding in PruHealth. For 2009, operating profit 
excluded the non-recurrent cost of hedging the Group IGD capital surplus included within short-term fluctuations in investment returns and  
the profit on sale and results of the sold Taiwan agency business.

The amounts for these items are included in total EEV profit attributable to shareholders. The Company believes that operating profit, as 
adjusted for these items, better reflects underlying performance. Profit before tax and basic earnings per share include these items together with 
actual investment returns. This basis of presentation has been adopted consistently throughout this supplementary information.

ii  The value of future profits or losses from asset management and service companies that support the Group’s covered businesses are included  
in the profits for new business and the in-force value of the Group’s long-term business. The results of the Group’s asset management operations 
include the profits from management of internal and external funds. For EEV basis reporting, Group shareholders’ other income is adjusted to 
deduct the expected margins for the period on management of covered business. The deduction is on a basis consistent with that used for 
projecting the results for covered business. Group operating profit accordingly includes the variance between actual and expected profit in 
respect of covered business.

iii  Restructuring costs comprise the charge of £(26) million recognised on an IFRS basis and an additional £(2) million recognised on the EEV basis 

for the shareholders’ share of restructuring costs incurred by the PAC with-profits fund (2009: £(23) million on an IFRS basis and an additional 
£(4) million on the EEV basis). For 2010, Solvency II implementation costs comprise the charge of £(45) million recognised on an IFRS basis and  
an additional £(1) million recognised on the EEV basis.

iv   New business profits for the Group’s Japanese insurance subsidiary, which ceased selling new business with effect from 15 February 2010, have 

v 

been presented separately from those of the remainder of the Group.
Exchange translation
The comparative results have been prepared using previously reported average exchange rates for the year.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
391

Note

2010  £m

2009  £m

4
9

5
6
18
19

11

1,518 
1,480 

982 
284 
1,266 

(494)
(46)
(28)

3,696 
(30)
(164)

(11) 
(10)
(377)
3 
– 

3,107 
(530)

2,577 
– 

2,577 

2,573 
4 

2,577 

1,154 
1,237 

921 
238 
1,159 

(433)
– 
(27)

3,090 
351 
(795)

(84) 
(910)
– 
– 
91 

1,743 
(481)

1,262 
(14)

1,248 

1,245 
3 

1,248 

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SUMMARISED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM INVESTMENT RETURNS
Asian operations
US operations
UK operations:

UK insurance operations

  M&G

Other income and expenditure
Solvency II implementation costs
Restructuring costs

OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM INVESTMENT RETURNS
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns
Mark to market value movements on core borrowings
Shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on defined benefit  

pension schemes

Effect of changes in economic assumptions
Costs of terminated AIA transaction
Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealth
Profit on sale and results for Taiwan agency business

PROFIT FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAX (INCLUDING ACTUAL 

INVESTMENT RETURNS)

Tax attributable to shareholders’ profit

PROFIT FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS AFTER TAX BEFORE  

NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

Discontinued operations (net of tax)

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company
Non-controlling interests

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

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392

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE  
(EEV) BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

EARNINGS PER SHARE (IN PENCE)

From operating profit based on longer-term investment returns, after related tax and 

non-controlling interests of £2,700m* (2009: £2,221m)

Based on profit after tax and non-controlling interests of £2,573m (2009: £1,245m)

Note

2010

2009

12
12

106.9p
101.9p

88.8p
49.8p

* Excluding an exceptional tax credit of £158 million which primarily relates to the impact of a settlement agreed with the UK tax authorities  

– see note 11.

DIVIDENDS PER SHARE (IN PENCE)

Dividends relating to reporting year:

Interim dividend (2010 and 2009)
Final/second interim dividend (2010 and 2009)

Total

Dividends declared and paid in reporting year:

Current year interim dividend
Second interim/final dividend for prior year

Total

2010

2009

6.61p
17.24p

23.85p

6.61p
13.56p

20.17p

6.29p
13.56p

19.85p

6.29p
12.91p

19.20p

MOVEMENT IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (EXCLUDING NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS)

Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders 
Items taken directly to equity:

Exchange movements on foreign operations and net investment hedges:

Exchange movements arising during the year
Related tax

  Dividends

New share capital subscribed (including shares issued in lieu of cash dividends)
Reserve movements in respect of share-based payments
Treasury shares:
  Movement in own shares held in respect of share-based payment plans
  Movement in Prudential plc shares purchased by unit trusts consolidated under IFRS
  Mark to market value movements on Jackson assets backing surplus and required capital 

(gross movement)

Related tax

Note

2010  £m

2009  £m

2,573 

1,245 

659 
34 
(511)
75 
37 

(4)
3 

105 
(37)

(761)
11 
(481)
141 
29 

3 
(3)

205 
(72)

Net increase in shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity at beginning of year (excluding non-controlling interests)

10
7,10

2,934 
15,273 

317 
14,956 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AT END OF YEAR (EXCLUDING  

NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS)

7,10

18,207 

15,273 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMPRISING:

Asian operations:

Net assets of operations
Acquired goodwill

US operations:

Net assets of operations
Acquired goodwill

UK insurance operations:

Net assets of operations

M&G:

Net assets of operations
Acquired goodwill

Other operations:

Holding company net 

borrowings at market value

  Other net assets (liabilities)

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AT  

END OF YEAR (EXCLUDING  
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS)

Representing:
Net assets
Acquired goodwill

7 

7 

7 

9

7 

7 

393

Total 

5,942 
141 

6,083 

4,217 
16 

4,233 

2009  £m

Asset 
management 
and other 
operations 

Long-term 
business 
operations 

5,781 
80 

5,861 

4,122 
–

4,122 

161 
61 

222 

95 
16 

111 

Total 

7,642 
297 

7,939 

4,905 
16 

4,921 

Long-term
business 
operations 

Note

2010  £m

Asset 
management 
and other 
operations 

7,445 
236 

7,681 

4,799 
– 

4,799 

197 
61 

258 

106 
16 

122 

5,970 

33 

6,003 

5,439 

37 

5,476 

– 
– 

– 

5,970 

254 
1,153 

1,407 

1,440 

254 
1,153 

1,407 

7,410 

–
–

–

5,439 

173 
1,153 

1,326 

1,363 

173 
1,153 

1,326 

6,802 

– 
– 

– 

(2,212)
149 

(2,212)
149 

(2,063)

(2,063)

–
–

–

(1,780) 
(65) 

(1,780) 
(65) 

(1,845) 

(1,845) 

18,450 

(243)

18,207 

15,422 

(149) 

15,273 

18,214 
236 

18,450 

(1,473)
1,230 

16,741 
1,466 

(243)

18,207 

15,342 
80 

15,422 

(1,379) 
1,230 

13,963 
1,310 

(149) 

15,273 

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394

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE  
(EEV) BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE (IN PENCE)

Based on EEV basis shareholders’ equity of £18,207 million (2009: £15,273 million)
Number of issued shares at year end (millions)

RETURN ON EMBEDDED VALUE*

2010

715p 
2,546 

 18%

2009

603p 
2,532

 15%

* Return on embedded value is based on EEV operating profit after tax and non-controlling interests (adjusted to exclude an exceptional tax credit  

of £158 million (as shown in note 11)) as a percentage of opening EEV basis shareholders’ equity. 

SUMMARY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

TOTAL ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES, BEFORE DEDUCTION FOR INSURANCE FUNDS
Less insurance funds:*

Policyholder liabilities (net of reinsurers’ share) and unallocated surplus  

of with-profits funds

Less shareholders’ accrued interest in the long-term business

TOTAL NET ASSETS

Share capital
Share premium
IFRS basis shareholders’ reserves

Total IFRS basis shareholders’ equity
Additional EEV basis retained profit

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (EXCLUDING NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS)

* Including liabilities in respect of insurance products classified as investment contracts under IFRS 4.

Note

2010  £m

2009  £m

231,667 

201,501 

(223,636)
10,176 

(195,230)
9,002 

(213,460)

(186,228)

7,10

18,207 

15,273 

127 
1,856 
6,048 

8,031 
10,176 

18,207 

127 
1,843 
4,301 

6,271 
9,002 

15,273 

7
7

7,10

The supplementary information on pages 389 to 433 was approved by the Board of directors on 8 March 2011 and signed on its behalf.

HARVEY MCGRATH 
CHAIRMAN 

TIDJANE THIAM 
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE 

NIC NICANDROU
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS

395

1  BASIS OF PREPARATION, METHODOLOGY AND ACCOUNTING PRESENTATION

The EEV basis results have been prepared in accordance with the EEV Principles issued by the CFO Forum of European Insurance 
Companies in May 2004 and expanded by the Additional Guidance on EEV Disclosures published in October 2005. 
  Where appropriate, the EEV basis results include the effects of adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
The directors are responsible for the preparation of the supplementary information in accordance with the EEV Principles.

a  Covered business
The EEV results for the Group are prepared for ‘covered business’, as defined by the EEV Principles. Covered business represents the 
Group’s long-term insurance business for which the value of new and in-force contracts is attributable to shareholders. The EEV basis 
results for the Group’s covered business are then combined with the IFRS basis results of the Group’s other operations. 

The definition of long-term business operations is consistent with previous practice and comprises those contracts falling under the 
definition of long-term insurance business for regulatory purposes together with, for US operations, contracts that are in substance the 
same as guaranteed investment contracts (GICs) but do not fall within the technical definition. Under the EEV Principles, the results for 
covered business incorporate the projected margins of attaching internal asset management.

With two principal exceptions, covered business comprises the Group’s long-term business operations. The principal exceptions  
are for the closed Scottish Amicable Insurance Fund (SAIF) and for the presentational treatment of the financial position of the Group’s 
principal defined benefit pension scheme, the Prudential Staff Pension Scheme (PSPS). A small amount of UK Group pensions business 
is also not modelled for EEV reporting purposes.

SAIF is a ring-fenced sub-fund of the Prudential Assurance Company (PAC) long-term fund, established by a Court approved 

Scheme of Arrangement in October 1997. SAIF is closed to new business and the assets and liabilities of the fund are wholly attributable 
to the policyholders of the fund. 

As regards PSPS, the deficit funding liability attaching to the shareholder-backed business is included in the total for Other 

operations, reflecting the fact that the deficit funding is being paid for by the parent company, Prudential plc.

b  Methodology
i  Embedded value
Overview
The embedded value is the present value of the shareholders’ interest in the earnings distributable from assets allocated to covered 
business after sufficient allowance has been made for the aggregate risks in that business. The shareholders’ interest in the Group’s 
long-term business comprises:

•  present value of future shareholder cash flows from in-force covered business (value of in-force business), less deductions for:

 − the cost of locked-in required capital;
 − the time value of cost of options and guarantees;

•  locked-in required capital; and
•  shareholders’ net worth in excess of required capital (free surplus).

The value of future new business is excluded from the embedded value.

Notwithstanding the basis of presentation of results (as explained in note 1c(iv)) no smoothing of market or account balance values, 
unrealised gains or investment return is applied in determining the embedded value or profit before tax. Separately, the analysis of profit 
is delineated between operating profit based on longer-term investment returns and other constituent items, as explained in note 1c(i).

Valuation of in-force and new business
The embedded value results are prepared incorporating best estimate assumptions about all relevant factors including levels of future 
investment returns, expenses, persistency and mortality. These assumptions are used to project future cash flows. The present value of 
the future cash flows is then calculated using a discount rate which reflects both the time value of money and the non-diversifiable risks 
associated with the cash flows that are not otherwise allowed for.

Best estimate assumptions
Best estimate assumptions are used for the cash flow projections, where best estimate is defined as the mean of the distribution of future 
possible outcomes. The assumptions are reviewed actively and changes are made when evidence exists that material changes in future 
experience are reasonably certain.

Assumptions required in the calculation of the value of options and guarantees, for example relating to volatilities and correlations, or 
dynamic algorithms linking liabilities to assets, have been set equal to the best estimates and, wherever material and practical, reflect any 
dynamic relationships between the assumptions and the stochastic variables.

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396

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

1  BASIS OF PREPARATION, METHODOLOGY AND ACCOUNTING PRESENTATION   >  CONTINUED

Principal economic assumptions
For the Group’s UK and US operations, the 2010 and 2009 EEV basis results have been determined using economic assumptions where 
the long-term expected rates of return on investments and risk discount rates are set by reference to period end rates of return on cash 
or fixed income securities (the ‘active’ basis). 

For Asian operations, the 2009 EEV basis results for Japan, Korea and US dollar denominated business written in Hong Kong were 

determined on the ‘active’ basis. For other Asian countries the investment return assumptions and risk discount rates for 2009 were 
based on an assessment of longer-term economic conditions (the ‘passive’ basis). 

In 2010, the approach has been altered to determine the EEV basis results for all Asian territories on an active basis of economic 
assumption setting, in line with the Group’s other operations, and reflecting the fact that markets in a number of Asian countries are 
becoming increasingly developed.

For those Asian operations whose EEV basis results were previously determined on the ‘passive’ basis of economic assumption 

setting, the effect of the change in 2010 to move to an ‘active’ basis is as follows:

Pre-tax operating profits from: 

New businessnote 2
Business in forcenote 3

Total

Effect on short-term fluctuations in investment returns and changes in economic assumptions

Total profit before tax

Shareholders’ funds as at 31 December 2010

£m

5
(58)

(53)
16

(37)

(39)

For 2010 and 2009, for all the Group’s operations, expected returns on equity and property asset classes are derived by adding a risk 
premium, based on the long-term view of Prudential’s economists to the risk free rate.

The total profit that emerges over the lifetime of an individual contract as calculated using the embedded value basis is the same  
as that calculated under the IFRS basis. Since the embedded value basis reflects discounted future cash flows, under this methodology 
the profit emergence is advanced thus more closely aligning the timing of the recognition of profits with the efforts and risks of current 
management actions, particularly with regard to business sold during the year.

New business
The contribution from new business represents profits determined by applying operating assumptions as at the end of the year.

In determining the new business contribution for UK immediate annuity and lifetime mortgage business, which is interest rate 

sensitive, it is appropriate to use assumptions reflecting point of sale market conditions, consistent with how the business is priced.  
For other business within the Group, end of period economic assumptions are used.

Valuation movements on investments
With the exception of debt securities held by Jackson, investment gains and losses during the year (to the extent that changes in capital 
values do not directly match changes in liabilities) are included directly in the profit for the year and shareholders’ equity as they arise.
The results for any covered business conceptually reflects the aggregate of the IFRS results and the movements on the additional 
shareholders’ interest recognised on the EEV basis. Thus the start point for the calculation of the EEV results for Jackson, as for other 
businesses, reflects the market value movements recognised on the IFRS basis.

However, in determining the movements on the additional shareholders’ interest, the basis for calculating the Jackson EEV result 

acknowledges that for debt securities backing liabilities the aggregate EEV results reflect the fact that the value of in-force business 
instead incorporates the discounted value of future spread earnings. This value is not affected generally by short-term market 
movements on securities that are broadly speaking held for the longer-term.

Fixed income securities backing the free surplus and required capital for Jackson are accounted for at fair value. However, consistent 

with the treatment applied under IFRS for Jackson securities classified as available-for-sale, movements in unrealised appreciation on 
these securities are accounted for in equity rather than in the income statement, as shown in the movement in shareholders’ equity.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
397

Cost of capital
A charge is deducted from the embedded value for the cost of capital supporting the Group’s long-term business. This capital is referred 
to as required capital. The cost is the difference between the nominal value of the capital and the discounted value of the projected 
releases of this capital allowing for investment earnings (net of tax) on the capital.

The annual result is affected by the movement in this cost from year-to-year which comprises a charge against new business profit 

and generally a release in respect of the reduction in capital requirements for business in force as this runs off.

Where required capital is held within a with-profits long-term fund, the value placed on surplus assets in the fund is already 

discounted to reflect its release over time and no further adjustment is necessary in respect of required capital. 

Financial options and guarantees
Nature of options and guarantees in Prudential’s long-term business
Asian operations
Subject to local market circumstances and regulatory requirements, the guarantee features described below in respect of UK business 
broadly apply to similar types of participating contracts principally written in the PAC Hong Kong branch, Singapore and Malaysia. 
Participating products have both guaranteed and non-guaranteed elements.

Non-participating long-term products are the only ones where the insurer is contractually obliged to provide guarantees on all 

benefits. Whole of life contracts with floor levels of policyholder benefits that accrue at rates set at inception and do not vary subsequent 
with market conditions are written in the Korean life operations and also are a feature of the UOB in-force book acquired in 2010. The 
amounts of these policies written in these operations are much smaller than the amounts of similar policies written by the Taiwan Life 
business which was sold in the first half of 2009, as detailed in note 19.

US operations (Jackson)
The principal options and guarantees in Jackson are associated with the fixed annuity and Variable Annuity (VA) lines of business. 

Fixed annuities provide that, at Jackson’s discretion, it may reset the interest rate credited to policyholders’ accounts, subject to  
a guaranteed minimum. The guaranteed minimum return varies from 1.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent (2009: 1.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent), 
depending on the particular product, jurisdiction where issued, and date of issue. At 31 December 2010, 83 per cent (2009: 82 per cent) 
of the account values on fixed annuities relates to policies with guarantees of 3 per cent or less. The average guarantee rate is 2.9 per 
cent (2009: 3.0 per cent).

Fixed annuities also present a risk that policyholders will exercise their option to surrender their contracts in periods of rapidly rising 

interest rates, possibly requiring Jackson to liquidate assets at an inopportune time.

Jackson issues VA contracts where it contractually guarantees to the contract holder either: a) return of no less than total deposits 
made to the contract adjusted for any partial withdrawals, b) total deposits made to the contract adjusted for any partial withdrawals plus 
a minimum return, or c) the highest contract value on a specified anniversary date adjusted for any withdrawals following the specified 
contract anniversary. These guarantees include benefits that are payable at specified dates during the accumulation period (Guaranteed 
Minimum Withdrawal Benefit (GMWB)), as death benefits (Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits (GMDB)) or as income benefits 
(Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefits (GMIB)). Jackson reinsures and hedges these risks using equity options and futures contracts. 
These guarantees generally protect the policyholder’s value in the event of poor equity market performance.

Jackson also issues fixed index annuities that enable policyholders to obtain a portion of an equity-linked return while providing a 
guaranteed minimum return. The guaranteed minimum returns would be of a similar nature to those described above for fixed annuities.

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UK insurance operations
The only significant financial options and guarantees in the UK insurance operations arise in the with-profits fund and SAIF. 

With-profits products provide returns to policyholders through bonuses that are smoothed. There are two types of bonuses: annual 

and final. Annual bonuses are declared once a year and, once credited, are guaranteed in accordance with the terms of the particular 
product. Unlike annual bonuses, final bonuses are guaranteed only until the next bonus declaration. The with-profits fund held a 
provision on the Pillar I Peak 2 basis of £24 million (2009: £31 million) at 31 December 2010 to honour guarantees on a small amount  
of guaranteed annuity option products.

Beyond the generic features and the provisions held in respect of guaranteed annuities described above, there are very few explicit 

options or guarantees of the with-profits fund such as minimum investment returns, surrender values, or annuity values at retirement 
and any granted have generally been at very low levels.

The Group’s main exposure to guaranteed annuity options in the UK is through SAIF and a provision on the Pillar I Peak 2 basis of 
£336 million (2009: £284 million) was held in SAIF at 31 December 2010 to honour the guarantees. As SAIF is a separate sub-fund of the 
Prudential Assurance Company long-term fund which is attributable to policyholders of the fund, the movement in the provision has no 
direct impact on shareholders.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

1  BASIS OF PREPARATION, METHODOLOGY AND ACCOUNTING PRESENTATION   >  CONTINUED

Time value
The value of financial options and guarantees comprises two parts. One is given by a deterministic valuation on best estimate 
assumptions (the intrinsic value). The other part arises from the variability of economic outcomes in the future (the time value).

Where appropriate, a full stochastic valuation has been undertaken to determine the value of the in-force business including the  
cost of capital. A deterministic valuation of the in-force business is also derived using consistent assumptions and the time value of the 
financial options and guarantees is derived as the difference between the two.

The economic assumptions used for the stochastic calculations are consistent with those used for the deterministic calculations. 
Assumptions specific to the stochastic calculations reflect local market conditions and are based on a combination of actual market data, 
historic market data and an assessment of long-term economic conditions. Common principles have been adopted across the Group for 
the stochastic asset models, for example, separate modelling of individual asset classes but with an allowance for correlation between 
the various asset classes. Details of the key characteristics of each model are given in note 16.

ii  Level of required capital
In adopting the EEV Principles, Prudential has based required capital on its internal targets for economic capital subject to it being  
at least the local statutory minimum requirements. Economic capital is assessed using internal models but, when applying the EEV 
Principles, Prudential does not take credit for the significant diversification benefits that exist within the Group. For with-profits business 
written in a segregated life fund, as is the case in Asia and the UK, the capital available in the fund is sufficient to meet the required 
capital requirements. For shareholder-backed business the following capital requirements apply:

•  Asian operations: the level of required capital has been set at the higher of local statutory requirements and the economic capital 

requirement;

•  US operations: the level of required capital has been set to an amount at least equal to 235 per cent of the risk-based capital required 

by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) at the Company Action Level (CAL); and

•  UK insurance operations: the capital requirements are set at the higher of Pillar I and Pillar II requirements for shareholder-backed 

business of UK insurance operations as a whole, which for 2010 and 2009 was Pillar I.

iii  Allowance for risk and risk discount rates
Overview
Under the EEV Principles, discount rates used to determine the present value of future cash flows are set equal to risk-free rates plus  
a risk margin. The risk margin should reflect any non-diversifiable risk associated with the emergence of distributable earnings that is not 
allowed for elsewhere in the valuation. Prudential has selected a granular approach to better reflect differences in market risk inherent  
in each product group. The risk discount rate so derived does not reflect an overall Group market beta but instead reflects the expected 
volatility associated with the cash flows for each product category in the embedded value model.

Since financial options and guarantees are explicitly valued under the EEV methodology, discount rates under EEV are set excluding 

the effect of these product features.

The risk margin represents the aggregate of the allowance for market risk, additional allowance for credit risk where appropriate,  
and allowance for non-diversifiable non-market risk. No allowance is required for non-market risks where these are assumed to be fully 
diversifiable. The majority of non-market and non-credit risks are considered to be diversifiable.

Market risk allowance
The allowance for market risk represents the beta multiplied by an equity risk premium. Except for UK shareholder-backed annuity 
business (as explained below) such an approach has been used for all of the Group’s businesses. 

The beta of a portfolio or product measures its relative market risk. The risk discount rates reflect the market risk inherent in each 

product group and hence the volatility of product cash flows. These are determined by considering how the profits from each product 
are affected by changes in expected returns on various asset classes. By converting this into a relative rate of return it is possible to derive 
a product specific beta.

Product level betas are calculated each year. They are combined with the most recent product mix to produce appropriate betas and 

risk discount rates for each major product grouping.

Additional credit risk allowance
The Group’s methodology is to allow appropriately for credit risk. The allowance for credit risk is to cover:

•  expected long-term defaults;
•  credit risk premium (to reflect the volatility in default levels); and
•  short-term downgrades and defaults.

These allowances are initially reflected in determining best-estimate returns and through the market risk allowance described above. 
However, for those businesses which are largely backed by holdings of debt securities these allowances in the projected returns and 
market risk allowances may not be sufficient and an additional allowance may be appropriate.

The practical application of the allowance for credit risk varies depending upon the type of business as described below.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

399

Asian operations 
For Asian operations, the allowance for credit risk incorporated in the projected rates of return and the market risk allowance are 
sufficient. Accordingly no additional allowance for credit risk is required. 

US business
For Jackson business, the allowance for long-term defaults is reflected in the risk margin reserve charge which is deducted in 
determining the projected spread margin between the earned rate on the investments and the policyholder crediting rate.

The risk discount rate incorporates an additional allowance for credit risk premium and short-term defaults for general account 
business of 150 basis points and for variable annuity business of 30 basis points to reflect the fact that a proportion of the variable  
annuity business is allocated to the general account.

The level of allowance differs from that for UK annuity business for investment portfolio differences and to take account of the 
management actions available in adverse economic scenarios to reduce crediting rates to policyholders, subject to guarantee features  
of the products. 

UK business
a  Shareholder-backed annuity business
For Prudential’s UK shareholder-backed annuity business, Prudential has used a market consistent embedded value (MCEV) approach 
to derive an implied risk discount rate which is then applied to the projected best estimate cash flows.

In the annuity MCEV calculations, the future cash flows are discounted using the swap yield curve plus an allowance for liquidity 

premium based on Prudential’s assessment of the expected return on the assets backing the annuity liabilities after allowing for 
expected long-term defaults, credit risk premium and short-term downgrades and defaults. For the purposes of presentation in the EEV 
results, the results on this basis are reconfigured. Under this approach the projected earned rate of return on the debt securities held is 
determined after allowing for expected long-term defaults and, where necessary, an additional allowance for an element of short-term 
downgrades and defaults to bring the allowance in the earned rate up to best estimate levels. The allowances for credit risk premium and 
additional short-term default allowance are incorporated into the risk margin included in the discount rate. 

b  With-profit fund PAL annuity business
For UK annuity business written by PAL the basis for determining the aggregate allowance for credit risk is consistent with that applied 
for UK shareholder-backed annuity business and includes provision for short-term defaults and credit risk premium. The allowance for 
credit risk in PAL is taken into account in determining the projected cash flows to the with-profits fund, which are in turn discounted at 
the risk discount rate applicable to all of the projected cash flows of the fund. 

c  With-profit fund holdings of debt securities
The UK with-profits fund holds debt securities as part of its investment portfolio backing policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus. 
The assumed earned rate for with-profit holdings of corporate bonds is defined as the risk-free rate plus an assessment of the long-term 
spread over gilts, net of expected long-term defaults. This approach is similar to that applied for equities and properties for which the 
projected earned rate is defined as the risk-free rate plus a long-term risk premium.

Allowance for non-diversifiable non-market risks 
Finance theory cannot be used to determine the appropriate component of beta for non-diversifiable non-market risks since there  
is no observable risk premium associated with it that is akin to the equity risk premium. Recognising this, a pragmatic approach has  
been applied. 

A base level allowance of 50 basis points is applied to cover the non-diversifiable non-market risks associated with the Group’s 

businesses. For the Group’s US business and UK business for other than shareholder-backed annuity, no additional allowance is 
necessary. For UK shareholder-backed annuity business, an additional allowance of 50 basis points is used to reflect the longevity risk 
which is of particular relevance. For the Group’s Asian operations in China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, 
additional allowances are applied for emerging market risk ranging from 100 to 250 basis points.

iv Management actions
In deriving the time value of financial options and guarantees, management actions in response to emerging investment and fund 
solvency conditions have been modelled. Management actions encompass, but are not confined to investment allocation decisions, 
levels of reversionary and terminal bonuses and credited rates. Bonus rates are projected from current levels and varied in accordance 
with assumed management actions applying in the emerging investment and fund solvency conditions.

In all instances, the modelled actions are in accordance with approved local practice and therefore reflect the options actually 
available to management. For the PAC with-profits fund, the actions assumed are consistent with those set out in the Principles and 
Practices of Financial Management.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

1  BASIS OF PREPARATION, METHODOLOGY AND ACCOUNTING PRESENTATION   >  CONTINUED

v  With-profits business and the treatment of the estate
The proportion of surplus allocated to shareholders from the PAC with-profits fund has been based on the present level of 10 per cent. 
The value attributed to the shareholders’ interest in the estate is derived by increasing final bonus rates (and related shareholder 
transfers) so as to exhaust the estate over the lifetime of the in-force with-profits business. In those few extreme scenarios where  
the total assets of the life fund are insufficient to meet policyholder claims in full, the excess cost is fully attributed to shareholders. 
Similar principles apply, where appropriate, for other with-profit funds of the Group’s Asian operations.

vi Pension costs
The Group operates three defined benefit schemes in the UK. The principal scheme is the Prudential Staff Pension Scheme (PSPS).  
The other two, much smaller, schemes are the Scottish Amicable and M&G schemes.

Under IFRS the surpluses or deficits attaching to these schemes are accounted for in accordance with the provisions of IAS 19 that 
apply the principles of IFRIC 14, providing guidance on assessing the limit in IAS 19 on the amount of surplus in a defined benefit pension 
scheme that can be recognised as an asset.

Under the EEV basis the IAS 19 basis surpluses (to the extent not restricted under IFRIC 14) or deficits are initially allocated in the 
same manner. The shareholders’ 10 per cent interest in the PAC with-profits fund estate is determined after inclusion of the portion of 
the IAS 19 basis surpluses or deficits attributable to the fund. Adjustments under EEV in respect of accounting for surpluses or deficits on 
the Scottish Amicable Pension Scheme are reflected as part of UK operations and for other defined benefit schemes the adjustments are 
reflected as part of ‘Other operations’, as shown in note 7.

Separately, the projected cash flows of in-force covered business include the cost of contributions to the defined benefit schemes  

for future service based on the contribution basis applying to the schemes at the time of the preparation of the results.

vii Debt capital
Core structural debt liabilities are carried at market value. As the liabilities are generally held to maturity or for the long-term, no deferred 
tax asset or liability has been established on the difference, compared to the IFRS carrying value. Accordingly, no deferred tax credit or 
charge is recorded in the results for the reporting period in respect of the mark to market value adjustment.

viii Foreign currency translation
Foreign currency profits and losses have been translated at average exchange rates for the year. Foreign currency assets and liabilities 
have been translated at year-end rates of exchange. The purpose of translating the profits and losses at average exchange rates, 
notwithstanding the fact that EEV profit represents the incremental value added on a discounted cash flow basis, is to maintain 
consistency with the methodology applied for IFRS basis reporting.

c  Accounting presentation
i  Analysis of profit before tax
To the extent applicable, presentation of the EEV profit for the year is consistent with the basis that the Group applies for analysis of IFRS 
basis profits before shareholder taxes between operating and non-operating results. Operating results reflect the underlying results 
including longer-term investment returns and, except as explained in note 1c(iv) below, the unwind of discount on the value of in-force 
business. Operating results include the impact of routine changes of estimates and non-economic assumptions. 

Non-operating results comprise the recurrent items of short-term fluctuations in investment returns, the shareholders’ share of 
actuarial and other gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes, the mark to market value movements on core borrowings and 
the effect of changes in economic assumptions.

 In addition, for 2010, the Company incurred costs associated with the terminated AIA transaction and the Group’s holding in 
PruHealth was diluted. The effect of both of these items has been shown separately from operating profits based on longer-term 
investment returns.

 In 2009, during the severe equity market conditions experienced in the first quarter, coupled with historically high equity volatility, 
the Group incurred non-recurrent costs from an exceptional short-dated hedge to protect against potential tail events on the Group IGD 
capital position in addition to regular operational hedging programmes. These costs incurred in 2009 have been shown separately within 
short-term fluctuations in investment returns. Also, in June 2009, the Group completed the disposal of the Taiwan agency business. The 
effect of this disposal and the results of the Taiwan agency business have been presented separately outside of the operating result.

ii  Operating profit
For the investment element of the assets covering the net worth of long-term insurance business, investment returns are recognised in 
operating results at the expected long-term rate of return. These expected returns are calculated by reference to the asset mix of the 
portfolio. For the purpose of calculating the longer-term investment return to be included in the operating result of the PAC with-profits 
fund of UK operations, where assets backing the liabilities and unallocated surplus are subject to market volatility, asset values at the 
beginning of the reporting period are adjusted to remove the effects of short-term market movements as explained in note 1c (iv) below.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

401

For the purpose of determining the long-term returns for debt securities of US operations for fixed annuity and other general account 

business, a risk margin charge is included which reflects the expected long-term rate of default based on the credit quality of the 
portfolio. For Jackson, interest-related realised gains and losses are amortised to the operating results over the maturity period of the 
sold bonds and for equity-related investments, a long-term rate of return is assumed, which reflects the aggregation of year-end risk-free 
rates and equity risk premium. For US variable annuity separate account business, operating profit includes the unwind of discount on 
the opening value of in force adjusted to reflect year-end projected rates of return with the excess or deficit of the actual return 
recognised within non-operating profit, together with the related hedging activity.

For UK annuity business, rebalancing of the asset portfolio backing the liabilities to policyholders may from time to time take place to 

align it more closely with the internal benchmark of credit quality that management applies. Such rebalancing will result in a change in 
the projected yield on the asset portfolio and the allowance for default risk. The net effect of these changes is reflected in the result for 
the year. In general, the effect is booked in operating results. 

iii Effect of changes in operating assumptions
Operating profits include the effect of changes to operating assumptions on the value of in-force at the end of the period. For 
presentational purposes, the effect of change is delineated to show the effect on the opening value of in-force with the experience 
variance being determined by reference to the end of period assumptions.

iv Unwind of discount and other expected returns
The unwind of discount and other expected returns is determined by reference to the value of in-force business, required capital and 
surplus assets at the start of the period as adjusted for the effect of changes in economic and operating assumptions reflected in the 
current period. 

For UK insurance operations the amount included within operating results based on longer-term investment returns represents the 
unwind of discount on the value of in-force business at the beginning of the period (adjusted for the effect of current period assumption 
changes), the unwind of discount on additional value representing the shareholders’ share of smoothed surplus assets retained within 
the PAC with-profits fund (as explained in note 1b(v) above), and the expected return on shareholders’ assets held in other UK long-term 
business operations. Surplus assets retained within the PAC with-profits fund are smoothed for this purpose to remove the effects of 
short-term investment volatility from operating results. In the summary statement of financial position and for total profit reporting, asset 
values and investment returns are not smoothed.

v  Pension costs
Profit before tax
Movements on the shareholders’ share of surpluses (to the extent not restricted by IFRIC 14) and deficits of the Group’s defined benefit 
pension schemes adjusted for contributions paid in the year are recorded within the income statement. Consistent with the basis of 
distribution of bonuses and the treatment of the estate described in note 1b(iv) and (v), the shareholders’ share incorporates 10 per cent 
of the proportion of the financial position attributable to the PAC with-profits fund. The financial position is determined by applying the 
requirements of IAS 19.

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Actuarial and other gains and losses
For pension schemes in which the IAS 19 position reflects the difference between the assets and liabilities of the scheme, actuarial and 
other gains and losses comprise:

•  the difference between actual and expected return on the scheme assets;
•  experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities;
•  the impact of altered economic and other assumptions on the discounted value of scheme liabilities; and
•  for pension schemes where the IAS 19 position reflects a deficit funding obligation, actuarial and other gains and losses includes the 

movement in estimates of deficit funding requirements. 

These items are recorded in the income statement but, consistent with the IFRS basis of presentation, are excluded from operating 
results based on longer-term investment returns.

vi Effect of changes in economic assumptions
Movements in the value of in-force business at the beginning of the period caused by changes in economic assumptions, net of the 
related change in the time value of cost of option and guarantees, are recorded in non-operating results.

vii Taxation
The profit for the year for covered business is in most cases calculated initially at the post-tax level. The post-tax profit for covered 
business is then grossed up for presentation purposes at the effective rates of tax applicable to the countries and periods concerned. 
In the UK the effective rate applied for 2010 is 27 per cent (2009: 28 per cent). For Jackson, the US federal tax rate of 35 per cent is 
applied to gross up movements on the value of in-force business. The overall tax rate includes the impact of tax effects determined 
on a local regulatory basis. For Asia, similar principles apply subject to the availability of taxable profits. 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

1  BASIS OF PREPARATION, METHODOLOGY AND ACCOUNTING PRESENTATION   >  CONTINUED

viii Inter-company arrangements
The EEV results for covered business incorporate the effect of the reinsurance arrangement of non-profit immediate pension annuity 
liabilities of SAIF (which is not covered business) to PRIL. In addition, the analysis of free surplus and value of in-force business takes 
account of the impact of contingent loan arrangements between Group companies.

ix Foreign exchange rates
Foreign currency results have been translated as discussed in note 1b(viii), for which the principal exchange rates are as follows:

Local currency: £

China
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Korea
Malaysia
Singapore
Taiwan
US

Closing rate 
at 31 Dec 2010

Average rate 
for 2010

Closing rate 
at 31 Dec 2009

Average rate 
for 2009

Opening rate 
at 1 Jan 2009

10.32 
12.17 
70.01 
14,106.51 
 1,776.86 
4.83 
2.01 
45.65 
1.57 

10.46 
12.01 
70.66 
14,033.41 
 1,786.23 
4.97 
2.11 
48.65 
1.55 

11.02 
12.52 
75.15 
15,171.52 
 1,880.45 
5.53 
2.27 
51.65 
1.61 

10.70 
12.14 
75.70 
16,173.28 
 1,989.75 
5.51 
2.27 
51.65 
1.57 

9.86 
11.14 
70.05 
15,799.22 
 1,810.92 
5.02 
2.07 
47.28 
1.44 

x  Discontinued operations
The charge of £(14) million in 2009, which is net of £nil tax, reflected completion adjustments for a previously disposed business. 

2  ANALYSIS OF NEW BUSINESS CONTRIBUTION note iv

New business premiums

Single
£m

 1,104 
 11,417 
 5,656 

18,177 

Regular
£m

 1,391 
 22 
 254 

1,667 

Year ended 31 December 2010

Annual
 premium and 
contribution
 equivalents 
(APE)
note i
£m

Present value 
of new 
business
 premiums 
(PVNBP) 
note i
£m

Pre-tax new 
business 
contribution
note ii,iii
£m

 1,501 
 1,164 
 820 

7,493 
11,572 
6,842 

902 
761 
365 

3,485 

25,907 

2,028 

New business premiums

Single
£m

785 
8,885 
4,768 

14,438 

Regular
£m

1,131 
24 
246 

1,401 

Year ended 31 December 2009

Annual
 premium and 
contribution
 equivalents 
(APE)
note i
£m

Present value 
of new 
business
 premiums 
(PVNBP) 
note i
£m

Pre-tax new 
business 
contribution
notes ii,iii
£m

1,209 
912 
723 

2,844 

5,982 
9,048 
5,902 

725 
664 
230 

20,932 

1,619 

New business margin 
note i

(APE)
%

(PVNBP)
% 

60 
65 
45 

58 

12.0 
6.6 
5.3 

7.8 

New business margin 
note i

(APE)
%

(PVNBP)
% 

60 
73 
32 

57 

12.1 
7.3 
3.9 

7.7 

Asian operationsnotes v, vi
US operationsnote vii
UK insurance operationsnote viii

Total

Asian operationsnote v
US operationsnote vii
UK insurance operationsnote viii

Total

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

403

New business margin (APE) %

2010

2009

47 
74 
20 
75 
31 
13 
79 
60 

50 
70 
19 
73 
44 
18 
87 
60 

Asian operations:note v

China 
Hong Kong 
India 
Indonesia 
Korea 
Taiwan 
  Other 
Weighted average for all Asian operations 

Notes
i 

New business margins are shown on two bases, namely the margins by reference to Annual Premium Equivalents (APE) and the Present Value of 
New Business Premiums (PVNBP) and are calculated as the ratio of the value of new business profit to APE and PVNBP. APE are calculated as the 
aggregate of regular new business amounts and one-tenth of single new business amounts. PVNBP are calculated as equalling single premiums 
plus the present value of expected premiums of new regular premium business, allowing for lapses and other assumptions made in determining 
the EEV new business contribution.
In determining the EEV basis value of new business written in the period the policies incept, premiums are included in projected cash flows on 
the same basis of distinguishing annual and single premium business as set out for statutory basis reporting.

ii 

iii  New business contributions represent profits determined by applying operating assumptions as at the end of the year. In general, the use of point 
of sale or end of period economic assumptions is not significant in determining the new business contribution for different types of business and 
across financial reporting periods. However, to obtain proper measurement of the new business contribution for business which is interest rate 
sensitive, it is appropriate to use assumptions reflecting point of sale market conditions, consistent with how the business was priced. In practice, 
the only area within the Group where this has a material effect is for UK shareholder-backed annuity business. For other business within the 
Group end of period economic assumptions are used.

iv  The amounts shown in the tables are translated at average exchange rates for the period.
v  The tables above include new business for the Taiwan bank distribution operation. New business excludes the Taiwan Agency business, which 
was sold in June 2009 (as explained in note 19) and the Japanese insurance operations, in which the Company ceased selling new business from 
15 February 2010.

vi  The new business contribution in 2010 of £902 million for Asian operations includes a benefit of around £5 million arising from the application of 
the ‘active’ basis of economic assumption setting rather than the previously applied basis of an assessment of longer-term economic conditions, 
as described in note 1b.

vii  The decrease in new business margin for US operations from 2009 to 2010 primarily reflects the changes to the assumed new business spread 

margins for Fixed Annuity and Fixed Index Annuity business as described in note 16a.

viii  The increase in new business margin for UK operations from 2009 to 2010 primarily reflects the signing of a bulk annuity buy-in insurance 

agreement. 

3  OPERATING PROFIT FROM BUSINESS IN FORCE

Group summary

Unwind of discount and other expected returns 
Effect of change in operating assumptions 
Experience variances and other items 

Total 

Unwind of discount and other expected returns 
Effect of change in operating assumptions 
Experience variances and other items 

Total 

Year ended 31 December 2010  £m

Asian
 operations
note i

US
 operations 
note ii

UK
 operations
note iii

573 
(23) 
(1) 

549 

369 
3 
325 

697 

550 
(3) 
24 

571 

Year ended 31 December 2009  £m

Asian
 operations
note i

US
 operations 
note ii

UK
 operations
note iii

489 
(12) 
(85) 

392 

344 
101 
124 

569 

588 
– 
52 

640 

Total

1,492 
(23)
348 

1,817 

Total

1,421 
89 
91 

1,601 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

3  OPERATING PROFIT FROM BUSINESS IN FORCE   >  CONTINUED

Notes
Analysis by business unit
Asian operations
i 

Unwind of discount and other expected returnsa
Effect of change in operating assumptions: 
Mortality and morbidityb
Expensec
Persistencyd
Othere

Experience variance and other items: 
Mortality and morbidityf
Expenseg
Persistencyh
Otheri

Total Asian operationsj

  Notes

2010  £m

2009  £m

573 

89 
(62)
(75)
25 
(23)

45 
(39)
(48)
41 
(1)

549 

489 

26 
(32)
(78)
72 
(12)

52 
(43)
(76)
(18)
(85)

392 

a 

b 

c 

d 

e 

f 

g 

h 

i 

j 

 The increase in unwind of discount and other expected returns from £489 million for 2009 to £573 million for 2010 mainly arises from the 
growth in the opening value of the in-force book.
 The credit of £89 million (2009: £26 million) for mortality and morbidity assumption changes mainly arises in Indonesia of £72 million 
comprising £36 million for relaxation of morbidity assumptions and £36 million to reflect recent experience in relation to protection  
benefits provided by unit-linked policies. The favourable effect of £26 million in 2009 primarily arises in Indonesia of £24 million reflecting 
recent experience.
 The charge of £(62) million in 2010 for expense assumption changes includes a charge in Korea of £(40) million, to reflect higher policy 
maintenance costs. Also included for 2010 is a charge of £(16) million in Malaysia relating to altered maintenance expense assumptions. 
The charge of £(32) million for strengthened expense assumptions in 2009 arises principally in Hong Kong of £(23) million with the balance 
arising across the regions.
 The charge of £(75) million in 2010 for the effect of changes in persistency assumptions mainly arises in Indonesia (£(33) million), Malaysia 
(£(26) million) and India (£(24) million) partly offset by a credit in Hong Kong (£16 million). The charge in Indonesia of £(33) million primarily 
relates to Shariah and single premium policies for which lower renewal rates have been experienced. The charge in Malaysia of £(26) million 
reflects altered premium holiday and other lapse assumptions and the charge in India of £(24) million represents changes in the paid-up 
assumption on linked business. 

The negative effect of the change in persistency assumptions of £(78) million in 2009 is mainly a direct consequence of the impact 
on policyholders’ savings behaviour from adverse economic and market conditions, arising mostly with investment related products, 
principally in Korea (£(25) million), Indonesia (£(24) million) and Hong Kong (£(12) million).
 The credit of £72 million for other assumption changes in 2009 comprises the one-off positive impact of £69 million for altered projected 
net of tax cash flows arising from a regulatory reclassification of health and protection products in Hong Kong, a credit of £13 million for the 
effect of altered application of the Group’s EEV methodology and a net charge of £(10) million for other items. The £13 million effect comprises 
adjustments for asset management margins in Indonesia and Korea of £37 million and a charge of £(24) million to better align the assumed 
capital requirement with internal management and pricing bases, primarily in China, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam, and other minor 
adjustments with a neutral net effect.
 The favourable effect of £45 million in 2010 (2009: £52 million) for mortality and morbidity experience variances reflects better than 
expected experience, most significantly in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.
 The expense experience variance of £(39) million in 2010 (2009: £(43) million) includes a charge of £(18) million (2009: £(16) million) for 
expense overruns for operations which are at a relatively early stage of development, for which actual expenses are in excess of those 
factored into the product pricing. Also included in 2010 is £(9) million arising in Taiwan (2009: £(8) million) reflecting over-runs whilst the 
business rebuilds scale following the sale of the Agency business and in 2009, an expense variance of £(10) million arose in Korea, reflecting 
the lower level of sales in the period.
 The negative persistency experience variance of £(48) million in 2010 mainly arises in India of £(27) million relating to higher paid-ups and 
surrenders on unit-linked business and in Malaysia of £(26) million for higher partial withdrawals on unit-linked business as customers 
sought to monetise a proportion of their funds following two years of exceptional returns. 

The charge of £(76) million in 2009 relating to negative persistency experience arises across the region with the largest impacts in  

Korea (£(29) million), India (£(11) million) and Japan (£(9) million).
 The credit of £41 million in 2010 for other experience and other items includes a credit of £24 million arising in Indonesia for the impact  
of additional riders being added to in-force policies during the year, funded from the policyholder unit linked account balances. 
 The in-force operating profit for 2010 of £549 million reflects the effect of setting economic assumptions on an ‘active’ basis rather than the 
previously applied ‘passive’ basis as described in note 1(b), the impact of which was to lower in-force operating profits in 2010 by £58 million, 
principally for altered unwind of discount.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
405

2010  £m

2009  £m

369 

– 
10 
27 
(34)
3 

158 
82 
32 
21 
23 
9 
325 

697 

344 

156 
33 
(13)
(75)
101 

(3)
59 
40 
32 
7 
(11)
124 

569 

ii  US operations 

Unwind of discount and other expected returnsa
Effect of changes in operating assumptions: 

Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit (GMWB) policyholder behaviourb

  Mortalityc

Variable Annuity (VA) feesd
Othere

Experience variances and other items: 
Spread experience variancef
Amortisation of interest-related realised gains and lossesg
Expenseh
  Mortalityi

Persistencyj
Other 

Total US operations 

  Notes

a 

b 

c 

d 

e 

f 

g 

h 

i 
j 

 The increase in unwind of discount and other expected returns from £344 million for 2009 to £369 million for 2010 primarily represents an 
increase in the return on net worth arising from a higher opening value between 1 January 2009 and 1 January 2010. 
 The positive impact of the change in GMWB policyholder behaviour assumptions of £156 million for 2009 reflects the altered assumptions 
relating to the utilisation of withdrawal features available to policyholders on Variable Annuity (VA) contracts which have been modified to 
take account of the more recent experience of policyholder behaviour when benefits are ‘in the money’. Previously, policyholder behaviour 
for the utilisation of GMWB was assumed to be largely driven by the extent to which benefits were in the money. For 2009, the assumption 
was altered to take account of recent experience which shows that the attained age of the policyholder is the key factor in determining 
utilisation levels.
 The credit of £10 million for updates to mortality assumptions in 2010 represents a credit of £29 million for business other than variable 
annuity, reflecting recent experience, partially offset by a negative effect on variable annuity business of £(19) million for a change in the 
modelling of mortality rates. The £33 million credit for mortality in 2009 primarily reflects lower mortality rates for the Life of Georgia 
business, based upon actual experience since the acquisition of the business in 2005.
 The effect of the change of assumption for VA fees represents the capitalised value of the change in the projected level of policyholder 
advisory fees, which vary according to the size and mix of VA funds. The credit of £27 million for 2010 reflects an increase in the projected 
level of fees paid by policyholders, according to the current fund mix. The negative effect of the change in 2009 of £(13) million represents 
a reduction in the level of fees.
 The charge of £(34) million for other operating assumption changes in 2010 includes a credit of £4 million for the overall effect of changes 
to persistency assumptions and the net effect of a number of items including a charge of £(19) million for the altered projection of life 
reserves run-off. The effect of other changes in assumptions in 2009 of £(75) million primarily represents the negative impact of changes 
in persistency assumptions of £(53) million, reflecting an increase in the assumed utilisation of the partial withdrawal option on Variable  
and Fixed Annuity business of £(29) million and £(24) million for the effect of other altered lapse rates, in line with experience.
 The spread assumption for Jackson is determined on a longer-term basis, net of provision for defaults. The spread experience variance in 
2010 is a positive £158 million, arising principally from transactions undertaken in the year to more closely match the overall asset and 
liability duration the effect of which is expected to persist in 2011 but at a reduced level.
 The amortisation of interest-related gains and losses reflects the same treatment applied to the supplementary analysis of IFRS profit.  
When bonds that are neither impaired nor deteriorating are sold and reinvested there will be a consequent change in the investment yield. 
The realised gain or loss is amortised into the result over the period when the bonds would have otherwise matured to better reflect the 
long-term returns included in operating profits. The increase in amortisation of interest-related gains and losses from £59 million in 2009 to 
£82 million in 2010 reflects the increased level of realised gains in the second half of 2009, on which a full year’s amortisation is recognised 
in 2010.
 The positive expense experience variance of £32 million (2009: £40 million) primarily represents favourable experience variance relating  
to marketing expenses.
The positive mortality experience variance of £21 million (2009: £32 million) primarily relates to life products.
 The positive persistency experience variance of £23 million primarily arises from favourable experience on annuity and institutional 
business.

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406

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

3  OPERATING PROFIT FROM BUSINESS IN FORCE   >  CONTINUED

iii  UK insurance operations

Unwind of discount and other expected returnsa 
Effect of changes in operating assumptions: 

Updated mortality assumptions, net of release of marginsb
Expensec

Effect of change in UK corporate tax rated
Other itemse

Total UK insurance operations 

  Notes

2010  £m

2009  £m

550 

(40)
37 
(3)
41 
(17)

571 

588 

– 
– 
– 
– 
52 

640 

a 

b 

c 

d 

e 

 The decrease in unwind of discount and other expected returns from 2009 of £588 million to £550 million in 2010 mainly arises from the 
impact of the reduction in discount rates, reflecting the decrease in gilt rates of 0.4 per cent. 
 The Continuous Mortality Investigation (CMI) model and Core Projection parameters have been reviewed and a custom parameterisation 
of the CMI model has been made where some aspects of the pattern of convergence from current rates of improvements to long-term rates 
of improvement have been altered. The assumption change shown above of a charge of £(40) million represents the effect of the 
implementation of the custom parameterisation on the opening value of in-force business at 1 January 2010, offset by the effects of other 
mortality assumption changes and the release of margins on the base mortality assumptions.
 The credit of £37 million in 2010 for changes in operating expense assumptions relates to renewal expense assumptions on shareholder 
backed annuity business.
 At 31 December 2010 a change to reduce the UK corporate tax rate from 28 per cent to 27 per cent with effect from 1 April 2011 had been 
enacted in the legislative process. The effect of the change in the corporate tax rate of £41 million represents the pre-tax benefit arising from 
the change in projecting the tax cash flows attaching to in-force business.
 The credit of £52 million in 2009 includes a credit of £22 million for the effects of rebalancing the UK annuity business asset portfolio backing 
the liabilities to policyholders, reflecting the altered value arising from the revised projected yield and allowances for default risk.

4  SHORT-TERM FLUCTUATIONS IN INVESTMENT RETURNS

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns, net of the related change in the time value of cost of options and guarantees,  
arise as follows:

Insurance operations: 

Asianote i
USnote ii
UKnote iii

Other operations: 

IGD hedge costsnote iv
Othernote v

Total 

Notes
i 

Asian operations

Indonesia
Hong Kong 
Taiwan
Malaysia
Singapore
Other operations

2010  £m

2009  £m

287 
(678)
336 

– 
25 

(30)

437 
(401)
445 

(235)
105 

351 

2010  £m

2009  £m

55 
51 
40 
37 
16 
88 

287 

40
113
20
40
159
65

437

For 2010 short-term fluctuations for Asian operations of £287 million primarily reflect the favourable performance in equity markets across 
the territories. The short-term fluctuations for other operations in 2010 of £88 million include an unrealised gain of £30 million on the Group’s 
8.66 per cent stake in China Life Insurance Company of Taiwan, which at 31 December 2010 was valued at £100 million. For 2009, the short-term 
fluctuations in investment returns in Asia of £437 million reflect the effect of strong equity market performance in particular for participating 
business and unit-linked business where the in-force value benefits from increases in shareholder transfers and from the capitalisation of 
increased projected fees due to the higher asset base at the end of the year.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
407

ii  US operations

The fluctuations for US operations comprise the following items:

Actual realised losses less default assumption and amortisation of interest-related gains and losses for fixed 

income securities and related swap transactionsa

Actual less long-term return on equity based investments and other itemsb
Investment return related (loss) gain due primarily to changed expectation of profits on in-force variable annuity 

business in future periods based on current period equity returns, net of related hedging activity for equity 
related productsc

2010  £m

2009  £m

(351)
5 

(332)

(678)

(367)
(144)

110 

(401)

  Notes

c 

a 

b 

 The charges relating to fixed income securities for 2010 of £(351) million and 2009 of £(367) million shown above primarily represent the 
excess of credit-related losses in the year on the US statutory basis over the amortisation of interest-related gains and longer-term default 
assumption included within operating profit, together with for 2010, the impact of de-risking activities within the portfolio.
 The charge in 2009 of £(144) million for actual less long-term return on equity based investments and other items primarily relates to the 
shortfall of actual return against the expected return on investments in limited partnerships.
 This item arises due to the market returns, net of related hedging activity, being higher or lower than the assumed longer-term rate of return. 
This gives rise to higher or lower than expected period end values of variable annuity assets under management with a resulting effect on 
the projected value of future account values and hence future profitability from altered fees. For 2010 the US equity market returns were  
14.5 per cent compared to the assumed longer-term rate of 6.8 per cent for the period which was more than offset by the impact of hedging 
activity. For 2009 the US equity market returns were approximately 24 per cent compared to the assumed longer-term rate of 7.4 per cent  
for the period.
iii  UK insurance operations

The short-term fluctuations in investment returns for UK insurance operations represents:  

With-profitsa
Shareholder-backed annuityb
Unit-linked and otherc

  Notes

2010  £m

2009  £m

218 
84 
34 

336 

430 
(40)
55 

445 

a 

b 

c 

 For with-profits business the credit for 2010 of £218 million reflects the positive 12.0 per cent actual investment return on the investments  
of the PAC with-profits fund (covering policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus) against the assumed long-term rate of 6.7 per cent. 
The credit of £430 million for 2009 reflects the positive variance of 8.6 per cent against the assumed long-term investment return.
 Short-term fluctuations in investment returns for shareholder-backed annuity business include gains (losses) on surplus assets relative to 
the expected return due to a fall (rise) in yields, the difference between actual and expected default experience and mismatching profits and 
losses arising from the impacts of changes in yields on assets and liabilities of differing durations. The short-term fluctuations in investment 
returns for 2010 of a credit of £84 million represent better than expected default experience of £64 million, higher than expected gains 
arising on surplus assets of £55 million, partially offset by mismatching losses of £(21) million, and other impacts of £(14) million. The charge 
of £(40) million for 2009 represents mismatching losses of £(105) million, partially offset by better than expected default experience of  
£22 million with the remaining balance of £43 million consisting of positive movements in other asset values partially offset by losses on 
surplus assets.
 The credit of £34 million for 2010 (2009: credit of £55 million) primarily relates to unit-linked business representing the increase in 
capitalised value of future fees arising from the positive movements in market values experienced during the relevant reporting periods.

iv 

IGD hedge costs
During the severe equity market conditions experienced in the first quarter of 2009, coupled with historically high equity volatility, the Group 
entered into exceptional short-dated hedging contracts to protect against potential tail-events on the IGD capital position, in addition to the 
regular operational hedging programmes. The hedge contracts have expired and have not been renewed.

v  Other operations

Short-term fluctuations in investment returns of other operations, in addition to the previously discussed IGD hedge costs for 2009, arise from:

Unrealised value movements on swaps held centrally to manage Group assets and liabilities
Unrealised value movements on Prudential Capital bond portfolio
Unrealised value movements on investments held by other operations

2010  £m

2009  £m

(25)
48 
2 

25 

28 
66 
11 

105 

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408

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

5  EFFECT OF CHANGES IN ECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS

The effects of changes in economic assumptions for in-force business, net of the related change in the time value of cost of options and 
guarantees, included within the profit from continuing operations before tax (including actual investment returns) arise as follows:

Asian operationsnote i
US operationsnote ii
UK insurance operationsnote iii

Total 

2010  £m

2009  £m

(71)
(1)
62 

(10)

 (174)
 (518)
 (218)

 (910)

Notes
i 

The charge of £(71) million in Asian operations for the effect of changes in economic assumptions in 2010 primarily represents the effect of 
derisking certain asset portfolios in Hong Kong and Singapore of £(73) million, together with the impact of the reduction in fund earned rates  
and risk discount rates as shown in note 16(a), including the effect of altering the basis of setting economic assumptions to the ‘active’ basis as 
described in note 1(b). The charge for 2009 of £(174) million primarily reflects increases in risk discount rates and fund earned rates, with the 
largest impact arising for Hong Kong US dollar denominated business arising from the increase in US dollar government bond yields, partly offset 
by a credit of £96 million for the effect of altered economic assumptions for Indonesia and Korea arising from a change in the application of the 
Group’s methodology for these operations (as discussed in note 16a).

ii  The charge of £(1) million for the effect of changes in economic assumptions, net of the related change in the time value of cost of options and 

guarantees, for US operations for 2010 reflects the following:

Effect of changes in treasury rates, beta and equity risk premium:a 

Fixed annuity and other general account business 
Variable Annuity (VA) business 

Increase in risk margin allowance for credit riskb

2010  £m

2009  £m

111 
(112)

– 

(1)

(398)
181 

(301)

(518)

  Notes

a 

 For Jackson, the charge for the effect of changes in economic assumptions represents the aggregate of the effects of changes to projected 
returns and the risk discount rate. The risk discount rate, as discussed in note 1b(iii), represents the aggregate of the risk-free rate and margin 
for market risk, credit risk and non-diversifiable non-market risk. 

For fixed annuity and other general account business the effect of changes to the risk-free rate, which is defined as the 10-year treasury 

rate, is reflected in the risk discount rate. This discount rate is in turn applied to projected cash flows which principally reflect projected 
spread, which is largely insensitive to changes in the risk-free rate. Secondary effects on the cash flows also result from changes to assumed 
future yield and resulting policyholder behaviour. For VA business, changes to the risk-free rate are also reflected in determining the risk 
discount rate. However, the projected cash flows are also reassessed for altered investment returns on the underlying separate account 
assets from which fees are charged. For 2010, the effect of these changes resulted in an overall credit for fixed annuity and other general 
account business of £111 million and a charge of £(112) million for VA business reflecting the reduction of 0.6 per cent in the risk-free rate (as 
shown in note 16a). 

For 2009, the effect of these changes resulted in an overall charge for fixed annuity and other general account business of £(398) million 

b 

and an overall credit on VA business of £181 million, reflecting the increase in the risk-free rate of 1.6 per cent. 
 For 2010 and 2009, the Group has included an additional allowance for credit risk. In determining this allowance a number of factors were 
considered. These factors, in particular, include:
i 

 How much of the credit spread on debt securities represents an increased credit risk not reflected in the Risk Margin Reserve (RMR) 
long-term default assumptions, and how much is liquidity premium. In assessing this effect consideration has been given to a number  
of approaches to estimating the liquidity premium by considering statistical data over the four years from 2006 to 2009; and
 Policyholder benefits for Jackson fixed annuity business are not fixed. It is possible in adverse economic scenarios to pass on a 
component of credit loss to policyholders (subject to guarantee features) through lower crediting rates. Consequently, it is only 
necessary to allow for the balance of the credit risk in the risk discount rate.

ii 

 After taking these and other more detailed factors into account and, based on market conditions in late 2009, the risk discount rate for 
general account business was increased by 150 basis points as an additional allowance for credit risk. For VA business, the additional 
allowance increase was set at 20 per cent of the non-VA business increase to reflect the fact that a proportion of the VA business is allocated 
to general account holdings of debt securities. For 2010 these additional allowances have been maintained at 2009 levels. The additional 
allowance to be applied in future reporting periods will be altered, as necessary, for future credit conditions and as the business in force 
alters over time. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
409

iii  The effect of changes in economic assumptions, net of the related change in the time value of cost of options and guarantees, of a credit  

of £62 million for UK insurance operations for 2010 comprises the effect of:

(Decrease) increase in expected long-term rates  

of return 

Decrease (increase) in risk discount rates
Other changes

Shareholder-
backed 
annuity
 business
note a

2010  £m

With-profits 
and other 
business
note b

(102)
55 
(6)

(53)

(80)
183 
12 

115 

Shareholder-
backed 
annuity 
business
note a

2009  £m

With- profits 
and other 
business
note b

(284)
240 
25 

(19)

191 
(311)
(79)

(199)

Total

(182)
238 
6 

62 

Total

(93)
(71)
(54)

(218)

  Notes

a 

b 

 For 2010, the effects of decreases in expected long-term rates of return and risk discount rates for shareholder-backed annuity business 
primarily reflect the reduction in gilt rates of 0.4 per cent, as shown in note 16a. In 2009, the overall charge of £(19) million reflects the  
effects of regular economic assumption changes. However, the amounts for the component line items shown above reflect a change in the 
composition of the default allowance between best estimate levels (which are reflected in the long-term rates of return) and allowance for 
credit risk premium and additional short-term defaults reflected in the risk discount rate.
 For 2010, the credit of £115 million for with-profits and other business reflects a decrease in risk discount rates which more than offsets the 
reduction in fund earned rates, primarily driven by the decrease in gilt rates of 0.4 per cent in the year. In 2009, the charge of £(199) million 
for with-profits and other business reflects the fact that the risk discount rate has increased significantly more than the earned rate as a 
result of the revised correlation assumptions, lower equity backing ratio and very low cash return.

6  COSTS OF TERMINATED AIA TRANSACTION 

The following costs were incurred in relation to the proposed and subsequently terminated transaction, to purchase AIA Group Limited 
and related rights issue.

AIG termination break fee
Underwriting fees
Costs associated with foreign exchange hedging
Adviser fees and other

TOTAL COSTS BEFORE TAX
Associated tax relief

Total costs after tax

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2010  £m

153 
58 
100 
66 

377 
(93)

284 

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410

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

7  SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS (EXCLUDING NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS) – SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

ASIAN OPERATIONS 
Long-term business: 

Net assets of operations – EEV basis shareholders’ fundsnote iv
Acquired goodwillnote iii

Asset management:note i 

Net assets of operations 
Acquired goodwill

US OPERATIONS 
Jackson – EEV basis shareholders’ funds (net of surplus note borrowings of £172 million 

(2009: £158 million)note 9)

Broker-dealer and asset management operationsnote i

Net assets of operations
Acquired goodwill

UK OPERATIONS 
Insurance operations: 

Long-term business operations:

Smoothed shareholders’ funds 
Actual shareholders’ funds less smoothed shareholders’ funds 
EEV basis shareholders’ funds 

  Other note i

M&G:note i

Net assets of operations 
Acquired goodwill 

OTHER OPERATIONS 
Holding company net borrowings at market value note 9 
Other net assets (liabilities)note i

2010  £m

2009  £m

7,445
236
7,681

197
61
258

5,781 
80 
5,861 

161 
61 
222 

7,939

6,083 

4,799 

4,122 

106 
16 
122 

95 
16 
111 

4,921 

4,233 

5,911 
59 
5,970 
33 

6,003 

254 
1,153 
1,407 

7,410 

(2,212)
149 

(2,063)

5,547 
(108)
5,439 
37 

5,476 

173 
1,153 
1,326 

6,802 

(1,780)
(65)

(1,845)

Total 

18,207 

15,273 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
411

REPRESENTING:

Asian operations 
US operations 
UK insurance operations 

Total long-term business operations 
Other operationsnote ii

Group total 

2010  £m

2009  £m

Statutory 
IFRS basis 
shareholders’ 
equity

Additional 
retained 
profit on 
an EEV basis

EEV basis 
shareholders’ 
equity

Statutory 
IFRS basis 
shareholders’ 
equity

Additional 
retained 
profit on 
an EEV basis

EEV basis 
shareholders’ 
equity

2,149 
3,815 
2,115 

8,079 
(48)

8,031 

5,532 
984 
3,855 

10,371 
(195)

7,681 
4,799 
5,970 

18,450 
(243)

10,176 

18,207 

1,462 
3,011 
1,902 

6,375 
(104)

6,271 

4,399 
1,111 
3,537 

9,047 
(45)

9,002 

5,861 
4,122 
5,439 

15,422 
(149)

15,273 

Notes
i  With the exception of the share of the Prudential Staff Pension Scheme (PSPS) deficit attributable to the PAC with-profits fund, which is included 

in ‘Other operations’ net assets (liabilities), these amounts have been determined on the statutory IFRS basis. The overall pension scheme deficit, 
net of tax, attributable to shareholders relating to PSPS is determined as shown below:

IFRS basis deficit (relating to shareholder-backed operations)
Additional EEV deficit (relating to shareholders’ 10 per cent share of the IFRS basis deficit attributable to the  

PAC with-profits fund)

EEV basis

2010  £m

2009  £m

(10)

(3)

(13)

(16)

(5)

(21)

ii  The additional retained profit on an EEV basis for ‘Other operations’ represents the mark to market value difference on holding company net 

borrowings of a charge of £(177) million (2009: charge of £(26) million) and the effect of accounting for pension costs for the Prudential Staff 
Pension Scheme.

iii  The increase in acquired goodwill for Asian long-term business operations from £80 million in 2009 to £236 million in 2010 represents  

£141 million arising from the acquisition of United Overseas Bank Life Assurance Limited (as shown in note 17) and £15 million for exchange rate 
movements.

iv  The EEV basis shareholders’ funds for Asian long-term business of £7,445 million for 2010 have been determined after including the £(39) million 

effect of moving from a passive to an active basis of economic assumption setting, as described in note 1b.

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412

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

8  ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENT IN FREE SURPLUS 

Free surplus is the excess of the net worth over the capital required to support the covered business. Where appropriate, adjustments 
are made to the regulatory basis net worth from the local regulatory basis so as to include backing assets movements at fair value rather 
than cost so as to comply with the EEV Principles. Prudential has based required capital on its internal targets for economic capital 
subject to it being at least the local statutory minimum requirements, as described in note 1b(ii).

LONG-TERM BUSINESS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT OPERATIONSnote i

Underlying movement: 
New business: 

Excluding Japan 
Japan 
Total 

Business in force: 

Expected in-force cash flows (including expected return on net assets) 
Effects of changes in operating assumptions, operating experience variances and  

other operating items 

Changes in non-operating itemsnote iii

Net cash flows to parent companynote iv
Exchange movements, timing differences and other itemsnote v

NET MOVEMENT IN FREE SURPLUS 
Balance at 1 January 2010 

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2010 

Representing: 

Asian operations
US operations
UK operations

1 January 2010 
Representing: 

Asian operations
US operations
UK operations

2010  £m

Asset 
management 
and UK 
general 
insurance 
commission
note ii

Free surplus 
of long-term 
business, asset 
management 
and UK general 
insurance 
commission

 Long-term 
business
note 13 

(643)
(2)
(645)

1,829 

220 

1,404 
(120)

1,284 
(735)
134 

683 
2,065 

2,748 

1,045 
1,163 
540 

2,748 

801 
749 
515 

2,065 

– 
– 
– 

310 

– 

310 
26 

336 
(200)
(12)

124 
466 

590 

197 
106 
287 

590 

161 
95 
210 

466 

(643)
(2)
(645)

2,139 

220 

1,714 
(94)

1,620 
(935)
122 

807 
2,531 

3,338 

1,242 
1,269 
827 

3,338 

962 
844 
725 

2,531 

Notes
i 
ii 

All figures are shown net of tax.
For the purposes of this analysis, free surplus for asset management operations and the UK general insurance commission is taken to be IFRS 
basis shareholders’ funds as shown in note 7.

iii  Changes in non-operating items

This represents short-term fluctuations in investment returns, the shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on defined benefit 
pension schemes and the effect of changes in economic assumptions for long-term business operations.
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns primarily reflect temporary market movements on the portfolio of investments held by the 
Group’s shareholder-backed operations together with the shareholders’ 10 per cent interest in the value movements on the assets in the 
with-profits funds.

iv  Net cash flows to parent company for long-term business operations reflect the flows as included in the holding company cash flow at  

transaction rates.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
413

2010  £m

Asset 
management 
and UK 
general 
insurance 
commission 

18 
– 
(30)

(12)

Long-term 
business 

78 
68 
(12)

134 

Total

96 
68 
(42)

122 

v 

Exchange movements, timing differences and other items represent:

Exchange movementsnote 13
Mark to market value movements on Jackson assets backing surplus and required capitalnote 13
Other 

9  NET CORE STRUCTURAL BORROWINGS OF SHAREHOLDER-FINANCED OPERATIONS 

2010  £m

Mark to 
market value 
adjustment
note ii

EEV basis at 
market value

IFRS basis

2009  £m

Mark to 
market value 
adjustment
note ii

EEV basis at 
market value

Holding company* cash and short-term 

investments 

Core structural borrowings – central fundsnote i

Holding company net borrowings 
Core structural borrowings – PruCapnote iii
Core structural borrowings – Jackson 

Net core structural borrowings of shareholder  

IFRS basis

(1,232)
3,267 

2,035 
250 
159 

– 
177 

177 
– 
13 

(1,232)
3,444 

2,212 
250 
172 

(1,486)
3,240 

1,754 
– 
154 

– financial operations

2,444 

190 

2,634 

1,908 

* Including central finance subsidiaries. 

Notes
i 

EEV basis holding company borrowings comprise:

Perpetual subordinated capital securities (Innovative Tier 1)
Subordinated debt (Lower Tier 2) 
Senior debt

– 
26 

26 
– 
4 

30 

(1,486)
3,266 

1,780 
– 
158 

1,938 

2010  £m

2009  £m

1,491 
1,372 
581 

3,444 

1,351 
1,372 
543 

3,266 

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In May 2009, the Company repaid maturing £249 million senior debt and in the same month the Company issued £400 million subordinated 
notes in part to replace the maturing debt. 

In July 2009, the Company issued US$750 million perpetual subordinated capital securities.
In accordance with the EEV Principles, core borrowings are carried at market value. As the liabilities are generally held to maturity or for the 

long-term, no deferred tax asset or liability has been established on the market value adjustment above. 

ii   The movement in the mark to market value adjustment represents:

Mark to market movement in balance sheet:

Beginning of year
Change:

Income statement
Foreign exchange effects

End of year 

2010  £m

2009  £m

30 

164 
(4)

190 

(821)

795 
56 

30 

iii   The £250 million PruCap bank loan was made in two tranches: £135 million maturing in June 2014 and £115 million maturing in August 2012.

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E
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414

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

10  RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS (EXCLUDING NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS)

2010  £m

Long-term business operations

UK 
insurance 
operations 

Total 
long-term
 business
operations

Asian 
operations

US 
operations

Other 
operations

Group 
Total

OPERATING PROFIT (BASED ON LONGER-TERM 

INVESTMENT RETURNS)  

Long-term business: 
New business: 

Excluding Japannote 2
Japan
Total

Business in forcenote 3

Asia development expenses
UK general insurance commission
M&G
Asian asset management operations
US broker-dealer and asset management
Other income and expenditure
Solvency II implementation costs
Restructuring costs

OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM 

INVESTMENT RETURNS 

Short-term fluctuations in investment returnsnote 4
Mark to market value movements on  

core borrowingsnote 9

Shareholders’ share of acturial and other  
gains and losses on defined benefit  
pension schemes

Effect of changes in economic assumptionsnote 5
Cost of terminated AIA transactionnote 6
Gain on dilution of holding in PruHealthnote 18

PROFIT (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING 

OPERATIONS BEFORE TAX (INCLUDING 
ACTUAL INVESTMENT RETURNS) 

Tax (charge) credit attributable to shareholders’ 

profit (loss):note 11

Tax on operating profitnote iii
Tax on short-term fluctuations in  

investment returns

Tax on shareholders’ share of actuarial and 

other gains and losses on defined benefit 
pension schemes 

Tax on effect of changes in economic assumptions 
Tax on costs of terminated AIA transactionnote 6

Total tax (charge) credit

Non-controlling interests

PROFIT (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

902 
(1)
901 
549 

1,450 
(4)
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1,446 
287 

– 

– 
(71)
– 
– 

761 
– 
761 
697 

1,458 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(4)
– 

1,454 
(678)

(9)

– 
(1)
– 
– 

365 
– 
365 
571 

936 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(7)
(28)

901 
336 

– 

(5)
62 
– 
3 

2,028 
(1)
2,027 
1,817 

3,844 
(4)
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(11)
(28)

3,801 
(55)

(9)

(5)
(10)
– 
3 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
46 
284 
72 
22 
(494)
(35)
– 

(105)
25 

(155)

(6)
– 
(377)
– 

2,028 
(1)
2,027 
1,817 

3,844 
(4)
46 
284 
72 
22 
(494)
(46)
(28)

3,696 
(30)

(164)

(11)
(10)
(377)
3 

1,662 

766 

1,297 

3,725 

(618)

3,107 

(329)

(509)

(260)

(1,098)

264 

(834)

(12)

325 

(91)

222 

– 

222 

– 
4 
– 

(337)

– 

1,325 

– 
– 
– 

(184)

– 

582 

– 
(17)
– 

(368)

– 

929 

– 
(13)
– 

(889)

– 

2,836 

2 
– 
93 

359 

(4)

(263)

2 
(13)
93 

(530)

(4)

2,573 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
415

2010  £m

Long-term business operations

UK 
insurance 
operations 

Total 
long-term
 business
operations

Asian 
operations

US 
operations

Other 
operations

Group 
Total

OTHER MOVEMENTS
Exchange movements on foreign operations  

and net investment hedgesnote i

Related tax
Intra-group dividends (including statutory 

transfer)note v
External dividends
Reserve movements in respect of  

share-based payments 
Acquisition of UOB Lifenotes iv and 17
Investment in operationsnote v
Other transfersnote vi
Movement in own shares held in respect  

of share-based payment plans 

Movement in Prudential plc shares purchased  
by unit trusts consolidated under IFRS 

New share capital subscribed
Mark to market value movements on Jackson 

assets backing surplus and required capital 
(net of related tax of £37 million) note 13

530 
– 

(365)
– 

– 
79 
103 
(8)

– 

– 
– 

– 

NET INCREASE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Shareholders’ equity at 1 January 2010 notes ii and 7

1,664 
5,781 

124 
– 

(81)
– 

– 
– 
– 
(16)

– 

– 
– 

68 

677 
4,122 

– 
– 

(398)
– 

– 
– 
21 
(21)

– 

– 
– 

– 

531 
5,439 

654 
– 

(844)
– 

– 
79 
124 
(45)

– 

– 
– 

68 

2,872 
15,342 

5 
34 

844 
(511)

37 
(79)
(124)
45 

(4)

3 
75 

– 

62 
(69)

659 
34 

– 
(511)

37 
– 
– 
– 

(4)

3 
75 

68 

2,934 
15,273 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AT  
31 DECEMBER 2010notes ii and 7

7,445 

4,799 

5,970 

18,214 

(7)

18,207 

Notes
i 

Profits are translated at average exchange rates, consistent with the method applied for statutory IFRS basis results. The amounts recorded 
above for exchange rate movements reflect the difference between 2010 and 2009 exchange rates as applied to shareholders’ funds at 1 January 
2010 and the difference between 31 December 2010 and average 2010 rates for profits.
For the purposes of the table above, goodwill related to Asia long-term operations (as shown in note 7) is included in Other operations.

ii 
iii  The tax charge attributable to shareholders’ profit includes an exceptional tax credit of £158 million as detailed in note 11(ii).
iv  The charge of £(79) million for Other operations relating to the acquisition of UOB Life represents cash consideration paid of £(220) million offset 

by goodwill arising on the acquisition of £141 million (as shown in note 17).

v  Total intra-group dividends and investment in operations represent:

Intra-group dividends (including statutory transfer)
Investment in operationsa

Totalb

Asian
operations
£m

US
operations
£m

(365)
103

(262)

(81)
–

(81)

UK
insurance
operations
£m

(398)
21

(377)

Total
long-term
business
operations
£m

(844)
124

(720)

Other 
operations
£m

844
(124)

720

Total
£m

–
–

–

a 
b 

 Investment in operations reflects increases in share capital. 
 For long-term business operations, the difference between the total above of £(720) million for intra-group dividends (including statutory 
transfer) and investment in operations and the net cash flows to parent company of £(735) million (as shown in note 8) primarily relates to 
timing differences, intra-group loans and other non-cash items. 

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I

O
N

E
E
V
B
A
S
I
S
S
U
P
P
L
E
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E
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T
A
R
Y

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
416

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

10   RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS (EXCLUDING NON-CONTROLLING 

INTERESTS)  >  CONTINUED

vi  Other transfers from long-term business operations to Other operations in 2010 represent:

Adjustment for net of tax asset management projected profits of covered business
Other adjustments 

11  TAX ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS’ PROFIT 

The tax charge (credit) comprises:

Asian
operations
£m

US
operations
£m

UK
insurance
operations
£m

Total
long-term
business
operations
£m

(11)
3

(8)

(3)
(13)

(16)

(20)
(1)

(21)

(34)
(11)

(45)

TAX CHARGE ON OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM INVESTMENT RETURNS:
Long-term business: 

Asian operationsnote i
US operations 
UK insurance operationsnote i

Other operations 

Total tax charge on operating profit based on longer-term investment returns, excluding exceptional  

tax credit 

Exceptional tax creditnote ii

TOTAL TAX CHARGE ON OPERATING PROFIT BASED ON LONGER-TERM INVESTMENT RETURNS, 

INCLUDING EXCEPTIONAL TAX CREDITnote ii

TAX CREDIT ON ITEMS NOT INCLUDED IN OPERATING PROFIT: 
Tax credit on short-term fluctuations in investment returnsnote iii
Tax credit on shareholders’ share of actuarial and other gains and losses on defined benefit  

pension schemes 

Tax charge (credit) on effect of changes in economic assumptions 
Tax credit on costs of terminated AIA transaction 

Total tax credit on items not included in operating profit 

2010  £m

2009  £m

329 
509 
260 

1,098 
(106)

992 
(158)

834 

(222)

(2)
13 
(93)

(304)

239 
416 
245 

900 
(34)

866 
– 

866 

(26)

(23)
(336)
– 

(385)

TAX CHARGE ON PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (INCLUDING 

TAX ON ACTUAL INVESTMENT RETURNS) 

530 

481 

Notes
i 
ii  The tax charge on operating profit based on longer-term investment returns in 2010 of £834 million includes an exceptional tax credit  

Including tax relief on Asia development expenses and restructuring costs borne by UK insurance operations.

of £158 million which primarily relates to the impact of the settlement agreed with the UK tax authorities.

iii  The tax charge on short-term fluctuations in investment returns for 2010 of £(222) million includes a credit of £52 million for a net present value 

reduction in US deferred tax liabilities following changes to variable annuity reserving in accordance with revised statutory guidance.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
417

2010  £m

2009  £m

3,696 
(992) 
(4) 

2,700
158 

2,858 
106.9p
6.3p
113.2p

3,107 
(530) 
– 
(4) 

2,573 
101.9p

2,524 

3,090 
(866) 
(3) 

2,221
– 

2,221 
88.8p
–
88.8p

1,743 
(481) 
(14) 
(3) 

1,245 
49.8p

2,501 

12   EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

Operating EPS:
  Operating profit before tax

Tax excluding exceptional tax credit
Non-controlling interests

Operating profit after tax and non-controlling interests excluding exceptional tax credit
Exceptional tax credit*

Operating profit after tax and non-controlling interests including exceptional tax credit
Operating EPS (pence) excluding exceptional tax credit
Exceptional tax credit (pence)
Operating EPS (pence) including exceptional tax credit

Total EPS:

Profit from continuing operations before tax
Tax

  Discontinued operations (net of tax)

Non-controlling interests

Total profit after tax and non-controlling interests 
Total EPS (pence) including exceptional tax credit

Average number of shares (millions)

* The tax charge attributable to shareholders’ return includes an exceptional tax credit of £158 million which primarily relates to the impact of  

a settlement agreed with the UK tax authorities. 

The average number of shares reflects the average number in issue adjusted for shares held by employee share trusts and consolidated 
unit trusts and OEICs which are treated as cancelled.

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I

O
N

E
E
V
B
A
S
I
S
S
U
P
P
L
E
M
E
N
T
A
R
Y

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
418

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

13   RECONCILIATION OF NET WORTH AND VALUE OF IN-FORCE BUSINESS note i

GROUP 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AT 1 JANUARY 2010 
New business contribution:notes ii,iii 

Excluding Japan 
Japan 
Total 

Existing business – transfer to net worth 
Expected return on existing business 
Changes in operating assumptions and experience variances 
Changes in non-operating assumptions, experience variances 

2010  £m

Free 
Surplus 
note 8

Required 
capital

Total net 
worth

Value of 
in-force 
business 
note iv

Total 
long-term 
business

2,065 

2,994 

5,059 

10,283 

15,342 

(643) 
(2) 
(645) 
1,690 
139 
220 

461 
– 
461 
(372)
84 
(4)

(182)
(2)
(184)
1,318 
223 
216 

1,615 
1 
1,616 
(1,318)
918 
(86)

1,433 
(1)
1,432 
– 
1,141 
130 

and non-controlling interests 

(120) 

85 

(35)

168 

133 

PROFIT AFTER TAX AND NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS 

FROM LONG-TERM BUSINESS

Exchange movements on foreign operations and  

net investment hedges

Acquisition of United Overseas Bank (UOB) Life 
Intra-group dividends (including statutory transfer)  

and investment in operationsnote v

Mark to market value movements on Jackson assets  

backing surplus and required capital 

Other transfers from net worth 

1,284 

78 
18 

(720) 

68 
(45) 

254 

119 
48 

– 

– 
– 

1,538 

1,298 

2,836 

197 
66 

(720)

68 
(45)

457 
13 

– 

– 
– 

654 
79 

(720)

68 
(45)

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AT 31 DECEMBER 2010 

2,748 

3,415 

6,163 

12,051 

18,214 

REPRESENTING: 
ASIAN OPERATIONS 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AT 1 JANUARY 2010 
New business contribution:notes ii,iii 

Excluding Japan 
Japan 
Total 

Existing business – transfer to net worth 
Expected return on existing business 
Changes in operating assumptions and experience variances
Changes in non-operating assumptions and experience  

variances and non-controlling interests 

PROFIT AFTER TAX AND NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS 

FROM LONG-TERM BUSINESS 

Exchange movements on foreign operations and  

net investment hedges

Acquisition of United Overseas Bank (UOB) Life 
Intra-group dividends (including statutory transfer) and 

investment in operationsnote v
Other transfers from net worth 

801 

585 

1,386 

4,395 

5,781 

(278) 
(2) 
(280) 
500 
103 
3 

146 

472 

57 
18 

(295) 
(8) 

84 
– 
84 
20 
(9)
(15)

1 

81 

76 
48 

– 
– 

(194)
(2)
(196)
520 
94 
(12)

147 

553 

133 
66 

(295)
(8)

866 
1 
867 
(520)
404 
(40)

61 

772 

397 
13 

33 
– 

672 
(1)
671 
– 
498 
(52)

208 

1,325 

530 
79 

(262)
(8)

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AT 31 DECEMBER 2010 

1,045 

790 

1,835 

5,610 

7,445 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
419

US OPERATIONS 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AT 1 JANUARY 2010 
New business contributionnote ii
Existing business – transfer to net worth 
Expected return on existing business 
Changes in operating assumptions and experience variances
Changes in non-operating assumptions and experience 

variances and non-controlling interests 

PROFIT AFTER TAX AND NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS 

FROM LONG-TERM BUSINESS 

Exchange movements on foreign operations and  

net investment hedges

Intra-group dividends (including statutory transfer) and 

investment in operations 

Mark to market value movements on Jackson assets backing 

surplus and required capital 
Other transfers from net worth 

2010  £m

Free 
Surplus 
note 8

Required 
capital

Total net 
worth

Value of 
in-force 
business 
note iv

Total 
long-term 
business

749 
(300) 
692 
31 
191 

(192) 

422 

21 

(81) 

68 
(16) 

1,405 
270 
(329)
56 
18 

2,154 
(30)
363 
87 
209 

1,968 
525 
(363)
153 
1 

4,122 
495 
– 
240 
210 

42 

57 

43 

– 

– 
– 

(150)

(213)

(363)

479 

64 

(81)

68 
(16)

103 

60 

– 

– 
– 

582 

124 

(81)

68 
(16)

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AT 31 DECEMBER 2010 

1,163 

1,505 

2,668 

2,131 

4,799

UK INSURANCE OPERATIONS  
Shareholders’ equity at 1 January 2010 
New business contributionnote ii
Existing business – transfer to net worth 
Expected return on existing business 
Changes in operating assumptions and experience variances 
Changes in non-operating assumptions and experience 

variances and non-controlling interests 

PROFIT AFTER TAX AND NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS 

FROM LONG-TERM BUSINESS 

Intra-group dividends (including statutory transfer) and 

investment in operationsnote v
Other transfers from net worth 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AT 31 DECEMBER 2010 

515 
(65) 
498 
5 
26 

(74) 

1,004 
107 
(63)
37 
(7)

1,519 
42 
435 
42 
19 

3,920 
224 
(435)
361 
(47)

42 

(32)

320 

390 

116 

506 

(344)
(21)

423 

(33)
– 

– 
– 

(344) 
(21) 

540 

1,120 

1,660 

4,310 

5,970 

Notes
i 
ii  The movements arising from new business contribution and new business capital usage are as follows:

All figures are shown net of tax.

2010  £m

US 
operations

UK
 insurance 
operations

NEW BUSINESS CAPITAL USAGE

Pre-tax new business contributionnote 2
Tax 

Post-tax new business contribution 

Free surplus invested in new business 

Asian 
operations 
(excluding 
Japan)
note iii

902 
(230)

672 

(278)

761 
(266)

495 

(300)

Post-tax new business contribution per £1 million  

free surplus invested 

2.4 

1.7 

Total 
long-term 
business 
operations 
note iii

2,028 
(595)

1,433 

(643)

Total 
long-term 
business 
operations 

Japan 
note iii

(1)
– 

(1)

(2)

2,027 
(595)

1,432 

(645)

2.2 

(0.5)

2.2 

365 
(99)

266 

(65)

4.1 

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

5,439 
266 
– 
403 
(28)

288 

929 

(377)
(21)

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I

O
N

E
E
V
B
A
S
I
S
S
U
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420

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

13   RECONCILIATION OF NET WORTH AND VALUE OF IN-FORCE BUSINESS note i  >  CONTINUED

NEW BUSINESS CAPITAL USAGE

Pre-tax new business contributionnote 2
Tax 

Post-tax new business contribution 

Free surplus invested in new business 

Post-tax new business contribution per £1 million  

free surplus invested 

2009  £m

Asian 
operations 
(excluding 
Japan)
note iii

725 
(180)

545 

(231)

2.4 

US 
operations

UK
 insurance 
operations

664 
(232)

432 

(326)

1.3 

230 
(64)

166 

(103)

1.6 

Total 
long-term 
business 
operations 
note iii

1,619 
(476)

1,143 

(660)

Total 
long-term 
business 
operations 

1,607 
(476)

1,131 

(675)

Japan 
note iii

(12)
–

(12)

(15)

1.7 

(0.8)

1.7 

MOVEMENTS ARISING FROM NEW BUSINESS CONTRIBUTION

2010  £m

2009  £m

Free surplus invested in new business:

Excluding Japan
Japan
Total

Required capital

Total net worth
Value of in-force business

Total post-tax new business contribution

(643)
(2)
(645)
461 

(184)
1,616 

1,432 

(660)
(15)
(675)
451 

(224)
1,355 

1,131 

iii  New business contribution and free surplus invested in new business for the Group’s Japanese insurance subsidiary, which ceased selling new 

business with effect from 15 February 2010, have been presented separately from those of the remainder of the Group.

iv  The value of in-force business includes the value of future margins from current in-force business less the cost of holding required capital  

and represents: 

Value of in-force business before deduction of cost of capital and guarantees 
Cost of capitala
Cost of time value of guaranteesb,c

Net value of in-force business 

Value of in-force business before deduction of cost of capital and of guarantees
Cost of capital 
Cost of time value of guarantees 

Net value of in-force business 

2010  £m

Asian 
operations

US 
operations

5,941 
(321)
(10)

5,610 

2,584 
(183)
(270)

2,131 

UK 
insurance 
operations

4,635 
(236)
(89)

4,310 

2009  £m

Asian 
operations

US 
operations

4,605 
(198)
(12)

4,395 

2,351 
(175)
(208)

1,968 

UK 
insurance 
operations

4,181 
(221)
(40)

3,920 

Group

13,160 
(740)
(369)

12,051 

Group

11,137 
(594)
(260)

10,283 

a 

b 

c 

 The increase in cost of capital for Asian operations from 2009 of £(198) million to £(321) million at 2010 mainly arises from the addition of new 
business, the effect of changes in economic assumptions resulting from changes in economic factors (including the impact of moving from  
a ‘passive’ to ‘active’ basis as described in note 1b) and the impact of foreign exchange.
 The increase in the cost of time value of guarantees for US operations from 2009 of £(208) million to 2010 of £(270) million primarily relates 
to Variable Annuity (VA) business, mainly arising from the new business written in the period, reflecting the significant increase in VA sales.
 The increase in the cost of time value of guarantees for UK operations from 2009 of £(40) million to 2010 of £(89) million primarily reflects 
the effects of short-term fluctuations in investment returns together with the reduction in risk free rate of 0.4 per cent.

v  The amounts shown in respect of free surplus and the value of in-force business for Asian and UK operations for intra-group dividends and 

investment in operations include the impact of contingent loan funding.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
421

14   EXPECTED TRANSFER OF VALUE OF IN-FORCE BUSINESS TO FREE SURPLUS

The discounted value of in-force business and required capital can be reconciled to the 2010 and 2009 totals in the tables below for the 
emergence of free surplus as follows:

Required capitalnote 13
Value of in-force (VIF)note 13
Add back: deduction for cost of time value of guaranteesnote 13
Other itemsnote

2010  £m

2009  £m

3,415 
12,051 
369 
(845)

14,990 

2,994 
10,283 
260 
(865)

12,672 

Note
‘Other items’ represents deductions for amounts incorporated into VIF where there is no definitive timeframe for when the payments will be made. 
In particular, other items includes the deduction of the value of the shareholders’ interest in the estate, the value of which is derived by increasing 
final bonus rates so as to exhaust the estate over the lifetime of the in-force with-profits business. This is an assumption to give an appropriate 
valuation. To be conservative this item is excluded from the expected free surplus generation profile below. 

Cash flows are projected on a deterministic basis and are discounted at the appropriate risk discount rate. The modelled cash flows  
use the same methodology underpinning the Group’s embedded value reporting and so are subject to the same assumptions  
and sensitivities.

The table below shows how the VIF generated by the in-force business and the associated required capital is modelled as emerging 

into free surplus over future years.

Asian operations
US operations
UK insurance operations

Total

Asian operations
US operations
UK insurance operations

Total

2010 Total as 
shown above

6,329 
4,078 
4,583 

14,990 

100%

2009 Total as 
shown above

4,911 
3,739 
4,022 

12,672 

100%

2010  £m

Expected period of conversion of future post-tax distributable earnings and 
required capital flows to free surplus

1-5 years

6-10 years

11-15 years

16-20 years

20+ years

2,304 
2,358 
1,792 

6,454 

43%

1,407 
1,007 
1,173 

3,587 

24%

866 
421 
755 

591 
173 
468 

2,042 

1,232 

14%

8%

1,161 
119 
395 

1,675 

11%

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

2009  £m

Expected period of conversion of future post-tax distributable earnings and 
required capital flows to free surplus

1-5 years

6-10 years

11-15 years

16-20 years

20+ years

1,716 
2,129 
1,591 

5,436 

43%

1,121 
980 
1,035 

3,136 

25%

687 
364 
653 

1,704 

13%

455 
153 
401 

1,009 

8%

932 
113 
342 

1,387 

11%

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I

O
N

E
E
V
B
A
S
I
S
S
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422

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

15   SENSITIVITY OF RESULTS TO ALTERNATIVE ASSUMPTIONS

a  Sensitivity analysis – economic assumptions
The tables below show the sensitivity of the embedded value as at 31 December 2010 (31 December 2009) and the new business 
contribution after the effect of required capital for 2010 and 2009 to:

•  one per cent increase in the discount rates;
•  one per cent increase and decrease in interest rates, including all consequential changes (assumed investment returns for  

all asset classes, market values of fixed interest assets, risk discount rates);

•  one per cent rise in equity and property yields;
•  10 per cent fall in market value of equity and property assets (not applicable for new business contribution); 
•  holding company statutory minimum capital (by contrast to economic capital);
•  five basis point increase in long-term expected defaults; and
•  10 basis point increase in the liquidity premium for UK shareholder-backed annuities.

In each sensitivity calculation, all other assumptions remain unchanged except where they are directly affected by the revised  
economic conditions.

NEW BUSINESS PROFIT FOR 2010 
As reportednote 10

Discount rates – 1% increase 
Interest rates – 1% increase 
Interest rates – 1% decrease
Equity/property yields – 1% rise 
Long-term expected defaults – 5 bps increase 
Liquidity premium – 10 bps increase 

* The impact of the sensitivities above for Japan for 2010 is negligible.

NEW BUSINESS PROFIT FOR 2009 
As reported

Discount rates – 1% increase 
Interest rates – 1% increase 
Interest rates – 1% decrease
Equity/property yields – 1% rise 
Long-term expected defaults – 5 bps increase 
Liquidity premium – 10 bps increase 

2010  £m

Asian 
operations 
(including 
Japan*)

US 
operations

UK 
insurance 
operations

Total 
long-term 
business 
operations 

901 

 (111)
 (7)
 (20)
41 
– 
– 

761 

 (51)
34 
 (40)
63 
– 
– 

365 

 (53)
 (8)
8 
12 
 (13)
26 

 2,027 

 (215)
19 
 (52)
116 
 (13)
26 

2009  £m

Asian 
operations 
(including 
Japan)

US 
operations

UK 
insurance 
operations

Total 
long-term 
business
operations 

713 

(91)
(3)
3 
31 
–
–

664 

(48)
8 
(12)
39 
–
–

230 

(43)
(7)
8 
11 
(9)
18 

1,607 

 (182)
 (2)
(1)
81 
(9)
18 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
423

2010  £m

Asian 
operations 

US 
operations

UK 
insurance 
operations

Total 
long-term 
business
operations 

7,445 

4,799 

5,970 

18,214 

 (643)
 (220)
176 
308 
 (174)
104 
– 
– 

 (437)
 (254)
336 
227 
 (339)
5 
 (87)
174 

 (1,244)
 (622)
615 
655 
 (518)
236 
 (87)
174 

 (164)
 (148)
 103 
120 
 (5)
127 
– 
– 

2009  £m

Asian 
operations 

US 
operations

UK 
insurance 
operations

Total 
long-term 
business
operations 

5,781 

4,122 

5,439 

15,342 

(522)
(183)
231 
255 
(147)
28 
–
–

(146)
(137)
55 
82 
(10)
123 
–
–

(401)
(231)
298 
213 
(298)
6 
(76)
152 

(1,069)
(551)
584 
550 
(455)
157 
(76)
152 

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

EMBEDDED VALUE OF LONG-TERM OPERATIONS  

AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

As reportednote 10

Discount rates – 1% increase 
Interest rates – 1% increase 
Interest rates – 1% decrease 
Equity/property yields – 1% rise 
Equity/property market values – 10% fall 
Statutory minimum capital 
Long-term expected defaults – 5 bps increase 
Liquidity premium – 10 bps increase 

EMBEDDED VALUE OF LONG-TERM OPERATIONS  

AT 31 DECEMBER 2009

As reportednote 10

Discount rates – 1% increase 
Interest rates – 1% increase 
Interest rates – 1% decrease 
Equity/property yields – 1% rise 
Equity/property market values – 10% fall 
Statutory minimum capital 
Long-term expected defaults – 5 bps increase 
Liquidity premium – 10 bps increase 

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I

O
N

E
E
V
B
A
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I
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S
U
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424

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

15   SENSITIVITY OF RESULTS TO ALTERNATIVE ASSUMPTIONS  >  CONTINUED

b  Sensitivity analysis – non-economic assumptions
The tables below show the sensitivity of the embedded value as at 31 December 2010 (31 December 2009) and the new business 
contribution after the effect of required capital for 2010 and 2009 to:

•  10 per cent proportionate decrease in maintenance expenses (a 10 per cent sensitivity on a base assumption of £10 per annum would 

represent an expense assumption of £9 per annum);

•  10 per cent proportionate decrease in lapse rates (a 10 per cent sensitivity on a base assumption of five per cent would represent  

a lapse rate of 4.5 per cent per annum); and

•  five per cent proportionate decrease in base mortality and morbidity rates (i.e. increased longevity).

NEW BUSINESS PROFIT FOR 2010 
As reportednote 10

Maintenance expenses – 10% decrease 
Lapse rates – 10% decrease 
Mortality and morbidity – 5% decrease 
Change representing effect on: 

Life business 
UK annuities 

* The impact of the sensitivities above for Japan for 2010 is negligible.

NEW BUSINESS PROFIT FOR 2009 
As reported

Maintenance expenses – 10% decrease 
Lapse rates – 10% decrease 
Mortality and morbidity – 5% decrease 
Change representing effect on: 

Life business 
UK annuities 

2010  £m

Asian 
operations 
(including 
Japan*)

US 
operations

UK 
insurance 
operations

Total 
long-term 
business 
operations 

365 

5 
8 
(20)

1 
(21)

2,027 

41 
120 
37 

58 
(21)

901 

761 

27 
81 
50 

50 
– 

9 
31 
7 

7 
– 

2009  £m

Asian 
operations 
(including 
Japan)

US 
operations

UK 
insurance 
operations

Total 
long-term
business 
operations 

713 

664 

19 
56 
37 

37 
– 

9 
34 
7 

7 
– 

230 

8 
11 
(11)

1 
(12)

1,607 

36 
101 
33 

45 
(12)

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
425

2010  £m

Asian 
operations 

US 
operations

UK 
insurance 
operations

Total 
long-term
business 
operations 

7,445 

4,799 

5,970 

18,214 

104 
293 
233 

233 
– 

48 
67 
(181)

12 
(193)

39 
158 
81 

81 
– 

2009  £m

191 
518 
133 

326 
(193)

Asian 
operations 

US 
operations

UK 
insurance 
operations

Total 
long-term 
business
operations 

5,781 

4,122 

5,439 

15,342 

77 
232 
169 

169 
– 

33 
141 
78 

78 
– 

43 
70 
(157)

11 
(168)

153 
443 
90 

258 
(168)

EMBEDDED VALUE OF LONG-TERM OPERATIONS  

AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

As reportednote 10

Maintenance expenses – 10% decrease 
Lapse rates – 10% decrease 
Mortality and morbidity – 5% decrease 
Change representing effect on: 

Life business 
UK annuities 

EMBEDDED VALUE OF LONG-TERM OPERATIONS  

AT 31 DECEMBER 2009

As reportednote 10

Maintenance expenses – 10% decrease 
Lapse rates – 10% decrease 
Mortality and morbidity – 5% decrease 
Change representing effect on: 

Life business 
UK annuities 

Effect of proposed change in UK corporation tax rates
The 2010 results include the impact of the change in UK corporate tax rate that has been enacted to reduce the rate from 28 to 27 per 
cent from 1 April 2011. The effect of further reductions in the UK corporate tax rate to reduce the rate by one per cent per annum each 
year from the effective rate of 27 per cent applied in 2010 to 24 per cent in 2014 would increase the net of tax value of the in-force 
business of UK insurance operations at 1 January 2010 by around £80 million.

16   ASSUMPTIONS

a  Principal economic assumptions
Deterministic assumptions
The tables below summarise the principal financial assumptions:

Assumed investment returns reflect the expected future returns on the assets held and allocated to the covered business at the  

valuation date.

Equity risk premiums in Asia range from 3.25 per cent to 8.7 per cent (2009: 3.0 per cent to 8.35 per cent). In the US and the UK,  

the equity risk premium is 4.0 per cent (2009: 4.0 per cent).

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

I

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F
O
R
M
A
T
I

O
N

E
E
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A
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I
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426

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

16   ASSUMPTIONS  >  CONTINUED

ASIAN OPERATIONSnote i

China
note vi

Hong 
Kong 
notes iii,v

India Indonesia
notes iii,vi

Japan

Korea
note vi

Malaysia 
notes iv,v

Philippines
notes iii,vi

Singapore 
note v

Taiwan

Thailand Vietnam
note vi

31 Dec 2010 %

10.45 
10.45 

5.1 
5.1 

13.1 
13.1 

13.0 
13.0 

4.9 
4.9 

7.9 
8.1 

7.0 
7.1 

13.2 
13.2 

5.4 
6.1 

5.0 
5.2 

10.5 
10.5 

18.85 
18.85 

2.5 

2.25 

4.0 

5.0 

– 

3.0 

2.5 

4.0 

2.0 

1.0 

3.0 

5.5 

3.95 

3.3 

8.1 

7.75 

1.1 

4.6 

4.0 

6.4 

2.7 

1.6 

3.8 

12.1 

China
note vi

Hong 
Kong 
notes iii,v

India Indonesia
notes iii,vi

Japan

Korea
note vi

Malaysia 
notes iv,v

Philippines
notes iii,vi

Singapore 
note v

Taiwan

Thailand Vietnam
note vi

31 Dec 2009  %

11.75 
11.75 

5.5 
5.7 

14.25 
14.25 

13.8 
13.8 

5.1 
5.1 

8.2 
8.4 

9.1 
9.3 

15.75 
15.75 

5.7 
6.8 

7.5 
7.5 

13.0 
13.0 

16.75 
16.75 

4.0 

2.25 

5.0 

6.0 

– 

2.75 

2.75 

5.0 

1.75 

2.25 

3.0 

6.0 

8.25 

3.9 

9.25 

10.25 

1.9 

5.5 

6.5 

9.25 

4.25 

5.5 

6.75 

10.25 

Risk discount rate: 
New business 
In force 

Expected long-term 
rate of inflation 

Government  

bond yield 

Risk discount rate: 
New business 
In force 

Expected long-term 
rate of inflation 

Government  

bond yield 

Weighted risk discount rate:note ii 

New business (excluding Japan) 
In force 

Asia total  %

31 Dec 2010

31 Dec 2009

8.4 
8.1 

9.0 
8.8 

Notes
i 

In preparing the EEV basis results for 2010 the ‘active’ basis of economic assumption setting has been applied for all Asian operations.  
For 2009 the ‘active’ basis was applied in preparing the EEV results for Japan, Korea and US dollar denominated business written in Hong Kong, 
as described in note 1(b). 

ii  The weighted risk discount rates for Asian operations shown above have been determined by weighting each country’s risk discount rates by 

reference to the EEV basis new business result and the closing value of in-force business.

iii  The assumptions shown are for US dollar denominated business which comprises the largest proportion of the in-force Hong Kong business.  

The risk discount rates shown for Indonesia and Philippines are for local currency denominated business which comprises the largest 
proportion of the in-force business in those territories.

iv  The risk discount rate for Malaysia reflects both the Malaysia life and Takaful operations.
v  The mean equity return assumptions for the most significant equity holdings in the Asian operations were:

Hong Kong
Malaysia
Singapore

31 Dec 2010  % 31 Dec 2009  %

7.3 
10.0 
8.7 

7.9 
12.4 
10.2 

vi 

To obtain the mean, an average over all simulations of the accumulated return at the end of the projection period is calculated. The annual 
average return is then calculated by taking the root of the average accumulated return minus 1.
In 2009, the Group reconsidered the application of the Group’s methodology for certain less established operations, with a consequent change in 
the risk discount rates used for Indonesia and Korea and a change in the assumed capital requirement to better align with internal management 
and pricing bases, primarily in China, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
427

US OPERATIONS (JACKSON)

31 Dec 2010 % 31 Dec 2009  %

Assumed new business spread margins:note iii

Fixed Annuity business (including the proportion of variable annuity business invested in  

the general account):note i 
First five years:  

January to June issues 
July to December issues 

Long-term assumption 
Fixed Index Annuity business: 
January to June issues 
July to December issues 

Risk discount rate: 

Variable annuity 
Non-variable annuity 
  Weighted average total:note ii
New business 
In force 

US 10-year treasury bond rate at end of period 
Pre-tax expected long-term nominal rate of return for US equities 
Expected long-term rate of inflation 

2.0 
2.0 
2.0 

2.5 
2.5 

7.8 
5.6 

7.6 
6.9 
3.3 
7.3 
2.3 

2.75 
2.25 
2.0 

3.5 
2.5 

8.2 
6.2 

7.8 
7.2 
3.9 
7.9 
2.4 

Notes
i 

For new business issuances in 2010, the assumed spread margin for fixed annuities and for the proportion of variable annuity business  
invested in the general account of 2.0 per cent applies from inception for all durations and reflects the combined effects of net annualised yields 
on new assets of 4.8 per cent and crediting rates. The spread assumptions for 2009 of 2.75 per cent for January to June issuances and 2.25 per 
cent for July to December issuances, reflected the exceptional combined benefit of high investment yields which were 6.4 per cent for 2009,  
and lower crediting rates. The assumptions for 2009 included a provision that crediting rates and spreads would normalise in the future. 
Therefore, the assumption for new business spreads shown above were set at the higher new level for the first five years before reducing over  
the following 10 years with the valuation of new business taking into account an assumed associated risk of increased lapse under certain 
interest rate scenarios.

ii  The weighted average risk discount rates reflect the mix of business between variable annuity and non-variable annuity business. The decrease 
in the weighted average risk discount rates from 2009 to 2010 primarily reflects the decrease in the US 10-year Treasury bond rate of 60 bps, 
partly offset by a change in the product mix with the 2010 results seeing an increase in the proportion of new and in-force business arising from 
Variable Annuity business.

iii  Credit risk treatment

The projected cash flows incorporate the expected long-term spread between the earned rate and the rate credited to policyholders. The 
projected earned rates reflect book value yields which are adjusted over time to reflect projected reinvestment rates. Positive net cash flows are 
assumed to be reinvested in a mix of corporate bonds, commercial mortgages and limited partnerships. The yield on those assets is assumed to 
grade from the current level to a yield that allows for a long-term assumed credit spread on the reinvested assets of 1.25 per cent over 10 years. 
The expected new business spread margins are determined after allowing for a Risk Margin Reserve (RMR) allowance for 2010 of 26 bps (2009: 
28 bps) for longer-term defaults as described in note 1b(iii). The RMR of 26 bps represents the allowance, as at the valuation applied in the cash 
flow projections of the value of the in-force business.

In the event that longer-term default levels are higher, then unlike for UK annuity business where policyholder benefits are not changeable, 

Jackson has some discretion to adjust crediting rates, subject to contract guarantee levels and general market competition considerations.

The results for Jackson reflect the application of the discount rates shown above, which for 2010 and 2009 reflect the inclusion of an 

additional allowance for a combination of credit risk premium and short-term default allowance as described in note 1b(iii) and note 5. 

In the event that US 10-year treasury rates increase, the altered embedded value results would reflect a lower contribution from fixed 
annuity business and a partially offsetting increase for variable annuity business as the projected earned rate, as well as the discount rate,  
would increase for this type of business.

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I

O
N

E
E
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428

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

16   ASSUMPTIONS  >  CONTINUED

UK INSURANCE OPERATIONSnote iv

SHAREHOLDER-BACKED ANNUITY BUSINESS: 
Risk discount rate:notes i,iv
New business 
In force 

Pre-tax expected long-term nominal rate of return for shareholder-backed annuity business:note iii

Fixed annuities 
Inflation-linked annuities 

OTHER BUSINESS: 
Risk discount rate:notes ii,iv
New business 
In force 

Pre-tax expected long-term nominal rates of investment return:

UK equities 
  Overseas equities 

Property 

  Gilts 

Corporate bondsnote iv
Expected long-term rate of inflation 

Post-tax expected long-term nominal rate of return for the PAC with-profits fund:

Pension business (where no tax applies) 
Life business 

31 Dec 2010  % 31 Dec 2009  %

7.3 
9.9 

5.1 
5.2 

6.9 
7.0 

8.7 
10.2 

5.6 
5.8 

7.7 
7.4 

8.0 
7.3 to 10.2
6.7 
4.0 
5.7 
3.55 

8.4 
7.9 to 10.3
6.7 
4.4 
6.1 
3.7 

6.7 
5.9 

6.9 
6.0 

Notes
i 

The risk discount rate applied to shareholder-backed annuity business has been determined after allowing for credit risk as detailed in  
note iv below. 

ii  The risk discount rates for new business and business in force for UK insurance operations other than shareholder-backed annuities reflect 

weighted rates based on the type of business.

iii  The pre-tax rates of return for shareholder-backed annuity business are based on the gross redemption yield on the backing assets net of a best 

estimate allowance for future defaults.

iv  Credit spread treatment 

For with-profits business, the embedded value reflects the discounted value of future shareholder transfers. These transfers are directly  
affected by the level of projected rates of return on investments, including debt securities. For 2010 and 2009 results the assumed earned rate  
for with-profit holdings of corporate bonds is defined as the risk-free rate plus an assessment of the long-term spread over gilts, net of expected 
long-term defaults. This approach is similar to that applied for equities and properties for which the projected earned rate is defined as the 
risk-free rate plus a long-term risk premium.

For UK shareholder-backed annuity business, different dynamics apply both in terms of the nature of the business and the EEV methodology 

applied. For this type of business the assets are generally held to maturity to match long duration liabilities. It is therefore appropriate under  
EEV methodology to include a liquidity premium in the economic basis used. The appropriate EEV risk discount rate is set in order to equate the 
EEV with a ‘market consistent embedded value’ including liquidity premium. The liquidity premium in the ‘market consistent embedded value’ 
is derived from the yield on the assets held after deducting an appropriate allowance for credit risk. The risk discount rate in EEV reflects the 
excess of the total allowance for credit risk over the best estimate default assumptions. For Prudential Retirement Income Limited (PRIL), which 
has approximately 88 per cent of UK shareholder-backed annuity business, the allowance for credit risk for the in-force business at 31 December 
2010 is made up of:
a 

 16 basis points for fixed annuities and 14 basis points for inflation-linked annuities in respect of long-term expected defaults. This is derived 
by applying Moody’s data from 1970 to 2009 uplifted by between 100 per cent (B) and 200 per cent (AAA) according to credit rating, to the 
asset portfolios.
 11 basis points for fixed annuities and 9 basis points for inflation-linked annuities in respect of long-term credit risk premium for the potential 
volatility in default levels. This is derived by applying the 95th worst percentile from Moody’s data from 1970 to 2009, to the asset portfolios.
 43 basis points for fixed annuities and 39 basis points for inflation-linked annuities in respect of additional short-term credit risk, reflecting 
short-term credit rating downgrades and defaults in excess of the long-term assumptions. This element of the overall credit assumption has 
not been derived by reference to credit spreads; rather it has been reduced in order to offset the impact of actual downgrades during the 
period on the long-term assumptions in (a) and (b) above and increased to eliminate the positive experience variance that would otherwise 
have arisen from the small number of actual defaults that were experienced in the period. In addition, the assumptions have been updated  
to reflect changes in the asset mix, arising particularly from the sale of subordinated financial debt and the addition of higher credit quality 
new business assets (compared to the in-force portfolio).

b 

c 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
429

The credit assumptions used and the residual liquidity premium element of the bond spread over swap rates is as follows:

IN-FORCE BUSINESS

Bond spread over swap rates 

Credit risk allowance

Long-term expected defaults 
Long-term credit risk premium 
Short-term allowance for credit risk 

Total credit risk allowance2

Liquidity premium 

NEW BUSINESS1

Bond spread over swap rates 
Total credit risk allowance2

Liquidity premium 

  Notes

2010 (bps)

2009 (bps)

160 

16 
10 
42 

68 

92 

175 

19 
13 
39 

71 

104 

2010 (bps)

2009 (bps)

117 
38 

79 

198 
54 

144 

1 
2 

The new business liquidity premium is based on the weighted average of the point of sale liquidity premium.
 For 2010 and 2009, specific assets were allocated to the year’s new business with the appropriate allowance for credit risk which was 38 basis 
points (2009: 54 basis points). The reduced allowance for new business in comparison to that for the in-force book reflects the assets held 
and other factors that influence the necessary level of provision.

The overall allowance for credit risk is prudent by comparison with historic rates of default and would be sufficient to withstand a wide 

range of extreme credit events over the expected lifetime of the annuity business.

Stochastic assumptions
The economic assumptions used for the stochastic calculations are consistent with those used for the deterministic calculations 
described above. Assumptions specific to the stochastic calculations, such as the volatilities of asset returns, reflect local market 
conditions and are based on a combination of actual market data, historic market data and an assessment of longer-term economic 
conditions. Common principles have been adopted across the Group for the stochastic asset models, for example, separate modelling  
of individual asset classes but with allowance for correlation between the various asset classes.
  Details are given below of the key characteristics and calibrations of each model.

Asian operations
•  The same asset return models as used in the UK, appropriately calibrated, have been used for the Asian operations as described for 
UK insurance operations below. The principal asset classes are government and corporate bonds. Equity holdings are much lower 
than in the UK whilst property holdings do not represent a significant investment asset.

•  The stochastic cost of guarantees is primarily only of significance for the Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore operations.
•  The mean stochastic returns are consistent with the mean deterministic returns for each country. The expected volatility of equity 

returns for 2010 and 2009 ranges from 18 per cent to 35 per cent, and the volatility of government bond yields ranges for 2010 from 
0.9 per cent to 2.4 per cent (2009: 1.3 per cent to 2.4 per cent).

F
I

N
A
N
C
I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

US operations (Jackson)
•  Interest rates are projected using a log-normal generator calibrated to the market yield curve at the valuation date;
•  Corporate bond returns are based on Treasury securities plus a spread that has been calibrated to current market conditions and 

varies by credit quality; and

•  Variable annuity equity returns and bond interest rates have been stochastically generated using a log-normal model with parameters 
determined by reference to historical data. The volatility of equity fund returns for 2010 ranges from 19.0 per cent to 32.1 per cent, 
(2009: 18.6 per cent to 28.1 per cent) depending on the risk class and the class of equity, and the standard deviation of interest rates 
ranges from 2.0 per cent to 2.4 per cent (2009: 1.4 per cent to 1.6 per cent).

UK insurance operations
•  Interest rates are projected using a two-factor model calibrated to the initial market yield curve;
•  The risk premium on equity assets is assumed to follow a log-normal distribution;
•  The corporate bond return is calculated as the return on a zero-coupon bond plus a spread. The spread process is a mean reverting 

stochastic process; and

•  Property returns are modelled in a similar fashion to corporate bonds, namely as the return on a riskless bond, plus a risk premium,  

plus a process representative of the change in residual values and the change in value of the call option on rents.

I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I

O
N

E
E
V
B
A
S
I
S
S
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P
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E
M
E
N
T
A
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Y

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
430

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

16   ASSUMPTIONS  >  CONTINUED

Mean returns have been derived as the annualised arithmetic average return across all simulations and durations.

For each projection year, standard deviations have been calculated by taking the square root of the annualised variance of the returns 

over all the simulations. These have been averaged over all durations in the projection. For equity and property, the standard deviations 
relate to the total return on these assets. The standard deviations applied are as follows:

Equities: 
UK

  Overseas 
Property

2010  %

2009  %

18.0 
18.0 
15.0 

18.0 
18.0 
15.0 

b  Demographic assumptions
Persistency, mortality and morbidity assumptions are based on an analysis of recent experience but also reflect expected future 
experience. Where relevant, when calculating the time value of financial options and guarantees, policyholder withdrawal rates vary  
in line with the emerging investment conditions according to management’s expectations.

c  Expense assumptions
Expense levels, including those of service companies that support the Group’s long-term business operations, are based on internal 
expense analysis investigations and are appropriately allocated to acquisition of new business and renewal of in-force business. 
Exceptional expenses are identified and reported separately. It is Prudential’s policy not to take credit for future cost reduction 
programmes until the savings have been delivered.

For Asian life operations, the expenses comprise costs borne directly and recharged costs from the Asia Regional Head Office,  

that are attributable to covered business. The assumed future expenses for these operations also include projections of these  
future recharges.

Expenditure of the Regional Head Office that is not allocated to the covered business or asset management operations is charged  

as incurred. These costs are primarily for corporate related activities. Development expenses are also charged as incurred. 

Corporate expenditure for Group Head Office, to the extent not allocated to the PAC with-profits funds, together with Solvency II 

implementation and restructuring costs, are charged to EEV basis results as incurred.

d  Taxation and other legislation
Current taxation and other legislation have been assumed to continue unaltered except where changes have been announced and the 
relevant legislation passed.

17   ACQUISITION OF UNITED OVERSEAS BANK LIFE ASSURANCE LIMITED

On 1 February 2010, the Group acquired from United Overseas Bank (UOB) its 100 per cent interest in UOB Life Assurance Limited  
in Singapore for total cash consideration, after post-completion adjustments of SGD67 million (£32 million), of SGD495 million  
(£220 million). As part of the transaction the Group also entered into a long-term strategic partnership to develop a major regional 
bancassurance business with UOB.

In addition to the amounts above the Group incurred £2 million of acquisition-related costs (excluding integration costs). 

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Cash consideration
Less: fair value of identifiable net assets acquired

Goodwill arising on acquisition

£m

220 
(79)

141 

Goodwill arose on the acquisition of UOB Life Assurance Limited in Singapore because the acquisition included revenue and cost 
synergies. These synergies could not be recognised as assets separately from goodwill because they are not capable of being separated 
from the Group and sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, either individually or together with any related contracts and did 
not arise from contractual or other legal rights.

None of the goodwill arising on this transaction is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
431

18   DILUTION OF HOLDING IN PRUHEALTH

On 1 August 2010, Discovery Holdings of South Africa, the Group’s joint venture partner in its investment in PruHealth completed  
the acquisition of the entire share capital of Standard Life Healthcare, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Standard Life Group, for 
£138 million. Discovery funded the purchase of the Standard Life Healthcare transaction, and contributed Standard Life Healthcare  
to PruHealth as a capital investment on completion. As a result of the transaction, Discovery have increased their shareholding in 
PruHealth from the previous level of 50 per cent to 75 per cent, and Prudential’s shareholding has been reduced from 50 per cent  
of the previous joint venture structure to 25 per cent of the new structure with the much enlarged business.

A gain of £3 million arises upon the dilution, representing the difference between the fair value of the enlarged 25 per cent 

investment still held and the book value of the original 50 per cent investment holding.

19   SALE OF THE TAIWAN AGENCY BUSINESS IN 2009

Profit on sale and results for Taiwan agency business

2009  £m

91 

In 2009, the Company sold the assets and liabilities of its agency distribution business and its agency force in Taiwan to China Life 
Insurance Company Ltd of Taiwan for the nominal sum of NT$1. In addition, the Company invested £45 million to purchase a 9.99 per 
cent stake in China Life through a share placement. The sale was completed on 19 June 2009.

The Company retained its interest in life insurance business in Taiwan through its retained bank distribution partnerships and  
its direct investment of 9.99 per cent in China Life made in 2009. At 31 December 2010 the Company’s interest in China Life was  
8.66 per cent.

The profit on sale and results for the period of ownership comprise:

Proceeds
Net asset value attributable to equity holders of Company after the effect of completion and other adjustments  

and provision for restructuring costs

Goodwill written off

Representing:
Profit arising on sale and result for long-term business operations
Goodwill written off
Adjustments in respect of restructuring costs borne by non-covered business

£m

–

135
(44)

91

148
(44)
(13)

91

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20   POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

In January 2011, the Company issued US$550 million 7.75 per cent Tier 1 subordinated debt, primarily to retail investors. The proceeds, 
net of costs, were US$539 million and are intended to finance the repayment of the ¤500 million Tier 2 subordinated notes in  
December 2011.

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432

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

NOTES ON THE EEV BASIS RESULTS
CONTINUED

21   NEW BUSINESS PREMIUMS AND CONTRIBUTIONS notes i,ii,iii

GROUP INSURANCE OPERATIONS 
Asia – excl Japannote iii
US 
UK 

GROUP TOTAL – EXCL JAPAN 
Japannote iii

GROUP TOTAL 

ASIAN INSURANCE OPERATIONS 
Hong Kong 
Indonesia 
Malaysia 
Philippines 
Singapore 
Thailand 
Vietnam 

SE Asian operations  inc. Hong Kong 
China (Group’s 50% interest) 
India (Group’s 26% interest) 
Korea 
Taiwan 

 Single

 Regular

Annual premium and 
contribution 
equivalents (APE)

 Present value of new 
business premiums 
(PVNBP)

2010  £m 2009  £m 2010  £m 2009  £m 2010  £m 2009  £m 2010  £m 2009  £m

 1,104 
 11,417 
 5,656 

 785 
 8,885 
 4,768 

 18,177 
 13 

 14,438 
 57 

 1,391 
 22 
 254 

 1,667 
 6 

 1,131 
 24 
 246 

 1,401 
 46 

 1,501 
 1,164 
 820 

 3,485 
 7 

 1,209 
 912 
 723 

 7,493 
 11,572 
 6,842 

 5,982 
 9,048 
 5,902 

 2,844 
 52 

 25,907 
 39 

 20,932 
 263 

 18,190 

 14,495 

 1,673 

 1,447 

 3,492 

 2,896 

 25,946 

 21,195 

 107 
 141 
 58 
 64 
 318 
 15 
 1 

 704 
 103 
 85 
 66 
 146 

 94 
 41 
 63 
 14 
 297 
 14 
 1 

 524 
 72 
 47 
 38 
 104 

 276 
 269 
 198 
 17 
 143 
 25 
 41 

 969 
 48 
 180 
 89 
 105 

 232 
 186 
 140 
 10 
 98 
 14 
 35 

 715 
 38 
 163 
 118 
 97 

 287 
 283 
 204 
 23 
 175 
 26 
 41 

 1,039 
 58 
 188 
 96 
 120 

 241 
 190 
 146 
 11 
 128 
 16 
 35 

 767 
 45 
 168 
 122 
 107 

 1,693 
 1,011 
 1,153 
 108 
 1,357 
 100 
 148 

 5,570 
 336 
 582 
 486 
 519 

 1,414 
 671 
 814 
 39 
 1,033 
 54 
 128 

 4,153 
 253 
 581 
 568 
 427 

TOTAL ASIAN OPERATIONS – EXCL JAPAN 

 1,104 

 785 

 1,391 

 1,131 

 1,501 

 1,209 

 7,493 

 5,982 

US INSURANCE OPERATIONS 
Fixed annuities 
Fixed index annuities 
Life 
Variable annuities 

 836 
 1,089 
 11 
 9,481 

 1,053 
 1,433 
 10 
 6,389 

TOTAL US INSURANCE OPERATIONS 

 11,417 

 8,885 

UK INSURANCE OPERATIONS 
Direct and partnership annuities 
Intermediated annuities 
Internal vesting annuities 

Total individual annuities 

Corporate pensions 
Onshore bonds 
Other products 
Wholesalenote iv

TOTAL UK INSURANCE OPERATIONS 

 593 
 221 
 1,235 

 590 
 242 
 1,357 

 2,049 

 2,189 

 228 
 1,660 
 774 
 945 

 192 
 1,444 
 881 
 62 

 5,656 

 4,768 

–
–
 22 
–

 22 

–
–
–

–

 198 
–
 56 
–

 254 

–
–
 24 
–

 24 

–
–
–

–

 191 
–
 55 
–

 246 

 84 
 109 
 23 
 948 

 105 
 143 
 25 
 639 

 836 
 1,089 
 166 
 9,481 

 1,053 
 1,433 
 173 
 6,389 

 1,164 

 912 

 11,572 

 9,048 

 59 
 22 
 124 

 205 

 221 
 166 
 133 
 95 

 820 

 59 
 24 
 136 

 593 
 221 
 1,235 

 590 
 242 
 1,357 

 219 

 2,049 

 2,189 

 210 
 145 
 143 
 6 

 1,099 
 1,660 
 1,089 
 945 

 1,007 
 1,444 
 1,200 
 62 

 723 

 6,842 

 5,902 

GROUP TOTAL – EXCL JAPAN 

 18,177 

 14,438 

 1,667 

 1,401 

 3,485 

 2,844 

 25,907 

 20,932 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
433

Notes
i 

The tables shown above are provided as an indicative volume measure of transactions undertaken in the reporting period that have the potential 
to generate profits for shareholders. The amounts shown are not, and not intended to be, reflective of premium income recorded in the IFRS 
income statement. 

Annual Premiums Equivalents (APE) are calculated as the aggregate of regular new business amounts and one-tenth of single new business 
amounts and are subject to roundings. The Present Value of New Business Premiums (PVNBP) are calculated as equalling single premiums plus 
the present value of expected premiums of new regular premium business, allowing for lapses and other assumptions made in determining the 
EEV new business contribution. 

New business premiums reflect those premiums attaching to covered business, including premiums for contracts classified as investment 

products for IFRS basis reporting. New business premiums for regular premium products are shown on an annualised basis. Internal vesting 
business is classified as new business where the contracts include an open market option. 

ii  The table above includes new business for the Taiwan bank distribution operation. New business of the Taiwan Agency business, which was sold 

in June 2009, is excluded from the table. 

iii  New business sales for the Group’s Japanese insurance subsidiary, which ceased selling new business with effect from 15 February 2010, have 

been presented separately from the remainder of the Group.

iv  UK wholesale sales for 2010 include amounts for a bulk annuity buy-in insurance agreement with an APE of £88 million.

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434

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN 
RESPECT OF THE EUROPEAN EMBEDDED VALUE (EEV) 
BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The directors have chosen to prepare supplementary 
information in accordance with the EEV Principles issued in  
May 2004 by the European CFO Forum as supplemented by the 
Additional Guidance on EEV Disclosures issued in October 2005.

When compliance with the EEV Principles is stated, those 
principles require the directors to prepare supplementary 
information in accordance with the Embedded Value 
Methodology (EVM) contained in the EEV Principles and to 
disclose and explain any non-compliance with the EEV guidance 
included in the EEV Principles. 

In preparing the EEV supplementary information, the  
directors have:

•  Prepared the supplementary information in accordance with 

the EEV Principles; 

•  identified and described the business covered by the EVM;
•  applied the EVM consistently to the covered business;
•  determined assumptions on a realistic basis, having regard  
to past, current and expected future experience and to any 
relevant external data, and then applied them consistently;

•  made estimates that are reasonable and consistent; and
•  described the basis on which business that is not covered 

business has been included in the supplementary information, 
including any material departures from the accounting 
framework applicable to the Group’s financial statements.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  >  INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

435

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO  
PRUDENTIAL PLC ON THE EUROPEAN EMBEDDED 
VALUE (EEV) BASIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

We have audited the EEV basis supplementary information  
(‘the supplementary information’) of Prudential plc (‘the 
Company’) for the year ended 31 December 2010 set out on 
pages 389 to 433. The financial reporting framework that has 
been applied in the preparation of the supplementary 
information is the European Embedded Value Principles issued  
in May 2004 by the European CFO Forum as supplemented  
by the Additional Guidance on European Embedded Value 
Disclosures issued in October 2005 (together ‘the EEV Principles’) 
using the methodology and assumptions set out on pages 395 to 
400 and 425 to 430 respectively. The supplementary information 
should be read in conjunction with the Group financial 
statements which are on pages 153 to 352. 

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with the 
terms of our engagement. Our audit work has been undertaken 
so that we might state to the Company those matters we have 
been engaged to state in this report and for no other purpose.  
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or 
assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company for our 
audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement set out on page 434, the directors have accepted 
responsibility for the preparation of the supplementary 
information on the EEV basis in accordance with the  
EEV Principles. 

Our responsibility is to audit, and express an opinion on, the 
supplementary information in accordance with the terms of our 
engagement and having regard to International Standards on 
Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply 
with the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards  
for Auditors. 

Scope of the audit of the supplementary information
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the supplementary information sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the supplementary information is  
free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or 
error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting 
policies are appropriate to Group’s circumstances and have  
been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; and the 
reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the 
directors. In view of the purpose for which the supplementary 
information has been prepared, however, we did not assess the 
overall presentation of the supplementary information which 
would have been required if we were to express an audit opinion 
under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). 

Opinion on supplementary information
In our opinion, the EEV basis supplementary information of  
the Company for the year ended 31 December 2010 has been 
properly prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with 
the EEV Principles using the methodology and assumptions set 
out on pages 395 to 400 and 425 to 430 respectively. 

G BAINBRIDGE 
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF KPMG AUDIT PLC 
Chartered Accountants  
London

8 March 2011

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436

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

437

ADDITIONAL  
INFORMATION

438  Risk factors
443 
445  How to contact us

Shareholder information

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438

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  >  RISK FACTORS

RISK FACTORS

A number of factors (risk factors) affect Prudential’s operating 
results and financial condition and, accordingly, the trading price 
of its shares. The risk factors mentioned below should not be 
regarded as a complete and comprehensive statement of all 
potential risks and uncertainties. The information given is as of 
the date of this report, is not updated, and any forward looking 
statements are made subject to the reservations specified below 
under ‘Forward Looking Statements’.

Prudential’s approaches to managing risks are explained in the 
‘Business review’ section under ‘Risk and capital management’. 

Risks relating to Prudential’s business
Prudential’s businesses are inherently subject to 
market fluctuations and general economic conditions
Prudential’s businesses are inherently subject to market 
fluctuations and general economic conditions. Uncertain or 
negative trends in international economic and investment 
climates could adversely affect Prudential’s business and 
profitability. The adverse effects of volatility arising from such 
uncertainty and negative trends, including the unprecedented 
market dislocation across asset classes and geographical markets 
witnessed in 2008 and in the first half of 2009, have been and 
would be felt principally through the following:

•  investment impairments or reduced investment returns, as 

a result of market volatility, could impair Prudential’s ability to 
write significant volumes of new business which would have 
a negative impact on its assets under management and profit;
•  higher credit defaults and wider credit and liquidity spreads 

resulting in realised and unrealised credit losses, as 
experienced during 2008 and 2009, when illiquidity and 
credit spreads reached all-time highs;

•  Prudential in the normal course of business enters into 
a variety of transactions with counterparties, including 
derivative transactions. Failure of any of these counterparties 
to discharge their obligations, or where adequate collateral is 
not in place, could have an adverse impact on Prudential’s 
results; and

•  estimates of the value of financial instruments are difficult 

because in certain illiquid or closed markets, determining the 
value at which financial instruments can be realised is highly 
subjective. Processes to ascertain value and estimates of value 
require substantial elements of judgement, assumptions and 
estimates (which may change over time). Increased illiquidity 
also adds to uncertainty over the accessibility of financial 
resources and may reduce capital resources as valuations 
decline.

During the period of market dislocation in 2008 and the first 
half of 2009, Prudential had to operate against a challenging 
background of unprecedented volatility in the global capital 
and equity markets and interest rates and widespread economic 
uncertainty. Government interest rates fell to historic lows in 

the US, global credit spreads widened to historic levels, and 
credit markets seized up reducing liquidity. These factors had 
a significant adverse effect on Prudential’s business and 
profitability during that period. Although global markets partially 
stabilised in 2009 and 2010, interest rates remain low, and many 
of the challenges of 2008 persist in the credit markets. New 
challenges may continue to emerge.

For some non-unit-linked investment products, in particular 
those written in some of the Group’s Asian operations, it may 
not be possible to hold assets which will provide cash flows to 
match exactly those relating to policyholder liabilities. This is 
particularly true in those countries where bond markets are not 
developed and in certain markets where regulated surrender 
values are set with reference to the interest rate environment 
prevailing at the time of policy issue. This results in a mismatch 
due to the duration and uncertainty of the liability cash flows 
and the lack of sufficient assets of a suitable duration. While this 
residual asset/liability mismatch risk can be managed, it cannot 
be eliminated. Where interest rates in these markets remain 
lower than interest rates used to calculate surrender values 
over a sustained period, this could have an adverse impact on 
Prudential’s reported profit.

In the US, fluctuations in prevailing interest rates can affect 
results from Jackson National Life Insurance Company (‘Jackson’) 
which has a significant spread-based business, with the majority 
of its assets invested in fixed income securities. In particular, 
fixed annuities and stable value products written by Jackson 
expose Prudential to the risk that changes in interest rates, which 
are not fully reflected in the interest rates credited to customers, 
will reduce spread. The spread is the difference between the 
rate of return Jackson is able to earn on the assets backing the 
policyholders’ liabilities and the amounts that are credited to 
policyholders in the form of benefit increases, subject to 
minimum crediting rates. 

Declines in spread from these products or other spread 
businesses that Jackson conducts could have a material impact 
on its businesses or results of operations. Jackson also writes 
a significant amount of variable annuities that offer capital or 
income protection guarantees. There could be unforeseen 
market circumstances where the derivatives that it enters into 
to hedge its market risks may not fully offset its losses, and any 
cost of the guarantees that remain unhedged will also affect 
Prudential’s results.

A significant part of the profit from Prudential’s UK insurance 
operations is related to bonuses for policyholders declared on 
with-profits products, which are broadly based on historical 
and current rates of return on equity, real estate and fixed 
income securities, as well as Prudential’s expectations of 
future investment returns. 

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

439

Prudential is subject to the risk of potential 
sovereign debt credit deterioration owing to the 
amounts of sovereign debt obligations held in its 
investment portfolio
Prudential is subject to the risk of potential sovereign debt 
credit deterioration and default. Investment in sovereign debt 
obligations involves risks not present in debt obligations of 
corporate issuers. Investing in such instruments creates 
exposure to the direct or indirect consequences of political, 
social or economic changes (including changes in governments, 
heads of states or monarchs) in the countries in which the 
issuers are located and the creditworthiness of the sovereign. 
In addition, the issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities 
that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling 
to repay principal or pay interest when due in accordance with 
the terms of such debt, and Prudential may have limited recourse 
to compel payment in the event of a default. A sovereign debtor’s 
willingness or ability to repay principal and to pay interest in a 
timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash 
flow situation, its relations with its central bank, the extent of its 
foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign 
exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the 
debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign 
debtor’s policy toward local and international lenders, and the 
political constraints to which the sovereign debtor may be 
subject. Periods of economic uncertainty may affect the volatility 
of market prices of sovereign debt to a greater extent than the 
volatility inherent in debt obligations of other types of issues. 
If a sovereign were to default on its obligations, this could have 
a material adverse effect on Prudential’s financial condition and 
results of operations.

Prudential is subject to the risk of exchange rate 
fluctuations owing to the geographical diversity of its 
businesses
Due to their geographical diversity, Prudential’s businesses are 
subject to the risk of exchange rate fluctuations. Prudential’s 
operations in the US and Asia, which represent a significant 
proportion of operating profit and shareholders’ funds, generally 
write policies and invest in assets denominated in local currency. 
Although this practice limits the effect of exchange rate 
fluctuations on local operating results, it can lead to significant 
fluctuations in Prudential’s consolidated financial statements 
upon translation of results into pounds sterling. The currency 
exposure relating to the translation of reported earnings is not 
currently separately managed. The impact of gains or losses 
on currency translations is recorded as a component of 
shareholders’ funds within other comprehensive income. 
Consequently, this could impact on Prudential’s gearing ratios 
(defined as debt over debt plus shareholders’ funds).

Prudential conducts its businesses subject to 
regulation and associated regulatory risks, including 
the effects of changes in the laws, regulations, policies 
and interpretations and any accounting standards in 
the markets in which it operates
Changes in government policy, legislation (including tax) or 
regulatory interpretation applying to companies in the financial 
services and insurance industries in any of the markets in which 
Prudential operates, which in some circumstances may be 
applied retrospectively, may adversely affect Prudential’s 
product range, distribution channels, capital requirements and, 
consequently, reported results and financing requirements. 
Also, regulators in jurisdictions in which Prudential operates may 
change the level of capital required to be held by individual 
businesses or could introduce possible changes in the regulatory 
framework for pension arrangements and policies, the regulation 
of selling practices and solvency requirements. Furthermore, as 
a result of the recent interventions by governments in response 
to global economic conditions, it is widely expected that there 
will be a substantial increase in government regulation and 
supervision of the financial services industry, including the 
possibility of higher capital requirements, restrictions on certain 
types of transaction structure, and enhanced supervisory powers.

Current EU directives, including the EU Insurance Groups 
Directive (IGD) require European financial services groups to 
demonstrate net aggregate surplus capital in excess of solvency 
requirements at the group level in respect of shareholder-owned 
entities. The test is a continuous requirement, so that Prudential 
needs to maintain a somewhat higher amount of regulatory 
capital at the group level than otherwise necessary in respect of 
some of its individual businesses to accommodate, for example, 
short-term movements in global foreign exchange rates, interest 
rates, deterioration in credit quality and equity markets. The EU 
is also developing a new solvency framework for insurance 
companies, referred to as ‘Solvency II’. The new approach will 
be based on the concept of three pillars – minimum capital 
requirements, supervisory review of firms’ assessment of risk, 
and enhanced disclosure requirements – and will cover 
valuations, the treatment of insurance groups, the definition of 
capital and the overall level of capital requirements. A key aspect 
of Solvency II is that the assessment of risks and capital 
requirements will be aligned more closely with economic capital 
methodologies, and may allow Prudential to make use of its 
internal economic capital models, if approved by the Financial 
Services Authority (FSA) or other relevant supervisory authority. 
The Solvency II Directive was formally approved by a meeting of 
the EU’s Economic and Financial Affairs Council on 10 November 
2009. The European Commission is in the process of consulting 
on the detailed rules that will complement the high-level 
Principles of the Directive, referred to as ‘implementing 
measures’, which are not expected to be finalised until late 2011. 
There is a significant uncertainty regarding the final outcome 
of this process. As a result there is a risk that the effect of the 
measures finally adopted could be adverse for Prudential, 
including potentially a significant increase in capital required 
to support its business.

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440

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  >  RISK FACTORS

RISK FACTORS
CONTINUED

Various jurisdictions in which Prudential operates have created 
investor compensation schemes that require mandatory 
contributions from market participants in some instances in the 
event of a failure of a market participant. As a major participant in  
the majority of its chosen markets, circumstances could arise 
where Prudential, along with other companies, may be required 
to make such contributions.

The Group’s accounts are prepared in accordance with current 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) applicable to 
the insurance industry. The International Accounting Standards 
Board (IASB) introduced a framework that it described as Phase 
I, which permitted insurers to continue to use the statutory basis 
of accounting for insurance assets and liabilities that existed in 
their jurisdictions prior to January 2005. In July 2010, the IASB 
has published an Exposure Draft for its Phase II on insurance 
accounting, which would introduce significant changes to the 
statutory reporting of insurance entities that prepare accounts 
according to IFRS. The IASB has indicated a target date of June 
2011 for issuing a final standard but it remains uncertain whether 
and how the proposals in the Exposure Draft will become 
definitive IFRS and when such changes might take effect.

Any changes or modification of IFRS accounting policies may 
require a change in the future results or a restatement of 
reported results.

European Embedded Value (EEV) basis results are published as 
supplementary information by Prudential using principles issued 
by the European CFO (Chief Financial Officers) Forum. The EEV 
basis is a value-based reporting method for Prudential’s 
long-term business which is used by market analysts and which 
underpins a significant part of the key performance indicators 
used by Prudential’s management for both internal and external 
reporting purposes. In June 2008, in an effort to improve the 
consistency and transparency of embedded value reporting, the 
CFO Forum published the Market Consistent Embedded Value 
(MCEV) Principles. Following a review of the impact of turbulent 
market conditions on the MCEV Principles, the CFO Forum 
announced in May 2009 the postponement of the mandatory 
reporting on an MCEV basis and subsequently, in October 2009, 
changes in the Principles to allow for the inclusion of a liquidity 
premium, which is the additional return investors require for 
investing in less liquid assets and is a key component in the 
calculation of the profitability of UK annuity business. It also 
announced that it was performing further work to develop more 
detailed application guidance to increase consistency going 
forward. When the work has been completed, Prudential will 
consider its approach to the new Principles. The adoption of the 
new Principles would give rise to different embedded value 
results from those prepared under the application of European 
Embedded Value Principles.

The resolution of several issues affecting the financial 
services industry could have a negative impact on 
Prudential’s reported results or on its relations with 
current and potential customers
Prudential is, and in the future may be, subject to legal and 
regulatory actions in the ordinary course of its business, both in 
the UK and internationally. These actions could involve a review 
of business sold in the past under acceptable market practices 
at the time, such as the requirement in the UK to provide redress 
to certain past purchasers of pension and mortgage endowment 
policies, changes to the tax regime affecting products and 
regulatory reviews on products sold and industry practices, 
including, in the latter case, businesses it has closed.

Regulators particularly, but not exclusively, in the US and the 
UK are moving towards a regime based on principles-based 
regulation which brings an element of uncertainty. These 
regulators are increasingly interested in the approach that 
product providers use to select third-party distributors and to 
monitor the appropriateness of sales made by them. In some 
cases, product providers can be held responsible for the 
deficiencies of third-party distributors.

In the US, federal and state regulators have focused on, and 
continue to devote substantial attention to, the mutual fund, fixed 
index annuity and insurance product industries. This focus includes 
new regulations in respect of the suitability of sales of certain 
products. As a result of publicity relating to widespread perceptions 
of industry abuses, there have been numerous regulatory inquiries 
and proposals for legislative and regulatory reforms.

In Asia, regulatory regimes are developing at different speeds, 
driven by a combination of global factors and local 
considerations. There is a risk that new requirements are 
introduced that challenge current practices, or are 
retrospectively applied to sales made prior to their introduction.

Litigation, disputes and regulatory investigations 
may adversely affect Prudential’s profitability and 
financial condition
Prudential is, and may be in the future, subject to legal actions, 
disputes and regulatory investigations in the ordinary course of 
its insurance, investment management and other business 
operations. These legal actions, disputes and investigations may 
relate to aspects of Prudential’s businesses and operations that 
are specific to Prudential or that are common to companies that 
operate in Prudential’s markets. Legal actions and disputes may 
arise under contracts, regulations (including tax) or from a 
course of conduct taken by Prudential, and may be class actions. 
Although Prudential believes that it has adequately provided in 
all material aspects for the costs of litigation and regulatory 
matters, no assurance can be provided that such provisions are 
sufficient. Given the large or indeterminate amounts of damages 
sometimes sought, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation 
and disputes, it is possible that an adverse outcome could, from 
time to time, have an adverse effect on Prudential’s results of 
operations or cash flows.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

441

Prudential’s businesses are conducted in highly 
competitive environments with developing 
demographic trends and continued profitability 
depends on management’s ability to respond to 
these pressures and trends
The markets for financial services in the UK, US and Asia are 
highly competitive, with several factors affecting Prudential’s 
ability to sell its products and continued profitability, including 
price and yields offered, financial strength and ratings, range 
of product lines and product quality, brand strength and name 
recognition, investment management performance, historical 
bonus levels, developing demographic trends and customer 
appetite for certain savings products. In some of its markets, 
Prudential faces competitors that are larger, have greater 
financial resources or a greater market share, offer a broader 
range of products or have higher bonus rates or claims-paying 
ratios. Further, heightened competition for talented and skilled 
employees and agents with local experience, particularly in 
Asia, may limit Prudential’s potential to grow its business as 
quickly as planned.

In Asia, the Group’s principal regional competitors are 
international financial companies, including Allianz, AXA, ING, 
AIA and Manulife. In a number of markets, local companies have 
a very significant market presence.

Within the UK, Prudential’s principal competitors in the life 
market include many of the major retail financial services 
companies including, in particular, Aviva, Legal & General, 
Lloyds Banking Group and Standard Life.

Jackson’s competitors in the US include major stock and mutual 
insurance companies, mutual fund organisations, banks and 
other financial services companies such as AIG, AXA Financial Inc., 
Hartford Life Inc., Lincoln National, MetLife and TIAA-CREF.

Prudential believes competition will intensify across all regions 
in response to consumer demand, technological advances, the 
impact of consolidation, regulatory actions and other factors. 
Prudential’s ability to generate an appropriate return depends 
significantly upon its capacity to anticipate and respond 
appropriately to these competitive pressures.

Downgrades in Prudential’s financial strength and 
credit ratings could significantly impact its competitive 
position and hurt its relationships with creditors or 
trading counterparties
Prudential’s financial strength and credit ratings, which are used 
by the market to measure its ability to meet policyholder 
obligations, are an important factor affecting public confidence in 
most of Prudential’s products, and as a result its competitiveness. 
Downgrades in Prudential’s ratings, as a result of, for example, 
decreased profitability, increased costs, increased indebtedness 
or other concerns, could have an adverse effect on its ability to 

market products and retain current policyholders. In addition, the 
interest rates Prudential pays on its borrowings are affected by its 
debt credit ratings, which are in place to measure the Group’s 
ability to meet its contractual obligations.

Prudential’s long-term senior debt is rated as A2 (negative 
outlook) by Moody’s, A+ by Standard & Poor’s and A by Fitch;

Prudential’s short-term debt is rated as P-1 by Moody’s, A-1 
by Standard & Poor’s and F1 by Fitch;

The Prudential Assurance Company Limited long-term fund is 
rated Aa2 (negative outlook) by Moody’s, AA by Standard & 
Poor’s and AA by Fitch;

Jackson’s financial strength is rated AA by Standard & Poor’s and 
Fitch, A1 (negative outlook) by Moody’s, and A+ by AM Best.

In addition, changes in methodologies and criteria used by 
rating agencies could result in downgrades that do not reflect 
changes in the general economic conditions or Prudential’s 
financial condition.

Adverse experience in the operational risks inherent 
in Prudential’s business could have a negative impact 
on its results of operations
Operational risks are present in all of Prudential’s businesses, 
including the risk of direct or indirect loss resulting from 
inadequate or failed internal and external processes, systems and 
human error or from external events. Prudential’s business is 
dependent on processing a large number of complex transactions 
across numerous and diverse products, and is subject to a number 
of different legal and regulatory regimes. In addition, Prudential 
outsources several operations, including a significant part of its UK 
back office and customer-facing functions as well as a number of 
IT functions, resulting in reliance upon the operational processing 
performance of its outsourcing partners.

Further, because of the long-term nature of much of the Group’s 
business, accurate records have to be maintained for significant 
periods. Prudential’s systems and processes incorporate controls 
which are designed to manage and mitigate the operational risks 
associated with its activities. For example, any weakness in the 
administration systems or actuarial reserving processes could 
have an impact on its results of operations during the effective 
period. Prudential has not experienced or identified any 
operational risks in its systems or processes during 2010, 
which have subsequently caused, or are expected to cause, 
a significant negative impact on its results of operations.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  >  RISK FACTORS

RISK FACTORS
CONTINUED

Adverse experience against the assumptions used in 
pricing products and reporting business results could 
significantly affect Prudential’s results of operations
Prudential needs to make assumptions about a number of factors 
in determining the pricing of its products and setting reserves 
and for reporting its capital levels and the results of its long-term 
business operations. For example, the assumption that 
Prudential makes about future expected levels of mortality is 
particularly relevant for its UK annuity business. In exchange 
for a premium equal to the capital value of their accumulated 
pension fund, pension annuity policyholders receive a 
guaranteed payment, usually monthly, for as long as they are 
alive. Prudential conducts rigorous research into longevity risk, 
using data from its substantial annuitant portfolio. As part of its 
pension annuity pricing and reserving policy, Prudential’s UK 
business assumes that current rates of mortality continuously 
improve over time at levels based on adjusted data from the 
Continuous Mortality Investigations (CMI) as published by the 
Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. If mortality improvement rates 
significantly exceed the improvement assumed, Prudential’s 
results of operations could be adversely affected.

A further example is the assumption that Prudential makes 
about future expected levels of the rates of early termination 
of products by its customers (persistency). This is particularly 
relevant to its lines of business other than its UK annuity 
business. Prudential’s persistency assumptions reflect recent 
past experience for each relevant line of business. Any expected 
deterioration in future persistency is also reflected in the 
assumption. If actual levels of future persistency are significantly 
lower than assumed (that is, policy termination rates are 
significantly higher than assumed), the Group’s results of 
operations could be adversely affected.

Another example is the impact of epidemics and other effects 
that cause a large number of deaths. Significant influenza 
epidemics have occurred three times in the last century, but 
the likelihood, timing or the severity of future epidemics cannot 
be predicted. The effectiveness of external parties, including 
governmental and non-governmental organisations, in 
combating the spread and severity of any epidemics could 
have a material impact on the Group’s loss experience.

In common with other industry participants, the profitability of 
the Group’s businesses depends on a mix of factors including 
mortality and morbidity trends, policy surrender rates, 
investment performance and impairments, unit cost of 
administration and new business acquisition expense.

As a holding company, Prudential is dependent 
upon its subsidiaries to cover operating expenses 
and dividend payments
The Group’s insurance and investment management operations 
are generally conducted through direct and indirect subsidiaries

As a holding company, Prudential’s principal sources of funds 
are  remittances from subsidiaries, shareholder-backed funds, 
the shareholder transfer from long-term funds and any amounts 

that may be raised through the issuance of equity, debt and 
commercial paper. Certain of the subsidiaries are restricted 
by applicable insurance, foreign exchange and tax laws, rules 
and regulations that can limit the payment of dividends, which 
in some circumstances could limit the ability to pay dividends 
to shareholders or to make available funds held in certain 
subsidiaries to cover operating expenses of other members 
of the Group.

Prudential operates in a number of markets through 
joint ventures and other arrangements with third-
parties (including in China and India), involving 
certain risks that Prudential does not face with respect 
to its consolidated subsidiaries
Prudential operates, and in certain markets is required by local 
regulation to operate, through joint ventures (including in China 
and India). For the Group’s joint venture operations, management 
control is exercised jointly with the venture participants. The 
level of control exercisable by the Group depends on the terms 
of the joint venture agreements, in particular, the allocation of 
control among, and continued co-operation between, the joint 
venture participants. Prudential may also face financial or other 
exposure in the event that any of its joint venture partners fails 
to meet its obligations under the joint venture or encounters 
financial difficulty. In addition, a significant proportion of the 
Group’s product distribution is carried out through arrangements 
with third-parties not controlled by Prudential and is dependent 
upon continuation of these relationships. A temporary or 
permanent disruption to these distribution arrangements could 
adversely affect the results of operations of Prudential.

Prudential’s Articles of Association contain an 
exclusive jurisdiction provision
Under Prudential’s Articles of Association, certain legal 
proceedings may only be brought in the courts of England and 
Wales. This applies to legal proceedings by a shareholder (in its 
capacity as such) against Prudential and/or its directors and/or 
its professional service providers. It also applies to legal 
proceedings between Prudential and its directors and/or 
Prudential and Prudential’s professional service providers 
that arise in connection with legal proceedings between the 
shareholder and such professional service provider. This 
provision could make it difficult for US and other non-UK 
shareholders to enforce their shareholder rights. 

Changes in tax legislation may result in adverse 
tax consequences
Tax rules, including those relating to the insurance industry, 
and their interpretation, may change, possibly with retrospective 
effect, in any of the jurisdictions in which Prudential operates. 
Significant tax disputes with tax authorities, and any change 
in the tax status of any member of the Group or in taxation 
legislation or its interpretation could affect Prudential’s profitability 
and ability to provide returns to shareholders or alter the post-tax 
returns to shareholders.

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  >  SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

443

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Analysis of shareholder accounts as at 31 December 2010

Size of shareholding

1,000,001 upwards
500,001–1,000,000
100,001–500,000
10,001–100,000
5,001–10,000
1,001–5,000
1–1,000

TOTAL

Dividend information

2010 final dividend

Ex dividend date
Record date

Payment date

Number of 
shareholder 
accounts

% of total 
number of 
shareholder 
accounts

269
149
476
1,979
2,768
17,724
42,683

0.41
0.23
0.72
3.00
4.19
26.83
64.62

Number of 
shares

2,207,270,343
102,594,369
113,585,023
51,146,680
19,283,246
39,516,636
12,198,209

% of total 
number of 
shares

86.71
4.03
4.46
2.01
0.76
1.55
0.48

66,048

100.00

2,545,594,506

100.00

Shareholders 
registered on the 
UK register

Shareholders 
registered on the 
Irish branch 
register

Shareholders 
registered on the 
Hong Kong 
branch register

30 March 2011
1 April 2011

30 March 2011
1 April 2011

31 March 2011
1 April 2011

26 May 2011

26 May 2011

26 May 2011

Shareholders 
with ordinary 
shares standing
to the credit of 
their CDP 
securities 
accounts

30 March 2011
1 April 2011
On or about 
2 June 2011 

Annual General Meeting
The 2011 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on  
19 May 2011 at 11.00am in the Churchill Auditorium at 
The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, 
Westminster, London SW1P 3EE. The directors believe the 
AGM is an important opportunity to communicate directly with 
shareholders. The Notice of Meeting and all other details for  
the AGM are available at our website www.prudential.co.uk/
investors/AGM information

Shareholder enquiries
For enquiries about shareholdings, including dividends and  
lost share certificates, please contact the Company’s registrars:

By post: 
Equiniti Limited 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road  
Lancing 
West Sussex BN99 6DA

By telephone:
Tel: 0871 384 2035 
Fax: 0871 384 2100
Textel: 0871 384 2255 (for hard of hearing) 
Calls to 0871 numbers are charged at 8p per minute from  
a BT landline. Other telephone providers costs may vary. 
International shareholders tel: +44 (0)121 415 7026

Dividend mandates
Shareholders may find it convenient to have their dividends  
paid directly to their bank or building society account. If you  
wish to take advantage of this facility, please call Equiniti  
and request a Cash Dividend Mandate form. Alternatively,  
you may download a form from www.prudential.co.uk/
prudential-plc/investors/shareholder_services/forms

Cash dividend alternative
The Company has introduced a new Dividend Re-investment 
Plan (DRIP). It will be offered for the first time in connection  
with the 2010 final dividend. Consequently, the scrip dividend 
scheme has been discontinued.

Once shareholders have signed up to the DRIP they will 
automatically receive shares for all future dividends in respect  
of which a DRIP alternative is offered. The election may be 
cancelled at any time by the shareholder. Further details 
of the DRIP and the timetable are available on the Company’s 
website at www.prudential.co.uk/prudential-plc/investors

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  >  SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
CONTINUED

Electronic communications
Shareholders are encouraged to elect to receive shareholder 
documents electronically by registering with Shareview at www.
shareview.co.uk  This will save on printing and distribution costs 
and create environmental benefits. Once you have registered, 
you will be sent an email notification whenever shareholder 
documents are available on our website and you will be provided 
with a link to that information. When registering, you will need 
your shareholder reference number which can be found on your 
share certificate or proxy form. The option to receive shareholder 
documents electronically is not available to shareholders holding 
shares through The Central Depository (Pte) Limited (CDP). 
Please contact Equiniti if you require any assistance or further 
information.

Share dealing services
The Company’s Registrars, Equiniti, offer a postal dealing facility 
for buying and selling Prudential plc ordinary shares; please see 
the Equiniti address above or telephone 0871 384 2248. They 
also offer a telephone and internet dealing service, Shareview, 
which provides a simple and convenient way of selling 
Prudential plc shares. For telephone sales call 0871 384 2020 
between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, and for 
internet sales log on to www.shareview.co.uk/dealing

ShareGift
Shareholders who only have a small number of shares whose 
value makes it uneconomic to sell them may wish to consider 
donating them to ShareGift (Registered Charity 1052686). 
The relevant share transfer form may be obtained from our 
website www.prudential.co.uk/prudential-plc/investors/
shareholder_services/forms or from Equiniti. Further information 
about ShareGift may be obtained on +44 (0)20 7930 3737 or 
from www.ShareGift.org  There are no implications for capital 
gains tax purposes (no gain or loss) on gifts of shares to charity 
in the UK and it is also possible to obtain income tax relief.

Hong Kong branch register
The Company operates a branch register for shareholders 
in Hong Kong. All enquiries regarding Hong Kong branch 
register accounts and requests for the Chinese version of the 
2010 Annual Report should be directed to Computershare 
Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, 17M Floor, Hopewell 
Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. 
Telephone: +852 2862 8555. Dividends will be paid in Hong 
Kong Dollars to shareholders on the Hong Kong Register. 

Singapore shareholder enquiries
Shareholders who have shares standing to the credit of their 
securities accounts with CDP in Singapore may refer queries to 
the CDP at 4 Shenton Way, #02-01, SGX Centre 2, Singapore 
068807. Telephone +65 6535 7511. Enquiries regarding shares 
held in Depository Agent Sub-accounts should be directed to 
your Depository Agent or broker. Dividends will be paid in 
Singapore Dollars to shareholders with shares standing to the 
credit of a Central Deposit and Securities account.

Irish branch register
The Company operates a branch register for shareholders 
in Ireland. All enquiries regarding Irish branch register 
accounts should be directed to Capita Registrars (Ireland) 
Limited, Unit 5, Manor Street Business Park, Manor Street, 
Dublin 7. Telephone: + 353 1 810 2400.

American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)
The Company’s ordinary shares are listed on the New York Stock 
Exchange in the form of American Depositary Shares, evidenced 
by ADRs and traded under the symbol PUK. Each American 
Depositary Share represents two ordinary shares. All enquiries 
regarding ADR holder accounts should be directed to JP Morgan, 
the authorised depositary bank, at JPMorgan Chase & Co, 
P O Box 64504, St.Paul, MN 55164-0504, USA, Telephone 
General (800) 990-1135 or from outside the US +651 453-2128 
or log on to www.adr.com

Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  >  HOW TO CONTACT US

445

HOW TO CONTACT US

Prudential plc
Laurence Pountney Hill 
London EC4R 0HH 
Tel: +44 (0)20 7220 7588 
www.prudential.co.uk

Harvey McGrath
Chairman

Tidjane Thiam
Group Chief Executive

Nic Nicandrou
Chief Financial Officer

Margaret Coltman
Group General Counsel &  
Company Secretary

John Foley
Group Chief Risk Officer

Peter Goerke
Group Human Resources Director

John Murray
Interim Group Communications Director

Prudential UK & Europe
3 Sheldon Square 
London W2 6PR 
Tel: +44 (0)20 7334 9000 
www.pru.co.uk

Rob Devey
Chief Executive

M&G
Laurence Pountney Hill 
London EC4R 0HH 
Tel: +44 (0)20 7626 4588 
www.mandg.co.uk

Michael McLintock
Chief Executive

Prudential Corporation Asia
13th Floor 
One International Finance Centre 
1 Harbour View Street 
Central 
Hong Kong 
Tel: +852 2918 6300 
www.prudentialcorporation-asia.com

Barry Stowe
Chief Executive

Jackson National Life  
Insurance Company
1 Corporate Way 
Lansing 
Michigan 48951 
USA 
Tel: +1 517 381 5500 
www.jackson.com

Mike Wells
President & Chief Executive Officer

Institutional Analyst and 
Investor Enquiries
Tel: +44 (0)20 7548 3300 
E-mail: investor.relations@prudential.co.uk

UK Register Private  
Shareholder Enquiries
Tel: 0871 384 2035 
International shareholders tel:  
+44 (0) 121 415 7026

Irish Branch Register Shareholder Enquiries
Tel: + 353 1 810 2400

Hong Kong Branch Register Shareholder Enquiries
Tel: +852 2862 8555

The Central Depository (Pte) Limited Shareholder 
Enquiries
Tel: +65 6535 7511

American Depository Receipts Holder Enquiries
Tel: + 1 651 453 2128

Media Enquiries
Tel: +44 (0)20 7548 3559 
E-mail: media.relations@prudential.co.uk

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  >  HOW TO CONTACT US

HOW TO CONTACT US
CONTINUED

Prudential public limited company
Incorporated and registered in England and Wales

Registered office
Laurence Pountney Hill
London EC4R 0HH
Registered number 1397169

www.prudential.co.uk

Prudential plc is a company incorporated, some of whose 
subsidiaries are authorised and regulated by the Financial 
Services Authority (FSA). 

Forward-Looking Statements 
This report may contain certain ‘forward-looking statements’ 
with respect to certain of Prudential’s plans and its current goals 
and expectations relating to its future financial condition, 
performance, results, strategy and objectives. Statements that 
are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs 
and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These 
statements are based on current plans, estimates and 
projections, and therefore you should not place undue reliance 
on them. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve 
risk and uncertainty. A number of important factors could cause 
Prudential’s actual future financial condition or performance or 
other indicated results to differ materially from those indicated in 
any forward-looking statement. Such factors include, but are not 
limited to, future market conditions, fluctuations in interest rates 
and exchange rates, and the performance of financial markets 
generally; the policies and actions of regulatory authorities, 
including, for example, new government initiatives related to 
the financial crisis and the effect of the European Union’s 

‘Solvency II’ requirements on Prudential’s capital maintenance 
requirements; the impact of competition, inflation, and deflation; 
experience in particular with regard to mortality and morbidity 
trends, lapse rates and policy renewal rates; the timing, impact 
and other uncertainties of future acquisitions or combinations 
within relevant industries; the impact of changes in capital, 
solvency standards or accounting standards, and tax and 
other legislation and regulations in the jurisdictions in which 
Prudential and its affiliates operate; and the impact of legal 
actions and disputes. These and other important factors 
may for example result in changes to assumptions used for 
determining results of operations or re-estimations of reserves 
for future policy benefits. Further discussion of these and other 
important factors that could cause Prudential’s actual future 
financial condition or performance or other indicated results to 
differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in Prudential’s 
forward-looking statements can be found under the heading 
‘Risk factors’ in this Report and in Item 3 ‘Risk Factors’ of 
Prudential’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed 
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as 
under the heading ‘Risk factors’ in any subsequent Prudential 
Half Year Financial Report. This Annual Report and subsequent 
Half Year Financial Report are/will be available on the Company’s 
website at www.prudential.co.uk.

Any forward-looking statements contained in this report are 
made only as of the date hereof. Prudential undertakes no 
obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained 
in this statement or any other forward-looking statements it may 
make, whether as a result of future events, new information or 
otherwise except as required pursuant to the Prospectus Rules, 
the Listing Rules, the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, the 
Hong Kong Listing Rules or the SGX-ST listing rules.

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This Annual Report is printed on paper made from 50 per cent 
recycled post-consumer waste. The paper is Forest Stewardship 
Council (FSC) accredited. This Annual Report can be recycled.

Design  Further
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Prudential plc  Annual Report 2010

Prudential public limited company
Incorporated and registered in 
England and Wales

Registered office
Laurence Pountney Hill
London EC4R 0HH
Registered number 1397169

www.prudential.co.uk

Prudential plc is a holding company, 
some of whose subsidiaries are 
authorised and regulated by the 
Financial Services Authority (FSA).