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Quilter

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FY2019 Annual Report · Quilter
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Annual Report 2019

For the 
generations 
of today and 
tomorrow

Contents

Strategic Report
An overview of our journey to date, the 
trends impacting our markets, our business 
model and strategy, our approach to being 
a responsible business, accompanied by 
relevant financial performance information, 
and our principal risks. This Strategic Report 
was approved by the Board on 11 March 2020.

Glyn Jones, Chairman

Governance
An introduction to our Board of Directors, 
executive management team, and our 
approach to corporate governance 
and remuneration.

Financial statements
Detailed financial information  
provided within our financial  
statements and notes.

Quilter at a glance 
Chairman’s statement 
Chief Executive Officer’s statement  
Responsible business 
Market growth drivers 
Business model 
Progress against our strategic objectives 
Key performance indicators 
Financial review 
Risk review 
– Principal risks and uncertainties 
Viability statement 

Board of Directors 
Executive Committee membership 
Board and Board Committee 
composition and meeting attendance 
Chairman’s introduction 
on corporate governance 
Leadership and oversight 
Governance in action 
Board Corporate Governance 
and Nominations Committee report 
Board Audit Committee report 
Board Risk Committee report 
Board Technology and Operations 
Committee report 
Remuneration report 
Remuneration at a glance 
Annual Report on Remuneration 
Our approach to governance 
Directors’ Report 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
Independent Auditor’s Report 
Primary financial statements 
Notes to the financial statements 
Appendices 
Parent Company financial statements 

Other information
Our shareholder information  
and glossary of terms.

Shareholder information 
Alternative Performance Measures 
Glossary 

02
04
06
10
16
17
18
20
22
30
32
35

38
40 

41

42
43 
46

48
52
58

61
64
66
73
86
88 

94
95
104
110
192
198

210
212
215

Financial highlights
Quilter delivered solid results for 2019, in a challenging environment for flows. Assets under 
management and administration benefited from the rebound in equity markets during the year 
and adjusted profit before tax increased, with stable revenues supported by continued cost 
discipline across the business.

Assets under management  
and administration (AuMA)1 *

£110.4bn

2019
2018

Adjusted diluted earnings  
per share2, 3 *

£11.3p

2019
2018

Net client cash flow (NCCF)  
(excluding Quilter Life Assurance) *

£0.3bn

Adjusted profit before tax2 

£235m

£110.4bn

2019

£0.3bn

£97.7bn

2018

£4.7bn

2019
2018

IFRS (loss)/profit after tax  
(from continuing operations) 1

£(21)m

Recommended final dividend  
per share

£3.5p

11.3p

£(21)m

13.5p

2019
2018

£66m

2019
2018

£235m
£233m

3.5p

3.3p

1  Continuing operations, excluding Quilter Life Assurance.
2  Continuing operations and Quilter Life Assurance.
3  2018 adjusted diluted earnings per share includes 1.2p 

from Single Strategy.

Alternative Performance 
Measures (“APMs”)

We assess our financial 
performance using a variety 
of measures including APMs, 
as explained further on 
page 212. These measures are 
indicated with an asterix: *

Quilter Annual Report 2019

01

Strategic Report

 Quilter at a glance
Quilter is a leading UK and cross-border full-service wealth manager, providing 
advice-led investment solutions and investment platforms to over 900,000 
customers. We are listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges.

Assets under management and administration*

£110.4bn

Total net fee revenue1 

£808m

Quilter Investors

Quilter Cheviot

Quilter Wealth 
Solutions

Quilter 
International

Quilter Investors

Quilter Cheviot

Quilter Financial 
Planning

Quilter Wealth 
Solutions

Quilter 
International

Our business 
Quilter is a modern, multi-channel wealth 
management company. Advice is core to 
our business model and we believe in 
transparency and customer choice. We 
service customers either through our 
restricted financial planners (“RFPs”) or 
third-party independent financial advisers 
(“IFAs”) by providing financial planning, 
investment solutions and platform services. 

Quilter operates in one of the largest wealth 
markets in the world – and one that is growing. 
With scale and leading positions in our chosen 
capabilities, we give RFPs and IFAs and their 
clients choice and flexibility in how they access 
our solutions and services.

Our purpose
To help create prosperity for the generations 
of today and tomorrow.

Our positioning 
To be the best place for trusted financial 
advice in the UK
• Customer choice at the heart of everything 

we do

• Open, transparent and fair
• Competitive products, quality and pricing 

at every part of the value chain

• Focussed on delivering ‘great’ customer 

solutions

• Modern business model designed for 

today’s regulatory world

Our investment case 
A unique combination of capabilities, scale 
and market position
• Full-service wealth manager providing 
choice and delivering good customer 
outcomes

• Leading positions across one of the largest 

wealth markets with strong structural 
growth drivers

We believe:
• In the value of trusted face-to-face advice
• That better choice doesn’t mean more choice
• That investment solutions should be simply 

• Multi-channel proposition and investment 
performance driving integrated flows, and 
long-term customer and adviser relationships
• Attractive top-line growth with opportunity 

Target customer segment

packaged

for operating leverage

affluent adults in UK 

c.5m
£1.7trn 

liquid assets

• That award-winning service and measurable 
outcomes for our customers should always 
offer good value

• Strong balance sheet with low gearing 

and good cash generation driving 
shareholder returns

• That a company’s purpose goes beyond 
making a profit and should focus also on 
being a responsible business as well as a 
responsible investor

 Our journey to date

We are on a multi-year journey to deliver Quilter as a modern, UK-focussed wealth manager. 
Since 2012, we have adapted our business model from being a UK and European life assurer 
to where we are today. 2018 was a year of initiation as a Listed company, with 2019 a year of 
strategic reshaping and transition. In 2020, we look to consolidate growth and execute on 
our strengthened business position. 

Managed
Separation
completed

Sale of Single
Strategy asset
management
business to
TA Associates 

Special
dividend

Acquisition
of Charles
Derby Group

Quilter Investors
buildout and
product refresh

UK Platform Transformation
Programme: Migration
testing and delivery phase

2017

2018

Old Mutual plc
Managed
Separation
announced

2019

2020

Listed as
Quilter plc on
LSE and JSE  

Closure of FCA
investigation into
Life Assurance
book  

Optimisation
phase 1

Acquisition 
of Lighthouse 
Group plc

Sold Quilter 
Life Assurance

02

Quilter Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report
Quilter at a glance

Our Group companies operate within two main segments

Assets under management*

Advice and Wealth Management
The segment comprises:

Quilter Investors

Quilter Cheviot

£45.8bn

Restricted financial planners 

1,799

Second-largest adviser base in the UK

Investment managers 

167

Assets under administration*

Quilter Wealth 
Solutions

Quilter 
International

£77.7bn

Investment Platforms market position 

2nd

UK’s second-largest adviser-focussed Platform

Independent financial advisers 

4,000+

Active relationships across the UK

Quilter Financial Planning 
Quilter has the second-largest advice 
business in the UK. Through our Network 
advice business, restricted financial planners 
operate as ‘appointed representatives’ of 
Quilter whereas in our National advice 
business, the advisers are either employees 
or registered individuals of Quilter, with each 
delivering face-to-face financial advice tailored 
to meet customers’ specific needs. We stand 
behind their advice and provide them with 
a panel of selected Quilter and third-party 
products which offers choice to their clients. 

Quilter Private Client Advisers is our rapidly 
growing high net worth advice business. 
Wholly owned with all advisers employed 
by Quilter, it is closely aligned with Quilter 
Cheviot, specialising in providing financial 
advice to affluent clients across the UK.

Wealth Platforms
The segment comprises:

Quilter Wealth Solutions
Quilter Wealth Solutions is the UK’s second-
largest adviser-focussed investment platform 
provider. The platform is available to both 
Quilter Financial Planning and third-party 
independent advisers.

Quilter International
Quilter International is a leading investment 
platform provider of cross-border investment 
funds and wrappers aimed at affluent and 
high net worth UK residents seeking investment 
solutions outside of the UK, as well as 
expatriates and international investors in 
selected offshore markets.

Quilter Cheviot
Quilter Cheviot is a leading private client 
wealth manager providing discretionary and 
advisory wealth management services to 
private investors and corporate pension 
funds, trusts and charities.

Quilter Investors
Quilter Investors is a leading provider of 
multi-asset investment solutions, offering 
a broad range of solutions for its customers’ 
accumulation and decumulation needs.

Discontinued operations
Quilter Life Assurance
Quilter Life Assurance was the book of legacy 
UK life insurance (including the institutional life 
business) sold to ReAssure on 31 December 
2019 for £425 million or 120% of pro forma 
2018 own funds. £375 million of the net surplus 
proceeds from the sale is anticipated to be 
returned to shareholders via a share buyback.

All businesses within the Group will be subject to rebranding to align with the Quilter name. For the purposes of the Annual Report, all businesses 
have been referenced by their new name – please see Glossary on page 215 for further details.

Notes:
All figures as at 31 December 2019, unless otherwise stated. Segmental numbers are before eliminations and Head Office, which are detailed in the Financial Review 
starting on page 22.

*  See page 212 for alternative performance measure definitions.
1  For further information on Total net fee revenue, see the Financial Review on page 24 and 25.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

03

Managed

Sale of Single

Special

Separation

Strategy asset

dividend

completed

management

Acquisition

of Charles

Quilter Investors

UK Platform Transformation

buildout and

Programme: Migration

Derby Group

product refresh

testing and delivery phase

business to

TA Associates 

2017

2018

Old Mutual plc

Managed

Separation

announced

2019

2020

Listed as

Quilter plc on

LSE and JSE  

Closure of FCA

Optimisation

Acquisition 

Sold Quilter 

investigation into

phase 1

of Lighthouse 

Life Assurance

Life Assurance

book  

Group plc

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report

 Chairman’s statement
2019 has been another busy year for Quilter. Our people are focussed 
not only on achieving good outcomes for our customers but on building 
an organisation that delivers for all our stakeholders. 

Introduction
2019 was another eventful year for Quilter and 
a strong one, in terms of total returns, for our 
shareholders. As our Chief Executive, Paul 
Feeney, discusses later, we have continued to 
reshape the business inorganically through 
acquisitions and disposals as well as 
organically through driving internal change 
and efficiency improvements. I am pleased 
with the progress we made in 2019 but there 
is still more to do to realise Quilter’s potential, 
deliver increasing value for our shareholders 
and to surpass the expectations of our 
broader stakeholders. We look forward to 
rising to this challenge in 2020 and beyond.

Despite an uncertain UK political backdrop, we 
have delivered a good financial performance 
with an increase in adjusted profit before tax 
of 1% to £235 million (2018: £233 million) and 
IFRS loss before tax attributable to equity 
holders of £(53) million versus a profit £41 
million in 2018. As we signalled at the 
beginning of 2019, we expected a challenging 
year for net client cash flows and flows have 
been disappointing for us and our industry. 
Platform industry statistics indicate that 2019 
was the lowest year for net flows since 2013. 
A key factor affecting our net flows has been 
the impact of a loss of a particular cohort of 
investment managers in Quilter Cheviot and 
lower gross flows onto our UK Platform ahead 
of adviser and customer migrations in respect 
of our platform transformation programme; 
once this has been completed in summer 
2020, we expect the new platform to provide 
a positive catalyst to boost flows.

One of the more notable events of 2019 was 
the sale of our heritage life business, Quilter 
Life Assurance, to ReAssure for £425 million 
(and interest income of £21m) which, we 
believe, was an excellent outcome for 
customers and shareholders alike. 

Following shareholder consultation, the Board 
announced its intention to return this capital to 
shareholders via a share buyback programme. 
This will be conducted concurrently on the 
London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. 
The buyback is dependent on regulatory 
approval and the renewal of share repurchase 
authorities at the Group’s 2020 Annual 
General Meeting (“AGM”), and will be subject 
to periodic Board review to ensure that this 
remains the most effective and timely method 
of returning capital to shareholders. Given 
the size of the capital return relative to the 
current trading liquidity in Quilter shares, we 
currently expect the buyback programme to 
complete by the time of our 2021 Annual 
General Meeting.

Shareholder returns and dividend
Quilter delivered a total shareholder return 
of 42% in calendar year 2019. While this was 
aided by a low starting point due to the market 
sell-off in late 2018, I am particularly pleased 
that our performance was ahead of our 
principal UK peers (median return 25%) and 
the FTSE-250 (29%) over the 12 month period 
to 31 December 2019. 

The Board is pleased to recommend a final 
dividend of 3.5 pence for the 2019 financial 
year which, together with the interim dividend 
of 1.7 pence paid in September, would take the 
proposed full year dividend to 5.2 pence. 

The dividend will be paid, subject to shareholder 
approval at our 2020 Annual General Meeting 
on 18 May 2020, to shareholders on the 
register on 3 April 2020. Our 2019 dividend 
represented a pay-out ratio of 46%, close to 
the midpoint of the targeted 40% to 60% range 
we set out in our prospectus at Listing and is 
at a level appropriate for a company relatively 
early in its quoted life. Following the sale of 
Quilter Life Assurance, we expect the dividend 
pay-out level for the 2020 calendar year to be 
towards the upper end of our target range.

Board
Having established a Board with sufficient 
breadth, depth and industry experience 
to lead Quilter into the public markets, 
and with the right mix of skills to provide 
counterbalance to support, challenge and 
guide our executive team, the Board was little 
changed during 2019. The only change to the 
Board was welcoming Mark Satchel back 
following his appointment as Chief Financial 
Officer in March 2019 after the departure 
of Tim Tookey. 

Since the year-end, Cathy Turner and Suresh 
Kana have both advised the Board that they will 
not be standing for re-election at the 2020 AGM. 
Suresh’s insight into South African corporate 
governance practices has been very valuable 
during our formative period as a dual-listed 
company. However, he has decided that such 
input is now less important given that our 
governance processes are more established 
and, given the time commitment of serving on 
a UK public company Board from South Africa. 
It is now an appropriate moment to stand down.

Proposed full year dividend 

5.2 pence per share

In addition to c.£375 million capital return
2018: 3.3 pence per share final dividend 
plus 12.0 pence per share special interim dividend

Glyn Jones
Chairman

04

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Strategic Report
Chairman’s statement

Cathy has recently taken up an appointment 
as a Board member and Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee at a FTSE-100 
company and can no longer commit the 
required time to her duties on the Quilter 
Board. Cathy has made a significant 
contribution to the establishment by Quilter 
of remuneration policies and structures 
appropriate for an independent, public 
company and we wish her every success in her 
future endeavours. Ruth Markland, our Senior 
Independent Director, who has served as a 
member of our Board Remuneration 
Committee since she joined the Board in 
June 2018, has agreed to succeed Cathy as 
Chair of our Board Remuneration Committee. 
An external search agency has been 
appointed to help us identify successors for 
both Suresh and Cathy.

To ensure the Board is working effectively, 
we appointed Professor Rob Goffee, an 
experienced expert in such work, to 
undertake a Board effectiveness review 
during 2019. The conclusions of this review 
are summarised on pages 50 to 51.

Governance and regulation
We advised shareholders in our 2018 Annual 
Report that we would be conducting an 
external audit tender during 2019. Given the 
longevity of KPMG’s tenure as our existing 
auditors, they did not participate in the audit 
tender process. The Quilter Board, on the 
recommendation of the Audit Tender Sub 
Committee, chaired by Rosie Harris, appointed 
PwC as our external auditors from 1 January 
2020. A resolution for the appointment of PwC 
as auditors will be submitted for shareholder 
approval at our 2020 AGM. Further detail 
about the tender process can be found in 
the Governance report on page 57.

Two resolutions at our 2019 AGM attracted 
a meaningful level of votes against from 
shareholders:
• The resolution to authorise political 

donations saw 25% votes against but, 
nevertheless, passed; and

• The resolution to authorise Directors to 

allot shares was not passed, with 50.5% of 
shares voting against. 

Notably, there was a significant difference in 
voting between the South African and UK 
share registers on these two resolutions. On 
the UK register, the resolutions seeking the 
authority to allot shares and the authority to 
make political donations had 97% and 99% 
support respectively. On the South African 

register, those resolutions had only 18% and 
61% support. In respect of such resolutions, 
similar voting patterns are seen at other dual 
UK/South Africa listed companies with the 
position exacerbated by the significant 
proportion of South African shareholders on 
our share register. As at end December 2019, 
the Quilter share register was split 60%:40% 
between the Johannesburg Stock Exchange 
and London Stock Exchange respectively. 

In line with the guidelines in the 2018 UK 
Corporate Governance Code, we sought to 
fully understand the views of South African 
shareholders on both of these resolutions. 
Further detail on this shareholder 
engagement can be found on page 47.

The 2019 AGM also provided approval for 
the Company to undertake an Odd-Lot Offer 
(“OLO”). The OLO was launched alongside the 
announcement of our full year 2019 results. 
The OLO will allow those of our shareholders 
with fewer than 100 shares who wish to 
dispose of their shares to do so in a simple, 
cost-effective manner.

Throughout the year we have implemented 
the Senior Managers and Certification Regime 
(“SMCR”) into our UK businesses not already 
subject to it. Further regulatory deliverables 
are due in 2020 alongside a focus on 
embedding the principles of SMCR into our 
business culture and practices. 

Conclusion
2019 has been another busy year for Quilter. 
Our people are focussed not only on achieving 
good outcomes for our customers but on 
building an organisation that delivers for 
shareholders and also embraces a wider 
corporate and social responsibility through 
making a difference for the generations of 
today and tomorrow. On behalf of the Board, 
I would like to thank our management team 
and all of our employees for their effort, focus 
and commitment to achieving our goals. 
Thank you also to our shareholders for your 
continued support.

Glyn Jones
Chairman

Building Quilter to deliver long-term 
success for all our stakeholders 
Section 172 statement
In undertaking its duties in 2019, the 
Board continued to be mindful of the 
need to appropriately balance the 
interests and expectations of the Group’s 
key stakeholders. Throughout this 
report, we describe how stakeholders 
have been considered as Quilter strives 
to achieve its purpose of helping create 
prosperity for the generations of today 
and tomorrow.

Further insight into our engagement with 
stakeholders can be found on pages 44 to 47. 
For our Section 172 statement, see page 44.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

05

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther informationStrategic Report

 Chief Executive Officer’s statement
Last year I noted Quilter had come to market not as the finished article 
but as a work in progress. In 2019, we made significant strides towards 
achieving our goals.

Execution
We have a clear vision about what we want 
Quilter to be; a modern, advice-led, wealth 
management company built on the principles 
of fairness, transparency and choice with each 
of these supported by great service. Our core 
UK customer propositions are free of exit 
charges or surrender penalties. Delivering 
good customer outcomes through the 
provision of trusted advice is central to 
everything we do. The combination of our 
own restricted financial planners together 
with the c.4,000 independent adviser firms 
who use Quilter’s UK Platform on a regular 
basis provides us with two strong channels 
to drive business growth.

Our ambitions are considerable and the 
growth opportunity across our markets 
remains compelling, so during 2019 we have 
been moving at pace to transform Quilter by:
• a relentless focus on optimisation and the 
development and implementation of our 
new UK Platform;

• reshaping our business through both 

acquisitions and disposals;

• investing in our revenue generation 

capability through growth in restricted 
financial planners and adding investment 
managers to replace the departures we saw 
in 2018; and 

• maintaining the capital discipline we 

demonstrated with 2018’s special dividend 
through a commitment to return the £375 
million net surplus sale proceeds from the 
disposal of Quilter Life Assurance through 
on-market share repurchases.

Remaining key milestones include the 
migration of customers from our existing 

platform onto our new UK Platform, the first 
stage of which was completed in early 2020. 
We also need to complete the first phase of 
our optimisation plans by the end of 2021. 
As we look ahead, we believe that the secular 
growth characteristics of our markets remain 
strong, and each of our businesses is well 
positioned strategically in each of the markets 
in which they operate. Our objective is to 
deliver on our potential by making Quilter 
more than the sum of its parts and delivering 
excellent outcomes for all our stakeholders.

Financial performance
We have delivered a solid profit performance 
in 2019 in a market that has had to contend 
with extreme political and economic 
uncertainty due to Brexit in the UK, and trade 
and geopolitical concerns more broadly 
across the globe. Business conditions in 2019 
were the opposite of those experienced in the 
previous year. In 2018, Quilter benefited from 
good new business flows but a challenging 
environment which was exacerbated by the 
market sell off late in that year. By contrast, 
in 2019 the net flow environment has been 
more challenging due to the aforementioned 
geopolitical uncertainty coupled with certain 
Quilter-specific issues, discussed below. 
However, the market rebound early in 2019 
was stronger than we expected at the end of 
2018, which, coupled with the high level of 
retention of our assets under management 
and administration, meant we closed the year 
with record AuMA of £110.4 billion. 

Against this backdrop, I am pleased with our 
adjusted profit before tax (excluding Quilter 
Life Assurance) for the year of £182 million 
(2018: £176 million), up 3% on last year, or 

£235 million (2018: £233 million), up 1%, 
including Quilter Life Assurance. This reflected 
stable revenue margins coupled with a 4% 
increase in average AuMA and was supported 
by strong cost discipline and our optimisation 
activities. Expenses increased modestly as a 
result of investment in the business through 
our distribution acquisitions and the 
normalisation of the charge for the FSCS levy. 
Excluding the impact from acquisitions, 
underlying costs (including Quilter Life 
Assurance) were broadly unchanged on 2018, 
in line with the guidance provided at the 
beginning of the year. On an IFRS basis, our 
continuing business made a loss after tax of 
£21 million (2018: profit after tax of £66 
million). The difference between our IFRS and 
adjusted profit is predominantly due to the 
amortisation of (non-cash) intangibles related 
to acquisitions, the costs of our Platform 
Transformation Programme (which will fall 
away in 2021) and the restructuring costs 
associated with our optimisation plans, which 
will continue to be incurred in 2020 and 2021.

Transformation
A key initiative in 2019 was broadening the 
reach of our advice business. We acquired 
Charles Derby Group in February 2019 which, 
in one step, gave us UK-wide scale in our 
recently formed national advice business. 
The subsequent addition of 390 financial 
advisers through the acquisition of Lighthouse 
Group plc in June 2019 added critical mass to 
the national advice business as well as 
broadened our network business. We will 
enhance the Lighthouse restricted 
proposition through access to Quilter 
Investors solutions which have been 
specifically designed to meet the needs of 

  Irrespective of short-
term market sentiment, 
we remain very 
optimistic on the long-
term secular opportunity 
across our markets and 
we are strategically 
well positioned to  
benefit from this. 

Paul Feeney
Chief Executive Officer

06

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Strategic Report
Chief Executive Officer’s statement

customers of advice businesses. In line with 
the trend in previous acquisitions, over time, 
we expect a number of the 250 Lighthouse 
independent financial advisers to convert 
to a restricted proposition based upon the 
ability of our propositions to meet their 
customers’ needs. 

The integration of both the above acquisitions 
are progressing in line with expectations and 
should contribute to flows during 2020. While 
these acquisitions were strategically important, 
we also experienced good levels of organic 
growth in RFPs across our wider business. 
We added a net 41 RFPs across the firm 
representing organic growth of 3% and have 
a strong pipeline of new joiners expected for 
2020 which is partly due to the scaling up of 
our investment in our Financial Adviser School. 
Given the focus on broadening of our business, 
we were delighted that Quilter was named as 
the top-ranked financial adviser firm in 2019 
by FTAdviser which provides external 
validation of our commitment to providing 
high-quality advice.

The sale of Quilter Life Assurance was in line 
with our strategic objectives. Once the FCA 
thematic review into fair treatment of 
long-standing customers closed with a 
favourable outcome in late 2018, we decided 
to undertake a strategic review of the business 
which concluded that a sale was in the best 
interests of customers, shareholders and 
employees. The sale of Quilter Life Assurance 
to ReAssure helps simplify and focus our 
business and removes a drag from our growth 
trajectory. We were delighted with the sale 
price achieved of £425 million (and interest 
income of £21 million), representing 120% 

Our strategic priorities
We have a strong track record in terms 
of transformational change and delivering 
against our promises. We are well placed 
to grow sustainably, providing we simplify 
and unify our business. Our strategic 
priorities over the next few years are:

of pro forma own funds, which set a new 
benchmark for pricing of closed life book 
transactions in the UK. Our Board is highly 
focussed on capital discipline and we intend to 
return the full net surplus sale proceeds (after 
disposal costs) of £375 million to shareholders.

Life Assurance, this will be off a lower base 
than we originally expected when we 
announced our targets in March 2019. We 
target an operating margin of 27% for 2020 
and 29% for 2021.

In terms of our operational transformation 
through optimisation, we continue to make 
excellent progress. In late 2018 and 2019 
our focus was on initiatives with near-term 
benefits such as supplier contract 
renegotiation and reduction, driving savings 
in property and facility costs, and reducing 
dependence on higher cost contracting staff. 
We are now focussed on delivering the 
longer-term sustainable cost savings which 
will allow us to deliver the planned operating 
margin improvements in 2020 and 2021. This 
will be achieved through technology enabled 
transformation, such as implementing a single 
payroll system, a firm-wide general ledger and 
enhancing the straight through processing 
capabilities within our advice business. We 
have started the consolidation of the support 
functions which is designed to create centres 
of excellence across the business by removing 
duplication and ensuring tasks are only 
performed once. This has already contributed 
to our lower costs in activities such as finance 
and marketing. 

Our optimisation plans have contributed 
to keeping our operating margin stable 
year-on-year, despite the impact of our Advice 
acquisitions which have a lower operating 
margin than the rest of the Group. We remain 
committed to delivering the targeted 
improvement in our operating margin in 2020 
and in 2021. As a result of the sale of Quilter 

Turning to our UK Platform Transformation 
Programme, this has been a priority over the 
course of 2019. We spent the year with the 
system in soft launch phase which was used 
to verify core system functionality, processes 
and controls in a live environment. This 
provided valuable insight as we worked 
through to the core code delivery in the 
summer and the delivery of the master 
version of the code in early November 2019. 
Alongside our rigorous testing approach, 
we undertook two dry runs and three 
dress rehearsals as part of our migration 
readiness plans before our initial migration 
in February 2020.

This initial migration of c.8% of the total 
platform assets under administration 
represented the funds associated with 
around 60 adviser firms and 25,000 
customers. In the period immediately after 
migration, operational activity has been in 
line with expectations and initial feedback 
from advisers using the new system has been 
positive. We will incorporate lessons learnt 
from this process into our plans and ensure 
the new platform is operating well and at 
scale, ahead of undertaking our final migration 
by the end of summer, with scheduling of this 
timed to reduce potential disruption to our 
customers and advisers. 

1 Delivering on 

customer outcomes
Ensure we deliver good 
customer outcomes, strong 
investment returns and 
quality customer service.

3 Wealth Platforms growth

Deliver our UK Platform 
Transformation Programme 
which will bring benefits 
including greater capability 
and functionality.

2 Advice and Wealth 

Management growth
Grow our advice business by 
adding financial advisers and 
investment managers, supporting 
them to improve their 
productivity. We will also enhance 
the investment solutions offered 
by the Quilter Investors team.

4 Optimisation

We will grow our business by 
enhancing centres of excellence 
and driving efficiency while 
reducing unnecessary cost 
and complexity.

For detail on performance towards 
our strategic objectives, see pages 
18 to 19.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

07

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther informationStrategic Report

Chief Executive Officer’s statement continued

Ensuring that assets are transferred from our 
existing platform onto the new platform on a 
high-quality, low-risk basis is mission-critical. 

The total costs of the project are expected to 
be around £185 million, in line with the revised 
estimates we set out in August 2019. Of this 
sum, £136 million had been spent by 
end-December 2019.

Separately, we executed well on the 
programme to build out Quilter Investors’ 
capability as a standalone business 
independent of the transitional support 
provided by Merian Global Investors (formerly 
Old Mutual Global Investors). This project was 
completed more than six months ahead of 
schedule and within budget.

Operational performance
Delivering good customer outcomes through 
a trusted advice relationship is core to the 
Quilter business model. Both our restricted 
and third-party independent advisers drive 
client flows to our platform – the centre of 
our business which provides the investment 
‘wrappers’, where needed, to meet clients’ 
needs. Our investment solutions provide the 
intellectual capital to deliver the financial 
outcomes that our clients seek. Excellent 
service delivery underpins the customer 
and adviser experience. Confidence in our 
proposition is demonstrated through both 
the continued attraction of our solutions to 
independent financial advisers and the 
resilience of our integrated net flows. 

Gross client cash flows (excluding Quilter Life 
Assurance) into the business were lower at 
£12.3 billion (2018: £14.2 billion) and as already 

noted, 2019 was challenging in terms of NCCF. 
2019 NCCF (excluding Quilter Life Assurance) 
of £0.3 billion was down from £4.7 billion in 
2018. As well as general market uncertainty 
caused by Brexit and broader geopolitical and 
macro-economic concerns, the 2019 result 
includes two Quilter-specific issues:

First, despite higher gross sales in 2019 from 
Quilter Cheviot, the departure of a group of 
Investment Managers who resigned in 
mid-2018 had an impact on outflows in the 
business once their non-compete restrictions 
expired in the second quarter 2019. We 
recorded outflow requests totalling £1.3 billion 
from clients looking to follow these Investment 
Managers and, as previously announced, 
we also experienced the transfer of a 
quasi-institutional £0.2 billion mandate from 
Quilter Cheviot late in the second quarter. 

Secondly, partly due to market uncertainty, 
we have experienced a lower level of new 
gross flows onto our UK Platform from both 
our and third-party financial advisers ahead 
of our planned platform migration this year. 
This has led to lower levels of flow into Quilter 
Investors, with the combination of these 
factors leading to lower net flows. 

Quilter International’s NCCF was up 67% 
on the prior year, albeit off a low base. The 
current business flows are consistent with 
repositioning the business to have deeper 
roots in fewer markets, and to ensure the 
product range and client offering across our 
international markets are consistent with 
Quilter’s risk appetite in all markets where 
we operate.

We are pleased that overall levels of client 
retention across the business were broadly 
unchanged, outside of the isolated impact 
from the Quilter Cheviot departures.

AuMA, excluding Quilter Life Assurance, 
increased 13% to £110.4 billion from £97.7 billion 
at 31 December 2018. The market recovery 
began late in the first quarter and overall 
market levels oscillated around the higher 
levels for most of the year, with the FTSE-100 
up 12% during the year. This led to average 
AuMA, excluding Quilter Life Assurance, of 
£105.7 billion, the principal driver of 
management fee revenue, modestly higher 
than the 2018 average level of £101.9 billion.

Investment performance
Our solutions have continued to deliver 
good investment performance for our clients. 
Performance at Quilter Cheviot, our 
discretionary fund management business, 
continued to outperform relevant ARC 
benchmarks, with strong returns from our 
stock selection. We recorded first or second 
quartile performance over one, three and 
five years, and top quartile over 10 years 
across all categories. 

The medium and longer-term performance 
of Quilter Investors’ multi-asset funds has also 
remained strong, although the shorter-term 
performance of the biggest range, Cirilium 
Active, has been more mixed reflecting some 
tactical positioning over the prior year end 
and the start of 2019 that did not perform in 
the short-term to our medium and long-term 
expectations. This underperformance 
partially recovered in a strong finish to the 
year. Our Cirilium passive range has continued 

As part of Quilter's Principal 
Partnership with England Rugby, 
we support the “Quilter Kids 
First” programme
“The sport of rugby shares many 
of the attributes that we strive for 
as a business: teamwork, a can-do 
attitude and the desire to make 
a difference for oneself and the 
people you care about.” 

08

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Strategic Report
Chief Executive Officer’s statement

to perform strongly. The second largest range, 
our Managed Portfolio Service, continued to 
deliver good performance.

ensuring fairness in all our dealings with 
customers, with all of this underpinned by 
high quality service levels. 

We have both simplified and broadened the 
Quilter Investors product range through fund 
consolidation and new product launches 
during 2019. These new products, including 
our new multi-asset income suite and the 
Cirilium blend proposition, have been 
launched in response to the specific needs 
of our customers based upon direct research 
we conducted through our advice business. 
These products have lower revenue margins 
than our current stock of business and, 
equally, have a lower cost to manufacture. 
We are pleased with the early response from 
clients and advisers to these new products 
and look forward to them contributing to the 
Group’s net flows in the years to come.

Brand 
Ensuring Quilter brand consistency and 
strengthening the ties that bind our people 
to deliver our purpose is a core focus for 
the management team. Feedback from the 
gradual transition to a single Quilter brand 
across our business from both staff and 
advisers has been overwhelmingly positive. 
The move to the Quilter brand allows our 
network of advisers to enhance their 
relationship with their clients by 
demonstrating the backing of a strong 
FTSE-250 listed business and, for staff, it 
reinforces their importance to the broader 
Quilter business. 

Culture and values
Creating a responsible business which builds 
positive stakeholder relationships is very 
important to me. In particular I want Quilter 
to be a place where our people can fulfil 
their potential and thrive. During 2019 we 
continued our colleague wellbeing initiative, 
Thrive, which supports our people’s 
emotional, mental, physical, financial and 
social wellbeing. Colleagues are engaged in 
the community via the Quilter Foundation 
which is our registered charity. It supports 
young people by enhancing financial 
capability, improving employment prospects 
and supporting good mental health. As we 
complete our transition to a unified brand I am 
delighted that our employee engagement 
scores remain strong and we will continue to 
strengthen our culture and the ties that bind 
us across the organisation. 

Our vision for Quilter is to be a modern, 
advice led, Wealth Manager delivering good 
customer outcomes. Our foundations are 
built on three simple principles; delivering 
customer choice, being transparent and 

Choice is about delivering quality assured 
choice rather than unlimited choice to 
customers and being agnostic as to active 
versus passive solutions and in terms of how 
customers wish to approach us – whether it is 
via their own independent adviser or through 
one of our own restricted financial planners. 

Transparency means no hidden charges and 
no lock-ins so that customers only pay Quilter 
for what they use and are free to go elsewhere 
if they choose. 

Fairness is about always doing the right thing 
for our customers. In this regard, we are aware 
of current market commentary surrounding 
British Steel pension transfer advice. Prior to 
our acquisition in June last year, Lighthouse 
advised around 300 British Steel pension 
scheme members to undertake a defined 
benefit transfer. Of this sum, approximately 
80 were undertaken prior to June 2017 after 
which the transfer values of the pension 
scheme were fundamentally enhanced. Since 
the year-end we have been notified of around 
30 complaints relating to advice provided by 
Lighthouse, all of which related to the pre-June 
2017 period. We are in the process of 
reviewing those complaints and have written 
directly to the customers involved. Whilst 
Lighthouse has professional indemnity 
insurance cover in place, we have taken a 
provision of £12 million on a gross basis to 
cover potential costs and this has been 
reflected as an adjustment to the acquisition 
balance sheet of Lighthouse. We have initiated 
a review of all cases advised by Lighthouse, 
prior to its acquisition by Quilter in June 2019, 
to assess the standard of advice given to 
British Steel pension scheme members, and 
have actively engaged with the regulator. While 
this situation is obviously disappointing, our 
priority is to do the right thing for our customers.

Outlook
Quilter’s performance during the early part of 
2020 was broadly in line with our expectations. 
Markets were initially resilient, we were seeing 
a more confident tone from clients and their 
advisers and the overall NCCF flow trends for 
the UK business were consistent with the 
trends seen in late 2019. Net flows onto the 
UK Platform continued at a similar level and 
the outflows at Quilter Cheviot continued to 
decline leading to a modest NCCF inflow in 
that business. NCCF for Quilter International 
was at a similar run-rate to the first quarter 
of 2019.

The sharp Coronavirus-induced market 
correction in late February has created a level 
of uncertainty as to the outlook for the 
remainder of 2020. As we all try to understand 
the potential impact of this on people, 
economies and markets, my focus is two-fold; 
firstly, making sure our people are safe and 
secondly, a customer focus. We have 
contingency plans in place for home-working 
across the organisation and we are following 
Public Health England guidelines, as they 
develop. In times of turbulence like this, we 
want our advisers and investment managers 
to be right there to support and guide our 
clients, so they are not left to deal with this 
level of uncertainty alone. At this stage, it is too 
early to ascertain the impact of this situation 
on investor sentiment, NCCF and revenues.

Our optimisation programme will deliver 
the cost savings that are embedded in our 
operating margin targets for 2020/2021. 
However, as we have previously indicated, 
those targets were based on an expectation 
of broadly stable markets from the base level 
at time they were set, coupled with a modest 
aggregate NCCF contribution over the period. 
If markets were to remain at recent post-
correction levels for an extended period, or to 
decline further, then delivering our operating 
margin target for 2020 will be a challenge. We 
remain committed to our targets but recognise 
that attainability will be subject to market 
levels, investor activity and management 
actions over the remainder of the year.

Irrespective of short-term market sentiment, 
we remain optimistic on the long-term secular 
opportunity across our markets and we are 
strategically well positioned to benefit from 
this. Completing the first migration onto our 
new UK Platform in early February was a 
major milestone for the Group. We are now 
focussed on delivering the second and final 
migration to a high-quality outcome in the 
summer. The new Platform will strengthen 
the cohesion between our different business 
capabilities and be a catalyst for faster growth.

Paul Feeney
Chief Executive Officer

Quilter Annual Report 2019

09

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther informationStrategic Report

Responsible business
Quilter is here for a reason – to help create prosperity for the generations of 
today and tomorrow. We’re committed to operating our business responsibly, 
for the long term, for the benefit of all our stakeholders. 

We help customers to be financially secure 
and achieve their financial goals and we also 
help colleagues, business partners and 
communities to thrive and prosper through 
our long-term positive relationships. And for 
shareholders we strive to deliver sustainable 
returns over the long term. We call this 
Shared Prosperity.

Our Shared Prosperity Plan sets out our 
approach to responsible business. This is 
informed and shaped by what matters most 
to our stakeholders, and what we believe has 
the greatest impact on our ability to create 
long-term financial and non-financial value. 
We engage regularly with our stakeholders to 
understand their priorities and expectations 
as social norms and socio-economic trends 
evolve over time. 

Our Shared Prosperity Plan focuses on three 
core themes where we aim to have a positive 
impact: financial wellbeing; inclusive growth; 
and responsible investment. These are 
underpinned by our culture, values and 
unwavering commitment to responsible 
business conduct. 

Our Shared Prosperity Plan 
Financial wellbeing
By enabling people to enhance their financial 
knowledge and confidence we can help 
customers, colleagues and communities to 
be more financially resilient and achieve 
long-term financial security. 

Our commitments: 
• Improve access to financial advice and 

guidance.

Responsible investment 
The investment industry can positively 
influence environmental, social and 
governance issues that impact investment 
returns upon which savers rely for their 
future financial security. At the same time, 
we also need to continually reduce our own 
environmental impact. 

Our commitments: 
• Embed responsible investment principles 

• Promote financial wellbeing for all 

across our business.

colleagues.

• Exercise active stewardship of our 

• Empower young people to manage their 

customers’ assets. 

money well for life.

• Reduce the environmental intensity of 

our activities. 

Inclusive growth 
Financial security is vital to our overall 
wellbeing. By supporting people into sustained 
employment, helping people thrive in work 
and promoting long-term savings we enable 
customers, colleagues and communities to 
have a more secure financial future. 

Our commitments: 
• Empower customers to be more engaged 

in their financial future.

• Create an inclusive culture that embraces 

diversity. 

• Enable colleagues and communities to 

thrive in work.

Non-financial information statement 
This section of the Annual Report (pages 
10 to 15) provides information as 
required by regulation in relation to: 
environmental matters, our employees, 
social matters, human rights, and 
anti-corruption and bribery. In addition, 
other related information can be found 
as follows: business model – page 17; 
principal risks and how they are managed 
– pages 32 to 33; and key performance 
indicators – pages 20 and 21. More 
detailed disclosures about Quilter’s 
non-financial performance can be found 
in the separate Responsible Business 
Report 2019. 

  Our Shared Prosperity 
Plan focusses on three 
core themes: financial 
wellbeing, inclusive 
growth and responsible 
investment. Through the 
Plan we strive to deliver 
benefit for all our 
stakeholders, including 
customers, colleagues, 
communities and 
shareholders. 

Jane Goodland 
Corporate Affairs Director

10

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Strategic Report
Responsible business

2019 Progress
Improving access to financial advice 
We continue to make financial advice more 
accessible by growing the number of 
restricted financial planners we employ and 
work with, reaching 1,799 at the end of 2019, 
up from 1,621 the previous year. Through the 
Quilter Financial Adviser School we brought 
74 new financial advisers into the industry in 
2019, bringing the total to 175 since the School 
launched in 2017. 

Quilter was named number one in the 2019 
FTAdviser Top 100 Financial Advisers ranking 
which judges firms on aspects important to 
customers such as adviser qualifications, 
amount of experience, staff retention, 
business growth, investment outcomes and 
scale. The achievement is recognition not only 
of the growth of Quilter Financial Planning 
over the past year, but also our continued 
commitment to providing high-quality 
face-to-face advice.

Financial and mental wellbeing 
‘Thrive’ is our colleague wellbeing initiative 
which supports our people with their mental, 
physical, social and financial wellbeing. Our 
121 Thrive Ambassadors champion the 
programme internally and Quilter’s CEO, Paul 
Feeney, has taken a leading role in tackling the 
stigma around mental health in the City. 

We understand how financial concerns can 
affect our colleagues’ mental health. As an 
employer we play a vital role in our colleagues’ 
financial lives. In 2019 we commenced our 

financial wellbeing programme which 
promotes a range of information, benefits 
and guidance to support colleagues in 
having a more secure financial future.

Vulnerable customers 
During 2019 we retained our strong focus 
on vulnerable customers. In addition to our 
comprehensive internal programmes to 
ensure customer-facing colleagues are 
well-equipped to support vulnerable 
customers, we continued to chair the industry 
working group of TISA to raise standards 
across the industry. This has involved working 
with charities to release a series of help-
sheets to support financial firms understand 
the difficulties that different vulnerabilities 
may create and the development of an online 
self-assessment tool which will be available 
free of charge to financial services firms. 

Responsible investment 
We have made a commitment to embed 
responsible investment principles across our 
business and have signed the UN-backed 
Principles for Responsible Investment. By 
investing responsibly, we can actively take 
account of the environmental, social and 
governance (“ESG”) issues that may impact 
long-term investment returns. 

Attention on this area increased considerably 
during 2019 with a wave of new regulatory 
change focused on embedding ESG factors 
into EU financial services regulation. In line 
with our Shared Prosperity Plan commitment 
we are in the process of embedding 
responsible investment principles across 
our business. 

Quilter colleagues 
As at 31 December 2019

Total split by gender
% (number)

53% (2,550)

47% (2,286)

Total number of colleagues1

2018: 52% (2,258) 48% (2,085)

4,836

2018: 4,343

Quilter plc Board split by gender
% (number)

64% (7)

36% (4)

2018: 64% (7) 36% (4)

Executive Committee split by gender2
% (number)

75% (9)

25% (3)

2018: 79% (11) 21% (3)

Senior management split by gender3
% (number)

68% (75)

32% (36)

2018: 66% (70) 34% (36)

Male

Female 

During 2019 we expanded our voting and 
engagement activity within our investment 
management businesses, and our fund 
research team incorporated ESG 
considerations into its research process. 
Recently we added ESG fund ratings onto our 
UK Platform but we have more to do to fully 
embed responsible investment across our 
business. For example, we will embed ESG 
preferences within the suitability assessment 
element of our financial advice process and 
enhance ESG disclosure. 

1  Additional employee data is provided in 

note 9(c)(iii) on page 144 which shows the 
average position during the year.

2  Executive Committee as at 31 December 
2019. Note, as per page 40, changes were 
made to the composition of the 
Committee after year-end.

3  Senior management defined as Executive 

Committee and their direct reports, 
excluding administrative staff.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

11

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther information 
Strategic Report

Responsible business continued

Inclusion and diversity 
We built on our existing inclusion activity in 
2019, encompassing a greater focus on LGBT 
with our support for the launch of LGBTGreat 
– a collaborative organisation working to 
develop all aspects of LGBT equality and 
inclusion within the investment industry. 

On gender equality we continue to focus on 
our target, as set out in our pledge to the HM 
Treasury Women in Finance Charter, to reach 
at least 35% women in our senior leadership 
community by the end of 2020. As at the end 
of 2019 this group was 32% female, which is 
down from 34% as at the end of 2018 but up 
from 2017 which was 29%. Whilst it is 
disappointing that we have not made more 
progress in this regard, we remain committed 
to meeting our target by focusing on gender 
equality, talent development, recruitment and 
succession plans. 

Fewer women in senior leadership and 
investment management roles are two main 
drivers behind our gender pay gap figures, 
which remain largely unchanged since we 
reported last year. We acknowledge that there 
will likely be a considerable time-lag between 
the interventions we are making now to tackle 
gender diversity in our colleague population 
and the gender pay gap figures. 

Proportion of men and women by pay quartile 
The bars below show the proportion of men and 
women in each pay quartile from the first (highest 
pay) to the fourth (lowest pay).

55

First quartile
%

2018: 72 | 28

Second quartile
%

2018: 52 | 48

Third quartile
%

41

39

2018: 42 | 58

Fourth quartile
%

2018: 41 | 59

Male  

Female

72

28

45

59

61

Environmental performance
During the year we made good progress 
on managing our environmental impact, 
considerably reducing our environmental 
intensity from 0.83 in 2018 to 0.60 in 2019, 
which is a measure of our greenhouse gas 
emissions per employee during the year, as 
shown in the table overleaf. We achieved this 
by reducing our energy consumption and by 
increasing the proportion of energy we use 
from renewable sources. We aim to continue 
this trend in future by switching to renewable 
energy tariffs where practical, and extending 
our environmental management system, 
which is aligned to international standard 
ISO 14001, beyond our Southampton office to 
other sites. We are also seeking environmental 
benefits from the consolidation of our London 
offices into a single site at Senator House, 
which has been refurbished to a BREEAM 
‘Very Good’ standard. We look forward to 
further environmental benefits which we 
aim to achieve by working with our newly 
appointed Group-wide facilities management 
contractor, selected in part on their strong 
environmental credentials. 

We have joined over 7,000 companies that 
support the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), 
a globally recognised initiative for companies 
to measure, manage, disclose and reduce 
their environmental impacts. In 2019 we 
reported for the first time under CDP and 
achieved a B- rating. 

Gender pay gap
As at 5 April of each year

Mean

Median

2019

2018

2019

2018

Hourly pay gap

35% 35% 32% 29%

Bonus gap

72% 70% 34% 39%

Women receiving 
bonuses

Men receiving 
bonuses

86% 85% 86% 86%

85% 85% 85% 85%

12

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Quilter’s stakeholders

Customers

Shareholders

Quilter

Regulators

Colleagues

Communities

 
Strategic Report
Responsible business

As a provider of financial advice and 
long-term investment solutions, the most 
material climate-related risks for Quilter are 
likely to be felt within the investment 
portfolios we manage on behalf of our clients. 
As a responsible investor we engage with 
third-party fund managers and companies 
on their management of environment issues, 
particularly climate change. Going forward we 
will also enhance our work to assess climate-
related risks within investment portfolios. 

We note the work of the Financial Stability 
Board Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosure (“TCFD”) to promote consistent 
climate-related financial risk disclosures by 
companies, for use by a range of stakeholders 
including investors. Ultimately, this will 
support more efficient allocation of capital 
and contribute to a more orderly transition to 
a low-carbon economy. As we evolve our 
approach to responsible business and 
responsible investment specifically, we will 
increasingly seek to align our disclosures with 
TCFD, covering the core elements of 
recommended climate-related financial 
disclosures including governance, strategy, 
risk management, metrics and targets.

Operating responsibly
Over and above the commitments set out 
in our Shared Prosperity Plan, we have an 
unwavering commitment to operate our daily 
business ethically, lawfully and with integrity 
at all times. We summarise our approach 
here and more detail can be found in the 
Responsible Business Report.

Responsible business governance
Our approach to responsible business helps 
us to manage a number of our principal risks 
and uncertainties, particularly those which 
relate to brand, reputation, people, culture or 
conduct risk. For more information about our 
principal risks and uncertainties, see pages 
32 to 33. 

The Board oversees Quilter’s approach to 
responsible business through the Board 
Corporate Governance and Nominations 
Committee which is chaired by Quilter’s 
Chairman. 

The Committee regularly considers different 
aspects of the responsible business agenda 
as shown on page 49. Within executive 
management, Quilter CEO Paul Feeney has 
overall accountability for ensuring we do 
business in the right way. He is supported by 
the Responsible Business Forum which is a 
management group that provides oversight, 
direction and challenge with respect to 
Quilter’s responsible business approach. 
The Forum, which is chaired by the Group 
Corporate Affairs Director, meets quarterly 
and comprises members from each operating 
business and key corporate functions. 

In addition to these oversight and 
management groups, our responsible 
business governance framework comprises 
numerous policies, codes and standards as 
referenced overleaf.

Supporting the UN Sustainable 
Development Goals

All Member States of the United 
Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for 
Sustainable Development and 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 
in 2015. Together these aim to end 
poverty, improve health and education, 
reduce inequality, and spur economic 
growth, whilst tackling climate change 
and protecting the natural 
environment. We have assessed the 
goals and believe our Shared Prosperity 
Plan can have the greatest contribution 
to the following six SDGs: 

• SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing
• SDG 4 Quality Education
• SDG 5 Gender Equality
• SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic 

Growth

• SDG 13 Climate Action
• SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

Our Responsible Business Report 
provides further detail about how we 
are aligned to these goals. 

Greenhouse gas emissions 20191

Scope 1

Scope 2

TCO2e  
2019

TCO2e  
2018

TCO2e 
2017

664

636

556

2,216 3,037 3,289

Scope 2 – market-based

1,378 1,976 3,079

Total – Scopes 1 and 2

2,880 3,672 3,845

Tonnes of CO2e/average 
number of colleagues

0.60

0.83

0.91

1  Our emissions are calculated and reported in accordance 
with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard. Please refer 
to the Glossary on page 215 for definitions of the GHG 
emissions categories shown in the above table.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

13

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther informationStrategic Report

Responsible business continued

Code of Conduct and speak up 
We are committed to maintaining the highest 
standards of integrity, legal compliance and 
ethics at all times. Our Code of Conduct sets 
out the duties and expectations of all 
colleagues and includes acting with integrity 
and respect, treating customers fairly, 
managing conflicts of interest, good market 
conduct, information, data and 
communications, use of Company assets, 
prevention of financial crime and working with 
regulators and governments. Colleagues are 
required to undertake annual mandatory 
training to ensure they fully understand the 
requirements of the Code of Conduct. This 
also includes training on whistleblowing, 
human rights, diversity and inclusion and 
financial crime (which includes anti-corruption 
and anti-bribery). During 2019, 96% of 
colleagues completed this training. 

In line with our whistleblowing policy, 
colleagues are required to report knowledge 
or suspicion of malpractice or actions that 
endanger Quilter Group’s employees or 
assets. Concerns can be reported to line 
managers, Risk and Compliance or via the 
independent confidential ethics hotline which 
is available year round and provides the 
option to report anonymously.

All reports are treated seriously and confidentially, 
are fully investigated and escalated to senior 
management and George Reid, independent 
Non-executive Director and designated Group 
Whistleblowing Champion. The whistleblowing 
policy provides employees who raise concerns 
in good faith with protection from detriment 
to their future employment opportunities. 

Colleague relations
Our ability to attract, develop and retain the 
best talent is critical to our business. We strive 
for an engaged colleague community and 
collegiate culture. Cathy Turner is the 
designated Non-executive Director with 
responsibility for ensuring the Board 
understands the views of colleagues so that 
their interests can be considered when taking 
material decisions. At least annually, Cathy 
meets with Quilter’s employee forums, which 
are designed to be a consultative body to 
represent colleagues. Throughout the year 
the Non-executive Directors also held a series 
of Board breakfast discussions with leaders 
across the business to better understand the 
culture of the organisation and identify areas 
for further focus. 

We proactively seek feedback from colleagues 
via our culture survey which we moved from 
a quarterly to a weekly cycle to provide more 
meaningful real-time engagement. The 
engagement score for 2019 was 7.2 compared 
to 7.7 out of 10 for 2018. This reduction was 
not unexpected given the transformation 
across the business during the year, however 
we strive to ensure colleagues are well 
supported and engaged through these 
periods of organisational change. 

Our internal communications processes 
and plans ensure that colleagues are fully 
informed on a range of topics affecting them 
including Company strategy and commercial 
priorities, financial performance and 
Company results, corporate activity such as 
acquisitions and disposals, relevant external 
social, financial and economic factors 
impacting our business, our responsible 

business activities, and matters directly 
impacting individuals, such as recognition 
and reward, benefits, mental and physical 
wellbeing initiatives. We have an active 
learning and development programme and 
a mentoring programme, which by the end of 
2019 included 150 mentoring relationships. 

Human rights
We recognise our responsibility to respect 
the rights and freedoms of those that not only 
work for Quilter but also those in our supply 
chain. Our human resource and supplier 
policies and processes prohibit all forms of 
modern slavery, forced labour, compulsory 
labour and child labour. They also promote 
equal opportunity and prohibit any form of 
discrimination or unfair treatment on the 
grounds of protected characteristics, or 
because of any other personal factor. We 
respect the right of employees to associate 
for the purposes of collective bargaining and 
colleagues are free to join a union of their 
choice. We are also committed to fair pay and 
as such Quilter is an accredited Living Wage 
employer. As a minimum we pay colleagues, 
contractors and on-site suppliers the UK’s 
Real Living Wage, which is based on the cost 
of living and calculated annually by the Living 
Wage Foundation, currently £9.30 an hour 
across the UK and £10.74 an hour in London. 

Working with suppliers
Our Third-Party Risk Management Policy 
sets out requirements with respect to our 
procurement, outsourcing and supplier 
management activities. Our Supplier Code 
of Conduct applies to all suppliers and their 
sub-contractors that provide goods and 
services to Quilter. It sets out the minimum 

Financial education
“Pupils enjoying a financial 
education workshop delivered by 
charity partner, MyBnk.” 

14

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Strategic Report
Responsible business

routinely teach financial education. To address 
the gap we have partnered with leading 
financial education charity MyBnk and chair a 
collaborative industry initiative called KickStart 
Money to deliver high-energy and innovative 
money workshops for young people in our 
communities. So far we have enabled 19,379 
young people to benefit from these lessons 
since 2016. We have had the programme 
independently assessed, showing tangible 
results, and we have lobbied for financial 
education to be included on the National 
Primary Curriculum.

Routes into sustained employment 
In 2019 the Foundation forged three new 
strategic partnerships with School of Hard 
Knocks in London, Street League in 
Birmingham and Safe New Futures in 
Southampton. All three charities use 
innovative ways to support disadvantaged 
young people to overcome barriers between 
them and sustained employment, education 
or training. Over the coming years, with our 
partners, we will reach hundreds of young 
people in Southampton, London and 
Birmingham, helping them have a more 
secure financial future. 

Jane Goodland 
Corporate Affairs Director 

standards we expect our suppliers to 
adhere to when doing business with Quilter 
in addition to the contractual terms agreed. 
The Code covers legal compliance, ethical 
standards, conflicts of interest, anti-bribery 
and corruption, brands, trade marks, 
intellectual property, information and data 
protection, labour standards, living wage, 
discrimination, health and safety, and 
environmental management.

Data privacy and IT security
Customers and colleagues trust us with their 
personal data which can include sensitive and 
financial information. We take seriously our 
responsibility to control and protect this data 
and use it only for the purposes for which it 
was collected. We also recognise the legal 
requirements that relate to our data 
protection duties and in particular to 
satisfying data subjects’ rights. 

Data privacy and cyber security are overseen 
by the Board Technology and Operations 
Committee and the collection and use of 
personal data is governed by a Privacy Policy 
and overseen by a Group Data Protection 
Officer (“GDPO”) with the support of a formal 
committee, the Quilter Privacy Forum. We 
recognise that cyber risks are constantly 
evolving and it is therefore not possible to 
reduce the risk of breaches to zero. Where 
breaches do occur, we believe the resulting 
impacts can be reduced through effective 
incident response plans which we have 
developed and tested. More detail 
about our approach to data privacy and 
security can be found in our Responsible 
Business Report 2019. 

Financial crime, bribery and corruption
As a financial services company we recognise 
the potential risk of being a target for financial 
crime, including money laundering, terrorist 
financing, tax evasion and fraud. We also 
acknowledge the potential risk of bribery and 
corruption which could result in financial loss, 
regulatory fines and/or censure and damage 
to reputation. We have zero tolerance for 
financial crime, bribery or corruption and 
have a robust control environment in place 
including policies and training on Anti-Money 
Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing, 
Anti-bribery and Corruption, and Fraud 
Prevention. 

Tax strategy 
As a responsible business, we are committed 
to full compliance with our tax obligations, 
paying the right amount of tax at the right 
time. We have no tolerance for tax evasion 
and we do not promote tax avoidance or 
aggressive tax planning arrangements to 
our customers or to other parties. More 
information about our tax strategy can be 
found in the Responsible Business section 
of quilter.com.

The Quilter Foundation
The Quilter Foundation is Quilter’s charity. 
Launched in 2018, its mission, anchored to 
Quilter’s purpose, is to help young people 
thrive and prosper. The Foundation works in 
partnership with a small number of strategic 
charity partners to deliver life changing impact 
in our communities. The Foundation’s partners 
are focused on improving young people’s life 
chances by enhancing financial capability, 
improving employment prospects, and 
supporting good mental health and wellbeing. 
The Foundation is registered with the Charities 
Commission and governed by a Trustee Board 
with two independent trustees, Philippa Foster 
Back, CBE and Professor Richard Breen, who 
sit alongside five Quilter executives. 

Young Carers campaign 
In 2019 we continued our Young Carers 
campaign, recognising that these young 
people are often disadvantaged when it 
comes to education, mental health and 
wellbeing as a result of their caring roles. 
Through our principal partner, Carers Trust, 
we are working to improve support services 
and recognition for young people caring, 
unpaid, for a family member or friend who 
is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or 
addiction problems. Support is provided via 
small grants, community-based support 
services and respite opportunities. The Mix is 
the digital support partner for the campaign, 
through which young carers can access 
free, confidential online support from peers 
and experts. 

Financial education 
We know that our money habits take shape 
in childhood, and so financial education at an 
early age can help equip young people with 
the skills, habits and knowledge to manage 
their money well for life. Yet our schools do not 

Quilter Annual Report 2019

15

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther informationStrategic Report

Market growth drivers
Our chosen markets are experiencing secular growth in the demand for wealth management 
services, while at the same time facing constrained supply of financial advisers, fee pressure, 
onerous regulation and ever-increasing complexity from fiscal change.

Market drivers of demand

Quilter’s response

Savings responsibility shifting to the individual
The ongoing shift in responsibility to individuals for ensuring sufficient long-term 
savings and retirement provision increasingly means customers need to make their 
own financial plans.

We have built a business which aims to make Quilter the 
best place to go for trusted financial advice in the UK.

Pension reform driving increased need for retirement solutions
UK pension freedom increases the flexibility for individuals to manage their 
long-term savings. To support this, wealth managers need to be ready to advise 
on and manage customers’ funds beyond the savings phase well into the 
retirement phase.

With customer choice at the heart of everything we do, 
we seek to support clients through their savings and 
investment life-cycle with an open, transparent and fair 
business model.

Demographics: ageing population and inter-generational wealth transfer
Demographic changes and the savings gap create an increasing demand for wealth 
solutions. A shift from opaque, traditional life saving products to more modern, 
transparent solutions held via platforms bolsters this growth.

Our money management offers risk-based investment 
solutions, agnostic to active and passive management, 
designed to deliver good customer outcomes.

Complexity driving increased need for advice alongside digital solutions
UK pension freedom has resulted in increased choice, and accordingly, complexity, 
for individuals to plan for their future. While self-directed and robo-advice will be 
an important constituent of the wealth management sector, we continue to 
anticipate a significant opportunity for adviser-led investment solutions.

With the second largest adviser force in the UK, we 
strongly believe in the value of trusted face-to-face advice, 
and we continue to research how this can be best assisted 
through digital channels.

Market forces on supply

Quilter’s response

Withdrawal of financial advisers in the face of regulation and market changes 
Evolution of the advice regulatory landscape triggered a reduction in the number 
of financial advisers and subsequent growth has been muted despite a growing 
need, causing demand for investment advice to exceed supply.

We believe the driver of Quilter’s growth over time will 
be through the provision of trusted advice, and we 
will continue to invest in its evolution and in the breadth 
of our offering.

Evolving value chains and increasing regulatory costs placing pressure 
on smaller firms
RDR, MiFID II, the FSCS levy, and Professional Indemnity Insurance alike have 
resulted in greater compliance, costs and administrative burdens on financial 
advisers and their firms, making smaller firms less economically viable. 

Our business model, where firms become restricted and 
benefit from our support and buying power to provide 
high-quality, cost-effective solutions for their clients, 
alleviates this burden.

Shift away from traditional insurance-based investment products
Investment platforms offer a wider choice of investments tailored to individual 
needs, and are combined with easy-to-access digital services at competitive 
fee prices.

Increased focus on industry professionalism, transparency and 
customer outcomes
Segments of the wealth industry have been increasingly scrutinised by the FCA 
including life insurance products, platforms and advice quality. This has led to 
increased challenges particularly for small and mid-sized advice firms given the 
uncertainty created and the requirement to achieve higher levels of qualification 
and securing comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance.

We are nearing the completion of our re-platforming 
project, with the final migration planned to complete by 
the end of summer 2020. The new UK Platform will be 
market-leading in its IT resilience and its experience for 
advisers and customers, and will allow us to continue to 
innovate to meet changing needs while providing 
operational leverage.

We are building a modern business model designed 
for today’s regulatory world and adaptable to potential 
future change.

16

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Strategic Report

Business model
Our full-service model enables us to support the changing 
needs of our customers throughout their lives.

A typical Quilter customer looking to manage 
their wealth needs three things: ‘a financial 
plan’, a means of holding their assets safely in 
the right tax efficient wrapper (‘Platform’) and 
an investment strategy aligned with their risk 
appetite and investment horizon – ‘solutions’. 
We earn revenues from the assets under our 
management or administration as a result of 
providing advice-led investment solutions and 
our platform to customers across the UK and 
in select international markets.

Quilter has an integrated multi-channel access 
model, with two core strategies – the first 
whereby customers can come to us through 
our advisers or secondly through the open 
market channel with their own independent 
adviser. When we support a customer to 
manage their wealth in more than one area, 
and therefore earn more than one revenue 
stream, we refer to it as an ‘integrated flow’. 
The unbundled, open nature of our model, 
offering flexibility to use one, two or all three 
components, is a key competitive advantage, 
provides customers and their advisers with 
choice at every stage and imposes external 
market discipline on our propositions.

For Quilter, our model provides greater 
market breadth, customer and adviser choice, 
supporting long-term customer relationships. 
Our scale and leading market positions in 
each of our business segments enables us 
to benefit from strong structural growth 
dynamics and capture an increasing share 
of the market.

Quilter’s multi-channel advice-led model
An open, transparent, full-service model serving customers across the wealth spectrum.

Customer segment

Financial advice

Platform and wrappers

Investment solutions

High Net Worth

Affluent

Mass Affluent

Open market, independent financial advisers

Quilter Private
Client Advisers

Quilter
Financial Planning

Quilter
Financial Advisers 

Platforms and wrappers
(e.g. ISAs, pensions, collective investment accounts)

Discretionary
Fund Management 

Managed
Portfolios

Multi-Asset
Funds 

Quilter Annual Report 2019

17

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther information 
 
 
 
Strategic Report

Progress against our strategic objectives

Our strategy will enable us to: 
• become the leading provider of insightful, trusted financial advice;
• offer easy and simple access to manage investments on one platform in an appropriate wrapper;
• provide outcome-based, risk-adjusted investment solutions, focused on meeting the real needs of our customers; and
• deliver top line growth and operating leverage

1. Delivering on customer outcomes

Strategic objective

2019 performance

Focus for 2020

• Continue to provide high-quality products 
which meet the needs of our customers, 
at competitive prices, at every part of the 
value chain

• Continue to drive investment performance 
and deliver good outcomes for customers
• Maintain good customer service with low 

levels of customer complaints

• Continue to uphold principle of treating 
customers fairly, including maintaining 
robust processes around complaints and 
their appropriate resolution

Focus on ensuring good customer outcomes 
and risk-adjusted investment returns while 
delivering quality service to customers. 
Developing appropriate investment 
propositions and solutions is key to the 
delivery of this objective.

KPIs
• NCCF/opening AuMA
• Integrated net flows

Other performance indicators
• Asset retention
• Investment performance
• Levels of upheld complaints

• Gross flows were lower year-on-year due 
to challenging market conditions weighing 
on investment sentiment

• Integrated net flows were impacted by 

cautious investment sentiment leading to 
a decrease in gross sales from Quilter 
Financial Planning

• Quilter Cheviot continued to perform well 
for clients, delivering out-performance 
relative to their relevant benchmarks over 
one, three, five and ten-year periods
• Quilter Investors mid- and long-term 

performance remained strong although 
short-term performance in the largest range, 
Cirilium Active, was mixed in early 2019
• Asset retention at 88%, excluding QLA, 

reflected our strong product and 
proposition offering, and high customer 
service standards

• Complaints remained low and levels of 
upheld complaints were in line with the 
industry average

Awards
• Winner – FTAdviser Top 100 Financial Adviser

2. Advice and Wealth Management growth

Strategic objective

2019 performance

Focus for 2020

Advice 
• Grow by adding advisers through 

recruitment and acquisitions, and support 
individual adviser productivity

• 3% organic growth in restricted financial 
planners, with an additional 8% increase 
through acquisition of Lighthouse plc and 
seven smaller PCA firms

• Support the Financial Adviser School intake 

• Adviser productivity impacted by lower 

gross flows, affected by market environment 
and newly acquired advisers transitioning to 
Quilter’s proposition

• Integration of acquired adviser firms into 

Quilter Financial Planning progressing well 
• Quilter Investors’ technology and employee 

infrastructure build-out completed

• Launched new products and refreshed 
product suite within Quilter Investors 

• Net 12 investment managers joined Quilter 

Cheviot, with team now at 167

• Gross sales in Quilter Cheviot remain 
resilient despite market conditions

and graduates 

• Develop our National advice business 

Investment management
• Build out Quilter Investors and use adviser 
feedback to provide building blocks for 
market-leading solutions

• Add investment managers to support 

Quilter Cheviot’s business growth

KPIs
• Integrated net flows
• Number of restricted financial planners
• Number of investment managers

Other performance indicators
• Adviser productivity

18

Quilter Annual Report 2019

• Advice businesses well positioned to 

support customers as market sentiment 
improves and subsequently drive NCCF
• Continue integration of acquired adviser 

firms and offer broader Quilter proposition 
to larger customer base

• Deliver national, own-brand advice 

business model

• Build on momentum achieved with Quilter 
Investors’ new product launch and refresh

• Capitalise on Quilter Cheviot’s larger 

investment management team and build 
momentum from new fund launches
• Continue to align Quilter Private Client 

Advisers and Quilter Cheviot proposition

Strategic Report
Progress against our strategy

3. Wealth Platforms growth

Strategic objective

2019 performance

Focus for 2020

Wealth Solutions
• Safely deliver our UK Platform 

Transformation Programme with high-
quality support for customers and advisers 
throughout the migration process. Once 
implemented, realise the benefits of the 
more modern platform and its enhanced 
proposition for advisers. 

International
• Maintain focus of geographic footprint and 

• Soft-launched the new UK Platform to 
selected clients, received the final code 
from FNZ and completed testing

• First of two migration phases achieved 

successfully in February 2020

• Total programme costs revised from 

£160 million to £185 million due to timeline 
extension, dual running costs and additional 
activities to reduce migration risk – project 
remains in line with revised budget
• Stabilisation of flows within Quilter 

ensure high quality and value of new business. 

International

• Safely migrate advisers and customers 

in second phase of UK Platform 
Transformation Programme and 
decommission outgoing system

• Leverage improved functionality from new 
UK Platform to grow market share with 
independent advisers

• Develop deeper roots within Quilter 
International’s markets, including UK 
onshore customers

• Continue to develop Quilter Cheviot’s 

proposition within Quilter International’s 
markets

• Quilter Life Assurance (see “discontinued 

business”) sold to ReAssure for £425 million 
(and interest income of £21 million) or 120% 
pro forma 31 December 2018 own funds

UK Platform Transformation Programme delivery timeline (from soft launch)

Final system
code delivery

Functional
testing & migration
planning

Migration
rehearsals &
adviser readiness
preparations

Phased
migration

Summer 2019

Autumn 2019

Early 2020

KPIs
• Integrated net flows

Other performance indicators
• Control of costs to deliver PTP
• NCCF from RFPs onto UK Platform
• NCCF from IFAs onto UK Platform
• NCCF into International

4. Optimisation

Strategic objective

2019 performance

Focus for 2020

Drive operational leverage through building 
enhanced scale and delivering efficiency in 
operational processes. Target a 2 percentage 
point improvement in 2020 operating margin 
and a further 2 percentage point 
improvement in 2021. 

• Mobilised efficiency initiatives including 
delayering and streamlining the business
• Delivered £14 million savings in the year 
when compared to 2018, with full-year 
run-rate of £24 million

• Continue strict cost management 
• Seek opportunities for further operational 

efficiency

• Implement new systems allowing for further 

future operational leverage

• £18 million costs incurred in the year to 

• Reduce stranded costs associated with the 

KPIs
• Operating margin
• Adjusted profit before tax

Other performance indicators
• Control of costs to deliver the Programme
• Employee engagement scores
• Internal surveys monitoring cost awareness 

and positive cultural change

deliver the programme, totalling £25 million 
since Optimisation began

sale of Quilter Life Assurance

• Complete re-brand of business to Quilter to 
unify the business and provide a strong 
foundation from which to grow market share

• Support employee engagement through 

transition period

• Develop plans for Optimisation phase 2

Quilter Annual Report 2019

19

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther information 
 
Strategic Report

Key performance indicators
Quilter has identified the key performance indicators it believes are useful in assessing 
the Group’s performance against its strategic priorities. They encompass both financial 
and non-financial measures, as set out below.

NCCF/opening assets under 
management and 
administration (“AuMA”)*1

Integrated net flows*1

Operating margin*2

Adjusted profit before tax*2

Total shareholder return 

IFRS (loss)/profit before tax* 

Restricted financial 

Investment managers 

(“TSR”) 

planners (“RFPs”)

(“IMs”)

Definition
Total net flows as a percentage 
of opening AuMA (excluding 
Quilter Life Assurance). This 
measure evaluates the level of 
flows during the period in relation 
to the asset base, discretely from 
market movements.

Definition
Total NCCF (excluding Quilter Life 
Assurance) that has flowed 
through two or more businesses 
within Quilter. It is a lead indicator 
of revenue generation driven by 
an integrated business model.

Performance
NCCF as a percentage of opening 
AuMA of 0% reflected challenging 
market conditions, with Brexit 
and broader geopolitical and 
macro-economic concerns 
weighing on investor sentiment. 
The medium-term target of 5% 
still remains.

Performance
In a year of challenging markets 
as investors remained cautious 
due to Brexit and other geopolitical 
concerns, integrated net flows 
were £2.6 billion. While sentiment 
led to a lower level of gross sales 
from Quilter Financial Planning, 
what flow was available continued 
to touch more than one business 
within the Group, demonstrating 
the robustness and relevance of 
the integrated model.

Definition
Represents adjusted profit 
before tax divided by total fee 
revenue, including life tax 
contributions and adviser fees. 
Operating margin excludes 
financing costs. This is an 
efficiency measure that reflects 
the percentage of net revenues 
that become adjusted profit.

Definition
Represents the underlying 
operating profit of the Group. 
It therefore adjusts IFRS profits 
for key adjusting items such as 
goodwill impairment and 
amortisation of intangibles, 
business transformation costs, 
financing costs on external 
borrowings, and policyholder tax 
adjustments, excluding non-core 
operations, as detailed in Note 7 
in the financial statements.

Performance
The operating margin in 2019 
declined to 29% reflecting the 
drag on revenue from Advice 
acquisitions while they 
transitioned to the Quilter 
proposition.

Performance
Adjusted profit before tax was 
£235 million, up 1% from 2018, 
driven by increased revenue 
in the Advice and Wealth 
Management segment, and 
strengthened cost discipline.

NCCF/opening assets under 
management and administration 
(“AuMA”)*1

Integrated net flows*1

Operating margin*2

Adjusted profit before tax*2

Total shareholder return  

IFRS (loss)/profit before tax*1

Restricted financial planners 

Investment managers  

0%

0%

2019
2018
2017
2016

£2.6bn

29%

£235m

5%

6%

2019
2018
2017
2016

£2.6bn

£2.2bn

9%

£4.7bn

£5.2bn

2019
2018
2017
2016

29%
30%
29%

32%

2019
2018
2017
2016

£235m
£233m

£209m
£208m

*  See page 212 for alternative 
performance measures

1  Excluding Quilter Life Assurance
2  Including Quilter Life Assurance

20

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Definition

Definition

Definition

Definition

The difference between the 

IFRS profit before tax attributable 

Number of advisers licensed to 

Number of individuals who 

opening and closing share price1 

to equity holders from continuing 

advise clients across Pension, 

provide investment management 

over the period, plus any 

operations, prepared in 

dividends paid during that period.

accordance with IFRS. 

Investment and Protection 

solutions, but only permitted 

to recommend products and 

services to clients of Quilter 

Cheviot in line with individual 

circumstances and investment 

1   Performance shown for QLT as traded 

on the London Stock Exchange.

For remuneration purposes, 

solutions from providers on 

objectives.

IFRS profit before tax is adjusted 

the Quilter Financial Planning 

to exclude amortisation of 

Restricted Panel.

intangible assets, policyholder tax 

adjustments and other one-off 

items (refer to Note 5(b)) and page 

75 of the Remuneration Report.

Performance

Performance

Performance

Performance

Despite share price weakness 

IFRS profit before tax attributable 

We achieved good growth of 

Growth in investment managers 

across the industry sector in 

to equity holders from continuing 

11% in RFPs in 2019, 3% of which 

was a key focus for 2019 as we 

2019 as the effect of Brexit and 

operations decreased primarily 

was organic. The majority of the 

have been enlarging the Quilter 

other geopolitical issues weighed 

due to a change in policyholder 

organic growth was achieved in 

Cheviot investment team 

on sentiment of Wealth 

tax which can vary significantly 

the first half of the year, while in 

following a small number of 

Management stocks generally, 

year-on-year as a result of market 

the second half, focus turned to 

resignations from a particular 

Quilter experienced strong 

share price performance 

volatility. IFRS profit before tax 

the integration of large adviser 

cohort of IMs in mid-2018. 

excluding amortisation, 

acquisitions – Lighthouse plc 

We are pleased with the calibre 

following the announcement of 

policyholder tax adjustments and 

and Charles Derby Group.

of new investment managers 

who have joined the already 

successful Quilter Cheviot team. 

Optimisation Phase 1 in March 

one-off items is £10 million higher 

2019 and after the UK election in 

than 2018 primarily due to lower 

December. With a total dividend 

financing costs and managed 

for 2019 of 5.2 pence per share, 

separation costs, offset by 

increased Optimisation costs.

TSR for the year was 42%, 

outperforming peers.

(“TSR”)

42%

£141m

(“RFPs”)*

1,799

(“IMs”)

167

Strategic Report
Key performance indicators

NCCF/opening assets under 

Integrated net flows*1

Operating margin*2

Adjusted profit before tax*2

Total shareholder return 
(“TSR”) 

IFRS (loss)/profit before tax* 

Restricted financial 
planners (“RFPs”)

Investment managers 
(“IMs”)

management and 

administration (“AuMA”)*1

  This KPI is linked to Remuneration. 
See Remuneration report on page 64 
for more information.

Definition

Definition

Definition

Definition

Total net flows as a percentage 

Total NCCF (excluding Quilter Life 

Represents adjusted profit 

Represents the underlying 

of opening AuMA (excluding 

Quilter Life Assurance). This 

Assurance) that has flowed 

before tax divided by total fee 

operating profit of the Group. 

through two or more businesses 

revenue, including life tax 

It therefore adjusts IFRS profits 

measure evaluates the level of 

within Quilter. It is a lead indicator 

contributions and adviser fees. 

for key adjusting items such as 

flows during the period in relation 

of revenue generation driven by 

Operating margin excludes 

to the asset base, discretely from 

an integrated business model.

financing costs. This is an 

goodwill impairment and 

amortisation of intangibles, 

market movements.

efficiency measure that reflects 

business transformation costs, 

the percentage of net revenues 

financing costs on external 

that become adjusted profit.

borrowings, and policyholder tax 

adjustments, excluding non-core 

operations, as detailed in Note 7 

in the financial statements.

Performance

Performance

Performance

Performance

NCCF as a percentage of opening 

In a year of challenging markets 

The operating margin in 2019 

Adjusted profit before tax was 

AuMA of 0% reflected challenging 

as investors remained cautious 

declined to 29% reflecting the 

£235 million, up 1% from 2018, 

market conditions, with Brexit 

due to Brexit and other geopolitical 

drag on revenue from Advice 

driven by increased revenue 

and broader geopolitical and 

concerns, integrated net flows 

acquisitions while they 

macro-economic concerns 

were £2.6 billion. While sentiment 

transitioned to the Quilter 

weighing on investor sentiment. 

led to a lower level of gross sales 

proposition.

The medium-term target of 5% 

from Quilter Financial Planning, 

in the Advice and Wealth 

Management segment, and 

strengthened cost discipline.

still remains.

what flow was available continued 

to touch more than one business 

within the Group, demonstrating 

the robustness and relevance of 

the integrated model.

NCCF/opening assets under 

management and administration 

(“AuMA”)*1

0%

£2.6bn

29%

£235m

Definition
The difference between the 
opening and closing share price1 
over the period, plus any 
dividends paid during that period.

Definition
IFRS profit before tax attributable 
to equity holders from continuing 
operations, prepared in 
accordance with IFRS. 

1   Performance shown for QLT as traded 

on the London Stock Exchange.

For remuneration purposes, 
IFRS profit before tax is adjusted 
to exclude amortisation of 
intangible assets, policyholder tax 
adjustments and other one-off 
items (refer to Note 5(b)) and page 
75 of the Remuneration Report.

Performance
Despite share price weakness 
across the industry sector in 
2019 as the effect of Brexit and 
other geopolitical issues weighed 
on sentiment of Wealth 
Management stocks generally, 
Quilter experienced strong 
share price performance 
following the announcement of 
Optimisation Phase 1 in March 
2019 and after the UK election in 
December. With a total dividend 
for 2019 of 5.2 pence per share, 
TSR for the year was 42%, 
outperforming peers.

Performance
IFRS profit before tax attributable 
to equity holders from continuing 
operations decreased primarily 
due to a change in policyholder 
tax which can vary significantly 
year-on-year as a result of market 
volatility. IFRS profit before tax 
excluding amortisation, 
policyholder tax adjustments and 
one-off items is £10 million higher 
than 2018 primarily due to lower 
financing costs and managed 
separation costs, offset by 
increased Optimisation costs.

Definition
Number of advisers licensed to 
advise clients across Pension, 
Investment and Protection 
solutions, but only permitted 
to recommend products and 
solutions from providers on 
the Quilter Financial Planning 
Restricted Panel.

Definition
Number of individuals who 
provide investment management 
services to clients of Quilter 
Cheviot in line with individual 
circumstances and investment 
objectives.

Performance
We achieved good growth of 
11% in RFPs in 2019, 3% of which 
was organic. The majority of the 
organic growth was achieved in 
the first half of the year, while in 
the second half, focus turned to 
the integration of large adviser 
acquisitions – Lighthouse plc 
and Charles Derby Group.

Performance
Growth in investment managers 
was a key focus for 2019 as we 
have been enlarging the Quilter 
Cheviot investment team 
following a small number of 
resignations from a particular 
cohort of IMs in mid-2018. 
We are pleased with the calibre 
of new investment managers 
who have joined the already 
successful Quilter Cheviot team. 

Integrated net flows*1

Operating margin*2

Adjusted profit before tax*2

Total shareholder return  
(“TSR”)

IFRS (loss)/profit before tax*1

Restricted financial planners 
(“RFPs”)*

Investment managers  
(“IMs”)

42%

(11)%

2019
2018
2017
2016

N/A
N/A

£141m

1,799

167

42%

£(53)m

2019
2019
2018
2018

£41m

£141m

£131m

2019
2018
2017
2016

1,799

1,621

1,561

1,423

2019
2018
2017
2016

167

155

164

158

IFRS profit before tax 
(excluding amortisation, 
policyholder tax adjustments 
and one-off items)
IFRS (loss)/profit before tax

Quilter Annual Report 2019

21

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther informationStrategic Report

Financial review

Review of financial performance
Overview
In this financial review, unless indicated otherwise, all results are 
presented including QLA in both the current year and prior year 
comparative. Unless indicated otherwise, the prior year comparative 
will exclude the results of the Single Strategy business that was 
disposed on 29 June 2018.

The Group delivered solid results for 2019, in a challenging environment 
for flows. Platform industry statistics indicate that 2019 was the lowest 
year for net flows since 2013 due to broader UK political and economic 
uncertainty. NCCF for the Group was £0.3 billion, excluding the Quilter 
Life Assurance business, which was sold to ReAssure in December 2019. 
AuMA, excluding the Quilter Life Assurance business, increased by 13% 
to close at £110.4 billion, benefiting from the rebound in equity markets 
during the year, with the FTSE-100 index up 12% for the year. Adjusted 
profit before tax (including QLA) increased by 1% to £235 million, with 
stable revenue, supported by continued cost discipline across the 
business. The Group’s IFRS loss after tax from continuing operations 
(excluding QLA) was £21 million, compared to a profit after tax of £66 
million in 2018, primarily due to the change in policyholder tax, which 
can vary significantly year-on-year as a result of market volatility.

Alternative Performance Measures (“APMs”)
We assess our financial performance using a variety of measures 
including APMs, as explained further on pages 212 to 214. In the 
headings presented, these measures are indicated with an asterix: *.

Key financial highlights 

Year ended 31 December 2019

Continuing operations  
(excluding QLA)

Advice & 
Wealth 
Management

Wealth 

Platforms  Eliminations

Total  
Group

Gross sales (£bn)*

Gross outflows (£bn)*

NCCF (£bn)*

Integrated net flows (£bn)*

AuMA (£bn)*

NCCF/opening AuMA (%)*

Asset retention (%)*

7.5

(7.8)

(0.3)

1.6

45.8

(1%)

81%

8.0

(6.6)

1.4

1.0

77.7

2%

90%

(3.2)

2.4

(0.8)

–

(13.1)

n/a

n/a

12.3

(12.0)

0.3

2.6

110.4

–

88%

Year ended 31 December 2018

Continuing operations  
(excluding QLA)

Advice & 
Wealth 
Management

Wealth 

Platforms  Eliminations

Total  
Group

Gross sales (£bn)*

Gross outflows (£bn)*

NCCF (£bn)*

Integrated net flows (£bn)*

AuMA (£bn)*

NCCF/opening AuMA (%)*

Asset retention (%)*

8.0

(4.5)

3.5

3.6

40.7

8%

89%

9.5

(6.1)

3.4

1.1

67.7

5%

91%

(3.3)

1.1

(2.2)

–

(10.7)

n/a

n/a

14.2

(9.5)

4.7

4.7

97.7

5%

91%

  The Group delivered strong 
adjusted profit growth from 
continuing operations 
despite a challenging 
environment for flows. 

Mark Satchel
Chief Financial Officer

22

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Strategic Report
Financial review

Net client cash flow (“NCCF”)*
NCCF, excluding Quilter Life Assurance, was a net inflow of £0.3 billion 
(2018: £4.7 billion). After a good first quarter, the Group experienced 
net outflows in the second and third quarters of the year, which 
modestly reversed in the final quarter. Gross sales were lower due to 
challenging market conditions, with Brexit and broader geopolitical and 
macro-economic concerns weighing on investor sentiment. The Group 
also experienced higher gross outflows during the year, primarily as a 
result of the Investment Manager (“IM”) departures from Quilter 
Cheviot, who resigned during 2018. 

Net inflows into Quilter Investors were £0.5 billion, down 82% from 2018 
(£2.8 billion) reflecting lower new business volumes from Quilter Financial 
Planning, Quilter’s own platform (Quilter Wealth Solutions) and third-party 
platforms. As reported during the year, new business flows from Quilter 
Financial Planning and independent financial advisers were particularly 
impacted by investor uncertainty over Brexit in the UK and the macro 
environment more generally. This had a knock-on impact for Quilter 
Investors, where net flows from the restricted channel were £1.2 billion 
(2018: £2.4 billion), of which £0.3 billion (2018: £1.1 billion) were from 
third-party platforms and £0.9 billion (2018: £1.3 billion) from our own 
platform, Quilter Wealth Solutions. Flows from the Wealth Platforms 
segment to Quilter Investors were net outflows of £0.1 billion in 2019 
(2018: net inflow £0.8 billion). Third-party net outflows into Quilter 
Investors were £0.6 billion in 2019 (2018: outflow £0.4 billion).

Quilter Cheviot experienced NCCF outflows of £0.8 billion (2018: inflow 
of £0.7 billion), which included £1.3 billion of outflows linked to the 
departures of the IMs who resigned in mid-2018 and the loss of a 
£0.2 billion quasi-institutional mandate. 

Quilter Wealth Solutions recorded net inflows of £0.9 billion, down 71% 
on prior year (2018: £3.1 billion). Gross sales of £6.0 billion (2018: £7.7 
billion) decreased by £1.7 billion, primarily as a result of lower levels of 
defined benefit scheme (“DB”) to defined contribution scheme (“DC”) 
pension transfers, which were down 50% to £0.8 billion (2018: £1.6 
billion) and lower levels of market activity more generally, particularly 
from independent financial advisers. NCCF from Quilter Wealth 
Solutions was further impacted by the impending migration of client 
assets to our new technology platform.

Quilter International’s NCCF increased by 67% to £0.5 billion (2018: £0.3 
billion), supported by a small number of investments from Hong Kong 
and Latin America in the fourth quarter, which totalled £0.3 billion.

Flows from continuing operations

2019

2018

% Change

Total integrated net flows*

Direct net flows

Eliminations

Total Quilter plc NCCF from continuing 
operations

2.6

(1.5)

(0.8)

0.3

4.7

2.2

(2.2)

(45%)

–

64%

4.7

(94%)

Integrated net flows (excluding Quilter Life Assurance) were £2.6 billion, 
down 45% from 2018 (£4.7 billion), as cautious investment sentiment 
led to a decrease in gross sales from Quilter Financial Planning. 
Similarly, Quilter Wealth Solutions experienced a decline in net flows 
primarily due to weaker flows across the industry due to a combination 
of Brexit, defined benefit transfer headwinds and lower pension limits 
having an impact. The restricted channel of Quilter Financial Planning 
accounted for £1.2 billion (2018: £2.4 billion) of Quilter Investors’ net 
flows and £1.0 billion (2018: £1.1 billion) of Quilter Wealth Solutions’ 
net flows.

Total Restricted Financial Planner (“RFP”) headcount of 1,799 at 
31 December 2019 included an additional 137 RFPs following the 
acquisition of Lighthouse Group plc. Excluding RFPs added through the 
Lighthouse Group plc acquisition, net RFP growth of 41 represents an 
annualised growth rate of 3%. We continue to generate good levels of 
new RFP appointments within existing businesses and through the 
recruitment of newly appointed representative firms, driven in part by 
the appointment of new recruitment leadership to drive our organic 
recruitment capability. The Quilter Financial Adviser School continues to 
be popular with firms and is on schedule to add around 100 graduates 
into Quilter Financial Planning firms in 2020. New RFP appointments 
have been partially offset by the natural attrition of advisers, with 
turnover levels within our appointed representative firms remaining 
stable throughout the year. Productivity* for Quilter Financial Planning 
was £1.0 million per RFP for the year (2018: £1.7 million), reflecting the 
challenging market conditions in 2019. Our strategic focus of building 

NCCF and AuMA from continuing operations (£bn)

Asset retention (excluding QLA) 

12.4

0.3

97.7

110.4

31 Dec
2018

NCCF

Market
performance

31 Dec
2019

88%

Net organic RFP growth 

3%

A further 8% of growth was achieved through 
inorganic acquisitions

Quilter Annual Report 2019

23

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther information 
 
Strategic Report

Financial review continued

scale within the National model will help drive overall productivity levels 
in 2020 and beyond, boosted by the integration of Lighthouse Group plc 
and the acquisition of Prescient in December 2019. 

The Group’s overall operating margin has remained broadly stable 
at 29% (2018: 30%). Realised optimisation benefits have offset the 
impact of the Quilter Financial Planning acquisitions, which initially 
provide a drag on operating margin.

Asset retention* (excluding Quilter Life Assurance) has declined 
marginally to 88% (2018: 91%), as a result of the outflows in Quilter Cheviot 
from the departing IMs. Adjusting for these outflows, asset retention is 
90%, in line with prior year and previous medium-term experience.

Financial performance from continuing operations and Quilter Life 
Assurance

Assets under Management/Administration (“AuMA”)*
AuMA was £110.4 billion at 31 December 2019, up 13% from 31 December 
2018 (£97.7 billion, excluding Quilter Life Assurance), driven by positive 
market performance of £12.4 billion and net inflows of £0.3 billion. 

2019 (£m)

Net management fee*

Other revenue*

Total net fee revenue*

Advice & 
Wealth 
Management

Wealth 

Platforms Head Office

296

111

407

353

45

398

–

3

3

Total  
Group

649

159

808

Quilter Investors’ AuM was £20.8 billion, up 18% since the start of the 
year (2018: £17.7 billion). The Cirilium fund range AuM increased by 23% 
to £11.1 billion at 31 December 2019 (2018: £9.0 billion), with £0.8 billion 
of net inflows and £1.3 billion of market movement. The WealthSelect 
fund range increased by 22% to £6.7 billion of AuM at the end of 
December 2019 (2018: £5.5 billion). Quilter Cheviot AuM of £24.2 billion 
increased by 9% in the year, primarily as a result of positive market 
movements. Quilter Wealth Solutions’ AuA increased by 16% to £57.2 
billion, which is primarily comprised of £27.8 billion within pension 
propositions (of which £4.4 billion has been generated from the 
restricted channel and £23.4 billion from third party advisers) and 
£16.5 billion of ISA products. Quilter International AuA was £20.5 billion, 
up 12% (2018: £18.3 billion) predominantly due to favourable markets 
over the year and modest client inflows.

Adjusted profit before tax*
Adjusted profit before tax reflects the Board’s view of the underlying 
performance of the Group and is used for management decision 
making and internal performance management. Adjusted profit before 
tax is a non-GAAP measure which adjusts IFRS profit for specific items, 
as detailed in note 7 in the consolidated financial statements on page 
137 of this report, and is the profit measure presented in the Group’s 
segmental reporting. 

Adjusted profit before tax for 2019 (including QLA) was £235 million, 
1% higher than the prior year (2018: £233 million, excluding the Single 
Strategy business; 2018: £259 million including the Single Strategy 
business). Adjusted profit for the Advice and Wealth Management 
segment grew by 1% (excluding the Single Strategy business) and the 
Wealth Platforms segment grew by 2% during the year. Excluding QLA, 
adjusted profit for the Wealth Platforms segment grew by 7%.

Total net fee revenue of £808 million increased by 3% (2018: £788 
million) over the year. Net management fees of £649 million were 
broadly stable on those of the prior year (2018: £647 million) as the 
growth in revenues from higher average AuMA in Quilter Investors 
and Quilter Wealth Solutions was offset by a decreasing revenue 
contribution from Quilter Life Assurance given the run-off nature of 
that business. Other revenue of £159 million grew by 13% (2018: £141 
million), where the growth in Quilter Financial Planning contributed to 
the increase.

Expenses for the Group increased from £555 million to £573 million, 
mainly due to the impact of the Quilter Financial Planning acquisitions 
made in the year. Excluding acquisitions, expenses remained stable 
year on year.

24

Quilter Annual Report 2019

647

141

788

(555)

233

(6)

227

30%

57

Expenses*

(304)

(233)

(36)

(573)

Adjusted profit before 
tax*

Tax

Adjusted profit after tax

103

165

(33)

Operating margin (%)*

Revenue margin (bps)*

25%

67

41%

42

235

(25)

210

29%

57

Financial performance from continuing operations and Quilter Life 
Assurance 

Advice & 
Wealth 
Management1

Wealth 

Platforms Head Office

Total  
Group1

2018 (£m)

Net management fee*

Other revenue*

Total net fee revenue*

Expenses*

Adjusted profit before tax1*

Tax

Adjusted profit after tax

276

97

373

(271)

102

371

43

414

(252)

162

–

1

1

(32)

(31)

Operating margin (%)*

Revenue margin (bps)*

27%

65

39%

45

1  Total adjusted profit before tax including the Single Strategy Asset Management business 

for 2018 is £259 million. Refer to reconciliation on page 26.

Total net fee revenue*
The Group’s total net fee revenue increased by 3% to £808 million 
(2018: £788 million) due to higher average AuMA across all businesses, 
primarily as a result of the rebound in equity markets in 2019 and 
increased advice fees as a result of the Quilter Financial Planning 
acquisitions in both 2018 and 2019. 

Total net fee revenue for the Advice and Wealth Management segment 
grew by 9% during the year, to £407 million (2018: £373 million). Quilter 
Investors average AuM increased by 10% to £19.6 billion, with £17 
million of additional net management fee revenue compared to the 
prior year. This included non-recurring net revenue for Quilter Investors 
resulting from the release of revenue provisions that were no longer 
required and which relate to the separation of the business from the 
Single Strategy business that was sold in 2018 (c. £8 million). Quilter 
Cheviot average AuM was flat year-on-year, as market growth offset the 
impact of the assets lost as a consequence of the IM departures. Total 
net fee revenue within Quilter Cheviot was 2% higher in 2019 at £178 
million (2018: £175 million). Other revenue increased by £14 million to 
£111 million, principally due to the increase in advice fees in Quilter 
Financial Planning as a result of the acquisitions in 2019, and as well as 
the full year revenue contribution from acquisitions made in 2018.

Strategic Report
Financial review

Total net fee revenue for the Wealth Platforms segment (including QLA) 
was £398 million, which was down 4% (2018: £414 million) primarily due 
to a reduction in Quilter Life Assurance and Quilter International’s 
revenue. Quilter Wealth Solutions’ net fee revenue increased by £7 
million (4%) to £177 million due to higher average AuA of 6% over the 
course of the year. Quilter International’s net fee revenue was £10 
million lower than the prior year due to the continued movement of the 
book towards products that attract lower revenue. As expected, 
revenues from Quilter Life Assurance continued to decrease given the 
run-off nature of the book, and totalled £96 million (2018: £109 million).

The Group’s revenue margin* from continuing business of 55 bps 
remained consistent with the prior year (2018: 55 bps). 

The revenue margin for Advice and Wealth Management of 67 bps 
was 2 bps higher compared to the prior year. This increase was due to 
a 4 bps increase in the revenue margin for Quilter Investors to 63 bps, 
primarily due to the provision releases (c. 2 bps) and income received 
from the Compass fund range previously managed by Merian. Quilter 
Cheviot’s revenue margin remained in line with prior year at 72 bps.

The revenue margin for Wealth Platforms (excluding Quilter Life 
Assurance) decreased by 2 bps to 38 bps, as new business written 
for Quilter Wealth Solutions and Quilter International is generally in 
products or in revenue tiering structures that have a slightly lower 
margin than the average for the current book of business.

Expenses*
Expenses increased by £18 million to £573 million (2018: £555 million) 
in the year. The acquisitions made by Quilter Financial Planning in 2019, 
and a full year run-rate for those made in 2018, increased expenses by 
£24 million, and the continued build out of the Quilter Investors 
business increased costs by a further £4 million year-on-year. The 
Quilter Investors business is now fully independent following the 
separation from the Single Strategy business, with a stable cost base. 
Expenses also increased as a result of the London office move, which 
added an additional £3 million as previously guided. The impact of 
these cost increases and those arising from inflation were more than 
mitigated by the continued cost disciplines across the business and 
savings achieved through optimisation. Overall expenses were broadly 
flat on 2018, excluding the impact of the acquisitions. 

Expense split (£m)1

Front office and operations

IT and development

Support functions

Other

Expenses*

2019

339

130

83

21

573

2018

319

123

96

17

555

1  For the 2018 comparatives, some costs have been reallocated between categories to align 

with current-year presentation.

Front office and operations expenses increased by 6% to £339 million 
(2018: £319 million), primarily due to the impact of the Quilter Financial 
Planning acquisitions made during the year. 

IT and development expenses increased by 6% to £130 million (2018: 
£123 million), mainly due to increased IT run costs to facilitate the 
growth in the business and general inflation, partly offset by a reduction 
in development costs due to less regulatory change requirements in 
2019 compared to 2018. 

Support function expenses relate to back office expenses, which have 
decreased by 14% to £83 million (2018: £96 million). Savings have been 
made across various functions as part of optimisation and are 
expanded on further below.

Other costs include Professional Indemnity Insurance, and charges for 
regulation and licencing fees. FSCS levies increased by £3 million this 
year due to an increase in levies for asset managers across the industry 
and a normalised full year charge for Quilter Financial Planning 
following the nine month charge in 2018 as the FCA changed the timing 
of making charges to regulated entities within the industry.

Taxation 
The effective tax rate (“ETR”) on adjusted profit was 10.7% (2018: 4.5%). 
The Group’s ETR is lower than the UK corporation tax rate of 19% 
principally due to profits from Quilter International being taxed at lower 
rates than the UK and the utilisation of brought forward capital losses. 
The Group’s ETR is dependent upon a number of factors including the 
level of Quilter International profits, the utilisation of capital losses, 
which can be volatile, as well as the UK corporation tax rate. A further 
reduction in the corporation tax rate to 17% from 1 April 2020 was 
enacted in 2016.

The Group’s IFRS income tax expense on continuing business was £66 
million for the year ended 31 December 2019, compared to a credit of 
£86 million for the prior year. This income tax expense or credit can 
vary significantly year-on-year as a result of market volatility and the 
impact market movements have on policyholder tax. The recognition 
of the income received from policyholders (which is included within the 
Group’s IFRS revenue) to fund the policyholder tax liability can vary in 
timing to the recognition of the corresponding policyholder tax 
expense, creating volatility to the Group’s IFRS profit or loss before tax 
attributable to equity holders. An adjustment is made to adjusted profit 
to remove these distortions, as explained further on page 26 and in 
note 7(a) of the consolidated financial statements.

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) 
Basic EPS was 8.0 pence, compared to 26.6 pence in 2018. Basic EPS 
is based on the Group’s IFRS profit (including both continuing and 
discontinued operations), with the decrease within discontinued 
operations due principally to the profit on sale of the Single Strategy 
business in 2018. During the year, the number of shares in issue 
remained at 1,902 million. The average number of shares in issue used 
for basic EPS was 1,835 million (2018: 1,832 million), after the deduction 
of shares held in Employee Benefit Trusts (“EBTs”) of 67 million 
(2018: 70 million) which are held in respect of staff share schemes.

Adjusted diluted EPS* (based on the Group’s adjusted profit after tax) 
was 11.3 pence (2018: 13.5 pence), of which 8.6 pence relates to the 
continuing business before the reallocation of QLA costs. Refer to page 
147 and note 11 of the consolidated financial statements. The average 
number of shares in issue used for adjusted diluted EPS was 1,863 
million (2018: 1,839 million), following inclusion of the dilutive effect of 
shares and options awarded to employees under share-based 
payment arrangements of 28 million (2018: 7 million). The dilutive effect 
of share awards has increased year-on-year due to more share options 
being awarded to employees during 2019. Further details are included 
in note 11 of the consolidated financial statements.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

25

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther informationStrategic Report

Financial review continued

Optimisation
As announced in March 2019, we have commenced a phased, 
multi-year optimisation programme, targeting a 4 percentage point 
uplift in the Group’s operating margin on an on-going business by 2021. 
Phase 1 is aiming to unify and simplify the Group through a number of 
efficiency initiatives that will deliver improvements in operational 
performance. 

Throughout 2019 delivery and benefits were ahead of plan, with £14 
million of savings realised during the period when compared to 2018. 
Together with the initiatives delivered in 2018, this amounts to a 
run-rate annualised benefit to the Group of approximately £24 million. 
Implementation costs remain in line with previous guidance.

A number of quick win tactical efficiencies have been delivered, which 
included targeted staff restructuring, third-party contract renegotiation 
and termination, and property and facilities savings. Some more 
complex initiatives, such as the insourcing of technology capabilities as 

well as the simplification of Group support functions, have also been 
delivered. All the planned programmes that will transform our business 
through technology enablement, such as the consolidation and 
modernisation of our general ledgers and other associated finance, HR 
and procurement modules, have been initiated. The use of robotics to 
automate manual operational processes in our International business, 
as well as streamlining and automating some of the processes used in 
our advice business, are also underway.

Reconciliation of adjusted profit before tax* to IFRS profit
Adjusted profit before tax for the group, including QLA, was £235 
million (2018: £233 million), which includes £182 million for the group 
excluding QLA (2018: £176 million), and £53 million (2018: £57 million) 
for QLA.

For adjusted profit before tax on a continuing basis, IFRS accounting 
standards require £26 million of costs (2018: £28 million), previously 
reported as part of the QLA business, to be reallocated from 
discontinued to continuing operations, as these costs do not transfer to

Reconciliation of adjusted profit before tax to profit after tax

For the year ended 31 December 2019

For the year ended 31 December 2018

£m
Advice and Wealth Management
Wealth Platforms
Head Office

Adjusted profit before tax before 
reallocation*
Reallocation of QLA costs1

Adjusted profit before tax*

Adjusting for the following:
Goodwill impairment and impact of 
acquisition accounting
Profit on business disposals
Business transformation costs
Managed Separation costs
Finance costs
Policyholder tax adjustments
Voluntary customer remediation provision

Total adjusting items before tax

(Loss)/profit before tax attributable to 
equity profits

Tax attributable to policyholder returns

Income tax (expense)/credit

(Loss)/profit after tax

 Discontinued 
operations:
Quilter Life 
Assurance
–
53
–

Continuing 
Operations
103
112
(33)

182
(26)

156

(54)
–
(77)
(6)
(10)
(62)
–

(209)

(53)

98

(66)

(21)

53
26

79

–
103
–
–
–
(12)
10

101

180

76

(89)

167

Total
103
165
(33)

235
– 

235

(54)
103
(77)
(6)
(10)
(74)
10

Discontinued 
operations: 
Quilter Life 
Assurance
– 
57
– 

Subtotal of 
Continuing 
Operations 
and Quilter 
Life Assurance
102
162
(31)

Discontinued 
operations: 
Single 
Strategy 
business
26
– 
– 

Continuing 
Operations
102
105
(31)

176
(28)

148

(50)
– 
(84)
(24)
(13)
64
–

57
28

85

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
37
–

37

122

(97)

83

108

233
– 

233

(50)
– 
(84)
(24)
(13)
101
–

(70)

163

(158)

169

174

26
– 

26

– 
290
– 
– 
– 
– 
–

290

316

– 

(2)

314

(108)

(107)

127

174

(155)

146

41

(61)

86

66

Total
128
162
(31)

259
– 

259

(50)
290
(84)
(24)
(13)
101
–

220

479

(158)

167

488

1  Adjusted profit from continuing operations includes £26 million of costs (2018: £28 million) previously reported as part of the QLA business to be reallocated from discontinued to continuing 
operations, as these costs do not transfer to ReAssure on disposal at 31 December 2019. Of the £26 million of costs reallocated, £14 million will recur in 2020 to provide services to ReAssure 
under the Transitional Services Arrangement, with corresponding income to cover these costs. Management actions are being taken to manage the remaining costs, which are expected to 
continually decline over the next two years.

26

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Strategic Report
Financial review

ReAssure on disposal at 31 December 2019. Of the £26 million of costs 
reallocated, £14 million will be incurred in 2020 to provide services to 
ReAssure under the Transitional Services Arrangement, with 
corresponding income to cover these costs. Management actions are 
being taken to manage the remaining costs, which are expected to 
continually decline over the next two years. Due to the sale of the QLA 
business, we expect to incur additional one-off business transformation 
costs of up to £10 million over the next two years, as we restructure 
certain parts of our business and decommission IT infrastructure 
previously associated with QLA.

The Group’s IFRS loss after tax from continuing operations was £21 
million, compared to a profit after tax of £66 million in 2018, primarily 
due to the change in policyholder tax, which can vary significantly year 
on year as a result of market volatility. The table on the opposite page 
reconciles the Group’s adjusted profit to the IFRS results in 2019 
and 2018.

Adjusted profit before tax reflects the profit from the Group’s core 
operations, and is calculated by making certain adjustments to IFRS 
profit to reflect the Directors’ view of the Group’s underlying 
performance. Details of these adjustments are provided in note 7 
of the consolidated financial statements. 

Business transformation costs of £77 million in 2019 (2018: £84 million) 
include £57 million (2018: £58 million) incurred on the UK Platform 
Transformation Programme and £18 million of costs (2018: £7 million) 
in relation to the optimisation programme. In 2019, a credit of £1 million 
(2018 cost: £19 million) has been recognised in relation to the 
separation of Quilter Investors as a result of the sale of the Single 
Strategy business and restructuring costs of £3 million (2018: nil) as 
a result of the sale of QLA.

Managed Separation costs were £6 million (2018: £24 million), reflecting 
costs associated with our successful separation from Old Mutual plc 
and Listing in June 2018. In 2019, this cost was primarily incurred on the 
rebranding activities within the business, with a further £4 million 
expected to be incurred in 2020 for the final rebranding activity.

Finance costs were £10 million (2018: £13 million). The prior year 
includes the cost of interest and finance charges on the Group’s 
borrowings from Old Mutual plc. As previously reported, these were 
converted into equity or repaid in February 2018.

Policyholder tax adjustments of £74 million expense for 2019 (2018: 
credit of £101 million) relate to the removal of distortions arising from 
market volatility that can, in turn, lead to volatility in the policyholder tax 
charge between periods. The recognition of the income received from 
policyholders (which is included within the Group’s IFRS revenue) to 
fund the policyholder tax liability can vary in timing to the recognition of 
the corresponding tax expense, creating volatility to the Group’s IFRS 
(loss)/profit before tax attributable to equity holders.

Cash generation*
Cash generation measures the proportion of adjusted profit that is 
recognised in the form of cash generated from operations.

Cash generated from operations is calculated by removing non-cash 
generative items from adjusted profit, such as deferrals required under 
IFRS to spread fee income and acquisition costs over the lives of the 
underlying contracts with customers. It is stated after deducting an 
allowance for net cash required to support the capital requirements 
generated by new business offset by a release of capital from the 
in-force book.

The Group, including Quilter Life Assurance, achieved a cash generation 
rate of 94% of adjusted profit over 2019 (2018: 88%). The cash generation 
rate for the Group excluding Quilter Life Assurance and before the 
reallocation of Quilter Life Assurance costs is 85% (2018: 81%).

Review of financial position
Capital and liquidity

Solvency II
The Group’s pro forma Solvency II surplus is £769 million at 31 December 
2019 (31 December 2018: £1,059 million), representing a Solvency II 
ratio of 180% (31 December 2018: 190%). The Solvency II information 
for the year to 31 December 2019 contained in this results disclosure 
has not been audited. 

The pro forma Solvency II position is stated after allowing for the impact 
of the recommended final dividend payment of £65 million (2018: £61 
million), the proposed distribution to shareholders of the net surplus 
proceeds from the QLA sale of £375 million and the Odd-lot Offer to 
shareholders of c.£30 million.

The Solvency II position for regulatory purposes is also presented 
below. Under Solvency II rules, the impact of future distribution of 
share buybacks and Odd-lot Offer to shareholders is not taken into 
account as at 31 December 2019, thereby increasing the Group’s 
Solvency II surplus to £1,168 million and the Solvency II ratio to 221%. 

Group regulatory capital (£m)

Own funds

Solvency capital requirement (“SCR”)

Solvency II surplus

Solvency II coverage ratio

Proforma at
31 December
20191

At  
31 December 

20191,2

At  
31 December 
20183

1,727

958

769

180%

2,132

964

1,168

221%

2,237

1,178

1,059

190%

1  Based on preliminary estimates. 
2  Formal filing due to the PRA by 19 May 2020.
3  As represented within the Quilter plc Group Solvency and Financial Condition report for the 

year ended 31 December 2018.

The 10 percentage point decrease in the Group Solvency II ratio on 
a pro forma basis from the 2018 position is primarily due to corporate 
activity in the year, with the main contributors being the acquisitions of 
Charles Derby Group, Lighthouse Group plc and Prescient during 2019. 
The goodwill and intangible assets arising in respect of these 
acquisitions are not recognised within Solvency II own funds, thereby 
reducing the Solvency II ratio. 

The Board believes that the Group Solvency II surplus includes sufficient 
free cash and capital to complete all committed strategic investments 
(including the UK Platform Transformation Programme). The impact 
of this prudent policy is that Quilter expects to continue to maintain 
a solvency position in excess of its internal target in the near term.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

27

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther informationStrategic Report

Financial review continued

Composition of qualifying Solvency II capital
The Group own funds include the Quilter plc issued subordinated debt 
security which qualifies as capital under Solvency II. The composition of 
own funds by tier is presented in the table below.

Group own funds (£m)
Tier 11

Tier 22

Total Group Solvency II own 
funds

Pro forma at 
31 December 
2019

At  
31 December  
2019

At  
31 December  
2018

1,520

207

1,925

207

2,036

201

1,727

2,132

2,237

1  All Tier 1 capital is unrestricted for tiering purposes.
2  Comprises a Solvency II compliant subordinated debt security in the form of a Tier 2 bond, 

which was issued at £200 million in February 2018.

£m

Opening cash at holding companies at 1 January

Short-term loan and Tier 2 bond proceeds

Loans repaid to Old Mutual plc

 2019

416

–

–

Quilter Life Assurance business sale – cash proceeds

446

Single Strategy business sale – cash proceeds

Short-term loan repayment

Costs of disposal and external financing fees

Dividends

Net capital movements

Managed Separation and head office costs

Interest costs

Net operational movements

 2018

36

500

(200)

–

576

(300)

(19)

(221)

336

(54)

(6)

(60)

167

(65)

2

104

416

–

–

(7)

(92)

347

(49)

(9)

(58)

307

(200)

3

110

815

On a pro forma basis:
• the Group SCR is covered by Tier 1 capital, which represents 159% 

of the Group SCR of £958 million; 

• Tier 1 capital represents 88% of Group Solvency II own funds; and
• Tier 2 capital represents 12% of Group Solvency II own funds and 27% 

of the Group surplus.

Cash remittances from subsidiaries

Net capital contributions and investments

Other

Internal capital and strategic investments

Closing cash at holding companies at end of period

Dividend 
The Board has recommended a final dividend of 3.5 pence per 
share at a total cost of £65 million. Subject to shareholder approval, 
the recommended final dividend will be paid on 18 May 2020 to 
shareholders on the UK and South African share registers on 3 April 
2020. For shareholders on our South African share register a dividend 
of 72.78519 South African cents per share will be paid on 18 May 2020, 
using an exchange rate of 20.79577. This will bring the dividend for the 
full year to 5.2 pence per share (2018: 3.3 pence per share).

Holding company cash
The holding company cash statement includes cash flows generated 
by the three holding companies within the business: Quilter plc, Old 
Mutual Wealth Holdings Limited and Old Mutual Wealth UK Holding 
Limited. The cash flows associated with these companies will differ 
markedly from those disclosed in the statutory statement of cash flows, 
which comprises flows from the entire Quilter plc Group including 
policyholder movements.

The holding company cash statement illustrates cash received from 
the key trading entities within the business together with other cash 
receipts, and cash paid out in respect of corporate costs and capital 
servicing (including interest and dividends). Other capital movements, 
including those in respect of acquisitions and disposals together with 
funding for ongoing business requirements, are also included. It is an 
unaudited non-GAAP analysis and aims to give a more illustrative view 
of business cash flows as they relate to the Group’s holding companies 
compared to the IFRS consolidated statement of cash flows which is 
prepared in accordance with IAS 7 (statement of cash flows) and 
includes commingling of policyholder related flows.

Net capital movements
Net capital movements in the period include the cash proceeds of 
£446 million resulting from the sale of the Quilter Life Assurance 
business to ReAssure on 31 December 2019. There was also a further 
£7 million of outflows in connection with disposal costs as a 
consequence of the sale. Also included are the two dividend payments 
made to shareholders of £61 million on 20 May 2019 and £31 million on 
17 September 2019. 

Net operational movements
Net operational movements were £58 million for the year, which 
comprises corporate and transformation costs, including the Managed 
Separation and optimisation programmes totalling £49 million. Interest 
paid of £9 million relates to coupon payments on the Tier 2 bond and 
non-utilisation fees for the revolving credit facility. 

Internal capital and strategic investments
The net inflow in the year of £110 million is principally due to £307 
million of cash remittances from the trading businesses, partially offset 
by £200 million of capital contributions, made to support business unit 
operational activities, the Platform Transformation Programme and 
funding for the strategic acquisitions of Charles Derby Group, 
Lighthouse Group plc and acquisitions by Private Client Advisers 
within Quilter Financial Planning.

Balance sheet
The Group balance sheet at 31 December 2019 has total equity of 
£2,071 million (2018: £2,005 million). 

Financial investments have increased from £49,533 million for 
continuing operations at 31 December 2018 to £59,345 million at 
31 December 2019, predominantly due to positive market performance. 
The corresponding increase is reflected in Investment contract 
liabilities (an increase from £45,211 million for continuing operations 
at 31 December 2018 to £52,455 million at 31 December 2019), and 
Third-party interests in consolidated funds (an increase from £5,116 
million at 31 December 2018 to £7,675 million at 31 December 2019).

Cash and cash equivalents of £2,473 million have increased by £592 
million from £1,881 million at 31 December 2018 for continuing 
operations. This increase includes £446 million of the cash proceeds 
received on the sale of Quilter Life Assurance, of which £375 million is 
planned to be returned to shareholders. Included within this balance 
are cash investments due to policyholders, and cash to support the 
capital and funding requirements of the business. 

28

Quilter Annual Report 2019

 
Strategic Report
Financial review

Balance sheet

Summary balance sheet (£m)
Assets
Financial investments
Reinsurers’ share of policyholder liabilities
Contract costs/deferred acquisition costs
Cash and cash equivalents
Goodwill and intangible assets
Trade, other receivables and other assets
Other assets

Total assets

Equity

Liabilities
Investment contract liabilities
Third-party interests in consolidated funds
Contract liabilities/deferred revenue
Borrowings – sub-ordinated debt
Lease liabilities
Trade, other payables and other liabilities
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

At 31 December 2019

At 31 December 2018

Total

Continuing 
Operations

Quilter Life 
Assurance

59,345 
–
455
2,473
592
424
449

49,533
–
498
1,881
520
500
349

9,686
2,162
64
514
30
30
23

Total

59,219
2,162
562
2,395
550
530
372

63,738

53,281

12,509

65,790

2,071

1,593

412

2,005

52,455
7,675
191
198
137
836
175

61,667

63,738

45,211
5,116
195
197
–
841
128

51,688

53,281

11,239
–
31
–
–
158
669

12,097

12,509

56,450
5,116
226
197
–
999
797

63,785

65,790

Goodwill and intangible assets have increased by £72 million to 
£592 million at 31 December 2019. The balance increased by 
£117 million during the year due to the acquisitions made by Quilter 
Financial Planning, which was offset by the amortisation of the 
intangible assets of £45 million charged during the year. 

Trade, other receivables and other assets have decreased by 
£76 million to £424 million mainly due to a reduction in unsettled trades 
across the business and lower management fees as Quilter Investors 
no longer acts as authorised corporate director (“ACD”) for certain 
Merian funds.

Other assets of £449 million, which principally reflects property, plant 
and equipment and loans and advances, increased by £100 million 
during the year. The implementation of IFRS 16 resulted in an increase 
in other assets, where a right of use asset has been created in respect 
of property leases, which have totalled £124 million. Included within this 
balance are Practice Buy Out (“PBO”) loans of £19 million, a £6 million 
increase during the year. 

The lease liability of £137 million has arisen due to the implementation 
of IFRS 16, which represents the Group’s obligation to pay lease rentals 
on certain property, plant and equipment. 

Trade, other payables and other liabilities have reduced by £5 million 
to £836 million as at 31 December 2019, primarily due to a reduction 
in outstanding trade payables as Quilter Investors no longer acts as 
ACD for Merian funds.

Other liabilities have increased from £128 million to £175 million 
primarily due to an increase in deferred tax liabilities.

Contingent liability/Post balance sheet event
Prior to the Group’s acquisition of Lighthouse in June 2019, Lighthouse 
provided pension transfer advice to around 300 British Steel pension 
scheme members between 2016 and 2018. The Group was advised 
after the reporting date of a number of complaints on the advice given 
by Lighthouse. The Group has initiated a review of all cases advised by 
Lighthouse, prior to its acquisition by Quilter in June 2019, to assess the 
standard of advice given to British Steel pension scheme members.

For the cases where a complaint has been received on the advice 
given by Lighthouse, the likelihood of redress is probable, and an 
estimate of the amount of redress payable has been made of £9 
million. For the remaining cases, it is possible that further costs of 
redress may be incurred following the outcome of the reviews. Of the 
pension transfers Lighthouse advised on between 2016 and 2018, 
approximately 80 cases were undertaken prior to mid-2017 after which 
the British Steel pension scheme was restructured and transfer values 
were enhanced considerably.

An additional provision for £3 million has been established in respect 
of the cost of legal and professional fees related to the complaints and 
redress process, which includes the anticipated costs to review advice 
provided of a similar nature in relation to cases that management 
believe may have similar characteristics. 

As the advice was provided before the Group’s acquisition of Lighthouse, 
any further redress costs will be recognised as a pre-acquisition liability 
within the fair value of the net assets acquired, with a corresponding 
increase in goodwill. Any adjustments to the acquisition balance sheet 
must be finalised within 12 months after the acquisition, in June 2020.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

29

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther informationStrategic Report

Risk review
Quilter has a robust financial resources position and 
actively manages its risk exposures across the risk universe 
using a comprehensive and embedded risk framework.

Overview 
Quilter has an ambitious strategy to grow its advice-led wealth 
solutions, while also driving operational leverage through scale and 
efficiency. Safely delivering this strategy is dependent on a strong risk 
culture and risk framework to allow risks to be identified, assessed and 
managed appropriately so as not to impact on our commitments to 
our customers, our shareholders and other stakeholders. 

Our business has become simpler during 2019. The successful sale of 
Quilter Life Assurance significantly reduces the financial and regulatory 
complexities associated with delivering life assurance business, and 
great strides have been made to move towards transitioning the UK 
Platform business onto FNZ’s market-leading technology platform. The 
Group is focused on its core vision of becoming the leading UK wealth 
manager. However, while complexity is reducing, the acquisitive growth 
in our advice business and a number of other key strategic initiatives 
continue to expose the Group to a diverse and evolving set of internal 
and external risks.

I was delighted to be asked to become Chief Risk Officer and took up 
the role from 1 May 2019. I was immediately struck by the enthusiasm 
and professionalism of the function and the high quality of its outputs. 
Quilter is a relatively young company and has made great strides in 
developing an appropriate risk framework. The next stage in the 
maturing of our risk management environment is to focus on the 
effectiveness and efficiency of the function and of the risk processes 
that are operated across the Group. Accordingly, we have developed 
a risk transformation plan to take the function to the next level. 

As part of this work, the risk leadership team has been restructured 
and strengthened, we have invested in deepening our capabilities in 
key risk topics to enable greater subject matter expert challenge and 
intervention, and we have developed more incisive risk analysis and 
reporting. A key development during 2019 has been the creation of 
three specialist teams; in IT and change risk, compliance monitoring and 
financial crime prevention. These teams will allow the development of 
deep expertise that can be applied across the Group with greater 
effectiveness and efficiency. The teams are in place, already delivering 
to a high standard and are key in the delivery of our 2020 Risk Plan as 
approved by the Quilter Board Risk Committee. 

In 2020 we will continue our transformation, with an increasing focus 
on technology enablement to support our delivery, simplifying and 
optimising the risk processes that are used Group-wide and we will be 
considering enhancements to our risk framework to ensure it remains 
aligned to Quilter’s business model. 

Risk profile 
We continue to operate in a challenging political and economic 
environment where uncertainty has become the norm. The UK General 
Election of 12 December 2019 has provided more clarity on the UK’s 
future status, although uncertainty persists until agreements on future 
trading relationships are concluded. While Quilter’s UK-focused 
business model has protected the Group from many of the cross-
border challenges faced by others in the sector, that UK focus means 
the firm is strongly exposed to any detriment to future UK economic 
performance and consequential impacts such as loss of investor 
confidence. Quilter International has experienced challenging business 
performance following its geographic repositioning, although 2019 
NCCF performance is encouraging. The backdrop of uncertainty and 
associated volatile markets presented a challenge to meeting Group 
NCCF aspirations in 2019. 

Internally, our strategic objective to grow while improving operating 
leverage means that across the business there are many ongoing 
change initiatives. These include: the ongoing delivery of the Platform 
Transformation Programme, which achieved the first migrations of 
advisers and clients in February 2020; the Optimisation programme 
which successfully delivered above-plan savings in 2019; and ongoing 
work to increase Quilter’s technology and information security 
capabilities. While many of these projects will reduce risk in the 
longer-term through streamlining processes and reducing manual 
intervention, there are delivery risks which could impact the timescales, 
costs and expected benefits of these programmes, and could prove a 
distraction from the ongoing delivery of strong business performance 
and customer outcomes in the meantime. These multiple concurrent 
programmes also have the potential to stretch key people across the 
organisation and so talent retention risk remains a focus. 

  2019 has seen real progress 
in the Risk function’s 
capabilities, impact and 
influence. Risk-informed 
decision-making is evident 
at all levels, across all 
Group activities. 

Matt Burton
Chief Risk Officer

30

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Strategic Report
Risk review

Quilter’s advice-led full-service model often supports customers 
through the value chain, while other customers may participate 
in a single service offering from one part of our business. The nature of 
this model requires Quilter to manage conflicts of interest effectively, 
and where advice or portfolio management is provided, ensuring that 
suitability is assured. Adviser firm acquisition has been a feature of 
Quilter Financial Planning’s recent growth, including the June 2019 
acquisition of Lighthouse Group. Effective integration of these 
acquisitions, including relating to adviser conduct, advice quality 
and IT estate management will continue to be key to managing the 
risk profile of the Group, and in yielding the anticipated scale benefits.

As the Group becomes more focused and drives increased integrated 
flows, the importance of strong investment performance in Quilter’s 
core propositions is critical, and the Group has invested in the Quilter 
Investors build programme to support this important customer outcome. 

During February 2020, worldwide concerns intensified that the 
coronavirus outbreak may escalate into a global pandemic and further 
impact global supply chains, global growth and employee health and 
availability. The Group could be adversely impacted by falls in equity 
market levels, adverse investor sentiment affecting NCCF and 
increased operational risks should staff availability be significantly 
affected. The Group has mobilised a crisis response to identify and 
implement mitigating actions to limit possible impacts. 

Our customers, advisers, shareholders and other stakeholders expect 
us to manage our risks effectively and for the Group to be resilient in all 
market conditions. Stress and scenario analysis is key in helping the 
Group to define management responses to extreme stresses and to 
ensure that we have sufficient financial strength to withstand severe 
unexpected events. The Group actively manages its risk exposures 
against appetite across the risk universe, overseen by a range of 
management and governance committees such that proactive steps 
can be taken to manage exposures and ensure that the Group can 
continue to operate safely.

Emerging risks 
Quilter is a long-term business 
and as such we monitor risks 
which are less certain in terms 
of timescales and impact. The 
emerging risk profile is subject 
to regular review by management 
committees and the Board Risk 
Committee. The identification of 
these risks contributes to our 
stress and scenario testing which 
feeds into our strategic planning 
process and informs our capital 
deployment decisions. The 
following are the emerging risks 
considered to be the most 
significant. 

Near-term risk 

Medium-term risk 

Longer-term risk 

Cyber threat developments 
Evolving sophisticated cyber criminality 
presents a persistent threat of attack, 
capable of compromising the continuity 
of operations, or the security and integrity 
of information. 

Pandemic 
The recent emergence of Coronavirus, 
and any further deterioration of the 
situation, presents near-term risk to 
Quilter’s internal operational continuity 
and supply chain, and has potential to 
adversely impact financial markets, global 
growth, and consequently Quilter’s future 
NCCF, AuMA, and earnings.

UK pension reform
Forthcoming changes to UK pension 
regulations, potentially affecting the 
pension transfer advice market and UK 
pension tax relief, may impact future 
flows and earnings.

Economic downturn
Global trade disputes and political 
uncertainties present a material global 
economic downturn risk which could 
negatively impact financial markets and 
investor confidence, and consequently 
Quilter’s future NCCF, AuMA, and earnings.

Regulatory change
Changes in regulation resulting from 
shifting expectations of our regulators, 
or specifically the UK’s withdrawal from 
the EU, could have a material impact 
on Quilter’s business model. 

ESG requirements
The increasing emergence of new 
environmental, social and governance 
(ESG) requirements from our regulators, 
requires Quilter to consider 
enhancements relating to ESG 
factors in all of its operations.

Disruptive competition 
Technology developments are likely 
to present opportunities for competitors 
and new entrants, which could 
negatively impact Quilter’s market share. 

Generational shifts
New generations are being seen to 
behave differently to those of the past 
and present. Any failure to connect with 
future generations presents franchise
risk for financial services firms.  

Climate change
A transition to a low-carbon economy 
is increasingly considered to be critical 
to mitigating the impacts of climate 
change, representing material risks 
for financial services firms. 

Quilter Annual Report 2019

31

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther information 
 
Strategic Report

Risk review continued

Principal risks and uncertainties
The Directors have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks facing the Group, and the presentation of these has been 
reviewed, taking account of the recent FRC guidance on the strategic report. Our principal risks and uncertainties are described below, with our 
emerging risks presented on the previous page. The articulation of the principal risks and uncertainties is consistent with the Group’s Enterprise 
Risk Management (“ERM”) framework categorisation and with the ‘Top Risk’ reporting that is provided quarterly to the Board Risk Committee and 
the Board. The Board requires management to put in place actions to mitigate these risks and controls to maintain risk exposures within acceptable 
levels defined by Quilter’s risk appetite. Regular monitoring and reporting of risks enables continuous review and challenge of risks and actions. 

Principal risks and uncertainties
Strategic and business risks
Strategic risk
Quilter’s strategy is to be the leading UK wealth manager with an advice-led 
proposition. Should this strategy not yield the anticipated benefits, as a result of 
inaccurate understanding of target market and customer behaviours, or as a result 
of failure to manage its new brand effectively, there may be material adverse effect 
on the Group’s business, its financial condition and its reputation. 

Investment performance risk
Strong investment performance within Quilter Investors’ fund management 
proposition and within Quilter Cheviot’s discretionary fund management proposition 
are key to enable Quilter to meet customer expectations and to grow its customer 
base, and funds under management. During 2019, weaker short-term performance of 
Quilter Investors’ core fund range has been noted with a range of management actions 
underway to support stronger performance. Longer term underperformance of core 
investment management propositions could have a material effect on Quilter’s 
business, financial performance and reputation.

Conflicts of interest risk
Quilter’s business model exposes it to potential and actual conflicts of interest, 
including those which result from Quilter’s full-service distribution model. Any failure to 
effectively manage conflicts of interest between its businesses and between Quilter 
and third parties could result in regulatory sanction and resulting reputational damage 
and consequential impacts to the Group’s business, financial condition and reputation.

Advice and suitability risk
Quilter’s financial advice and portfolio management services are subject to 
fundamental regulatory conduct requirements to assure suitability of advisory 
recommendations and discretionary portfolio management. Failure to operate 
effective arrangements to support the delivery of suitable advice and portfolio 
management, including within recently acquired advice businesses, could expose 
Quilter to risks associated with customer detriment, regulatory censure and 
remediation programmes, and consequential impacts to the Group’s business, 
financial condition and reputation. 

Financial risks
Market risk
Quilter’s principal revenue streams are asset-value related and as such the Group is 
exposed to the condition of global economic markets, and the UK markets in particular. 
Continued political uncertainty in the UK as a result of the UK’s decision to leave the 
European Union continues to result in market volatility. Volatility in debt, equity and 
currency markets may adversely impact customer investment portfolios which in turn 
impacts Quilter’s ability to generate fee-based revenue. Challenging market conditions 
also impact investor and adviser confidence and have the potential to challenge 
Quilter’s ability to attract new NCCF from investors. 

Key mitigants

• Strategic and business planning process
• Business performance monitoring 
• Robust strategic initiative management
• Brand management and brand monitoring 

arrangements

• Investment strategy
• Investment performance management
• Investment risk monitoring 
• Investment risk standards compliance arrangements

• Conflicts of interest register and monitoring 
• Conflicts identification and management training
• Conflicts of interest policy compliance arrangements

• Advice and portfolio management standards
• Suitability monitoring and oversight arrangements
• Extensive training arrangements for investment 

advisers and portfolio managers

• Integration of advice firm acquisitions

• Stress and scenario analysis 
• Strength of balance sheet 
• Financial risk policies, standards and limits

32

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Strategic Report
Risk review

Principal risks and uncertainties
Operational risks
Third-party risk 
Quilter procures certain services from third parties, and this will increase as the 
Platform Transformation Programme concludes and results in significant business 
process and technology outsourcing to FNZ. If Quilter does not effectively oversee 
its third-party providers, they do not perform as anticipated, or Quilter experiences 
technological or other problems with a third party, it may not realise productivity 
improvements or cost efficiencies and may experience operational difficulties, 
increased costs and loss of business, customer detriment and damage to its reputation.

Information technology risk
Quilter’s business is highly dependent on its technology infrastructure and applications 
to perform necessary business functions, including to support the provision of services 
to customers. Some of the infrastructure and applications are legacy in nature and 
require replacement over the coming years, while multiple acquisitions have extended 
and complicated the technology estate. Failure to manage technology risk could have 
a material adverse impact on Quilter’s business, its resilience capabilities, financial 
condition, operations and its reputation.

Information security risk 
Quilter’s business, by its nature, requires it to store, retrieve, evaluate and utilise 
customer and company data and information, some of which is highly sensitive. Quilter 
is subject to the risk of IT security breaches from parties with criminal or malicious 
intent. Should Quilter’s intrusion detection and anti-penetration software not 
anticipate, prevent or mitigate a network failure or disruption, it may have a material 
adverse effect on Quilter’s customers, business, financial condition, operations, 
and reputation.

Key mitigants

• In 2019 a Chief Procurement Officer was appointed 

to develop Quilter’s approach to third-party 
management 

• The Group’s Third Party Risk Management 

Framework is in place and is subject to ongoing 
enhancement 

• Third Party Risk Management Policy and standards 

compliance arrangements

• A Group Technology Strategy is in place to deliver 
technology enhancements over a 2-3 year time 
horizon

• Active systems monitoring and resilience plans
• IT policy suite and standards compliance 

arrangements 

• Cyber threat defences and monitoring 
• Data governance arrangements, including those 
relating to General Data Protection Regulation 
(GDPR) compliance

• Information security policy and standards 

compliance arrangements 

People risk
Quilter relies on its talent to deliver its service to customers and to implement the 
broad range of strategic change initiatives that are currently ongoing. Failure to retain 
key staff or to attract suitable talent may impact the delivery of Quilter’s strategy and 
may have an adverse impact on Quilter’s business, its financial and operational 
performance and its delivery of service to customers. 

• Performance evaluation arrangements and 

related performance and risk adjusted 
remuneration arrangements

• Regular employee engagement surveys
• Quilter’s staff wellbeing initiative, ‘Thrive’

Legal and regulatory risks
Regulatory risk 
Quilter is subject to regulation in the UK by the Prudential Regulation Authority and 
the Financial Conduct Authority; and by a range of regulators internationally. 
Additionally, the firm is subject to the privacy regulations enforced by Information 
Commissioner’s Office and international equivalents. Quilter faces risks associated with 
compliance with these regulations and to changes in regulations or regulatory focus or 
interpretation in the markets in which Quilter operates. Failure to manage regulatory 
compliance effectively could result in regulatory censure, including the possibility of 
fines or prohibitions which could impact business performance and reputation. 

Financial crime risk 
Quilter is subject to a range of financial crime laws and regulations in each jurisdiction 
in which it operates. This includes those relating to money laundering, terrorist 
financing, sanctions, bribery and corruption and insider dealing. Relevant regulatory 
and law enforcement agencies have the ability to impose significant censures for 
failures including the possibility of fines or prohibitions which could impact reputation 
and business performance. 

Legal risk
Quilter is exposed to legal disputes relating to its provision of services to customers and 
its contracts with its staff members and third parties; as well as risks relating to adverse 
changes to laws in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Failure to adequately manage 
legal risk could result in unmitigated legal costs or penalties, impacting the Group’s 
business, financial condition and reputation.

• Compliance advice and monitoring programme
• Regulatory horizon scanning 
• Training and staff awareness programmes
• Compliance policy and standards compliance 

• Mandatory staff training
• Range of specific controls including due diligence 

and sanctions screening

• Financial crime policy and standards compliance 

arrangements

• Internal legal risk management arrangements 
• Access to external counsel advice
• Liability insurance arrangements

Quilter Annual Report 2019

33

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther informationStrategic Report

Risk review continued

Our Enterprise Risk Management framework
Our Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) framework encompasses a 
number of elements, including: governance arrangements; end-to-end 
processes to facilitate the identification, assessment, measurement 
monitoring and management of risk; and the incorporation of culture 
and behaviour in reward mechanisms. The ERM framework drives 
consistency across Quilter’s businesses and aims to align strategy, 
capital, processes, people, technology and knowledge in order to 
evaluate and manage business opportunities, uncertainties and 
threats in a structured and disciplined manner. 

In this way Quilter seeks to ensure that risk and capital implications are 
considered when making strategic and operational decisions, and to 
ensure that Quilter’s risk profile is understood and managed on a 
continuous basis within the approved risk appetite. An important 
element to risk management is a good management culture of risk- 
informed decision-making. Quilter links risk management to employee 
performance and development, as well as to its remuneration and 
reward schemes. An open and transparent working environment which 
encourages all employees to embrace risk management is critical to the 
achievement of the Group’s strategic priorities. 

Quilter is regulated by the PRA under Solvency II and by the FCA under 
Capital Requirement Directive regulations, and is also subject to 
insurance prudential requirements in a small number of other 
jurisdictions. To meet these regulations, we operate a consistent 
approach to risk management across Quilter. As such, we have 
integrated the Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (“ORSA”) and 
Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (“ICAAP”) into our 
risk management framework. Quilter’s ORSA and ICAAP are 
comprehensive risk processes which set out how risks are managed 
and how risks might change over time as we execute our strategy and 
respond to developing situations. We analyse the capital required to 
protect the sustainability of the Group and how those capital 
requirements might develop over our planning period. 

The assessments include a range of stress and scenario testing 
covering a broad range of scenarios, including market shocks, new 
business growth scenarios and operational risk events. These tests are 
in addition to the regulatory solvency capital requirements, which allow 
for severe and extreme scenarios and stresses (1 in 200-year risk 
events). Critical to our process is preparing management action plans 
should adverse events occur. This provides assurance that we are both 
well capitalised and prepared to take necessary action in order to 
maintain our resilience during adverse conditions.

The sale of Quilter Life Assurance in December 2019 has removed 
some complexities associated with the provision of UK life insurance 
business. Nevertheless, the nature of Old Mutual Wealth Life and 
Pensions Limited business means that Quilter retains group prudential 
oversight by the PRA.

Risk appetite 
Our risk appetite is the amount of risk we are willing to take in pursuit 
of our strategic priorities and is defined by the Board. Culturally, it sets 
the tone regarding our attitude towards risk-taking. Risk appetite also 
plays a central role in informing decision-making across the Group, 
protecting and enhancing the return on capital invested. This risk 
appetite approach is applied consistently across the Group.

To support the strategic decision-making process we apply risk 
preferences which provide guidelines for striking the appropriate 
balance of risk and reward when setting our business strategy.

34

Quilter Annual Report 2019

rformance and ca pit a l  m a

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Strategic Risk Appetite Principles
A set of Strategic Risk Appetite Principles has been set by the Board. 
These principles provide the top-of-the-house guidance on our 
attitude toward key areas of risk for the Group and support the ongoing 
management and oversight of risk. The Group’s position against these 
principles is measured on a regular basis. 

Customer 
The Group will ensure fair 
customer outcomes

Capital
The Group will hold or have 
access to sufficient capital to 
maintain own capital needs

Liquidity
The Group will ensure that it has 
sufficient liquidity to meet its 
financial and funding obligations

Control environment
The Group will at all times operate 
a robust control environment

Policies supporting the system of internal control
The Group Governance Manual (“GGM”) and policies form an integral 
part of our governance and risk management framework, ensuring an 
appropriate system of internal control, including financial, operational 
and compliance areas. Together they form the basis of clear delegated 
authorities and accountabilities, ensuring there is appropriate Board 
oversight and control of important decisions, and efficient and effective 
management of day-to-day business. The GGM and policies are 
approved and adopted by the Board. On an annual basis, a policy 
attestation process is undertaken, setting out policy compliance across 
Quilter and is provided to the Board. 

Risk culture
The most important element to risk management is a good culture of 
risk-informed decision-making. We believe that a good risk culture enables 
effective management of risk. We link risk management to performance 
and development, as well as to the Group’s remuneration and reward 
schemes. An open and transparent working environment which 
encourages our people to embrace risk management, and speak up 
where needed, is critical to the achievement of our strategic priorities.

Matt Burton
Chief Risk Officer

 
 
 
   
Strategic Report

Viability statement

In accordance with provision 31 of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, the Directors have assessed the prospects of the Group 
for a period longer than the 12 months required by the going concern statement.

Quilter’s Risk Appetite Framework supports the delivery of Quilter’s strategy and business plan with risk preferences and appetite playing 
a central role in informing decision-making across the Company.

Every year, the Board considers a three-year strategic plan and also an ORSA for the Group, as required by our UK regulators. The plan 
makes certain key assumptions in respect of the competitive markets and political environments in which the Group operates, economic 
assumptions and the impact of key strategic initiatives including the delivery and implementation of the new platform. The one-year 
planning period has greater certainty and is used to set detailed budgets across the Group. Although three years is regarded as an 
appropriate period for the assessment of the Group’s viability, the Directors also regularly consider other strategic matters that may affect 
the longer-term prospects of the Group.

The Board’s assessment included reviews of capital, liquidity, and of principal risks over the three-year planning period. Appropriate aspects 
of the strategic plan are stress-tested under the ORSA and ICAAP reviews to understand and help set capital and other requirements. The 
stress tests considered include a broad range of scenarios, including economic and market shocks, mass lapse events, new business 
growth scenarios and severe business interruption. In all severe but plausible adverse tests, sufficient capital and liquidity were available, 
demonstrating the Group’s resilience to adverse conditions.

Reverse stress tests, which are performed to identify events which would make the current plan unviable, have also been performed. The 
results of these tests indicate that the Group can reasonably expect to have sufficient capital and liquidity to be able to meet its liabilities 
over the planning period. The Board regularly monitors performance against a range of predefined key performance indicators and early 
warning thresholds, which will identify if developments fall outside the Group’s risk appetite or expectations, allowing management action 
to be taken.

The Strategic Report, on pages 1 to 35, sets out the Group’s financial performance, business environment, outlook and financial management 
strategies. In addition, details on the Group’s principal risks and risk management framework are set out on pages 32 to 33.

Conclusion on viability
Considering the Group’s current capital and trading position, its principal risks, and remaining three-year period of the strategic plan, the 
Board has a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group can continue in operation and meet their liabilities as they fall due for 
the period to 31 December 2022.

Going concern
The Directors have considered the resilience of the Group, taking into account its current financial position, the principal risks facing the 
business and the effectiveness of the mitigating strategies which are or will be applied. As a result, the Directors believe that the Group is 
well placed to manage its business risks in the context of the current economic outlook and have sufficient financial resources to continue in 
business for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these consolidated financial statements, and continue to adopt the 
going concern basis in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

35

GovernanceFinancial statementsOther informationGovernance

Governance
An introduction to our Board of Directors, 
Executive Committee, and our approach to 
corporate governance and remuneration.

Board of Directors 
Executive Committee membership 
Board and Board Committee composition 
and meeting attendance 
Chairman’s introduction on corporate 
governance 
Leadership and oversight 
Governance in action 
Board Corporate Governance 
and Nominations Committee report 
Board Audit Committee report 
Board Risk Committee report 
Board Technology and Operations 
Committee report 
Remuneration report 
Remuneration at a glance 
Annual Report on Remuneration 
Our approach to governance 
Directors’ Report 

38
40

41

42
43
46

48
52
58

61
64
66
73
86
88

36

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Quilter Annual Report 2019

37

Governance

Board of Directors

1

5

9

2

6

10

3

7

11

4

8

12

Chairman and Executive Directors

1. Glyn Jones 
Chairman
Appointed November 2016

3. Mark Satchel
Chief Financial Officer
Appointed March 2019

Skills and experience: Glyn Jones’ extensive experience of chairing Boards, including those 
of Aspen Insurance Holdings, Aldermore Group, Hermes Fund Managers, BT Pension Scheme 
Management and Towry, a financial planning and wealth advice business, provides him with 
the skills needed to build and lead an effective and cohesive board at Quilter. His significant 
experience in UK and international financial services, gained during his tenures as CEO of 
Gartmore Investment Management and Coutts Group, and whilst running Standard 
Chartered’s international private banking business in Hong Kong, provides him with the 
necessary knowledge to lead discussions on key business matters including strategy, 
performance and risk. Glyn is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England 
and Wales.

Skills and experience: Mark Satchel brings deep finance, corporate action and business 
experience to the Board. He joined Old Mutual in the UK in January 2000 and held numerous 
leadership positions within the finance function and businesses there, during which time he 
played key roles in the acquisitions of Intrinsic (now Quilter Financial Planning) and Quilter 
Cheviot. This experience has been invaluable in ensuring that Quilter effectively executes its 
strategy, for example allowing him to lead the successful disposal of Quilter Life Assurance. 
Mark previously served as Chief Financial Officer of the business from 2010 to August 2017 
and as Corporate Finance Director for the 17-month period to March 2019. Mark is qualified 
as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa, and worked for KPMG in both South Africa and 
Canada prior to moving to the UK.

Other appointments: Glyn chaired Aspen Insurance Holdings, a New York Listed 
international speciality insurance business from 2007 until February 2019.

Other appointments: Mark is a Trustee of The Old Grey Europe Charitable Trust.

2. Paul Feeney
Chief Executive Officer
Appointed August 2012

Skills and experience: Paul Feeney is an experienced, entrepreneurial leader, having held 
various senior business roles in large international financial services businesses, including as 
CEO of NatWest Private Bank, and NatWest Investments USA, Group Managing Director and 
Head of Distribution for Gartmore Investment Management, and Global Head of Distribution 
at BNY Mellon Asset Management International. During his career, Paul has developed a deep 
understanding of the challenges, risks and opportunities faced by the industry, thereby 
enabling him to create and develop the vision and strategy of the Group. Paul’s strong 
commercial acumen and dynamic leadership style allow him to effectively oversee the 
execution of our strategy. 

Board and Committee membership key

  Committee Chair

  Board Audit Committee

   Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee

   Board Technology and Operations Committee

Other appointments: Paul is a member of the FCA Practitioner Panel and was a Non-executive 
Trustee of Sense International until February 2019.

   Board Remuneration Committee

  Board Risk Committee

   Major subsidiary board membership (refer to page 81 

for more information)

   Designated Non-executive Director for communicating the 

voice of our employees to the Board (refer to page 47 
for more information)

Former Director who served for part of the year

Tim Tookey, Chief Financial Officer
Tim stepped down from the Board on 13 March 2019 and left Quilter 
at the end of April 2019.

38

Quilter Annual Report 2019

 
Governance
Board of Directors

Independent Non-executive Directors

4. Rosie Harris 
Appointed April 2017

9. Paul Matthews 
Appointed August 2018

Skills and experience: Rosie Harris has extensive knowledge and experience of risk 
management within the insurance and wealth management industries, having served as 
Chief Risk Officer for UK Life at Aviva, Group Risk Director at Old Mutual plc and Chief Risk 
Officer (Insurance) and Managing Director for General Insurance at Lloyds Banking Group plc. 
This experience has been invaluable to the Board and management as Quilter has developed 
and embedded its risk management framework. Rosie also provides the Board and 
management with valuable insights into managing and mitigating the risks that are inherent 
in running a successful wealth management business. Rosie is a member of the Institute of 
Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Skills and experience: Paul Matthews is an experienced FTSE-100 plc board Director who 
has over four decades’ worth of knowledge of the savings and pensions industry. His career 
at Standard Life, spanning nearly 30 years, where his roles included Group Executive Director, 
Chief Executive Officer UK & Europe and Chairman of Standard Life Wealth, enables him to 
identify and support management to understand the opportunities and risks facing Quilter, 
particularly its distribution businesses. This insight enables him to effectively assess and 
challenge the executive’s strategy proposals, execution and risk management.

Other appointments: Paul is currently an Executive Mentor at Merryck & Co.

Other appointments: Rosie is a Non-executive Director of Tokio Marine Kiln’s Insurance 
and Syndicates businesses and Chairs its Risk Committee.

10. George Reid 
Appointed February 2017

5. Suresh Kana 
Appointed August 2018

Skills and experience: Dr Suresh Kana is a highly experienced South African businessman 
who has spent over three decades working in various roles at PwC, most recently as Chief 
Executive Officer and territory Senior Partner of PwC Africa. He has a wealth of corporate 
governance and South African business experience has allowed him to provide the Board and 
Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee with a valuable perspective on 
both of these key matters and to support Quilter’s understanding of our shareholder base.

Other appointments: Suresh is Chairman of Murray & Robert Holdings Limited and an 
independent Non-executive Director of JSE Limited. He is Deputy Chair of the Integrated 
Reporting Committee of South Africa and a trustee of the International Financial Reporting 
Standards Foundation. He is also a Member of the Illovo Sugar Limited Advisory Panel and 
Chairman of South Africa’s King Committee on Corporate Governance.

6. Moira Kilcoyne 
Appointed December 2016

Skills and experience: Moira Kilcoyne brings over 25 years’ of technology and cyber security 
leadership, having spent much of her career working in senior technology roles at Morgan 
Stanley and Merrill Lynch, latterly overseeing global change management and transformative 
IT implementation as Co-Chief Information Officer for Global Technology and Data at Morgan 
Stanley. This experience, together with her strong understanding of business operations, 
business resilience, data management and third party supplier management, equips her with 
the skills and knowledge needed to oversee and challenge the design and delivery of technology 
and operations strategy, including the delivery of Quilter’s new investment platform.

Other appointments: Moira is a Director of Citrix Systems Inc where she is also a member of 
its Audit Committee. She is also a Director of Arch Capital Group Limited and a Trustee of the 
board of Manhattan College.

7. Jon Little 
Appointed May 2017

Skills and experience: George Reid has extensive financial experience having spent over 
20 years in the accounting profession. This knowledge, gained during lengthy tenures at PwC, 
and, latterly, Ernst & Young LLP as managing partner and Head of Financial Services for 
Scotland and UK regions, provides George with a deep understanding of accounting and audit 
matters, and the control environment inherent to wealth management businesses. Such 
experience allows him to critically assess key accounting and financial considerations 
including those associated with our recent acquisition of Lighthouse Group and the disposal 
of Quilter Life Assurance. 

George is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Other appointments: George is Chairman of the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland.

11. Cathy Turner 
Appointed December 2016

Skills and experience: Cathy Turner’s broad experience of HR and remuneration matters 
gained whilst serving as Group HR Director at Barclays plc, and as Remuneration Committee 
Chair at Aldermore Bank plc and Spectris plc, enables her to effectively scrutinise and 
challenge remuneration policy proposals and execution, and effectively oversee the running 
of the Board Remuneration Committee. Her extensive advisory and leadership experience 
supports her in engaging with the workforce and effectively communicating their views to 
the Board, as part of her role as Quilter’s designated employee Non-executive Director.

Other appointments: Cathy serves as a Non-executive Director and Chair of the 
Remuneration Committees of both Aldermore Group plc and Spectris plc. She is also a 
partner at the senior advisory organisation, Manchester Square Partners.

Company Secretary

12. Patrick Gonsalves
Appointed January 2017

Skills and experience: Jon Little has over 30 years’ experience in the investment 
management business internationally. His experience at Fidelity, JP Morgan Investment 
Management, BNY Mellon, and as founding Partner of Northill Capital, allows him to critically 
assess the performance and strategy of our investment management businesses, and 
challenge management accordingly. Jon is an experienced director and chair having chaired 
The Dreyfus Corporation in New York and Insight Investment Management, as well as having 
served on the Board of Jupiter Management plc and various asset management boards, 
including Northill Capital.

Patrick Gonsalves is an experienced Company Secretary with broad experience across the 
financial services industry gained with Lloyds Bank, NatWest Bank and, up until December 
2016, as Deputy Secretary of Barclays plc. 

Patrick was appointed Company Secretary of Old Mutual Wealth Management Limited in 
January 2017 and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. 
Patrick has extensive experience of providing advice and support to listed company boards 
in periods of significant change which is very relevant to his role at Quilter.

Other appointments: Jon is Chairman of the Oxford Brookes Endowment Investment 
Committee.

8. Ruth Markland 
Senior Independent Non-executive Director
Appointed June 2018

Skills and experience: Ruth Markland has a wealth of FTSE-100 board experience, having 
spent 12 years on the board of Standard Chartered plc and over 10 years on the board of Sage 
Group plc. In both companies, Ruth served as Senior Independent Director and Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee. This has provided her with a strong understanding of corporate 
governance and boardroom dynamics enabling her to act as a helpful sounding board for the 
Chair and other board members. Ruth has agreed to succeed Cathy Turner as Chair of the 
Board Remuneration Committee with effect from the end of the 2020 Annual General Meeting.

Ruth headed the commercial practice of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in London for a number 
of years and then became the Managing Partner of the Asia business, based in Hong Kong.

Other appointments: Ruth is a member of the Supervisory Board of Arcadis NV and an 
independent Non-executive for Deloitte LLP.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

39

Strategic ReportFinancial statementsOther information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance

Executive Committee 
membership 

1

5

2

6

3

7

4

The Board has delegated the day-to-day running of Quilter to Paul Feeney, as Chief Executive Officer. Paul exercises these powers through the 
Quilter Executive Committee, the membership of which comprises the Chief Executive Officers of some of Quilter’s businesses and key function 
heads. The Executive Committee meets regularly to ensure the effective implementation of the business strategy, our customer strategy, the 
financial performance of the business against our business plan and the culture and risk management of our business.

Executive Directors

1. Paul Feeney
Chief Executive Officer

2. Mark Satchel
Chief Financial Officer 
For full biographies, see Board of Directors page 38.

Executive management

3. Matt Burton
Chief Risk Officer
Matt was appointed as Chief Risk Officer in May 2019. Matt joined the business as Chief 
Internal Auditor in April 2016, prior to which he was a partner in PwC’s Financial Services 
Practice with responsibility for leading Internal Audit services to the Insurance and Investment 
Management sector. Matt has over 25 years of experience across financial services having 
held senior roles in Credit Suisse, where he was Chief Auditor for EMEA, and Deutsche Bank. 
Matt is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

6. Andy McGlone
Chief Executive Officer, Quilter Cheviot 
Andy has over 25 years’ experience in investment management having worked at Quilter 
Cheviot for his entire career, beginning at Quilter Goodison in 1994 as a Trainee Investment 
Manager. He worked his way up through the private client department before becoming 
joint head of the newly merged Quilter and Cheviot London front offices in late 2013. Prior 
to becoming Chief Executive Officer, Andy served as Managing Director of Quilter Cheviot. 
Andy is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments.

4. Karin Cook
Chief Operating Officer
Karin was appointed to Quilter plc in January 2019 as the Chief Operating Officer and is a key 
sponsor of Quilter’s Optimisation programme, driving efficiency across all areas of the Group. 
Karin has 30 years’ experience in financial services, with her most recent experience at Lloyds 
Banking Group covering customer operations, payments, technology, security, property and 
procurement. She has previously worked at HSBC, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs in 
senior operations, technology and finance roles.

5. Steven Levin
Chief Executive Officer, UK Platform
Steven has extensive experience in developing and distributing financial products, as well as 
in asset management and investments. Steven has been in his current role since October 2015 
and has been instrumental in leading the implementation of the new investment platform. 
Prior roles include Global Head of Distribution and Managing Director of Skandia International 
(now Quilter International). He also served as Product & Proposition Director for Old Mutual 
in South Africa and globally for Old Mutual plc. Steven is a qualified Actuary and a Chartered 
Financial Analyst.

7. Andy Thompson
Chief Executive Officer, Quilter Financial Planning
Andy, who was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Quilter Financial Planning in December 
2016, has over 30 years’ experience in financial advice and distribution. Having been a 
financial adviser, Andy began his own successful advice business in 2003, which was 
subsequently acquired by Quilter Financial Planning in 2012, at which point Andy also joined 
the business. Since becoming CEO, Andy has continued to strengthen and grow Quilter’s 
distribution business and led many acquisitions, most recently those of Lighthouse Group 
and Charles Derby Group.

40

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Governance

Board and Board Committee composition 
and meeting attendance 

Governance
The Quilter Board has established Board Committees which are 
entirely composed of independent Non-executive Directors, and the 
members’ attendance at each meeting of the Board and Board 
Committees is set out in the tables below. As you will see from their 
biographies, which are set out on pages 38 and 39, the Committee 
Chairs and other Committee members have recent and relevant skills, 
experience and expertise. The composition of the Board and the 
Board Committees meets the requirements of the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code. 

In the year following listing on 25 June 2018, each Board Committee 
has performed a review of their activity to confirm that they have 
discharged their responsibilities as set out in their terms of reference. 
The Committees have further reviewed and revised their terms of 
reference in line with best practice and the 2018 Corporate Governance 
Code. The Committees’ terms of reference can be found on quilter.
com/corporategovernance.

Board and Board Committee meetings
The table below shows the Board and Board Committee meetings held during 2019:

Scheduled 
Board 
meetings

Ad hoc Board 
meetings1

Board Corporate 
Governance and 
Nominations

Board Audit

Board Risk

Board 
Technology and 
Operations

Board 
Remuneration

Chairman and Executive Directors

Glyn Jones

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel (appointed 13 March 2019)

Tim Tookey (stepped down 13 March 2019)

Independent Non-executive Directors

Rosie Harris

Suresh Kana

Moira Kilcoyne

Jon Little

Ruth Markland

Paul Matthews

George Reid

Cathy Turner

9/9

9/9

7/7

2/2

9/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

8/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

8/9

8/8

1/1

8/8

6/6

6/6

6/7

6/6

6/7

8/8

5/6

5/5

5/5

5/5

4/5

13/13

12/13

13/13

13/13

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

11/11

11/11

11/11

7/7

5/7

7/7

7/7

1   Includes additional meetings of the full Board and meetings of ad hoc committees of the Board. These meetings related to a number of corporate transactions to effect the re-shaping and 
growth of the business and the distribution of the net surplus proceeds of the sale of Quilter Life Assurance. By their nature, these meetings were often arranged at relatively short notice.

Where exceptionally, due to other commitments, a Director has been unable to attend a meeting, they have separately submitted their comments 
and input on the matters under discussion to the Chair of the Board or the relevant Board Committee. In addition to the meetings reported above, 
sufficient time was provided, periodically, for the Chairman to meet privately with the Senior Independent Director and the Non-executive 
Directors to discuss any matters arising.

Board skills

Capital management

Financial reporting

Risk management 
and internal controls
Remuneration

Corporate finance

Strategy

IT/Digital

Wealth distribution

Investment management

Governance 

Non-executive Director

Chair or Committee Chair

Senior experience 
in a major FTSE

Geographical experience

South Africa

United States of America

United Kingdom

Global

Board gender diversity

Male

Female

0

2

4

6

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

0

2

4

6

8

Quilter Annual Report 2019

41

Strategic ReportFinancial statementsOther informationGovernance

Chairman’s introduction 
on corporate governance

Dear Shareholder,
Having successfully overseen the Managed Separation and listing of 
Quilter plc in 2018, the most critical role for the Quilter Board in 2019 
has been overseeing the effective delivery of the Quilter strategy in a 
safe and well controlled manner. I have set out over the coming pages 
some of the Board’s activities in discharging that role as well as how the 
Board has strived to ensure that Quilter will be successful in the long 
term by building and maintaining successful relationships with a wide 
range of stakeholders.

The Quilter Board has reflected on the requirements of the new 2018 
UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) and the wider societal 
responsibilities for companies that the Code has sought to reinforce. 
While there is no room for complacency, we believe that the culture and 
direction that the Board has set for the Quilter Group align well to the 
updated set of principles set out in the new Code. In order to ensure 
that Quilter complies fully with the new Code there have been some 
areas where we have revised our approach to governance. During the 
year Cathy Turner agreed to ensure that the voice of our employees is 
heard in the Boardroom. The Board also asked management to revise 
or enhance reporting to the Board in areas such as the Group’s culture, 
and the quality of our relationships with customers and suppliers. 
This allows the Board to monitor that we have strong and mutually 
beneficial relationships with our customers, regulators, suppliers 
and employees.

Quilter is still a relatively young listed Company and 2019 was a 
challenging year given the political and economic uncertainties that 
reduced business and investor confidence, particularly Brexit. It is 
therefore all the more pleasing that Quilter has made significant 
progress in delivering on our strategic objectives while managing 
current business challenges in a way that contributes to, rather than 
detracts from, the long-term sustainability of our business.

The four strategic priorities of our business remain unchanged:
1.  delivering on customer outcomes;
2.  Advice and Wealth Management growth;
3.  Wealth Platforms growth; and 
4.  optimisation. 

I have set out over the page the role of the Quilter Board and how 
your Board has overseen the effective delivery of the above strategic 
priorities in 2019, whilst giving appropriate consideration to the 
interests of our stakeholders and the long-term consequences of 
our decisions. 

Looking ahead
We have confidence in our corporate governance framework and the 
ability of your Board to guide the business through the successful 
delivery of the Group’s strategy. To be successful, your Board must 
remain resolutely focused on ensuring that the executive management 
team deliver on our strategic priorities; complete the safe and 
successful delivery of our Platform Transformation Programme and 
stay focused on delivering for our customers, our shareholders, our 
employees and our other stakeholders. As we do this, you can have 
confidence that Quilter will continue to deliver sustainable growth, 
in a safe and controlled manner for the benefit of all of its stakeholders, 
into the future.

Glyn Jones
Chairman

11 March 2020

Board Activity

Strategy and delivery of strategy   45%

Business performance oversight  25%

Risk management and   
governance

Committee reports 

20%

10%

Glyn Jones
Chairman

For detail on Board attendance, 
see page 41.

42

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Governance

Leadership and oversight

The role of your Board and our corporate governance framework
The Board Effectiveness Review, independently facilitated by Professor 
Goffee in 2019, provided confirmation that Quilter is led by an effective 
and entrepreneurial Board. I am grateful to Ruth Markland, our Senior 
Independent Director, for overseeing a rigorous and constructive 
Board Effectiveness Review and Ruth provides further details on the 
process and the outcome of the review on pages 50 and 51. 

During the year, the Quilter Board has re-confirmed the Company’s 
purpose, values and strategy and satisfied itself that these and its 
culture are aligned. The Board has reviewed and refreshed our Board 
Charter to ensure it remains aligned to the new UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018. The Charter, as you would expect, requires all 
Directors to act with integrity, lead by example and promote the culture 
that we seek to embed across the Quilter Group. The Board, working 
collaboratively with the Board Committees and the subsidiary company 
boards that we have established across our main trading businesses, 
ensure that a framework of prudent and effective controls are in place 
to ensure that the full range of risks inherent in the running of our 
businesses are assessed and managed. The Board satisfies itself 
through the business planning process and the regular reports from 
executive management that Quilter has the necessary resources to 
meet its objectives. The Board regularly assesses management’s 
progress in delivering against the Business Plan, Operating Plan and 
achievement of its strategic priorities while continuing to ensure that 
we are building a sustainable business that is mindful of the role it plays 
in our wider society and the impacts of its actions on all stakeholders.

The Board has put in place appropriate mechanisms to ensure there 
is effective engagement with its shareholders and other stakeholders 
and examples of how this is working in practice are provided below. 
Additionally, the Quilter Board, relevant Board Committees and our 
subsidiary boards ensure that our HR policies and practices serve to 
support and are aligned to our values and the delivery of long-term 
sustainable success. This has been especially important during a 
period of significant change for our colleagues.

The work of your Board in 2019
The work of the Board has been strongly influenced by the Group’s four 
strategic priorities as described on page 45. Additionally, the Board has 
received the following regular reports in 2019:

Report

Purpose

Chief Executive Officer’s report

Chief Financial Officer’s report

Chief Risk Officer’s report

Chief Operating Officer’s report

Customer reports

Investment performance reports

People reports

Updates on the Platform 
Transformation Programme

Reports from the Chairs of our 
Board Committees

Providing the Chief Executive Officer’s 
perspective on the performance of the 
business and progress against the 
Operating Plan approved by the Board.

Tracking delivery of the Group’s financial 
performance against the Business Plan 
and prior year performance and other 
key performance indicators. Key insights 
on the Group’s capital and liquidity 
position are also provided alongside 
Investor Relations updates.

Providing a second line view on the 
key risks in our business and the 
effectiveness of management’s efforts 
to mitigate those risks. The Chief Risk 
Officer, the Chairman and other 
executives regularly brief the Board 
on key communications with the 
Group’s regulators.

Briefing the Board on updates on the 
developments in our Technology and 
Operations areas and the Optimisation 
of our business.

Providing valuable insights into how 
the Quilter Brand is perceived, the 
quality of the outcomes achieved 
for our customers and identifying 
opportunities to drive improvements 
that will create value for our customers.

Ensuring the Board have clear line of 
sight to how well Quilter Investors and 
Quilter Cheviot have delivered strong 
investment returns, in line with our 
customers’ views on risk tolerance.

Ensuring that the culture and values 
of the Group are well aligned to the 
achievement of its purpose and strategy 
and that we have engaged and 
committed people.

Assessing the progress on delivering 
this critical programme which will 
benefit our customers and the advisers 
who utilise our investment platform.

Ensuring that the wider Board are fully 
briefed on the detailed work conducted 
by the Board Committees.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

43

Strategic ReportFinancial statementsOther informationGovernance

Leadership and oversight continued

Building Quilter to deliver long-term success 
for all our stakeholders

Section 172 (1) statement
The Companies Act 2006 (the Act) and the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 require the annual report to provide information that enables 
our stakeholders to assess how the Directors of Quilter have performed their duties under section 172 of the Act. The Act provides that Quilter 
Directors must act in a way that he or she considers in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of Quilter for the benefit of 
shareholders as a whole. In doing so, Quilter Directors must have regard, amongst other things, to the factors set out below:

Stakeholders

Factors considered

Shareholders

Colleagues

The likely consequences of any decision in the long term
The Board has approved the purpose and strategy of Quilter which are described in our Strategic Report on pages 2 to 35. The Board believes that 
delivery of that strategy, in line with our overriding purpose, will achieve long-term, sustainable success for all of our stakeholders (see below). All of 
the Board’s decisions are therefore guided by the delivery of the Group’s purpose and strategy. On the following page we describe how the delivery 
of the strategic priorities has been overseen by the Board.

The interests of Quilter’s colleagues 
The Board receives regular reports from the Human Resources Director on the culture and engagement of our people. Those reports are 
supported by detailed analysis of employee surveys conducted across the Group. It has been particularly important to monitor these issues closely 
during a period of significant change when we have made additional demands on our colleagues. On page 45 we describe how the Board 
considered the interests of colleagues in the delivery of our strategic priorities in 2019 and on page 47 Cathy Turner, the Non-executive Director 
appointed to communicate the voice of our employees to the Board, reports on how she has communicated the thoughts and concerns of our 
people to the Board. The Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee has overseen the development of the Group’s talent agenda 
and the training and development of those identified as having the potential to be a future leader of our business.

Communities

The impact of Quilter’s operations on the community and the environment
The Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee oversees the Group’s responsible business activities and has endorsed the Shared 
Prosperity Plan that is described on pages 10 to 15. The Directors have been briefed on the fast moving developments in this area. The Board 
Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee is guiding the Group’s response to the various environmental, societal and governance 
initiatives and the Board Risk Committee is monitoring progress on how these emerging risks are being managed.

Shareholders

Customers and 
regulators

The need to foster the Company’s business relationships 
The Board has been briefed on the progress made in implementing the Group’s procurement strategy. The Group is aiming to build mutually 
beneficial, long-term relationships with a smaller supplier base. The Board believes this to be a more sustainable approach. Further information on 
this issue is provided in the Responsible Business section on pages 10 to 15. There is further work to do in this area to ensure that a more holistic 
approach is taken to managing our suppliers. 

The need to act fairly between the members of the Company
Quilter is listed on both the London and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges and the expectations of shareholders holding Quilter shares on those two 
exchanges on certain governance issues can vary materially. On page 47 we describe how we have engaged with our South African shareholders to 
fully understand their wishes in relation to certain authorities that are considered routine in a UK context but are viewed with a different lens by 
some of our South African shareholders.

The desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct 
The Board receives regular reports on the outcomes achieved for customers of Quilter and the external perception of the Quilter brand. Over the 
page, we have set out how the Board has considered the interests of our customers when reviewing the delivery of our strategic priorities and in 
considering some material transactions conducted during the year. The Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Risk Officer report 
regularly to the Board on the strength of the Group’s relationships with its main regulators and the work performed to ensure that the Group 
meets their expectations.

Our key stakeholders
The Board has identified five key stakeholder groups whose interests 
and needs the Board must regularly consider. When taking decisions, 
the Board applies its judgement in how best to balance the sometimes 
competing interests of these stakeholders to deliver long-term, 
sustainable success for Quilter from which all stakeholders benefit. 
The Group has taken steps to embed a deeper understanding of section 
172 of the Act at a Quilter plc level and across our management 
committees and subsidiaries. Presentations have been made by the 
Quilter Corporate Secretariat team to the business to explain the 
importance of the considerations referred to in section 172 (1) as part 
of good decision making, to ensure that proposals coming to the Board 
contain appropriate information on the potential impact of business 
decisions on all of Quilter’s stakeholders and other relevant matters. 
Examples of best practice have been provided and rolled out to the 
business, with further explanation and guidance on directors’ duties 
to ensure that section 172 (1) considerations remain at the heart of the 
Group’s decision making at all levels. The governance in action case 
studies provide insight into how Quilter has done this and the outputs 
of these decisions.

44

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Customers

Shareholders

Quilter

Regulators

Colleagues

Communities

Governance
Leadership and oversight

Ensuring the delivery of our strategic priorities

1 Delivering on customer outcomes

Our strategy can only be successfully delivered in the long 
term if Quilter delivers good customer outcomes and 
strong investment returns while providing a high-quality 
service to our customers. To achieve this the Board has:
• Supported and guided management in enhancing the 

reporting on how well our businesses have delivered for 
our customers. This enhanced reporting is enabling 
management to be more forensic in identifying how we 
can not only meet our customers’ expectations and our 
regulatory obligations but also exceed expectations and 
delight our customers.

• Received regular reports on the continuing re-branding 
of our business to Quilter and to gain valuable insights 
into how we are perceived by our customers and those 
we would like to do business with. 

• Monitored the communications with our customers on 
fees and charges as required by the Markets in Financial 
Instruments Directive (MiFID) II and encouraged 
management to ensure that we are consistently clear 
and transparent with our customers.

• Challenged management to improve the investment 

processes and short-term investment performance of 
certain active investment funds of Quilter Investors.

2 Advice and Wealth Management growth

To fulfil the potential of our strategy we must grow our 
Advice and Wealth Management businesses. To that end 
the Board has:
• Considered a range of growth opportunities across our 
advice business, Quilter Financial Planning, and agreed 
a small number of acquisition opportunities. Further 
details on how the Board has approached these 
transactions are set out on page 46. 

• Worked collaboratively with the Quilter Financial Planning 
Board to ensure that a robust process was followed for 
these acquisitions. 

• Monitored the recruitment of Restricted Financial 

Planners for Quilter Financial Planning against the targets 
set and how well Quilter Financial Planning is driving 
greater adviser efficiency and leveraging the Financial 
Adviser School.

• Monitored the recruitment of Investment Managers for 
Quilter Cheviot to replace those that departed in 2018 
and to ensure that our business model adjusts to build 
customer loyalty to the Quilter brand.

• Overseen the completion of the build-out of Quilter 

Investors.

3 Wealth Platforms growth

The Board Technology and Operations Committee 
has dedicated significant time to the oversight of the 
programme to deliver the new investment platform. The 
Board has also received regular reports from the Chair of 
that Committee and from management on the status of 
the programme, on corrective actions when necessary 
and on the implications of the programme for our 
employees. The first phased adviser migration was 
successfully completed in February 2020 and has provided 
valuable insights into how our new investment platform 
will operate at scale and the additional functionality it 
provides for advisers.

In addition to monitoring the delivery of the Platform 
Transformation Programme the Board reviewed early 
executive plans to launch sales and marketing initiatives to 
improve asset growth based on the enhanced proposition 
and platform.

4 Optimisation

Our Chief Executive Officer, Paul Feeney, has made it clear 
that Quilter is not the finished article and our Optimisation 
programme is designed to realise synergies across our 
business and to deliver on its potential. Your Board has 
therefore:
• Considered regular updates from our Chief Operating 
Officer on the key programmes that underpin our 
Optimisation agenda.

• Discussed updates from our Chief Financial Officer on 

the timely delivery of the financial benefits of 
Optimisation. 

• Received reports from our Human Resource Director on 
the engagement of our employees, the extent to which 
we are bringing our staff with us as part of the 
Optimisation journey and the alignment of the Quilter 
culture to our strategy. This was supported by a report 
from Cathy Turner who attends our employee forums 
and was nominated by the Board to ensure the voice of 
our employees is heard by the Board.

• Received a report from our Chief Procurement Officer on 
the strength of Quilter’s relationships with suppliers. We 
were assured that we pay our suppliers on time although 
there is more we can do in this area. Our aim is to build 
deeper, mutually beneficial, long-term relationships with 
a smaller supplier base. 

Quilter Annual Report 2019

45

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Governance in action

Acquisitions by Quilter Financial Planning 

Developing and enhancing our Advice business was identified as 
key to driving the growth of the Quilter business and delivery of the 
strategy. Late in 2018 management presented proposals for growing 
the advice business and driving adviser productivity that were 
endorsed by the Quilter Board. A key part of that strategy required 
Quilter Financial Planning to acquire and integrate a number of 
medium-sized acquisitions in addition to the smaller in-fill acquisitions 
already being conducted.

Working in collaboration with the Quilter Financial Planning Board, the 
Quilter Board approved two material acquisitions and set the financial 
and other criteria that those acquisitions would have to meet to 
ensure that good financial discipline is maintained and that any 
transaction would deliver for all stakeholders.

Charles Derby Group is a business that Quilter has had a long-
standing relationship with as part of its network of advisers. The 
Board reviewed the business case for the acquisition and satisfied 
itself that it was well constructed, that risks and opportunities 
associated with the acquisition were fully understood, that detailed 
integration plans were in place and that a carefully considered 
strategy had been agreed for the business post acquisition. The 
business now forms part of the newly established National business 
of Quilter Financial Planning. 

Having identified Lighthouse Group plc as being complementary to 
that of Quilter Financial Planning, the Board set clear parameters for 
the price it was prepared to pay and considered the results of the due 
diligence conducted by the business, with the input of third-party 
experts, and the risks associated with the acquisition, including taking 
account of the additional sensitivities given that Lighthouse was a 
publicly listed company. The Board also considered how the 
acquisition would benefit the customers of Lighthouse who would 
gain access to the products and services of the wider Quilter Group 
and the impact on Lighthouse employees of becoming part of the 
Quilter Group. 

In November 2019, having carefully considered the ability of the 
business to integrate a further acquisition, the Board authorised the 
acquisition of Prescient Financial Intelligence Limited to form part of 
Quilter Private Client Advisers. The acquisition completed late in 
December 2019. 

The Quilter Board will be conducting post acquisition reviews of both 
Charles Derby Group and Lighthouse in 2020 to ensure that the 
benefits identified in the initial business cases have been delivered.

Sale of Quilter Life Assurance 

Following a strategic review at the end of 2018, the Board concluded 
in the first half of 2019 that the possibility of a sale of Quilter Life 
Assurance, our ‘Heritage’ closed life business, should be explored. 
The Board fully considered how such a sale could release value for 
shareholders and impact the customers and employees of the 
Heritage business. Our second line of defence highlighted the risks 
associated with a potential sale including the management stretch 
that pursuing such a transaction could create and the need to 
address the stranded costs resulting from such a sale.

The Board approved the sales process that would be followed 
by management, agreed the expected valuation range for the 
business and appointed an ad hoc Board Committee to provide close 
oversight of the transaction. The sales process was well handled by 
management and the Board Committee endorsed the shortlist of 
potential acquirers. The Board Committee reviewed the bids received 
from potential acquirers and approved those bidders who should 
proceed to the second round bidding process. 

At the completion of the bidding process the Board approved the 
recommendation to sell the business to ReAssure Limited having: 

a)  considered carefully whether the price being offered represented 
good value for Quilter shareholders, based on the independent 
financial advice received;

b)  assessed the buyer’s reputation for customer servicing and 

support. The Board received a report identifying the buyer’s strong 
track record of high customer satisfaction and low levels of 
customer complaints and its strong focus on customer outcomes;
c)  confirmed that a sale to ReAssure would be an attractive outcome 
for employees. Employees would be joining a growing, market-
leading business offering long-term employment and enhanced 
career prospects; and 

d)  agreed that a material proportion of the net proceeds of the sale 

should be distributed to shareholders and that shareholders should 
be consulted on the method to be adopted for that distribution.

The sale of Quilter Life Assurance to ReAssure completed on 
31 December 2019 and the Board has announced its intention to 
commence a share buyback programme to purchase shares with a 
value of up to £375 million subject to remaining within certain pre-set 
parameters. The share buyback programme will be subject to staged 
regulatory and Board approval.

46

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Governance
Governance in action

Engaging with our shareholders 

Two resolutions at our 2019 AGM attracted more than 20% of votes 
against from shareholders. Notably, there was a significant difference 
in voting between the South African and UK share registers on these 
two resolutions as set out below. Similar voting patterns are seen at 
other dual UK/South African listed companies with the position for 
Quilter exacerbated by the larger proportion of South African 
shareholders on our share register.

In line with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, we have 
sought to fully understand the views and concerns of South African 
shareholders on both of these resolutions through a series of 
meetings undertaken early in July 2019 and February 2020. The 
steps we have taken to address these matters are set out below.

1) Political donations
What happened? The precautionary resolution to authorise political 
donations and expenditure only received 75% support. On the UK 
register, this resolution had 99% support. On the South African share 
register, this resolution had only 61% support.

How the Board has addressed this matter. From the discussions 
with shareholders, it is clear that in the current South African governance 
context, any linkage between business and politics is a concern. 
Quilter has no intention of making political donations or incurring 
political expenditure but, in line with other listed UK companies, has 
sought such authority as a precaution to avoid any inadvertent 
breaches of UK company law, which is widely drafted. We believe our 
South African shareholders now have a better understanding of the 
purpose behind this resolution and we have set out in the Notice of 
our Annual General Meeting examples of the types of situations that 
could lead to accidental breaches of the legislation in this area which 
is the primary reason for seeking this authority.

2) Authority to allot shares
What happened? The resolution to authorise Directors to allot 
shares was not passed, with only 49.5% of shares voted in favour. 

Listening to Quilter’s people 

I was very pleased to be invited to attend the UK Employee Forum 
in September 2019 on behalf of the Quilter Board. All of the Quilter 
businesses were represented at the Forum and there was a lively 
discussion. 

Having announced the sale of Quilter Life Assurance to ReAssure in 
August 2019 the meeting was well timed and I was very pleased to be 
able to report to the Board that the communication of such a material 
change for many of our colleagues had been very sensitively handled 
in collaboration with ReAssure. The key issues discussed at the Forum 
and reported on to the Board included:
• Recognition – positive praise for the Quilter Awards scheme but 

also a recognition that, in a period of significant change, managers 
need to provide even more encouragement and support for 
their teams;

• Culture – Quilter is considered to have an open, listening culture 

with mistakes seen as an opportunity to learn. The regular 

On the UK share register, the resolution seeking the authority to 
allot shares had 97% support. On the South African register, that 
resolution had only 18% support. 

How the Board has addressed this matter. The Board understands 
that, given historical experience, there is reluctance amongst South 
African shareholders to delegate authority to company directors to 
issue shares. The authority to allot shares is a standard enabling 
resolution for UK listed companies and the authority sought by Quilter 
at the 2019 AGM was in line with UK Investment Association guidelines 
and UK market practice. While our capital position is currently strong 
and we have no plans to raise equity, we were concerned that not 
having such an authority could, at some point, disadvantage Quilter 
relative to our UK peers. Having discussed this extensively with 
shareholders it became clear that the majority of South African 
shareholders would support the granting of this authority but at 
a much lower level than is normal for UK listed companies while 
a minority would not be comfortable granting such an authority at 
any level. Given these residual concerns and the Group’s current 
very strong capital position, the Board has decided not to seek an 
authority to allot shares at the 2020 Annual General Meeting.

Shareholder engagement
The Chairman has met regularly with shareholders on a range of 
topics, including briefing them on Quilter’s approach to corporate 
governance and hearing their views. This has included discussions 
on how shareholders would wish to engage with the Chairs of the 
Quilter Board Committees as recommended by the 2018 Corporate 
Governance Code. These discussions are coordinated with and 
supplemental to the regular meetings held by the Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer with shareholders.

engagement surveys are seen as a positive enabler of an open 
culture but it is important that managers demonstrate that the 
feedback provided is acted upon;

• Communication – the language that we use to communicate 

with our people must be simple and direct to be accessible to all 
of our people;

• One Quilter – our colleagues value feeling part of a wider 

organisation with a common purpose but need help to understand 
better the role that each part of the Group plays in delivering for our 
customers; and

• Technology – we do not always provide our people with the right 
tools and technology to perform at their best and one of the aims 
of our Optimisation programme is to address this. 

Cathy Turner
Non-executive Director

Quilter Annual Report 2019

47

Strategic ReportFinancial statementsOther informationGovernance

Board Corporate Governance 
and Nominations Committee report

Dear Shareholder, 
The Quilter Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee 
has three key responsibilities:

A nominations role, as set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code 
2018, which focuses on the processes for establishing and maintaining 
a Board that is “fit for purpose” for a public company; ensuring orderly 
succession planning for Board and senior manager positions; 
overseeing the development of a diverse pipeline for succession; and 
promoting the long-term sustainable success of the Company in the 
interests of all its stakeholders;

A governance role, to establish and maintain a robust corporate 
governance framework, including standards and practices, both for 
the Company and its main subsidiaries; and 

An oversight role, for the development and delivery of the Quilter 
responsible business agenda. 

The Committee has discharged these functions by: 

Nominations
• Evaluating succession planning with a particular focus on the 

succession planning for senior executive roles. This included an 
evaluation of the strengths of senior managers, any areas of 
development and the plans being put in place to address these. The 
succession planning involved identifying suitable emergency and 
long-term succession candidates from the executives currently in the 
business who would be ready to take on an enhanced role, if needed, 
and whether any training and further development is required.
• Agreeing emergency succession plans for each of the key non-

executive positions on the Board, including the Chairman of the 
Board and the relevant Committee Chairs. Although we are able to 
identify strong emergency successors, it is still likely that some 
external recruitment would be required for permanent successors, 
given that the Board is not of a size to carry a pool of succession 
candidates for a wide range of Board roles.

Governance
• Reviewing the material votes against the two resolutions at the 

2019 AGM relating to the allotment of shares and political donations, 
which I comment on in further detail on page 47, and agreeing the 
approach to engaging with our shareholders.

• Reviewing the Board Charter, which sets out the roles and 
responsibilities of all those on the Board and the exemplar 
behaviours expected, in order to ensure that it is aligned to the 
2018 UK Corporate Governance Code. You can find a copy of 
our Board Charter on the Quilter website at 
quilter.com/corporategovernance.

• Continuing to develop and approve the Quilter Group Governance 
Manual that sets out the Quilter corporate governance framework, 
as appropriate for a standalone listed company. A fuller description of 
the Group Governance Manual can be found on the Quilter website at 
quilter.com/corporategovernance.

• Continuing to develop and approve the Subsidiary Governance 

Manual that sets out the minimum standards required of the Quilter 
subsidiary boards and overseeing the recruitment of independent 
Non-executive Directors to those Boards. Those appointments were 
effected using selection processes that were aligned to those used 
for appointments to the Quilter Board.

• Assessing the Quilter corporate governance framework to confirm 

that Quilter has been compliant with the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code during 2019.

• Considering any potential conflicts of interest that have arisen during 
the year and agreeing the process by which those potential conflicts 
have been managed and mitigated.

• Considering the results of the Board and Board Committee 

effectiveness review, facilitated by Professor Rob Goffee. A summary 
of the process and results of the review are set out in more detail on 
pages 50 and 51.

• Keeping under review the action plan to ensure that Quilter complies 
with the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code. This work ensured 
that Quilter would be ready to fulfil the new reporting requirements 
relating to Section 172 Companies Act 2006 on directors’ duties as 
set out in more detail on pages 44 to 47.

• Considering the implications for Board and Board Committee 

composition of Cathy Turner and Suresh Kana deciding not to stand 

Committee activity

Board evaluation  

Succession planning 

Corporate governance 

Responsible business 

10%

40%

30%

20%

Glyn Jones
Chairman

For detail on Committee attendance, 
see page 41.

48

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Governance
Board Corporate Governance 
and Nominations Committee report

for re-election at the 2020 AGM. Egon Zehnder have been appointed 
to help us identify their successors. Egon Zehnder provide some 
advice and support to the Group on executive selection.

• The Committee has approved formal principles governing the 

approval of new external appointments that a Director wishes to 
adopt. In accordance with those principles, the Committee has 
approved one significant appointment during the year for a Non-
executive Director, having carefully considered the implications for 
time commitment, reputational risk and potential conflicts of interest.

Responsible business
• Carefully considering the rapid developments in environmental, social 
and governance issues for Quilter both as an investee company and 
as an investment manager.

• Endorsing Quilter’s approach to responsible business and approving 
the responsible business strategy that is primarily delivered by the 
“Shared Prosperity Plan”.

• Reviewing and approving the disclosures on responsible business on 
pages 10 to 15 in this Annual Report and the separate Responsible 
Business Report 2019 which is available at quilter.com.

Glyn Jones
Chairman

11 March 2020

Inclusion and diversity
We believe that diversity brings benefits for our customers, our 
business and our colleagues. The Quilter Board has set a target of 
having a minimum of 33% female board representation which is in 
line with the Hampton-Alexander Review recommendations. I am 
pleased that the current Quilter Board meets and exceeds that 
target, with a gender split of 36% female and 64% male, as at 
31 December 2019, and in particular that four of our five Board 
Committees are chaired by women and our Senior Independent 
Director role is also held by a woman. The Board Corporate 
Governance and Nominations Committee will continue to seek a 
diverse range of candidates in the recruitment of Directors to the 
Quilter plc Board and its subsidiary boards.

The Committee acknowledges that there is more to do to increase 
the number of women in senior leadership roles below Board level 
and has encouraged management to develop strategies for 
deepening the pipeline of diverse talent. We believe that all 

colleagues should have the opportunity to reach their full potential 
regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual 
orientation, educational, social or cultural background. 

We have published our Inclusion and Diversity Statement on our 
website at quilter.com/careers/inclusion-and-diversity. Further 
details of Quilter’s gender split can be found on page 11. 

Board gender diversity

Target female representation

33%
36%

Actual female representation

Quilter Annual Report 2019

49

Strategic ReportFinancial statementsOther informationGovernance

Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee report continued

Board effectiveness review

Results and actions
Professor Goffee presented his report to the Quilter Board in May 2019, 
which facilitated an open and constructive debate by the Board. The 
key themes emerging from Professor Goffee’s report and the Board’s 
debate were used to develop an action plan, which was reviewed and 
considered by the Board at its meeting in June 2019.

Each Board Committee followed a similar process in dealing with 
Professor Goffee’s report. As Senior Independent Director, I discussed 
the feedback on our Chairman from the report with the other 
Non-executive Directors and I met with the Chairman to brief him on 
the results. The Chairman, in turn, met with each of the Non-executive 
Directors to provide them with their individual feedback.

We identified some areas of focus for the future which formed the basis 
of the action plan. The actions agreed have been fully supported by the 
Board and are in my view being properly followed through.

Background and approach 
As the Chairman explained in our 2018 Annual Report, as a newly 
formed Board, we felt it was appropriate to commission a detailed, 
independent and externally facilitated Board effectiveness review to 
ensure that our Board is as effective as it can be. The effectiveness 
review was conducted in line with the requirements of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018. At the time of publishing the 2018 Annual 
Report, the Board was in the process of undertaking an evaluation 
covering the 15-month period from 1 January 2018 and I am pleased 
to be able to report on the process we undertook, the outputs from 
the review and our approach in 2020. 

Process 
At the Chairman’s request, I led the review as Senior Independent 
Director. Following a transparent selection process overseen by the 
Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee, Quilter 
appointed Professor Rob Goffee, Emeritus Professor of Organisational 
Behaviour at London Business School, to facilitate the review 
independently. Professor Goffee has no other connection to the Group 
or any individual Director. The Board Corporate Governance and 
Nominations Committee agreed the scope of the review and the 
participants, with a view to examining the performance of the Board, 
its Committees, individual Directors and the Chairman. The review 
was carried out by means of a written questionnaire and individual 
interviews with Professor Goffee. As part of the review, Professor 
Goffee also interviewed certain key executives, such as the Company 
Secretary, who routinely interact with the Board. 

In addition to analysing the effectiveness of the core processes of the 
Board and its Committees, Professor Goffee’s review also stimulated 
debates on the depth of the Board’s engagement with the business 
and whether the Board was allocating its time appropriately.

Ruth Markland
Senior Independent 
Director

50

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Governance
Board Corporate Governance 
and Nominations Committee report

 Board effectiveness summary action plan 

Focus areas

Actions taken

Challenge management to continue to 
strengthen management capability 

Continue to develop as a Board 

Ensuring the Board spends its time on 
forward-looking strategic issues 

The Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee, supported by regular updates 
from the Chief Executive Officer, the Human Resources Director, and the Directors of Talent and 
Culture, has scrutinised the talent pipeline and reviewed management’s plans for the Executive 
Committee members and their direct reports, on an emergency basis and in a 1-3 year time 
period. In so doing, the Committee has challenged the executive to ensure there is appropriate 
development, succession planning and diversity, including gender diversity, in its work.

In order to understand better the strength of future talent in the Group, the Board has also held 
several breakfast meetings to meet up-and-coming talent from across the Group. 

As a relatively new Board, the Board identified that there would be benefit from holding more 
private sessions either with the Chairman and the Non-executive Directors alone or with the 
Chief Executive Officer to enable them to exchange views and debate issues in more detail 
together. At the same time, these sessions have enabled the Chairs of the Board Committees 
to give more in-depth briefings where appropriate, for example on succession planning and 
remuneration topics. This helps to ensure the whole Board is more directly engaged with the 
work of all Board Committees.

These sessions are also used to provide scrutiny and feedback to management on the quality of 
papers and to ensure that appropriate time is given to forward-looking strategic direction at meetings.

The Board recognised that, as Quilter matures, it wants to spend more of its time focusing on 
strategically important issues, such as how it can exceed the expectations of our stakeholders. 
Amongst other initiatives, this includes:
• challenging the executive to enhance the people and culture reporting, to enable the Board to 

have appropriate insight into these important matters;

• enabling appropriate visibility and challenge around IT, operations and risk management 

processes. As a result, the Board IT Committee’s remit has been formally widened to include 
operations as described on page 61; and

• embedding our new corporate governance framework. As described on page 43, the 

corporate governance framework is underpinned by close collaboration between the Quilter 
Board and its subsidiaries. The Quilter Board will continue to work closely with the subsidiary 
company board Chairs, their boards and board committees, to ensure that their crucial roles are 
well understood and that they have the right tools and information to perform their roles well.

Committee evaluation 
The effectiveness of each Board Committee was reviewed in 2019 
as part of the Board effectiveness review. The results of the evaluation 
confirmed that all the Committees are performing effectively overall. 
Nevertheless, each Committee gave consideration to some proposals 
for ensuring that they maintain and continue to enhance their 
effectiveness as the business evolves and formulated an action plan to 
ensure that this is achieved. The agreed actions include the holding of 
private sessions without management present as an opportunity for 
Committee members to reflect on the quality of the materials provided 
to each Committee and to agree the key areas where the Committee 
should focus its attention. The delivery of the action plans will be 
overseen by the Chairs of the Committees and the Company Secretary 
and regular updates will be provided to each Committee in 2020.

Looking ahead to the 2020 Board effectiveness review
We are currently embedding the agreed actions from the 2019 
review and monitoring their effective implementation. The 
Committee has recommended to the Board that the 2020 review 
will be internally run and led by me, as Senior Independent 
Director, with support from the Company Secretary. The 2020 
review will be conducted by way of a written questionnaire and 
engagement with Directors and key management, building on 
the work done in relation to the 2019 review. I look forward to 
updating shareholders in our 2020 Annual Report.

The benefits of conducting board effectiveness reviews are not 
restricted to the senior company board in a Group. The 
Committee has therefore encouraged the Quilter subsidiary 
company boards to conduct appropriate reviews of their own 
effectiveness and the Committee will be overseeing the outputs 
of those reviews in 2020.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

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Governance

Board Audit Committee report

Dear Shareholder,
As Chair of the Board Audit Committee, I am pleased to present this 
report of the Committee’s activities during 2019. The Committee has 
continued to focus clearly on its key responsibilities of assisting the 
Board in monitoring the Group’s internal control environment and 
providing robust governance over the Group’s financial reporting. 
A key component of this is to challenge the judgements made by 
management and the estimates and assumptions on which they are 
based, whilst ensuring appropriate disclosures. Ensuring that these 
essential roles are conducted to a high standard is as much in the 
best interests of our customers, employees, regulators and the 
wider community in which we operate as it is to our shareholders. 
Transparency and confidence in the financial performance and 
financial position of Quilter is important to all of our stakeholders.

The Financial Reporting Council (“FRC”) Corporate Reporting Review 
team wrote to us in November 2019 to inform us that they had carried 
out a review of our 2018 Annual Report and Accounts and to request 
further information on how we had satisfied certain reporting 
requirements in respect of a small number of our 2018 year end 
disclosures, including our Alternative Performance Measures (“APMs”). 
I am pleased to confirm that our response enabled the FRC to close 
its enquiries efficiently. As a result of the FRC’s comments, we have 
enhanced the relevant disclosures in our 2019 Annual Report and 
Accounts. The FRC asked us to make clear the inherent limitations of 
their review, which are set out in the Financial Reporting section of this 
report on page 54.

An important role for the Committee during the year was applying 
challenge to the accounting judgements and estimates made in respect 
of the acquisitions of Charles Derby Group and Lighthouse Group plc and 
the sale of Quilter Life Assurance, which were key elements in delivering 
the Group’s strategic priorities and reshaping its business. We have 
also spent time monitoring the optimisation of the Finance function.

In 2019 we put the external audit contract for the Group out to 
tender and, following a detailed and comprehensive process which 
was closely overseen by the Audit Tender Sub-Committee, the Board 
will be recommending the appointment of PwC as statutory auditor 
for approval by shareholders at the 2020 AGM. The Audit Tender 
Sub-Committee was appointed by the Board Audit Committee to 
oversee the audit tender, with Rosie Harris as its Chair. This decision 
was taken in light of my historical relationship with one of the audit 
firms participating in the audit tender. I would like to extend my thanks 
to the KPMG lead audit partner and the wider audit team for the 
challenge and insight they have provided to the Group during their 
tenure as our external auditor. Further details on the external audit 
tender and transition process are set out on pages 56 and 57.

There is further information on how the Committee has discharged its 
role in the coming pages. Our report to you is structured in four parts:
• governance;
• report on activities for the year;
• internal audit; and
• external audit, including the audit tender.

George Reid
Chair of the Board Audit Committee

Committee activity

Integrity of the financial  
statements

Internal controls 

Internal and external auditors 

Regulatory compliance 
and reporting

Governance 

20%

15%

40%

20%

5%

George Reid
Chair of the Board 
Audit Committee

For detail on Committee attendance, 
see page 41.

52

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Governance
Board Audit Committee report

Governance
The Chair of the Committee and other Committee members have 
recent and relevant financial experience, and the Committee as a 
whole has competence relevant to the business sectors that Quilter 
operates within. The Committee holds regular private sessions with the 
leadership of both the internal and external auditors. The Chair of the 
Committee also meets separately and regularly with the Chief Financial 
Officer, Chief Internal Auditor and the KPMG lead audit partner.

Other Non-executive Directors have attended certain meetings of 
the Committee throughout the year, in the interests of assisting with 
their own responsibilities and learning about the work of the Board 
Audit Committee.

The Committee has continued to work collaboratively and effectively 
with other Board Committees, particularly the Board Risk Committee 
and the Board Technology and Operations Committee, on matters 
such as the oversight of the Platform Transformation Programme and 
the approval of the internal audit plan. The Committee also relies on, 
and is supported by, the detailed work conducted by the Audit 
Committees and Governance, Audit and Risk Committees (“GARCs”) 
of Quilter’s significant subsidiaries.

Report on activities for the year
The Committee agreed its forward agenda of business for 2019 at the 
start of the year. That rolling agenda comprises recurring business, 
cyclical business and other business. As recurring business the 
Committee reviews and discusses:

Report

Financial reports

Internal audit reports

External audit reports

Reports on non-audit 
services

Purpose

Briefing the Committee on significant financial 
reporting matters and accounting policies, 
significant accounting judgements and estimates 
that will impact the financial statements, and the 
status of the internal controls over financial reporting.

Providing the third line view on the control 
environment and the responsiveness of 
management in resolving audit findings, as well as 
presenting regular updates and refreshes of the 
internal audit plan.

Tracking the progress of the work of the external 
auditors and presenting KPMG’s engagement 
letters, annual audit plans and representation 
letters for approval.

Ensuring the Committee has clear line of sight to 
details of non-audit services requested of the 
external auditors in accordance with the non-audit 
services policy.

Reports from the Chairs 
of the subsidiary Audit 
Committees and GARCs

Ensuring that the Committee is fully briefed on the 
detailed work conducted by the Audit Committees 
and GARCs of Quilter’s significant subsidiaries.

Cyclical items reviewed by the Committee include:

Report

CASS reports

Whistleblowing reports

Actuarial reports

Purpose

Assessing compliance with the Financial Conduct 
Authority CASS rules across the Group.

Providing assurance around the integrity of the 
Group’s whistleblowing arrangements and details of 
how any whistleblowing incidents have been resolved.

Enabling the Committee to review and challenge the 
Solvency II and other prudential reporting for Quilter.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

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Board Audit Committee report continued

Details of work conducted in 2019
Financial reporting
The Group’s accounts are prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards. Certain Alternative Performance 
Measures (“APMs”) are used to add insight for Quilter’s shareholders 
on the performance of the business, aligned with how the business 
is managed. The use of APMs has been an area of close attention for 
the Committee, as discussed later in this section.

The Committee has reviewed the Accounting Policies and confirmed 
that they are appropriate to be used for the 2019 Quilter financial 
statements. Detailed discussions have been held at Board Audit 
Committee meetings on the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases as well as 
the preparations for IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts and its impact on 
the Group.

The Committee has also reviewed the basis of accounting, the 
appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of preparation 
of the Group’s financial statements, and the Group’s viability statement. 
In doing so, the Committee considered:
• the Group’s three-year business plan which includes consideration 
of the economic, regulatory, competitive and risk environment; and
• the latest Group own risk and solvency statement, and internal capital 
adequacy assessment process, which cover current and future risk 
profile and solvency positions based on a series of core assumptions, 
stress tests and scenario analysis. 

The form of the viability statement and period covered by the 
statement were considered by the Committee. The Committee was 
satisfied with the content of the viability statement and supported the 
time period of the statement which aligns with the three-year internal 
financial planning cycle. 

The Committee reviewed and challenged the Interim Results for 2019 
and the Annual Report and Accounts for 2019. The Committee’s 
reviews were supported by analysis and discussion provided by the 
finance and actuarial teams, reports from the second line on the 
solvency position and the reports of the external auditors. Having 
considered these inputs and the Committee’s own independent 
judgements, the Committee recommended to the Board the approval 
of each of these sets of financial statements.

As noted above, certain clarifications have been made to the Group’s 
2019 disclosures in response to feedback from the FRC following their 
review of the 2018 Annual Report and Accounts. The FRC requested 
that it be noted that their letter provides no assurance that the 2018 
Annual Report and Accounts are correct in all material respects, and 
that the FRC’s role is not to verify the information provided but to 
consider compliance with reporting requirements. The FRC noted that 
their review was based on the 2018 Annual Report and Accounts and 
did not benefit from detailed knowledge of the Group’s business or 
an understanding of the underlying transactions entered into.

Accounting judgements and estimates
The Board Audit Committee has continued to receive good support from the Quilter finance team which has enabled it to consider in advance of the 
end of each reporting period the approach that it would wish to take on the key areas of judgement and estimates that impact the financial results.

Key judgements and estimates deliberated by the Committee during review of the 2019 Annual Report and Accounts included the treatment of:

Area of focus

Sale of Quilter Life Assurance

Acquisition accounting

Goodwill and intangibles

Provisions and contingent liabilities, 
including voluntary customer redress

Deferred tax assets

Valuation of level 3 financial investments

Issue/role of the Committee

The Committee reviewed and challenged the accounting for, and disclosure of, the sale of 
Quilter Life Assurance including considering the key judgements and estimates of provisions, 
presentation of ongoing costs and the treatment of costs associated with the sale.

The Committee considered and challenged the treatment and financial impacts of the 
acquisitions carried out during the year in the Quilter Financial Planning business, including 
Lighthouse Group plc and Charles Derby Group.

Goodwill and intangibles were reviewed in detail to ensure that the amounts recorded in the 
Group’s balance sheet are well supported and based on thorough analysis and testing of the 
models and assumptions utilised. The Committee considered the sensitivity of the goodwill 
calculation to various different assumptions, including stress scenarios.

The assessment and approval of provisions were regularly considered by the Committee, as 
work progressed, ensuring compliance with International Accounting Standard 37. This work 
involved a number of judgements which were carefully tested.

The Committee has reviewed the approach to the recognition of deferred tax assets, challenging 
management’s assumptions and considering compliance with International Accounting 
Standard 12 on income taxes.

The level 3 financial assets disclosed in Quilter’s financial statements chiefly relate to 
policyholder funds where there is a matching investment contract liability. These assets can be 
difficult to value and the Committee has taken an appropriately sceptical approach in reviewing 
such valuations, whilst encouraging management’s efforts to enhance procedures to minimise 
the valuation risks.

54

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Governance
Board Audit Committee report

In addition, the key performance indicators to be included in the 
Operating and Financial Review were approved by the Committee 
and the Committee is content that they have been appropriately 
disclosed. Many of the above key areas of judgement and estimates for 
the Committee are also commented on by KPMG in their Audit Report 
on pages 95 to 103. The Committee has carefully reviewed the contents 
of KPMG’s opinion and considers that KPMG’s views on these areas are 
aligned with those of the Committee.

Fair, balanced and understandable
There has been a comprehensive review process to support the 
Board in reaching its conclusion that the 2019 Annual Report is fair, 
balanced and understandable and whether it provides the necessary 
information for shareholders to assess the Group’s position, 
performance, business model and strategy. 

As part of the process to review and challenge the 2019 financial 
statements, the Committee considered the processes and controls 
in place to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements. 
The Chair of the Committee has reported to the Board on this area. 

Alternative performance measures
The Committee is cognisant that APMs are an area of particular focus 
in terms of the understanding of the Group’s financial statements by 
shareholders and other stakeholders and enhancements have been 
made to these disclosures for 2019. Careful consideration has been 
given to these disclosures and the Committee is satisfied that they 
provide clear definitions and explanations of the APMs, as well as a 
reconciliation of the APMs to the nearest IFRS measure which has 
been cross-referenced to Quilter’s KPIs. See pages 212 to 214.

The process which enabled the Committee to reach this conclusion 
included:
• the production of the 2019 Annual Report and Accounts, 

managed closely by the Chief Financial Officer, with overall 
governance and co-ordination provided by a cross-functional 
team of senior management;

• cross-functional support to drafting the 2019 Annual Report and 

Accounts which included input from Finance, Risk, Investor Relations, 
Corporate Secretariat, HR and wider business leaders; 

• a robust review process of inputs into the 2019 Annual Report and 
Accounts by all contributors, to ensure disclosures were balanced, 
accurate and verified, with further comprehensive reviews by 
senior management;

• a review by the Company Secretary of all Board and Board 

Committee minutes to ensure all material matters considered at 
Board level meetings have been disclosed in the 2019 Annual Report 
and Accounts;

• a specific management paper detailing the 2019 year-end assessment 

of fair, balanced and understandable;

• a formal review by the Board Audit Committee of the draft 2019 
Annual Report and Accounts in advance of final sign-off; and 

• a final review by the Quilter Board of Directors.

CASS compliance
Monitoring compliance with the CASS rules, and the programmes 
of work under way in each of the regulated businesses to maintain 
appropriate CASS controls, is crucial to protecting the interests of 
Quilter’s customers. The Committee performs this role by reviewing 
CASS Reports produced by the external auditors and by management. 
This has included overseeing the performance of third party suppliers 
who manage the CASS arrangements in certain parts of the business 
and monitoring the progress to deliver the CASS functionality required 
as part of the Platform Transformation Programme.

Regulatory reporting
During the year, the Committee reviewed, challenged and 
recommended to the Board for approval the Solvency II reporting for 
the Quilter businesses for the 2018 year-end and, in doing so, were 
supported by detailed reports on the disclosures from management, 
the second line Actuarial function and the external auditors. The 
Committee also scrutinised and approved the methodology and 
assumptions to be applied to the 2019 year-end Solvency II reporting 
and reviewed the 2019 year-end consolidated Capital Requirements 
Directive IV disclosures for the Group ahead of their publication on 
Quilter’s website.

Whistleblowing
Quilter is committed to ensuring a transparent and open culture that 
encourages employees to speak up. To support this, it is important 
that the Group’s whistleblowing arrangements are not only effective 
in practice but are seen by staff and all other stakeholders as being fair, 
rigorous and effective in resolving concerns. During the year, the 
Committee has reviewed the whistleblowing processes in place across 
the Group, assessing their effectiveness and benchmarking the level 
of whistleblowing against global data from the provider of the Group’s 
confidential whistleblowing reporting line. The Chair of the Board Audit 
Committee is the Whistleblowing Champion for Quilter.

Having carefully reviewed and considered all relevant information, the 
Committee is satisfied that, taken as a whole, the 2019 Annual Report 
and Accounts are fair, balanced and understandable and has 
confirmed that to the Quilter Board. This process was also undertaken 
in respect of the Group’s 2019 Interim Results to ensure that, taken as 
a whole, based on the information supplied to it and challenged by 
the Committee, they were fair, balanced and understandable, and the 
Committee advised the Board to that effect.

Controls over financial reporting 
The 2018 Annual Report and Accounts reported that good progress 
was being made to enhance the efficiency and overall effectiveness 
of the internal financial controls and governance framework that 
underpins the Group’s financial reporting. Management has reported 
on the state of the financial control environment throughout the year 
and the Committee is content with the level of progress that has been 
made towards delivering the enhancements required. The Committee 
has also received regular updates on the optimisation of the Finance 
function. This involves implementing a new General Ledger which will 
also further strengthen the Group’s control environment and improve 
the use of data across the business.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

55

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Board Audit Committee report continued

Internal audit
Quilter’s shareholders and customers can take comfort that the 
Group’s internal audit function is mature, appropriately focused and is 
functioning efficiently and effectively. During the year, the Committee 
approved the appointment of a new Chief Internal Auditor, Nick 
Sacre-Hardy, following the appointment of the previous incumbent 
as Chief Risk Officer. The appointment was concluded following a 
comprehensive selection process which was overseen by the Chair 
of the Committee.

In November 2019, the Committee approved a risk-based internal audit 
plan for 2020 focused on the most critical areas for the Quilter business 
and supporting the delivery of good customer outcomes. The internal 
audit plan was formulated to complement the second line’s plan for 
2020 and was reviewed in conjunction with the Board Risk Committee. 
The Chief Internal Auditor has confirmed that he has the necessary 
resources to deliver the 2020 internal audit plan, including having 
access to third party specialist support when required.

Consistent with industry best practice and relevant standards it is 
Quilter’s intention to commission an external quality assessment 
(“EQA”) of the internal audit function in 2020. The last full EQA was 
conducted in 2017 and, accordingly, the proposed timeline is in line 
with typical financial services best practice of obtaining a full EQA every 
three years. It is anticipated that the EQA will take place during the 
second quarter of 2020. The review will include stakeholder interviews 
and industry benchmarking as well as an assessment of the internal 
audit function’s processes, audit files and reporting.

The Chief Internal Auditor attends all meetings of the Committee 
and has reported in detail on the work conducted by Internal Audit 
including key statistical analysis on the results of their work, the pace 
at which management is addressing any issues raised and the extent 
to which management have self-identified the issues being raised by 
internal audit. This is an important indicator of the maturity of the 
Group’s control framework and this measure is tracked closely. 
The Committee has regular meetings with the Chief Internal Auditor 
without management present, in accordance with best practice.

External audit 
It is crucial that Quilter benefits from a robust, high quality external 
audit conducted by an independent and professional audit firm. To this 
end, the Committee has received regular and detailed reports from the 
external auditors throughout the period, covering all aspects of their 
work. The Committee has also assessed management’s response to 
KPMG’s internal control findings. In advance of each Board Audit 
Committee meeting, the Chair of the Committee meets separately 
with KPMG’s lead audit partner, Jon Mills, to ensure the discussions 
at Committee meetings are appropriately focused, challenging the 
conclusions reached by management as well as the audit work 
performed thereon. Jon Mills has been the audit partner for Quilter plc 
and its predecessor group, Old Mutual Wealth, since the year ended 
31 December 2016. Therefore, 2019 is his fourth year in this role.

56

Quilter Annual Report 2019

In addition to receiving KPMG’s regular confirmations of their 
independence, the Committee has received quarterly reports from 
management on the level of audit and non-audit fees paid to KPMG. 
The 2018 Annual Report and Accounts explained that the level of 
non-audit fees paid to KPMG in 2018 was above the Group’s policy 
guidance of 25% of the audit and audit-related fee as a result of the 
work KPMG conducted in relation to the Listing of Quilter plc. 
As anticipated, there was a substantial reduction in the level of 
non-audit fees paid to KPMG in 2019 (see table below), which were 
well below the policy guidance.

Auditors’ remuneration

Audit fees

Audit-related assurance services

Non-audit fees

Total Group auditors’ remuneration  
– continuing operations 

Total Group auditors’ remuneration  
– discontinued operations

Total Group auditors’ remuneration

2019
£m

3.7

1.1

–

4.8

0.2

5.0

2018
£m

3.2

1.2

2.3

6.7

0.2

6.9

KPMG partners and staff have attended all of the meetings of the 
Committee in 2019 withdrawing only when their attendance would 
be inappropriate, such as when the audit tender was discussed. 
KPMG have contributed strongly to discussions on Quilter’s financial 
statements, the financial reporting processes and key accounting and 
reporting judgements. In October 2019 a survey was conducted by the 
Company Secretary of management’s assessment of KPMG across 
a range of criteria including; independence, objectivity, industry 
knowledge, efficiency and, crucially, audit quality. The results of that 
survey, which showed an improving trend on the prior year, and the 
Committee’s own assessment concluded that KPMG are delivering an 
effective audit. Some improvement areas were highlighted through this 
review, including a need for enhanced articulation of the scope and 
expectations of the audit and increased proactivity in respect of the 
audit review process.

It was announced in 2019 that Quilter would be conducting an external 
audit tender and that KPMG, who have audited the financial statements 
of Quilter plc since 2008, would not be part of the tender process due 
to the length of their tenure as the Group’s statutory auditor. This 
process was overseen by the Audit Tender Sub-Committee, chaired by 
Rosie Harris, and concluded in a recommendation to the Board that 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) be appointed as the Group’s 
statutory auditor for the 2020 financial year. This recommendation was 
endorsed by the Board and the appointment of PwC is included in the 
2020 Notice of AGM for approval by shareholders. Further detail on the 
tender process is provided on the next page. The Company has 
complied with the Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market 
Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Processes and 
Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014 for the financial year 
ended 31 December 2019.

The Board Audit Committee is closely monitoring the statutory auditor 
transition process and the preparations for PwC’s first audit to ensure 
their effectiveness. The key elements of PwC’s transition plan include: 
confirming their independence; shadowing KPMG on the 2019 
year-end process; and planning for the 2020 year-end audit, with a 
particular focus on the Platform Transformation Programme which 
is expected to complete during the year.

Governance
Board Audit Committee report

External audit tender

The audit tender process was conducted in line with the FRC’s 
guidelines ‘Audit Tenders – Notes on Best Practice’ issued in February 
2017 and we engaged with some of our largest shareholders prior to 
initiating the tender to seek their views on the process.

A number of audit firms were engaged to consider their participation 
in the audit tender. Due to KPMG’s tenure as statutory auditor to 
Quilter (which includes the years during which Quilter was audited by 
KPMG as part of the Old Mutual group), the Board and Board Audit 
Committee concluded that KPMG should not be part of the tender 
process. Deloitte were unable to participate due to their engagement 
on the Platform Transformation Programme. We also engaged with 
firms outside the ‘Big 4’ auditors, however, of those that expressed a 
willingness to participate, there were limitations in terms of their 
actuarial and geographic expertise which could have hindered their 
ability to deliver a quality audit for Quilter. As a result, it was concluded 
that two firms, EY and PwC, were sufficiently capable, willing and 
independent to participate in the tender.

Under the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code, committee chairs 
should seek engagement with shareholders on significant matters 
related to their areas of responsibility. We wrote to our top 20 
shareholders to inform them of the tender process, timeline and 
governance arrangements and invited them to engage with the 
Chair of the Board Audit Committee as part of the tender process.

In coming to a decision, the Audit Tender Sub-Committee considered 
a variety of key factors which included: the bidding firms’ ability to 
deliver a high quality audit; their proposed approaches to the 
transition process; their ability to effectively service all segments of 
our business, including Quilter International in the Isle of Man; and 
cultural fit. To inform these discussions, we sought the views of a wide 
range of key stakeholders representing each of our businesses, 
including the business CFOs, functional specialists and the Chairs of 
the subsidiary Audit Committees and GARCs.

Rosie Harris
Chair of the Audit Tender Sub-Committee

External audit tender process timeline

02/19

The Board Audit Committee reviewed management’s proposed approach to the tender, the Request for Proposal (“RFP”) and the Scorecard 
to be used for evaluating the bidding firms. The RFP was prepared in line with FRC guidelines and guidance from the ‘Big 4’ firms. The 
Scorecard was developed and weighted around a number of identified critical success factors which included: audit quality (40%); 
competence, experience and industry knowledge (25%); supplier capability and cultural fit (25%); and fees (10%).

04/19 The RFP was issued to the participating firms and they were granted access to documentation and information to build their understanding 

of the business. Formal onsite meetings commenced between each firm and key Quilter personnel, including the business CFOs, functional 
specialists and the Chairs of the subsidiary Audit Committees and GARCs. Both firms were supplied with the same documentation and 
information and had equal opportunity to meet the same Quilter personnel to ensure a transparent and fair process.

05/19

06/19

The Board Audit Committee established the Audit Tender Sub-Committee, comprising independent Non-executive Directors, Rosie Harris, 
Suresh Kana, Ruth Markland and George Reid, to review the pitches from the two candidate firms and to make a recommendation to the 
Board on the preferred firm to be appointed as statutory auditor. Rosie Harris was appointed to Chair the Audit Tender Sub-Committee due 
to the fact that George Reid and Suresh Kana have historical professional linkages with EY and PwC, respectively. Both firms submitted written 
proposals in the response to the RFP.

The candidate firms presented their pitches to the Audit Tender Sub-Committee and key members of management were invited to share their 
views on each firm gained throughout the tender process. Prior to the proposed audit fees being shared, the Audit Tender Sub-Committee 
reviewed and scored the firms on the other critical success factors within the Scorecard, therefore the decision was based on quality rather 
than the proposed fee. Following consideration of the firms’ presentations and the feedback from management, the Audit Tender Sub-
Committee reported to the Quilter Board that it was content that either of the two firms could deliver a high quality audit for Quilter and were 
minded to recommend PwC as the preferred candidate. It was agreed that a final recommendation would be made following publication of 
the results of the FRC’s 2018/19 Audit Quality Review.

07/19

PwC presented to the Audit Tender Sub-Committee to provide assurance regarding the findings of the FRC’s 2018/19 Audit Quality Review. 
The Audit Tender Sub-Committee was satisfied that the proposed PwC Lead Audit Partner for Quilter and the wider PwC financial services 
practice continued to have a strong track record of delivering quality audits and agreed that there was no reason to revise its preliminary 
recommendation.

08/19

On the recommendation of the Audit Tender Sub-Committee, the Quilter Board resolved to appoint PwC as the Group’s statutory auditors 
for the reporting period commencing on 1 January 2020. 

Quilter Annual Report 2019

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Board Risk Committee report

Dear Shareholder,
I am pleased to provide an update on the work of the Board Risk 
Committee in 2019.

The Committee’s purpose is to challenge management on the delivery 
of our strategic ambition, whilst operating within our agreed risk 
appetite. We examine the risks facing our business and provide 
guidance, support and challenge to management to identify, manage 
and mitigate these risks, whilst continuing to keep customers at the 
centre of what we do and how we do it. The Committee reviews and 
recommends to the Board the Group’s risk appetite and culture and 
examines the risks associated with strategic projects. I am pleased 
with the progress management have made in embedding a risk culture 
in line with the Group’s risk appetite – it is strongly established and 
supported by an appropriate risk framework.

2019 has been a year of change for Quilter both externally and 
internally. External market conditions have been challenging, with 
investment flows at historically low levels for the industry, and investor 
confidence impacted by the headwinds of change in the global political 
and macroeconomic environment. In the UK we saw economic and 
political stability challenged by the protracted nature of Brexit. The 
Committee ensured management remained vigilant to the largely 
second order risks posed by Brexit to Quilter. We monitored the 
emerging risks resulting from further legislative and regulatory 
change and considered how these events could impact the delivery 
of Quilter’s strategy and how best we could respond to them to 
manage the impact for Quilter, our people and our customers.

As a business, we continued to mature and the Committee spent time 
reviewing our changing risk profile as Quilter acquired new advice 
businesses and sold our life assurance business. We are clear about 
the risks associated with these changes, and the internal execution 
risks the business must manage as we continue to evolve.

The Committee remained focused on the oversight of the Group’s top 
risks and received a series of presentations from the business leaders 
around the Group. These focused on the anticipated impact of the 
Company’s top risks for our stakeholders, including our customers 

and our people. Our meetings were informed by reports from 
the Group Chief Executive Officer, Paul Feeney, and our risk and 
compliance teams. We spent time examining the Group’s capital and 
liquidity, reviewing the Group’s solvency and capital assessment and 
the nature and impact of stress events and scenario analysis.

One significant change during the year was the appointment of a new 
Chief Risk Officer, Matt Burton, previously Chief Internal Auditor, who 
succeeded Iain Wright. I would like to thank Iain for his unstinting efforts 
in developing a risk function appropriate for a listed company. Building 
on these foundations, Matt has led the evolution of the risk function so 
that we have appropriately experienced risk resource and expertise 
aligned to our top risks. You can read more about the Group’s approach 
to risk management on pages 30 to 34.

Looking ahead
The Committee has approved a calendar of business for 2020 to enable 
it to meet its responsibilities and I review meeting agendas with the 
Chief Risk Officer to ensure that any matters requiring our attention are 
captured. We will continue to focus on identification and mitigation of 
new and emerging risks, and changes that impact our businesses and 
the Group. As our business matures, we remain vigilant to the risks in 
the external environment and the extent of change within Quilter. We 
will continue to scrutinise the performance of the business and the risk 
function and work with the other Board Committees to ensure that we 
keep Quilter safe. In 2020 we will benchmark the risk function against 
industry standards and I look forward to sharing my thoughts on how 
we are doing next year.

Rosie Harris
Chair of the Board Risk Committee

Committee activity

Top risks 

ORSA/ICAAP/capital and  
liquidity oversight

Business change 

Regulatory change/update 

45%

20%

20%

15%

Rosie Harris
Chair of the
Board Risk Committee

For detail on Committee attendance, 
see page 41.

58

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Governance
Board Risk Committee report

During 2019, the CEO and CRO reports provided a comprehensive view 
of the key risks and uncertainties being faced by the Group and allowed 
the Committee to review and challenge how those risks are managed, 
including those relating to net client cash flows and investment 
performance, the delivery of change, liquidity and capital, operational 
risk, conduct risk and regulatory compliance. These included the 
following quarterly reports:

Report

Purpose

Chief Executive 
Officer’s report

Providing the Chief Executive Officer’s perspective on the 
Group’s top actual and emerging risks. As a result of this 
we have asked management to provide further updates 
on specific topics as set out below.

Chief Financial 
Officer’s report

This provides an up to date overview of the Company’s 
capital and liquidity positions against our risk appetite.

Chief Risk Officer’s 
report

Providing the Chief Risk Officer’s perspective on 
Quilter’s risk profile. This report includes the following 
key components:
•  The Quilter top risks report and business unit 

snapshots. These reports provide a summary of 
Quilter’s top risks including an analysis of status, cause, 
mitigating action, and trend analysis. One impact of this 
report is that it allows the Committee to commission 
further deep dives from management on areas of focus, 
such as people risk and third party management risk.
•  An Emerging Risk Report identifying risks to Quilter as a 
business from the external environment including an 
assessment of likelihood and timescale. As a result of 
this report, the Committee have asked management to 
update them on issues like Brexit and impacts for our 
customers of the MiFID II regulations. The Committee 
further received bi-annual legal risk reports.

•  A Regulatory Relationship report providing analysis and 
commentary on the interactions with our regulators 
globally and a Regulatory Change update which provides 
horizon scanning and risk rating of likely change and an 
impact assessment for Quilter. The Committee has 
monitored closely how management have introduced 
the new requirements of SMCR including the progress 
on training for impacted colleagues and the 
documentation of these requirements.

•  A Compliance Monitoring report which provides an 
update on progress on the business compliance 
monitoring programme. Items of discussion have 
included how we manage conflicts of interest within 
our business, and we have challenged management 
to consider this important issue more holistically.

•  Conduct Risk Report – a report providing a snapshot into 
our conduct risk and the impacts for our customers. 
One impact of this report was for us to ask management 
to review pricing for our customers.

•  An update on the risk and compliance plans. The 

Committee endorsed management’s decision to refocus 
some of their resource on our top risks.

Our Strategic Priorities
The Committee spent time challenging management to safely deliver 
the Group’s strategic initiatives with and on behalf of the Board.

1 Delivering on customer outcomes

consistently within the Quilter Group.

• Overseeing the work to embed the risk framework 

• Remaining focused on the impact for our customers 
of both internal and external activity and supported 
management to provide greater insight into customer 
reporting, including approving a revised customer 
strategic risk appetite principle.

• Quilter Investors provided an update on the oversight 
and successful separation from Merian under the 
transitional services agreement and an update on the 
approach to investment oversight.

2 Advice and Wealth Management growth

• Deep dives from Quilter’s key businesses on their current 
and emerging risks. Given the acquisitions during the 
year, we spent time ensuring management were 
appropriately focused on managing and mitigating 
advice risk.

• Working collaboratively with the Board Technology and 
Operations Committee to ensure our new investment 
platform is delivered safely.

3 Wealth Platform growth
4 Optimisation

• Hearing the Chief Operating Officer’s assessments 
regarding the opportunities and challenges for 
management to optimise the business and the Group 
and how we are managing the execution risk of this 
change. Given the changes within Quilter we asked for 
updates on the oversight of change and change risk. 
We challenged management to identify what was change 
risk and what was execution risk and how this could be 
managed and mitigated successfully.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

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• As part of the Board Effectiveness Review, the Board confirmed 

that the Board Risk Committee would retain oversight of 
operational risk and change. The Committee, which benefits 
from some commonality of membership with both the Board 
Audit Committee and the Board Technology and Operations 
Committee, leveraged this shared membership to review and 
challenge management on technology and operational change. 
This included the work described on page 63 to support the 
implementation of the new investment platform. Operational 
risk arising from technology and oversight of Quilter’s most 
strategically important technology suppliers, who are 
concentrated in operations and technology, was also performed 
by the Board Technology and Operations Committee.

Governance

Board Risk Committee report continued

Details of other work conducted in 2019 to support the delivery 
of our strategy

Reviewing the own risk and solvency assessment (ORSA) and 
internal capital adequacy assessment process (ICAAP) for the 
Board, including the input from the Business Boards
• Review of the component parts of the ORSA and ICAAP – including 

capital allocation, stress and scenario setting and testing. The 
Committee relies upon the testing and challenge provided by the 
regulated business boards to support this work. The Committee 
further reviewed the interim ORSA and ICAAP prepared following 
the sale of Quilter’s Life Assurance business.

• Input by the risk and internal audit functions to challenge the 

approach taken by management.

• Reviewing the capital and funding plans for the Group and the 

Group’s liquidity risk appetite and risk assessment.

• Review and challenge of the use of models and the associated risks, 

.

noting that there is more work to do on this in 2020.

Managing regulatory and political change
• Identification and focus on top risks facing the Group and how the 
Committee tested management’s views and plans to mitigate risks.
• Risk mitigation in planning for the risk of a disorderly Brexit including 

a detailed impact assessment of operational risk for Quilter.

• Monitoring the political risk of a change in government.
• Regulatory change risk including:

 – close monitoring of the introduction of the senior managers 

certification regime for certain of our entities;

 – updates from the Group’s Data Protection Officer on the impact 
of new GDPR legislation and how this impacts how we manage 
customer data;

 – horizon scanning for identifying emerging risks and managing 

future change, including environmental, social and governance risk 
and climate change risk which you can read more about in our 
Responsible Business report on pages 10 to 15. These areas 
have been subject to detailed oversight by the Board Corporate 
Governance and Nominations Committee; and

 – a twice-yearly report on financial crime from the Group Money 

Laundering Reporting Officer.

Keeping our business safe for all our stakeholders
• Making recommendations to the Board Remuneration Committee 

and the Board in respect of risk adjustment for remuneration.
• Receiving regular reports from the chairs of the subsidiary Risk 

Committees and GARCs.

• Examining the people top risk through discussion on stretch and 

working through change. We asked management to review this more 
forensically and keep focused on targeted solutions.

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Governance

Board Technology and Operations 
Committee report

You can read more about the Committee, including a summary 
of the Committee membership and how our skills and experience 
support the Board in delivering long-term sustainable value on pages 
38 to 41. Our key areas of focus are set out on the following pages and 
the actions we have taken to address the findings from our Committee 
evaluation can be found on page 51. You can also read our expanded 
Terms of Reference at quilter.com/corporategovernance. 

Looking ahead
The Committee’s priority is to ensure that management deliver the new 
investment platform safely for our advisers and customers. In addition, 
there are further technology and operations initiatives that support the 
delivery of our strategy in our other businesses that we remain alert to 
and scrutinise on a regular basis in order to manage down our costs 
and mitigate our risks.

We will also continue to challenge management to ensure that our 
businesses are operating in a controlled and safe way and to bring 
technology and operational expertise to our business proposition, 
enabling us to leverage technology to differentiate our business.

Moira Kilcoyne
Chair of the Board Technology and Operations Committee

Dear Shareholder,
I am pleased to present my second report as Chair of this Board 
Committee. 2019 has been a further year of progress for Quilter’s 
technology and operations. The Committee has remained focused 
on providing effective oversight and challenge to management on 
the delivery of our new investment platform. As the new investment 
platform remains a core strategic objective for the Group, the case 
study on page 63 provides insight into how we have overseen this 
programme, including how we have worked with the Board, the Board 
Audit Committee and the Board Risk Committee to ensure that this 
critical programme is delivered safely and well for our customers, 
our employees and our other external stakeholders. 

Our technology strategy and a sound technology base will provide the 
tools to accelerate the delivery of our business strategy for the benefit 
of all our stakeholders. To this end, the Committee approved a new 
technology strategy for Quilter that sets clear delivery focus for the 
next few years. We are mindful and focused on ensuring that our 
businesses continue to be resilient and that our technology is secure. 

Investing in good technology and holding customer data securely 
underpins our business and enables us to maintain the trust of our 
advisers and customers. We continue to invest to keep our customers’ 
information safe. We remain alert to the risks posed by the external 
environment and focused on risk mitigation so that we continue to 
deserve your trust.

During the year, the Board agreed to expand the Committee’s remit to 
explicitly include operations. This revised scope is one of the actions we 
took as a result of the Board Effectiveness Review and provides joint 
oversight and collaboration between technology and operations. 
It demonstrates the Board’s desire to support management to deliver 
our optimisation programme to make Quilter fit for the future. Led by 
our Chief Operating Officer, Karin Cook, operations and technology 
work in collaboration and we continue to support management in the 
delivery of the strategy to support our continuing business growth. 
We continue to work closely with the Board Risk Committee on issues 
such as vendor risk and change programmes, where matters are of 
mutual interest. 

Committee activity

Platform Transformation   
Programme and other change
programmes

Business deep dives 

IT security and business  
resilience

Technology and operations 
strategy

65%

15%

10%

10%

Moira Kilcoyne
Chair of the
Board Technology and 
Operations Committee

For detail on Committee attendance, 
see page 41.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

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Board Technology and Operations Committee report continued

Areas of focus for the Committee in 2019
During the year the Committee received the following routine reports 
at its quarterly meetings:

Report

Purpose

Chief Information 
Officer’s report

Chief Information 
Security Officer’s report

Risk and control report

Providing the Chief Information Officer’s perspective 
on the performance of technology and progress on 
delivery of the technology strategy.

Providing the Chief Information Security Officer’s 
perspective on the quality of the delivery of the 
information security strategy including the control 
of our data and Quilter’s approach to operational 
resilience.

Reporting on the risk and control performance of 
the business.

During the year, the Committee has further spent time on:
Implementation of the technology strategy 
• Receiving reports from each business regarding technology and 

how this is supporting the delivery of the business strategy, 
including how it supports an enhanced client offering, products 
and market position.

• By understanding and overseeing how technology is supporting 
Quilter’s increasingly integrated business model and how the 
businesses are leveraging the strength of the centres of excellence 
created in technology and operations.

• Providing support to the Board Risk Committee by receiving deep 
dives on change programmes in technology and operations. The 
Committee has focused its time on how these changes are managed, 
what lessons can be learnt and applied pan-Quilter and how these 
changes will impact our customers and advisers.

• Review of each operational area and potential areas of automation 

and optimisation.

• Received reports on management’s investment in control activity, 
including IT security, to enhance our customers’ data security. 

Cyber, security and operational resilience 
• We have received a number of updates on Quilter’s operational 

resilience and are mindful of the regulators’ focus on this important 
issue. We have challenged management to do this in a prudent and 
sensible way to manage our risk profile. 

• We have reviewed the development of the Chief Information Officer 
and Chief Information Security Officer’s functions, with a particular 
focus on strengthening them, so that by resourcing these functions 
appropriately we can ensure that we better protect Quilter and 
our clients.

• Monitoring progress made by management on addressing the 

security and data threats our business face. We have encouraged the 
use of consistent metrics and reporting to show trends and identify 
where lessons can be learnt and applied across Quilter. 

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Governance

Governance in action

The introduction of our new investment platform  

2019 has been an important year for the introduction of our new 
investment platform. The Board agreed that delivery of our new 
investment platform is the most critical strategic priority for the 
Group and the Committee has been focused on providing guidance, 
oversight and challenge to management as they work through this 
complex and challenging project. The new platform enables us to 
offer our clients and advisers more extensive services, a wider 
product offering and enhanced capability. 

Close collaboration between management and the Board
As the Chairman has explained in his report on the work of the Board, 
the Board remain closely in touch with progress, with regular updates 
being shared directly with the Board by senior management and the 
risk function. The Committee has worked in collaboration with the 
Board Risk Committee, Board Audit Committee and directors of the 
Quilter Wealth Solutions UK Platform business to ensure that there is 
appropriate challenge and scrutiny of management. We have been 
fortunate to be joined by other members of the Board for certain 
meetings who bring their experience and expertise to our 
discussions. We remain committed to being transparent with 
customers and the market and have ensured that we share any 
significant milestones with the market when they occur. As part of 
our work to ensure that there is readiness for the new platform, all 
members of the Committee have individually been to visit our 
Southampton office where the majority of the people who are directly 
supporting our customers are based. We have spent time with the 
people in our Client Services team, our finance and risk teams and our 
technology teams, and heard first-hand from those on the front line. 
Through updates from HR we have monitored the journey for our 
employees whose roles will change as a result of the introduction of 
the new platform and the approach and progress of the training 
programme so that they are ready to support our advisers and 
customers. We have carefully scrutinised the impacts for advisers 
and customers and examined the communications programme 
that will be rolled out to them.

A business partnership model 
The introduction of the new platform is being delivered in partnership 
with FNZ and with support from Deloitte to ensure that the outcome 
for Quilter, advisers and customers is excellent. As well as receiving 
reports from our joint Quilter/FNZ Steering Committee, senior 
leaders from FNZ have been invited to attend part of our meetings 
to share directly with the Committee their expertise and assessment 
of the project. We have also challenged management to ensure that 
Quilter and FNZ are ready to do business using the new platform. 
There is direct engagement with the FNZ UK Board and management 
routinely meet with our regulators to keep them well informed 
about progress. 

Lessons learnt from other Platform experiences
We know that our new platform is being rolled out at a time when 
IT failures often hit the headlines and we have been rigorous in 
challenging management to learn the lessons from other platform 
projects and apply the lessons learnt to Quilter. Our Board has been 
committed to delivering a quality migration experience for our 
advisers and customers. The soft launch in 2019 and the phased 
adviser migration which occurred in February 2020 have both 
enabled valuable lessons to be learnt which have informed the roll 
out of our new platform. 

Extensive model of testing and dress rehearsals
The team have undertaken and continue to undertake extensive 
testing and dress rehearsals to ensure that the new investment 
platform is fit for purpose. This includes checking that our customer 
data is migrated successfully and that the new platform can link to 
external third parties to enable product functionality, financial and 
risk controls. Our IT team have been asked to provide regular updates 
on how Quilter’s existing systems will work with the new platform and 
we remain focused on ensuring our current IT environment is stable. 
At all times, we have listened to and challenged management to act 
within risk appetite and to work collaboratively with risk and our 
internal and external auditors.

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Remuneration report
Annual statement from the Chair of the 
Board Remuneration Committee

Dear Shareholder,
As Chair of the Board Remuneration Committee (the “Committee”), 
I am pleased to present on behalf of the Board the remuneration report 
in respect of the year ended 31 December 2019. This statement and the 
accompanying report aims to ensure high levels of disclosure regarding 
pay policy and transparency of remuneration decision-making.

Our current Remuneration Policy (“Policy”) was approved by 
shareholders at the 2019 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”). We were 
pleased to receive strong support from shareholders for the Policy 
with 97% in favour, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank 
you for the support received at that time. For information only, 
we have included a summary of the Policy on pages 68 to 72.

We have made two amendments to the application of the Policy for 
2020 and beyond, which I set out below, alongside the performance 
outcomes in respect of the 2019 financial year and how we intend to 
continue operating our Policy in 2020. 

Key performance highlights 
• IFRS profit (pre-tax, excluding amortisation, policyholder tax 

adjustments and other one-off items) was £141 million for 2019, 
compared to £131 million in 2018. For remuneration purposes, the 
profit was £128 million for 2019, compared to £120 million in 2018. 

• NCCF of £0.3 billion (excluding Quilter Life Assurance) was 

disappointing. Despite this, gross flows were reasonably resilient 
across the business.

• AuMA (excluding Quilter Life Assurance) increased by 13% during the 
year to close at £110.4 billion, which reflects the in-year rebound in 
equity markets.

• Expenses closely managed with the Optimisation programme, 

delivering significant benefits. 

• Good progress with strategic priorities, including the acquisitions of 
Charles Derby Group and Lighthouse plc, the sale of the Quilter Life 
Assurance business to ReAssure and the completion of the build of 
Quilter Investors earlier than planned.

• Good progress on the UK Platform Transformation Programme 

(“PTP”), which is in its final stage of delivery. We extended the timeline 
and budget to ensure quality of delivery and the safe and secure 
migration of advisers. 

• Continued to develop an effective risk management culture, with 

risk fully embedded in decision-making and the management of the 
business. Strong solvency and liquidity position and operating within 
risk appetite. Our technology and information security capabilities 
are enhanced.

• Development of Customer Strategic Risk Appetite Principles aligned 

to the Conduct Risk Framework, to provide greater insights and 
customer focus, including governance, products and proposition, 
customer experience, suitability and servicing.

Overall, and with specific reference to key remuneration drivers, 2019 
has been a year of good performance relative to key annual financial 
and non-financial targets. 

Remuneration outcomes
• This robust business performance, combined with the Company’s 
strategic progress and performance of the Executive Directors 
against personal objectives, resulted in a short-term incentive (“STI”) 
award of 79% of maximum for the Chief Executive Officer, and 83% 
of maximum for the Chief Financial Officer. 50% of the awards will be 
deferred into an award of conditional shares under the Quilter Share 
Reward Plan (“SRP”), and will vest annually in equal tranches over 
three years.

• These outcomes reflect a balanced view of performance, with the 
Committee recognising that profit achievement and certain areas 
of strategic progress were strong, whilst NCCF was disappointing. 
• Reward outcomes are aligned with overall Company performance. 
After adjusting for acquisition costs, no discretion was exercised to 
override performance or variable pay outcomes.

Changes to the management team
In 2018, we announced that Tim Tookey would be stepping down as 
Quilter’s Chief Financial Officer. Tim stood down from the Board on 
13 March 2019, with Mark Satchel succeeding him with immediate 
effect. Mark’s remuneration package as Chief Financial Officer is 
included in this report. His pension allowance has been set at 10% 
of base salary, in line with our Policy, to align pension provision and 
benefits across all UK employees of the Group. Tim Tookey’s 
remuneration outcomes for 2019 are also included in this report.

Committee activity

Group remuneration policy 

Specific remuneration 
arrangements

Remuneration schemes, 
including all-employee schemes

Governance 

10%

35%

30%

25%

Cathy Turner
Chair of the Board 
Remuneration 
Committee

For detail on Committee attendance, 
see page 41.

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Governance
Remuneration report

Considerations for the year ahead
Looking forward, we continue to monitor executive remuneration 
developments within the industry and the regulatory landscape, 
and ensure that remuneration supports the alignment of executive 
and shareholder interests and is consistent with the prudent risk 
management of the business. 

The Committee considered the overall remuneration arrangements 
for the Executive Directors for 2020 in accordance with the Policy. 
Key points are as follows:
• there will be no increase to the Executive Directors’ salaries at the 

1 April 2020 review date;

Consideration of shareholders’ views
The Committee actively engages with shareholders and investor 
bodies, and welcomes the opportunity to discuss their views on 
relevant remuneration issues. 

Prior to, and at, the 2019 AGM, shareholders provided feedback and 
approval for the Director’s Remuneration Policy and Remuneration 
Report. The Committee considered all feedback received from 
shareholders and has reflected this where appropriate in the 2019 
Report. The Committee welcomes engagement in advance of the 
2020 AGM. 

• the structure, performance metrics and maximum award level of the 
STI awards in respect of 2020 will remain unchanged. STI for on-target 
performance is set at 50% of maximum;

• the structure, performance metrics and maximum award 

opportunity of the long-term incentive (“LTI”) grants in 2020, including 
the maximum level of awards, will also be unchanged. However, the 
Adjusted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) growth rate required for full 
vesting of the relevant element of the LTI award will be increased to 
15% per annum, compared to 11% for awards granted in 2019, to 
recognise an increase to the business’s long-term earnings growth 
targets following the sale of Quilter Life Assurance; and

• there will be no increase in fees for the Board Chairman for 2020 

and there will also be no increase to Non-executive Directors’ fees 
for 2020.

Inclusion, diversity and the Gender Pay Gap
A key priority for the Company is to continue our commitment to an 
inclusive culture and the equality and diversity of our workforce. Our 
culture is central to our success. For 2019 we have reported a median 
gender pay gap of 32% and a median bonus gap of 34%. The results 
reflect the under-representation of women in senior roles, which we 
recognise is a systemic issue facing the wealth management industry 
and will require ongoing, multi-year efforts to resolve. We remain fully 
committed to that cause through our membership of the Diversity 
Project, as a signatory of the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter 
and the initiatives and targets we have to increase the number of 
females across our senior management population. Further details 
regarding our gender pay gap figures can be found on page 12 of the 
Responsible Business Report.

Corporate Governance Code and shareholder guidelines
When establishing the Directors’ Remuneration Policy in 2018, the 
Committee considered the remuneration changes detailed in the UK 
Corporate Governance Code (“the Code”) and shareholder guidelines 
on remuneration. The Policy already contains key elements featured 
in the Code, including: 
• a two-year post-vesting holding period, in addition to the three-year 

vesting period, applies to the LTI;

• malus and clawback provisions apply to STI and LTI plans, including 

a range of potential ‘trigger events’; and 

• alignment of pension arrangements to the wider workforce, with 

pension provisions for Executive Director appointments set at 10% 
of base salary. Existing Executive Directors’ pension allowances were 
reduced to 10% of salary effective from 1 April 2018.

In 2019, the Committee also developed a post-cessation shareholding 
policy. Executive Directors will be required to hold shares for at least 
two years following cessation of employment at the lower of the 
minimum shareholding requirement (300% of base salary) or the value 
of shares held at the point of departure (if the Executive Director is still 
in the shareholding accumulation period following appointment). 
Further details are provided in the Policy overview on page 72.

We are also harmonising benefits across the UK workforce and a minor 
change to the Executive Directors’ core benefits provision is detailed in 
the Policy and will take effect from 1 April 2020. 

In accordance with the new regulations, the ratio of Chief Executive 
Officer total pay to the lower quartile, median and upper quartile of 
UK employees has been included in the Remuneration Report for 
the first time. 

Employee voice in the Boardroom
I am delighted to confirm the progress made on conveying the voice 
of our employees to the Board during the year, which I assumed 
responsibility for as the designated Non-executive Director. Details on 
the progress made during the year can be found in the Corporate 
Governance and Nominations Committee report on page 48. In 2020, 
we aim to develop this process further by defining measurement 
metrics and increasing the frequency of communications of the 
employee voice to the Board. 

Finally, I’d like to thank shareholders for their support and engagement 
over the past few years. This will be my final report and statement 
before standing down from the Board at the 2020 AGM. It has been an 
honour to Chair the Committee and serve on the Board over the past 
3.5 years, particularly through the Company’s demerger from Old 
Mutual plc and Listing in 2018. I will be handing over my responsibilities 
as Chair of the Committee to Ruth Markland. Ruth is the Company’s 
Senior Independent Director and has been a member of the 
Committee since August 2018. She brings extensive experience to the 
role, having previously served as both the Senior Independent Director 
and Chair of the Remuneration Committee at Standard Chartered plc 
and Sage Group plc. I wish Ruth and the Company all the very best.

Cathy Turner
Chair of the Board Remuneration Committee

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Governance

Remuneration at a glance
The following pages detail the remuneration paid to our Executive Directors  
and our Policy. These two pages summarise the key elements.

Components of remuneration

Salary
Benefits
Pension

Fixed pay

Short-term
incentive (“STI”)

Long-term 
incentive (“LTI”)

Total
remuneration 

Variable pay

How much our Executive Directors earned in 2019

Single total figure of remuneration – Executive Directors
The following chart sets out the aggregate emoluments earned by the Directors, pro-rated for qualifying services, in the year ended 31 December 2019.

Paul Feeney

749

Mark Satchel

401

601

62

Tim Tookey

159

200

1,065

82

£1,896

£1,064

£359

0
£’000s

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

Link between remuneration and business strategy

Short-term incentive

Performance indicators

Metrics in executive remuneration

2019 achievement

Profit

IFRS profit before tax1

Non-financial

Risk management

Customer outcomes

Strategic personal 
performance2

60%
of 2019 STI awards

10%
of 2019 STI awards

10%
of 2019 STI awards

20%
of 2019 STI awards

86% 
of max

70-75%
of max

60%
of max

70-90%
of max

Long-term incentive

Performance indicators

Metrics in executive remuneration

2019 achievement

EPS growth

EPS compound annual 
growth rate (“CAGR”)

70%
of 2019 PSP awards

Shareholder value

Total shareholder return
(relative)

30%
of 2019 PSP awards

Results in 2022

Results in 2022

1 IFRS profit before tax (excluding amortisation, policyholder tax adjustments and one-off items).
2 Includes, but not limited to, key measures of performance such as NCCF.

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Governance
Remuneration at a glance

Shareholding

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel (appointed 13 March 2019)

Tim Tookey (stepped down 13 March 2019)

Ownership as 
% 2019 base salary1
292%

275%

305%

Minimum 
Shareholding 
required 
(after 5 years)2
300%

300%

300%

1  Includes personal holdings and the estimated net value of unvested share awards which are not subject to performance conditions as at 31 December 2019.
2  Executive Directors have five years from the Company’s Listing date, or date of appointment, to meet the shareholding requirement.

Summary of the key elements of our Directors' Remuneration Policy
The table below provides a high-level summary of the key remuneration elements under our Policy, which was approved at our 2019 AGM. 
The key elements of the Policy are set out in pages 68 to 72.

 Base Salary

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Implementation for 2020
• Normally reviewed annually with effect from 1 April.

 – Paul Feeney – £675,000
 – Mark Satchel – £450,000

 Short-Term Incentive

Total incentive award in respect of Company and individual performance.

1/3

1/3

1/3

 Long-Term Incentive

Key performance measures and weighting:
• IFRS profit before tax (excluding amortisation, policyholder tax 

adjustments and one-off items) (60%)

• Customer/Risk measures (20%)
• Personal objectives (20%)

Paul Feeney
• Maximum opportunity 200% of salary

Mark Satchel
• Maximum opportunity 200% of salary

Cash element of incentive outcome (50% of the whole award) is paid 
in Q1 following the end of the performance year.

Deferred element of incentive outcome (50% of the whole award) 
is granted in shares and vests in three equal tranches in Q1 2021, 
Q1 2022 and Q1 2023 subject to the plan rules.

Awards subject to three-year performance period ending 31 Dec 2021.

Key performance measures and weightings:
• EPS CAGR (70%)
• Total shareholder return (“TSR”) ranking relative to FTSE 250 excluding 

investment trusts (30%)

Paul Feeney
• Maximum opportunity 200% of salary

Mark Satchel
• Maximum opportunity 200% of salary

Award vests in Q1 following end of the performance period and subject 
to further two-year holding period.

Key

 Performance period  

 Vesting period  

 Additional hold period

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Directors’ Remuneration Policy (summary)

Remuneration Policy for Executive Directors
The following table summarises the key components of Executive Director remuneration arrangements, which form part of the Policy. The Policy 
originally came into effect when the business Listed in 2018 and was supported by shareholders in a vote at the 2019 AGM, details of which are 
provided on page 85 of this report. The full Policy document is contained in the 2018 Annual Report, which is available on the Company website.

Remuneration element

Base salary

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

Proposed changes for 2020
No change in approach.

Essential to attract and retain Executive Directors with the calibre, personal skills and attributes to 
develop, lead and deliver the Group’s strategy.

Base salaries are paid in 12 equal monthly instalments during the year and normally are reviewed 
annually with increases effective 1 April. In reviewing base salaries the Committee takes into account 
a number of factors, including: 
• Group and individual performance;
• the skills, experience and level of responsibilities of the Executive Director and his/her market value;
• the scope, nature and size of the role;
• levels of increase across the wider employee population; and
• affordability, economic factors, external market data, business and personal performance.

The Committee considers the direct and indirect impacts of any base salary increases on total 
remuneration.

There are no prescribed maximum salary levels, but any salary increases will normally be in line with 
percentage increases across the wider employee population.

In specific circumstances, the Committee may award increases above this level, for example:
• where the base salary for a new recruit or promoted Executive Director has been set to allow the 

individual to progress into the role over time;

• to reflect a material increase in the size or scope of an individual’s role or responsibilities;
• where a change is deemed necessary to reflect changes in the regulatory environment; and
• where the size, value or complexity of the Group warrants a higher salary positioning.
Individual and Company performance will be taken into account in determining any salary increases.

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Directors’ Remuneration Policy

Remuneration element

Benefits

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Benefits are provided to Executive Directors to attract and retain the best talent for the business 
and to ensure that the total package is competitive in the market.

The Committee’s policy is to provide Executive Directors with a market competitive level of benefits 
taking into consideration benefits offered to other senior employees in the UK. 

Benefits currently provided to Executive Directors include: 
• private medical insurance;
• life assurance;
• income protection; and
• personal accident insurance.

The approach for benefit provisions for Executive Directors is to be consistent and operated in line 
with the rest of the UK organisation. As such, from April 2020 personal accident insurance will cease 
to be provided as a core benefit. Specific benefit provisions are subject to regular review in line with 
market practice and may be subject to change from time to time.

In line with other Quilter employees, Executive Directors can access discounted Company products 
and are eligible to participate in the Company’s voluntary benefits which they fund themselves, 
sometimes through salary sacrifice. Executive Directors are eligible for other benefits that are 
introduced for the wider workforce on broadly similar terms.

They are eligible to participate in the UK all-employee share plans on the same terms as other 
employees, including the Company’s Share Incentive Plan and Sharesave Plan. 

Where the Committee considers it appropriate, other benefits may be provided on recruitment 
or relocation for a defined period.

Any reasonable business-related expenses (including tax thereon if determined to be a taxable 
benefit) can be reimbursed.

In line with other UK employees, there is no maximum monetary level for benefits as this is 
dependent on the individual’s circumstances, market practice and the cost to the Company.

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

There are no performance conditions.

Proposed changes for 2020
From April 2020, personal accident insurance will cease to be a core benefit funded by the Company.

Remuneration element

Pension

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

To provide a market-competitive contribution towards retirement benefits that helps to attract and 
retain the best talent for the business.

Executive Directors are eligible to receive employer contributions to the Company’s pension plan 
(which is a defined contribution plan) or a cash allowance in lieu of pension benefits, or a combination. 
Contributions and/or a cash alternative are paid monthly.

Maximum opportunity

10% of base salary per annum.

Performance metrics

There are no performance conditions.

This is the same as the pension provision for the wider workforce. 

Proposed changes for 2020
No change in approach.

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Directors’ Remuneration Policy continued

Remuneration element

Short-Term Incentives (“STI”)

Purpose and link to strategy

The STI plan is designed to align remuneration with performance against financial and strategic 
business plan targets and personal pre-determined goals, within the Group’s risk appetite and taking 
into consideration the Company’s culture and values, on an annual basis.

A portion of any award is deferred and delivered in shares to aid retention, encourage long-term 
shareholding, discourage excessive risk-taking and align the executive and shareholder interests.

Performance targets and weightings are reviewed and set annually by the Committee taking into 
account business plans and the Company’s risk appetite. 

STI awards are funded from the overall Group bonus pool, which is approved each year by the 
Committee.

STI pay-out for on-target performance is set at 50% of maximum.

Overall pool funding is also subject to risk adjustment after the Committee’s consideration of 
a comprehensive report from the Chief Risk Officer and recommendations from the Board Risk 
Committee in relation to the nature and incidence of risk events and an overall assessment of risk 
management relative to the Board’s risk appetite.

50% of any STI awarded to an Executive Director is normally deferred in the form of Conditional 
Awards under the SRP, which vest annually in equal annual instalments over a three-year period 
subject to the rules of the SRP. 

Dividend equivalents may accrue on deferred awards during the deferral period and are paid in the 
form of shares or, exceptionally, cash to the Executive Directors upon vesting. 

Malus and clawback provisions apply to both cash and deferred portions of the STI awards as 
described in further detail in ‘Risk adjustments, malus and clawback’ on page 78.

The maximum STI opportunity for Executive Directors is set at 200% of base salary for stretch 
performance.

The STI plan uses a balanced scorecard of Group and individual performance measures, which 
are aligned with the key strategic priorities of the Group and designed to deliver sustainable 
shareholder value. 

Performance is measured based on a mix of financial, strategic and personal targets. The splits 
between the performance measures and relative weighting of the targets are reviewed by the 
Committee at the start of each year and set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration. The majority 
of any annual bonus is subject to challenging financial measures, with at least 50% of the scorecard 
reflecting financial performance.

When determining the outcome of the performance measures, the Committee will seek the advice of 
the Chief Risk Officer and the Board Risk Committee to ensure all relevant risk factors are identified 
and the bonus pool and/or individual awards adjusted accordingly. 

Specific measures, targets and weightings will be set by the Committee annually and disclosed on 
a retrospective basis.

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

Proposed changes for 2020
No change in approach.

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Directors’ Remuneration Policy

Remuneration element

Long-Term Incentives (“LTI”)

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

Proposed changes for 2020
No change in approach.

To incentivise and reward Executive Directors for achieving superior long-term business performance 
that creates shareholder value and maximises sustainable shareholder returns.

LTI awards are made under the Quilter plc Performance Share Plan (“PSP”). Awards are normally 
granted annually as nil cost options, which are subject to performance conditions. Awards normally vest 
after three years, subject to the achievement of performance conditions and continued employment. 

Financial performance targets are set annually by the Committee prior to the beginning of the 
relevant performance period to provide alignment with the Company’s strategic priority of delivering 
sustainable returns to shareholders over the long term. The targets may be subject to review and 
possible amendment for future plan cycles. 

Vested awards: 
• are subject to a post-vesting holding period of two years during which the net-of-tax number of 

shares may not normally be exercised or sold; and
• must be exercised within ten years of the grant date.

Dividend equivalents accrue during the vesting period and are released on the vesting date, or date 
of exercise of the vested option. These will normally be delivered in the form of shares on an assumed 
reinvested basis. 

LTI awards are subject to malus and clawback provisions as described in further detail in ‘Risk 
adjustments, malus and clawback’ on page 78.

The maximum annual value of a PSP award for any Executive Director is an award over Company 
shares with a face value of 200% of base salary at the date of grant. 

If the Committee deems that there are exceptional circumstances, such as the recruitment of a key 
individual or a significant strategic initiative, the maximum PSP award may be increased up to 400% 
of the Executive’s base salary.

Performance measures are selected by the Committee for the relevant plan cycle prior to the 
beginning of the relevant performance period. Measures are designed to align with the Group’s 
strategic priority of delivering sustainable returns to shareholders over the long term.

Performance measures currently include an adjusted EPS CAGR (pre-dividend excluding 
amortisation and goodwill) and TSR Ranking relative to the FTSE-250 excluding investment trusts. 

The Committee may introduce or re-weight performance measures so that they are directly aligned 
with the Company’s strategic objectives for the performance period.

For each performance metric, a threshold and stretch level of performance is set. At threshold, 
25% of the relevant element vests rising on a straight-line basis to 100% for attainment of levels of 
performance between threshold and maximum targets.

When determining the outcome of the performance measures, the Committee will seek the advice 
of the Chief Risk Officer and the Board Risk Committee to ensure all relevant risk factors are identified 
and the award outcomes adjusted accordingly. The Committee also has discretion to reduce award 
outcomes to nil if required, via a risk management assessment based on a report of risk exposures; 
or to reflect financial underperformance not adequately reflected in the financial measures. 

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Directors’ Remuneration Policy continued

Remuneration element

Shareholding requirement, including post-cessation

Purpose and link to strategy

To align Executive Directors’ interests with those of shareholders.

Operation

The Group operates a mandatory shareholding policy under which Executive Directors are required 
to build up and maintain a shareholding in the Company with a value at least equal to 300% of base 
salary. Executive Directors are expected to meet the requirement within five years of Admission or, 
for newly appointed Executive Directors, within five years of appointment if later. 

At least 50% of any shares vesting under Quilter share plans (on a net-of-tax basis) are expected to be 
retained until the shareholding requirements are met.

In accordance with changes to the Code, the Committee has developed a post-cessation 
shareholding policy taking into account emerging market practice and shareholder guidelines. 
Executive Directors will be required to hold shares for at least two years following cessation of their 
appointment at the lower of the minimum shareholding requirement of 300% of base salary or the 
value of shares held at the point of departure (if the Executive Director is still in the five-year 
accumulation period). 

Any shares purchased by an Executive Director from the open market (i.e. separate to shares 
originally awarded under a Company share plan) will be excluded from the post-cessation holding 
requirement. However, only 25% of the value of such purchased shares will count towards the 
minimum shareholding requirement during employment. This will apply to shares purchased after 
the date the post-cessation policy came into effect, in January 2020.

For any good leaver, unvested share awards that may be permitted to be retained shall vest on their 
original vesting date(s) and remain subject to post-vesting holding periods post-termination.

The Committee has discretion to make adjustments to the shareholding and post-cessation 
shareholding requirement in exceptional circumstances.

Proposed changes for 2020
The implementation of the post-cessation shareholding policy. No further change in approach. 

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Annual Report on Remuneration

Audited 
Content within an ‘Audited’ tab indicates that all the information 
is audited.

Application of the Policy in 2020
Content within a shaded box indicates that the information 
is planned for implementation in 2020.

The Annual Report sets out how the Policy of the Company has been applied in 2019 and how the Committee intends to apply the Policy going 
forward. An advisory shareholder resolution to approve this report will be proposed at the AGM. 

The table below sets out the single figure of remuneration for full financial year 2019 together with 2018 comparator figures.

Audited

Executive Director

2019

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel – appointed to 
the Board 13 March 20191

Tim Tookey – stepped down 
from the Board 13 March 20191

2018

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel – stepped down 
from the Board 19 April 20181

Tim Tookey 

 Base salary
£’000

Benefits
£’000

Pension2
£’000

STI3
£’000

LTI4
£’000

Other5
£’000

Total
£’000 

675.0

360.5

121.0

618.8

121.8

600.0

5.4

3.4

1.7

5.2

1.2

6.8

67.5

1,065.0

36.0

36.3

600.8

200.0

81.6

61.5

–

1.8

1.4

–

1,896.3

1,063.7

359.0

84.4

1,250.0

788.8

31.7

2,778.9

12.2

180.0

233.8

1,130.0

– 

– 

14.1

– 

383.1

1,916.8

1  Mark Satchel’s and Tim Tookey’s remuneration is pro-rated for the periods served as a Director in 2018 and 2019 respectively. 
2  Pension includes contributions made under the Group defined contribution pension scheme plus, where applicable, amounts received as a pension allowance.
3  The total STI awarded to Mark Satchel for the full year was £750,000. Further details of the STI awarded, including amounts received in cash and deferred under the SRP, can be found on 

pages 75 to 78.

4  LTI includes awards vested for qualifying services during the year under the Joint Share Ownership Plan (see page 79), and remuneration attributable to share price appreciation which 

is valued at £2,721 for Paul Feeney and £2,051 for Mark Satchel as at 31 December 2019.

5  Other includes dividends on Joint Share Ownership Plan and, in 2018, Old Mutual plc Sharesave Plan early exercise bonus for Paul Feeney and, in 2018, a grandfathered cash benefit 

allowance for Mark Satchel which ceased on 1 April 2018.

Components of the single figure

Audited

Name

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel – appointed to the Board 13 March 2019

Tim Tookey – stepped down from the Board 13 March 2019

Annual base salary
as at 1 April 2019
£’000

Total base salary 
paid in 2019 for
qualifying services
£’000

Total base salary 
effective 1 April 2020
£’000

675.0

450.0

–

675.0

360.5

121.0

675.0

450.0

–

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Benefits
Benefits include life assurance, private medical cover, income protection and personal accident insurance.

Audited

Name

2019

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel – appointed to the Board 13 March 2019

Tim Tookey – stepped down from the Board 13 March 2019

2018

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel – stepped down from the Board 19 April 2018

Tim Tookey 

Life assurance 
£’000

Medical
£’000

Income
protection
£’000

Personal
accident 
insurance
£’000

2.3

1.4

0.9

2.6

0.5

4.3

1.3

1.1

0.2

0.9

0.4

1.0

1.6

0.8

0.6

1.5

0.2

1.3

0.2

0.1

– 

0.2

0.1

0.2

Benefits for 2020
In order for the benefits for Executive Directors to be consistent with all other employees, personal accident insurance will cease to be a core 
benefit from April 2020.

Pension
Pension includes contributions made under the Group defined contribution pension scheme and/or amounts received as cash in lieu of pension 
contributions due to the impact of HMRC limits. The pension provisions of Executive Director appointments are aligned to the pension 
arrangements of the wider workforce, set at 10% of base salary. Existing Executive Directors’ pension allowances were reduced to 10% of salary, 
effective from 1 April 2018. 

Audited

Name

2019

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel – appointed to the Board 13 March 2019

Tim Tookey – stepped down from the Board 13 March 2019

2018

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel – stepped down from the Board 19 April 2018

Tim Tookey

Pension for 2020
No changes to the approach.

Cash in lieu of
pension contribution
£’000

Contribution to
pension scheme
£’000

Total contribution
£’000

67.5

28.0

36.3

84.4

9.2

180.0

– 

8.0 

–

– 

3.0

– 

67.5

36.0

36.3

84.4

12.2

180.0

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Annual Report on Remuneration

2019 Short-Term Incentive (“STI”) Awards
This reflects the total STI awards to be paid in 2020 based on performance for the year ended 31 December 2019. The value includes both the cash 
element and the portion deferred into shares (50% of the award).

For the purpose of determining the 2019 STI outcome, the Committee assessed the performance of the business and the individuals by reference 
to a balanced scorecard of Financial (60%), Customer/Risk (20%) and Strategic Personal performance objectives (20%) in line with the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy. 

Group financial achievement

Audited

Group financial performance measures

IFRS profit before tax (excluding 
amortisation, policyholder tax adjustments 
and one-off items)

Weighting as % 
of total STI 
opportunity

Threshold 
(25% of max)

Target
(50% of max)

Maximum
(100%)

Outcome

STI as %
of max

60%

£90m

£112m

£134m

£128m

86%

IFRS profit reconciliation
In determining the outcome of the Group financial metric shown above, the Committee considered the impact of key programme and acquisition 
costs on IFRS profit and approved a discretionary downward adjustment to IFRS profit for STI purposes to ensure it reflected a fair and reasonable 
outcome for the overall performance achieved. The adjustments are detailed in the schedule below, which provides a reconciliation between 
reported profit, the STI target and STI outcome.

Audited

2019 profit reconciliation

Adjusted profit before tax (before financing costs)

  Debt financing costs

Adjusted profit before tax (after financing costs)

  UK Platform Transformation Programme (“PTP”)1

  Optimisation

  One-off Managed Separation costs1

  Quilter Life Assurance restructure

  Unplanned acquisition costs2

Reported profit

 £235m

(£10m)

£225m

(£57m)

(£18m)

(£6m)

(£3m)

–

STI target

 £230m

(£10m)

£220m

(£67m)

(£29m)

(£12m)

–

–

STI outcome 

 £235m

(£10m)

£225m

(£67m)

(£18m)

(£12m)

(£3m)

£3m

IFRS profit before tax (excluding amortisation, policyholder tax 
adjustments and one-off items)

 £141m

 £112m

 £128m

1  The PTP and one-off Managed Separation costs relate to the rebrand of certain entities alongside the PTP programme. Although actual costs for these items were below the plan 

expectation for the year, some of this underspend relates to the extended timeline of PTP delivery communicated to the market during 2019 and those costs are still expected to be 
incurred at a later date. As such, the Committee approved an adjustment to these amounts to remove the benefit of below-plan spend in the outcome. 

2  These costs relate to the acquisition of Lighthouse plc that were not anticipated in the original plan target. As such, the Committee approved an adjustment to neutralise the impact of 

these costs on the outcome.

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Group risk and customer performance achievement
Key Group non-financial objectives represented a maximum of 20% of the total STI opportunity. The risk measure assesses the effectiveness 
of risk management at an overall corporate level for each of the Executive Directors. For the Customer element of the scorecard, performance 
was assessed against key risk and performance indicators covering customer strategy and governance, product and proposition, customer 
experience, advice, suitability and customer on-boarding and post-advice servicing as measured by the Company’s Customer Strategic Risk 
Appetite Principles (“SRAP”), as well as a qualitative assessment of broader customer focus. Performance commentary is given in the table below.

Audited

Customer and Risk
Performance measures

Executive  
Director

Weighting as %  
of total  

STI opportunity Key achievements in the year

Outcome as 
% of max

70%

Paul Feeney

10%

• Strong risk culture promoted within the business and evidenced in 

strategic decisions.

• Effective risk management framework, processes and governance forums.
• Active management of the most significant risks with adequate capital held.
• Strategic Risk Appetite Principles (“SRAP”) operated within the thresholds 

throughout 2019.

Mark Satchel

10%

• Senior Managers and Certification Regime (“SMCR”) introduced.
• Clear risk consideration in key decisions and risk assessments within the 

75%

business planning process.

• Significant progress in financial risk management and developing 

underlying KPIs.

• Strong contribution to risk governance forums, including as Chair of the 

Capital Management Forum.

• SRAPs operated within the thresholds throughout 2019.
• Strong regulatory relationships; delivered all commitments to the PRA 

and FCA.

Tim Tookey

10%

• Prudent management of our first set of Financial Statements and annual 

65%

Risk Management 
Framework 
Effectiveness

Risk Management 
Framework 
Effectiveness

Risk Management 
Framework 
Effectiveness

results as a Listed company.

• Thorough handover to successor, before stepping down from the Board 

on 13 March 2019.

10%

• Implementation of customer metrics aligned to the Conduct Risk 
Framework with focus on delivering good customer outcomes.

60%

• Medium and long-term investment performance of Quilter Cheviot’s 

discretionary funds continued to outperform relevant ARC benchmarks, 
with first or second quartile performance over 3 and 5 years, and top 
quartile over 10 years.

• Medium and long-term investment performance of Quilter Investor’s 

multi-asset funds have remained strong, albeit short-term performance 
has been mixed. New blend and income solutions launched to meet 
customer needs.

• Operational best practice, technology and customer service capability 

improvements are being implemented in the advice business.

Customer 
Outcomes

Paul Feeney, 
Mark Satchel 
& Tim Tookey

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Annual Report on Remuneration

Strategic personal performance – achievement
Personal objectives represented a maximum of 20% of total STI opportunity. A performance commentary is given in the table below.

Audited

Executive 
Director

Paul 
Feeney

Weighting as % 
of total STI 
opportunity Overview

20%

Objectives for 2019 were 
focused on the strategic 
development to maximise 
future growth potential, 
whilst achieving strong core 
business performance 
and creating value for 
shareholders. 

Outcome as 
% of max

70%

Key achievements in the year

• PTP prudently managed and poised for delivery in 2020.
• NCCF is an important lead indicator and the Committee determined 

that performance was weaker than expected.

• Optimisation programme with over £20 million in run rate benefit 

delivered.

• Significant activity in acquisitions and disposals.
• Raised awareness on the importance of mental wellbeing; Quilter 
‘Thrive’ programme sponsor and a leading figure within the wealth 
management industry on mental health.

Mark 
Satchel 

20%

Objectives were to transition 
into the Chief Financial Officer 
role, deliver strong 
cost management across 
the business and support 
our Optimisation goals, 
as well as lead the tender 
for audit services.

• Smooth transition into the Chief Financial Officer role in March 2019, 
engaging effectively with all stakeholders and delivering a strong first 
set of financial results. 

• Instilled strong cost discipline, helping to achieve Optimisation benefits 

90%

ahead of initial targets.

• Led strategically important activity, including significant acquisitions in 
the advice business and the strategic review and subsequent sale of 
Quilter Life Assurance.

• Led a successful audit tender process. 

Tim 
Tookey

20%

Focus in the first few months 
of 2019 was to deliver our first 
annual results as a listed 
company, whilst ensuring 
a smooth handover 
of Chief Financial Officer 
responsibilities. 

• Reported our first public annual results to market, ensuring the 

50%

Company was set up to meet its commitments as a Listed company.

• Facilitated a seamless handover of the Chief Financial Officer role.

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Risk consideration
As part of the review, the Committee considered whether the overall STI outcomes were appropriate in the context of overall Group performance, 
business performance and individual strategic/personal objectives, and whether any exceptional risk events occurred which, in the Committee’s 
opinion, may have materially affected the STI outcome. The Committee also considered an annual risk report and the recommendations of the 
Chief Risk Officer and Board Risk Committee in respect of the incidence and materiality of any risk issues arising during the year and an overall 
assessment of risk management relative to the Board’s risk appetite and risk culture across the business. The Committee decided that no 
discretionary risk-based adjustment was required at either an overall pool or individual level.

Deferral policy
In line with our Policy, 50% of the Executive Directors’ 2019 STI awards will be deferred into a conditional award of Ordinary Shares under the SRP 
and will vest in equal annual instalments over a three-year period, subject to continued employment and malus and clawback provisions in 
accordance with the rules of the SRP.

Audited

Executive Director

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel 

Tim Tookey

Total

£’000

% of salary

1,065.0

600.8

200.0

158%

167%

165%

Deferred bonus1

% of salary

79%

83%

83%

£’000

532.5

300.4

100.0

To be paid in cash

% of salary

79%

83%

83%

£’000

532.5

300.4

100.0

1  A grant of shares equal in value to the deferred bonus will be awarded to each of the Executive Directors. The awards are expected to be granted in late March 2020 on a date determined 

by the Company, with the number of shares awarded based on the preceding day’s closing share price.

Short-Term Incentive (“STI”) for 2020
In line with our Policy for 2019, both Executive Directors are eligible to receive up to 200% of base salary. Performance will be based on 
a combination of Group financial performance targets as well as strategic (including customer and risk measures) and personal measures. 
The percentage weightings will be the same as in 2019. Actual targets have not been disclosed due to commercial sensitivity. Group financial 
targets will be disclosed in the 2020 Annual Report.

2019 Long-Term Incentive (“LTI”) Awards
LTI awards vested during the year under the legacy Joint Share Ownership Plan (“JSOP”).

Audited

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel

Tim Tookey

Quilter Shares

54,415

41,025

–

2016 JSOP1
£’000 

81.6

61.5

–

1  A tax charge on these awards was triggered on the Managed Separation and Listing of the Company and sufficient shares to satisfy that liability were released at that point, as described 
under Legacy Arrangements below. The remaining shares were subject to continued vesting under the rules of the JSOP and vested to participants on 22 July 2019; the amount shown 
above represents the closing value on that date. 50% of the vested shares are subject to a 12-month holding period from the date of vesting. 

Legacy arrangements
As disclosed in our 2018 Remuneration Report, the JSOP was implemented for certain key employees of Quilter in 2013, with the final grant of 
awards in 2016. The plan was designed to reward participants for the achievement of strategic objectives, value creation and other profitability 
metrics over a three-year period. It provided participants with an interest in the capital growth of the Company by granting joint ownership of 
shares in Old Mutual Wealth Management Limited (now Quilter plc) with an employee benefit trust (“EBT”), whereby the trust owned the principal 
value of the shares and the participants owned any growth in value during the vesting period. On the Managed Separation and Listing of Quilter 
plc, the trust exercised a call option to acquire the participants’ interest in the shares based on the growth in value of the Company between grant 
and Listing, in return for consideration shares in the Company. Some of the shares under the plan vested at this point, some in December 2018 
and the remainder of the shares vested in July 2019 subject to the rules of the JSOP. The JSOP has now fully vested. 

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Governance
Annual Report on Remuneration

Long-Term Incentive (“LTI”) Awards granted in 2019
Executive Directors are eligible to participate in the Performance Share Plan (“PSP”), which is a LTI plan. The awards granted in 2019 are subject to 
the following performance conditions:

Audited

Performance condition

Adjusted EPS CAGR (2018-21)2

Relative TSR3 

1  Straight line interpolation between points.
2  Pre-dividend excluding amortisation and goodwill.
3  Ranking relative to the constituents of the FTSE 250 excluding Investment Trusts.

Weighting

70%

30%

Threshold1 

(25% vesting)

Maximum1
(100% vesting)

5%

11%

Median

Upper quartile

At the end of the three-year performance period, the Committee will critically assess whether the formulaic vesting outcome produced by the 
criteria is justified. To do this, the Committee will look at a number of factors, including whether the result is reflective of underlying performance 
and has been achieved within the Company’s agreed risk appetite. If such considerations mean that the formulaic outcome of the vesting schedule 
is not felt to be justified, then the Committee can exercise downward discretion.

The Committee also wishes to note that it intends to consider the impact of the following events on the 2018, 2019 and 2020 (noted below) LTI 
awards at the respective vesting dates and may consider any adjustments to ensure that performance can be appropriately assessed on a fair 
and consistent basis under the performance conditions:
• the sale of the Quilter Life Assurance business, which completed on 31 December 2019;
• the distribution of proceeds from the sale of the Quilter Life Assurance business to shareholders; and 
• the impact of effective tax rate movements on earnings per share growth.

The Committee will seek independent advice to reach decisions regarding any adjustments to the outcome of vesting. Any adjustment approved 
by the Committee will be fully disclosed and explained in the relevant Remuneration Report. 

Vested LTI awards (excluding sales to settle tax on vesting) are subject to a further holding period of two years, such that the minimum period 
between the date of grant and release is five years.

The following PSP awards were granted in respect of the 2019 performance year:

Audited

Executive Director Form of award

Date of award

Basis of award
(% of salary)

Share price at 
the date of grant

Nil cost
options awarded

Face value
of award1

% vesting at 
threshold

Performance 
period

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel

Nil-cost 
options

Nil-cost 
options

25/03/2019

200%

141.58p

953,524

£1,350,000

25%

2019–2021

25/03/2019

200%

141.58p

635,683

£900,000

25%

2019–2021

1  The face value of the award figure is calculated by multiplying the number of shares awarded by the share price of 141.58 pence. 

Quilter Annual Report 2019

79

Strategic ReportFinancial statementsOther informationGovernance

Annual Report on Remuneration continued

Performance Share Plan (“PSP”) 2020
The Committee intends to grant Executive awards over nil cost options with a face value of 200% of base salary. There is no change proposed to 
the metrics or their respective weightings. However, the stretch performance requirement in respect of Adjusted EPS CAGR has been increased 
to reflect the change in long-term earnings growth targets of the Company following the sale of Quilter Life Assurance. Threshold performance 
will remain at a CAGR rate of 5% but the maximum performance target will increase from 11% to 15%. There is no change to the threshold and 
maximum outcome performance targets for the TSR component. 

For 2020, the following performance conditions will be used:

Performance condition

Adjusted EPS CAGR (2019-22)2

Relative TSR3 

1  Straight line interpolation between points.
2  Pre-dividend excluding amortisation and goodwill.
3  Ranking relative to the FTSE 250 excluding Investment Trusts.

Weighting

70%

30%

Threshold1 
(25% vesting) 

 Maximum1
 (100% vesting) 

5%

15%

Median

Upper quartile

All-employee share plans
In 2019, the Company initiated a Save As You Earn (“SAYE”) scheme. The scheme invited all employees, including Executive Directors, to save up to £500 
on a monthly basis for either a three- or five-year term. At the end of the savings period, employees have the option to purchase Company shares 
at a discounted option price, which was set at the beginning of the scheme. The scheme commenced on 1 July 2019 with an option price of 125p. 

Paul Feeney entered into a five-year savings contract at a monthly savings amount of £500, providing an option at maturity over 24,000 Quilter 
shares. Mark Satchel entered into a three-year savings contract at a monthly savings amount of £500, providing an option at maturity over 14,400 
Quilter shares.

The Company also operates a UK tax-advantaged all-employee Share Incentive Plan (“SIP”). The SIP was used in 2018 to make an award of free 
shares to the value of £2,000 to all UK employees (including Executive Directors) shortly following Admission.

Non-executive Director total remuneration 
The total remuneration for the Non-executive Directors is set out in the table below. Non-executive Directors are not entitled to any benefits, 
pension or pension equivalents, or awards under any of the equity plans. For 2019, the regular fees were paid at the following rate:

Annual fees (Quilter plc Board)

Chairman

Basic annual fee

Additional fees:

Senior Independent Director

Chairs of Board Audit, Risk, Remuneration and Technology and Operations Committee

Members of the above Committees

Members of the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee

Fees (Subsidiary Boards):

Chairman of Subsidiary Boards1

Board Member of Quilter Financial Planning (“QFP”), Quilter Investors (“QI”), Quilter Cheviot (“QC”)

Board Member of Quilter International (“International”)

Members of the Subsidiary Board Committees2

Current fee

£375,000

£65,000

£20,000

£25,000

£10,500

£5,500

£80,000

£45,000

£35,000

£5,000

1  Chairman of the Quilter Wealth Solutions (“QWS”) and Quilter Life Assurance (“QLA”) and Chairman of Quilter Investors – reduced from £100,000 for the first year to £80,000 from 2019 onwards.
2  Governance, Audit and Risk Committee (“GARC”).

80

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Governance
Annual Report on Remuneration

Audited

Non-executive 
Director

Board & Committee 
membership

Subsidiary Board  
& Committee membership

Glyn Jones

Chairman, Chair CGN, R

Rosie Harris

INED, Chair Ri, BTOC, A QC Board and GARC member

Moira Kilcoyne

INED, Chair BTOC, Ri 

Jon Little2

INED, R

QI Chairman

George Reid

INED, Chair A, BTOC, Ri Chair QWS and QLA Board, 

GARC member

Ruth Markland3 SID, CGN, A, R

International Board member

Cathy Turner

INED, Chair R, CGN

QI Board member

Suresh Kana

INED, A, CGN

Paul Matthews3

INED, Ri

QFP Board and GARC member

Fees for 
2019
£’000

Subsidiary 
Board fees 
£’000

Total for 
2019
£’000

Fees for 
20181
£’000

Subsidiary 
Board fees 
£’000

Total for 
2018
£’000

375.0

111.0

100.5

75.5

111.8

111.5

95.5

81.0

75.5

–

50.0

–

82.4

85.0

35.0

45.0

–

45.4

375.0

161.0

100.5

157.9

196.8

146.5

140.5

81.0

120.9

399

132.8

122.3

85.2

132.8

57.6

117.3

32.2

30.0

–

50.0

–

101.1

97.8

–

39.5

–

17.9

399.0

182.8

122.3

186.3

230.6

57.6

156.8

32.2

47.9

Committee Key:

INED = Independent Non-executive Director
A = Board Audit 
R = Board Remuneration
Ri = Board Risk

SID = Senior Independent Non-executive Director
BTOC = Board Technology and Operations Committee
CGN = Board Corporate Governance and Nominations

1  To recognise the additional workload associated with preparation for Listing in 2018, the Non-executive Directors received an additional fee in the lead up to the Managed Separation and 
Listing of Quilter plc. This additional fee was £100,000 per annum for the Chairman, £50,000 per annum for the Committee Chairs and £25,000 per annum for the other Non-executive 
Directors. The additional fee ceased at Admission.

2  Jon Little was also a Board member of Old Mutual Global Investors (UK) Limited during 2018 and resigned 9 February 2018. Annual fees payable were the same as per the Quilter Investors 

Subsidiary Board member fees disclosed in the table above. 

3  Ruth Markland was appointed as a Board member of Quilter International on 1 January 2019 and Paul Matthews was appointed as a GARC member of Quilter Financial Planning on 

1 December 2019.

TSR performance graphic over the period since Admission

£

125

115

105

95

85

75

The graph on the left shows the Company’s TSR performance versus 
the FTSE 250 excluding Investment Trusts over the period ending 
31 December 2019. The FTSE 250 has been chosen as the Company 
is a member of that index.

Jun 18

Aug 18

Dec 18 Mar 19

Jun 19

Aug 19

Dec 19

Quilter

FTSE 250 excluding Investment Trusts

Group Chief Executive Officer pay 
As the Company listed during 2018, there is no disclosure of remuneration relating to prior years. 

Financial year

2019

2018

Name

Paul Feeney

Paul Feeney

Total remuneration
 £’000

Annual bonus as  
% of maximum

1,896.3

2,778.9

79%

93%

Quilter Annual Report 2019

81

Strategic ReportFinancial statementsOther information 
 
Governance

Annual Report on Remuneration continued

Percentage change in Chief Executive Officer remuneration compared to the average employee
The table below sets out the percentage change in salary and STI between the Chief Executive Officer and average employee from 2018 to 2019. 
The annual change in salary is based on the salary of UK employees as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2019, and the annual change in 
STI excludes employees that are not eligible for bonus. As Executive Directors benefits have been aligned to other UK employees, the analysis of 
movement between the Chief Executive Officer and average employee benefits was not considered practical or meaningful and therefore not 
included in the below comparison. Further detail of Executive Directors’ benefits can be found on page 74 of this Remuneration Report.

Remuneration element

Salary

STI

Chief Executive 
Officer

Average
 employee

0%

(15%)

1%

(4%)

Chief Executive Officer pay ratio
In accordance with the new regulatory requirements published by the Government in 2018, the table below sets out the ratio between the Chief 
Executive Officer’s total remuneration and the median, 25th and 75th percentile of the total remuneration of full-time equivalent UK employees. 

Total remuneration

Year

2019

Salary

Year

2019

Method 

75th percentile 

Median 

25th percentile

75th percentile 

Median 

25th percentile

Option B

27:1

39:1

62:1

69,114

48,486

30,478

Pay ratio

All employees £

Method 

75th percentile 

Median 

25th percentile

75th percentile 

Median 

25th percentile

Option B

14:1

18:1

28:1

48,667

37,001

24,333

Pay ratio

All employees £

Total remuneration includes salary, benefits, pension, short-term incentives and any value vested from long-term incentives during the year.
From the three options disclosed in the regulations, the method adopted to calculate the pay ratio for this report is Option B, which is based 
on the Gender Pay Gap reporting methodology in identifying the employees at median, 25th and 75th percentiles, as at 31 December 2019, for 
comparison between those and the Chief Executive. As some 2019 STI amounts are subject to change until after the publication of this report, the 
total remuneration may not be exact. However, any STI changes are expected to be minimal and it is unlikely the pay ratios will change significantly 
once the STI amounts are determined. Our Chief Executive Officer has a higher proportion of variable pay in total remuneration, which is the main 
factor driving the difference in the ratios between salary and total remuneration. 

We recognise that the most precise method, and therefore often referred to as the preferred method, out of the three options disclosed in the 
regulations is Option A, which calculates the single figure for each UK employee and determines the employees at 25th, median and 75th 
percentiles from this data set. We intend to adapt our methodology in order to report under Option A in future years. 

82

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Governance
Annual Report on Remuneration

Gender Pay Gap
The Company reported a median gender pay gap of 32% and a median bonus gap of 34% for 2019. The results reflect the under-representation of 
women in senior roles, which we recognise is a systemic issue facing the wealth management industry and will require ongoing, multi-year efforts 
to resolve. Further details regarding our gender pay gap figures can be found on page 12 of the Responsible Business Report.

Relative importance of spend on pay
The following table sets out the profit, dividends and overall spend on pay in the year ending 31 December 2019:

Adjusted profit before tax1 (£m)

Dividends2 (£m)

Including the special dividend

Excluding the special dividend

Employee remuneration costs3 (£m)

2019

235

96

96

316

2018

233

282

61

311

% Change

1%

(66%)

57%

2%

1  Excludes adjusted profit from the Single Strategy business of £26 million in 2018, including Single Strategy, 2018 adjusted profit would be £259 million.
2  In 2018, the Company paid a special dividend of 12.0 pence per share from the proceeds of the sale of the Single Strategy business, equivalent to a £221 million return of capital to 

shareholders, and a final dividend of 3.3 pence. For the 2019 financial year, the Company paid an interim dividend of 1.7 pence and recommend a final dividend of 3.5 pence.

3  Employee remuneration costs represent the underlying employee cost for the Group, excluding the impact of one-off items.

Executive Directors’ shareholding and interests in Quilter Share Schemes 
The table below shows the Executive Directors’ interests in Group share schemes which will vest in future years subject to performance and/or 
continued service at 31 December 2019 together with any additional interests in shares held beneficially by the Executive Directors outside of 
Group share schemes. The share price at 31 December 2019 was £1.6105.

During the period 31 December 2019 to 11 March 2020 there was one transaction by Paul Feeney, which was the sale of 45,045 shares at £1.60612 
each in order to fulfil a personal financial commitment forming part of a divorce settlement and in compliance with a court order. The proceeds 
were transferred in full to his former spouse. This related to the end of a holding period in respect of his 2015 (2) JSOP award. There were no other 
exercises or other dealings in the Company’s share awards by the Directors.

Audited

Scheme interests at 31 December 2019

Legally owned 
(shares)

Subject to SIP 
(shares)

Subject to SAYE 
(options)

Deferred  
STI and other 
awards not 
subject to 
performance 
conditions1 
(shares)

Subject to 
performance 
conditions under 
the LTIP 
(shares)

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel – appointed 13 March 2019

Tim Tookey – stepped down 13 March 2019

580,544 

377,576

65,500

1,478 

1,478

1,428

24,000 

14,400

1,209,839 

2,035,445 

734,775

995,922

– 

2,020,111 

– 

1  Includes the legacy award granted to Mark Satchel in 2017 in lieu of an LTI grant that year in recognition of the Company intending to list in 2018, and a one-off LTI award granted to Tim 

Tookey linked to the preparation of the business and the execution of listing in 2018.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

83

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Annual Report on Remuneration continued

Directors’ personal holding and beneficial share interests
In line with the Remuneration Policy, each Executive Director is required to acquire and maintain a shareholding equivalent to 300% of base salary 
(including shares beneficially held by the individual or his/her spouse, the net of tax value of unvested share interests within Company share plans 
which are not subject to performance conditions and 25% of the value of beneficially held shares purchased by the individual or his/her spouse 
since the post-cessation shareholding policy came into effect). 

As of 31 December 2019, neither of the current Executive Directors had satisfied the minimum shareholding requirement but they have five years 
from the date of Admission, or appointment, if later, to achieve the minimum. As Tim Tookey stood down from the Board in Q1 2019, less than one 
year from Admission, he is no longer subject to the shareholding policy. He also stood down prior to the Company finalising its post-cessation 
shareholding policy. Nevertheless, Tim has a material number of unvested share awards that are subject to continued vesting post-cessation over 
the period 2020-22, a significant portion of which are subject to a further two-year post-vesting holding period. 

Audited

Name

Paul Feeney 

Mark Satchel – appointed 13 March 2019

Tim Tookey – stepped down 13 March 2019

Value1 
£’000

1,970.0

1,237.6

1,832.1

Multiple of  
base salary

292%

275%

305%

1  Includes the estimated net value of unvested share awards which are not subject to performance conditions. The calculation is based on the share price on 31 December 2019, being 

£1.61050 per share, except for Tim Tookey where his shares are valued on the day he stood down as an Executive Director, 13 March 2019, when the share price was £1.39000.

Shareholding guidelines – Executive and Non-executive Directors
As of 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2019, the Executive and Non-executive Directors held the following legal and beneficial interests 
in Ordinary Shares:

Audited

Name

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel

Glyn Jones

Cathy Turner

Rosie Harris

Moira Kilcoyne

Jon Little

George Reid

Ruth Markland

Suresh Kana

Paul Matthews
Tim Tookey1

31 December 2019 

31 December 2018

580,544

377,576

800,000

68,965

17,241

34,482

20,689

20,689

20,689

–

30,000

65,500

618,356

309,086 

800,000

68,965

17,241

34,482

20,689

20,689

20,689

– 

30,000

65,500

1  Tim Tookey’s 2019 shareholding is as at the date he stood down as an Executive Director, 13 March 2019.

During the period 31 December 2019 to 11 March 2020, Paul Feeney’s legal and beneficial interest in Ordinary Shares reduced from 580,544 to 
535,499 following the sale of 45,045 shares to comply with the terms of his divorce settlement as detailed on page 83. There were no other 
changes to the interests in shares held by the Directors as set out in the table above.

84

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Governance
Annual Report on Remuneration

Payments within the year to past Directors
Tim Tookey, who stepped down from the Board in March 2019 on a ‘good leaver’ arrangement, was eligible for a pro-rated STI award in relation 
to the proportion of 2019 that he worked (until mid-March 2019 when preliminary results were announced). The STI outcome as detailed above 
was determined based on the standard metrics for Executive Directors, and will be paid, subject to the Deferral policy, in March 2020. As a good 
leaver on termination, Tim’s outstanding deferred share awards will be retained, subject to pro-rating for time served in the case of his long-term 
incentive award. This award and Tim’s outstanding deferred STI awards will continue to vest on their normal vesting timetable. Post-vesting, 
the long-term incentive award shares are subject to an additional two-year holding period. This represents a substantial level of ongoing 
post-cessation shareholding. There were no other payments made to past Directors during the year.

External directorships
The table below sets out external directorships held by the Executive Directors.

Name

External directorships held

Executive Directors

Paul Feeney

Mark Satchel

Tim Tookey

None

None

Non-executive Director, Nationwide Building Society

Fees received and 
retained

–

–

£25,841 

1  Represents the proportion of fees due to Tim Tookey while he was an Executive Director, from the beginning of the year until 13 March 2019. 

External advisers
Since 1 November 2018, Aon has been the Committee’s independent remuneration adviser. Aon has provided advice covering annual 
remuneration report and policy disclosures, market practice and incentive design during 2019 and going forward may provide other services to 
Quilter plc such as remuneration benchmarking data and insurance broking if required. These additional services do not provide a conflict with 
the advice received by the Committee, which is provided by Aon’s specialist Executive Remuneration practice. This practice is not involved in the 
marketing of other Aon services and is obliged to abide by the Remuneration Consultant’s Code of Conduct. Apart from the above, Aon has no 
other connection with the Company.

The Committee is satisfied that the advice received from Aon is objective and independent, and the firm is a member of the Remuneration 
Consultants Group, whose voluntary code of conduct is designed to ensure objective and independent advice is given to committees. 

The total fees paid in respect of remuneration advice during 2019 are as follows:

Firm

Aon

Key areas of advice received

Annual remuneration report and policy disclosure, market practice, incentive design

Total fees 2019

£69,547

Statement of shareholder voting 
During the Company’s first AGM in May 2019, a resolution of the following was made and the votes from shareholders were as follows:
• in respect of the resolution to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report, the percentage of votes cast for was 97%, and 3% against;
• in respect of the resolution to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, the percentage of votes cast for was 97%, and 3% against; and
• the Company did not receive a significant percentage of votes against either resolution.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

85

Strategic ReportFinancial statementsOther informationGovernance

Our approach to governance

UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the “Code”)
Quilter is subject to the Code and complied with all of its 
provisions during the year. Details of our corporate 
governance framework are available on our website at 
quilter.com/corporategovernance. The Code is publicly 
available at www.frc.org.uk.

Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (“DTRs”)
By virtue of the information included in this Governance 
section of the Annual Report and our Directors’ Report on 
pages 88 to 91 we comply with the corporate governance 
requirements of the FCA’s DTRs. Certain additional information 
that is required to be disclosed pursuant to DTR 7.2.6 can be 
found in the Directors’ Report on pages 88 to 91.

Johannesburg Stock Exchange (the “JSE”)
Quilter has a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock 
Exchange and is permitted by the JSE Listings Requirements 
to follow the corporate governance practices of its primary 
Listing market. Quilter is, however, mindful of the provisions 
of the King IV Governance principles and the expectations 
of our South African shareholders.

1. Board leadership and Company purpose
The Chairman’s introduction on corporate governance on pages 42 
to 47 sets out how the Board has met its leadership and oversight 
responsibilities under the Code during the year, including its role in 
promoting the success of the Company, monitoring culture across the 
business and understanding the views of our shareholders and other 
stakeholders. The actions taken in response to more than 20% of votes 
being cast against two of the resolutions proposed at our 2019 AGM 
and details of our approach to workforce engagement and the types of 
issues that were raised by employees and reported to the Board during 
the year are set out on page 47.

Responsibility for monitoring the Group’s whistleblowing arrangements 
which provide a means for our workforce to raise concerns in confidence 
or anonymously, has been delegated to the Board Audit Committee. 
Details of how this responsibility has been discharged during the year 
can be found in the Board Audit Committee Chair’s report on page 55. 
Further information on the Group’s whistleblowing arrangements can 
be found in the Responsible Business report on page 14.

In accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the Company’s 
Articles of Association, the Board may authorise conflicts of interest. 
Directors are required to declare any potential or actual conflicts of 
interest that could interfere with their ability to act in the best interests 
of Quilter. The Company Secretary maintains a conflicts register which 
is reviewed by the Board and the Board Corporate Governance and 
Nominations Committee. In accordance with the Code, the Board 
Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee is required to 
pre-approve, on behalf of the Board, any new external appointments 
that a Director wishes to adopt. Further information on the approval 
of new external appointments for Directors can be found in the Board 
Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee Report on 
page 49.

86

Quilter Annual Report 2019

2. Division of responsibilities
The Board is made up of a majority of independent Non-executive 
Directors and comprises the Chairman, who was independent on 
appointment, two Executive Directors and eight independent 
Non-executive Directors, including the Senior Independent Director. 
The independence of each Non-executive Director is assessed on 
an annual basis against the criteria set out in the Code.

It is a principle of UK company law that Executive and Non-executive 
Directors all have the same duties and are subject to the same 
constraints. However, in line with the requirements of the Code, there 
is a clear division of responsibilities at the head of Quilter between 
the running of the Board and executive responsibility for managing 
Quilter’s business. Our Chairman is responsible for the leadership of 
the Board and managing the business of the Board through setting its 
agenda and taking full account of the issues and concerns of Board 
members. Our Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the day-to-day 
management of our business and the leadership of the Quilter 
Executive Committee. Further information on the Quilter Executive 
Committee can be found on page 40.

The accountabilities, competencies and expectations required of each 
role on the Board, including those required by the Code, have been 
documented in our Board Charter. This includes the responsibilities of 
the Directors as a whole, including their responsibilities under section 
172(1) of the Companies Act 2006, and the role profiles of the Chairman, 
the Senior Independent Director, Committee Chairs, Non-executive 
Directors and Executive Directors. Performance against these 
expectations was assessed in the 2019 Board Effectiveness Review, 
detailed on pages 50 and 51 of the Board Corporate Governance and 
Nominations Committee Chair’s report, and it was confirmed that all 
Directors were discharging their roles effectively. The time commitment 
expected of the Non-executive Directors is set out in the Board Charter 
and their letters of appointment. The Board Corporate Governance 
and Nominations Committee reviews the Board Charter annually to 
ensure it remains relevant and up to date. The Board Charter is 
published on our website at quilter.com/corporategovernance 
to ensure complete transparency of the standards we set for ourselves.

The Chairman is responsible, as set out in the Board Charter, for 
ensuring that the Board receives accurate, timely and high quality 
supporting information. This covers the Company’s performance to 
enable the Board to take sound decisions, monitor effectively and 
provide advice to promote the success of the Company. Working in 
collaboration with the Chairman, the Company Secretary is responsible 
for ensuring good governance and consults with Directors to ensure 
that good information flows exist and that the Board receives the 
information it requires to be effective.

The Board is the decision-making body for all matters of such 
importance as to be of significance to Quilter as a whole because of 
their strategic, financial or reputational implications or consequences. 
A summary of the matters that are reserved for the Board’s decision, 
which includes Board appointments, Quilter’s strategy, financial 
statements, capital expenditure and any major acquisitions, mergers 
or disposals, and the appointment and removal of the Company 
Secretary, can be found at quilter.com/corporategovernance.

3. Composition, succession and evaluation
The Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee 
is responsible for overseeing the composition of the Board and its 
Committees and ensuring that it is an appropriate size and that 
there is an appropriate balance of diversity in skills, experience, 
independence and knowledge. It is also responsible for reviewing 
and making recommendations to the Board on succession planning 

Governance
Our approach to Governance

for the Board and key leadership positions within Quilter. Details of 
the composition of the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations 
Committee can be found on page 41 and information on how it has 
discharged its duties during the year and the 2019 Board Effectiveness 
Review, including the resulting action plan, can be found in the Board 
Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee Chair’s report 
on pages 48 to 51. 

The Chairman and all the Non-executive Directors have served on 
the Board for less than four years. All the Directors are subject to 
annual re-election by shareholders and the specific reasons why 
each Director’s contribution is, and continues to be, important to 
the Company’s long-term sustainable success are set out in their 
biographies on pages 38 and 39.

4. Audit, risk and internal control
Risk management and internal control
The Directors are responsible for ensuring that management maintains 
an effective system of risk management and internal control and for 
assessing its effectiveness. Such a system is designed to identify, 
evaluate and manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve 
business objectives and can only provide reasonable and not absolute 
assurance against material misstatement or loss.

Quilter is committed to operating within a strong system of internal 
control that enables business to be transacted and risk taken without 
exposing itself to unacceptable potential losses or reputational 
damage. The Quilter Group Governance Manual sets out the Group’s 
approach to internal governance and establishes the mechanisms 
and processes by which management implements the strategy set 
by the Board to direct the organisation, through setting the tone 
and expectations from the top, delegating its authority and 
assessing compliance.

Quilter’s principles of internal control (covering financial, operational 
and compliance areas) are to maintain: 
• clearly defined delegated authorities;
• clearly defined lines of responsibility;
• robust recording and reporting of transactions to support the 

financial statements;

• financial reporting controls procedures and systems which are 

regularly reviewed;

• protection of assets; and
• financial crime prevention and detection.

The Enterprise Risk Management Framework is overseen by the 
Board Risk Committeee and aims to align strategy, capital, processes, 
people, technology and knowledge in order to evaluate and manage 
business opportunities and threats in a structured, disciplined manner. 
The Group’s principal risks and uncertainties are set out on pages 32 
and 33. 

The Board Audit Committee regularly reviews the system of internal 
control on behalf of the Board and receives regular reports from 
management, Internal Audit and the Finance function covering, in 
particular, financial controls, compliance and other operational 
controls. Throughout the year ended 31 December 2019 and to date, 
the Group has operated a system of internal control that provides 
reasonable assurance of effective operations covering all controls, 
including financial and operational controls and compliance with laws 
and regulations. Processes are in place for identifying, evaluating and 
managing the principal risks facing the Group in accordance with the 
‘Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and Related Financial 
and Business Reporting’ published by the Financial Reporting Council.

Internal control over financial reporting
Management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining 
adequate internal control over financial reporting. This is a process 
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for 
external reporting purposes in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union and 
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). 
Internal control over financial reporting includes policies and 
procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in 
reasonable detail:
• accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets;
• provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as 
necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in 
accordance with IFRS and that receipts and expenditures are being 
made only in accordance with authorisations of management and 
the respective Directors; and 

• provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely 

detection of unauthorised acquisition, use or disposition of assets 
that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Assurance that these controls are adequate and operating effectively 
is obtained through monthly control self assessments and regular 
independent assurance activity undertaken by first line management 
and Internal Audit, respectively. Conclusions are reported to the 
Board Audit Committee which examines these and provides further 
challenge. Finally, the Board scrutinises and approves results 
announcements and the Annual Report and ensures that appropriate 
disclosures have been made. This governance process ensures that 
both management and the Board are given sufficient opportunity to 
debate and challenge the Group’s financial statements and other 
significant disclosures before they are made public.

Management have assessed the internal controls over financial 
reporting as of 31 December 2019 and concluded that, based on their 
assessment, they were effective. The Board Audit Committee has 
reviewed this assessment as part of its review of the internal controls 
over financial reporting. The Chair of the Board Audit Committee 
reports on the review of controls over financial reporting and how 
the Board Audit Committee has monitored the independence and 
effectiveness of the internal and external auditors on pages 52 to 56. 
The composition of the Board Audit Committee and the Board Risk 
Committee is set out on page 41.

5. Remuneration
The Board has delegated responsibility to the Board Remuneration 
Committee for the consideration and approval of the remuneration 
arrangements for the Chairman, Executive Directors and other senior 
executives. Fees paid to the Non-executive Directors are considered 
regularly by the Board as a whole, with Non-executive Directors not 
participating. The Board Remuneration Committee is also responsible 
for setting and recommending to the Board for approval, the 
over-arching objectives, principles and parameters of remuneration 
policy across the Group, ensuring that Quilter is adopting a coherent 
approach to remuneration in respect of all employees. Information 
on the activities of the Board Remuneration Committee in 2019 
can be found in the Remuneration Report on pages 64 to 85. 
The composition of the Board Remuneration Committee is set out 
on page 41.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

87

Strategic ReportFinancial statementsOther informationGovernance

Directors’ Report
The Directors present their report for the 
financial year ended 31 December 2019.

Cautionary statement
This Annual Report has been prepared for, and only for, the members 
of the Company, as a body, and no other persons. The Company, its 
Directors, employees, agents or advisers do not accept or assume 
responsibility to any other person to whom this document is shown or 
into whose hands it may come and any such responsibility or liability is 
expressly disclaimed. By their nature, the statements concerning the 
risks and uncertainties facing the Group in this Annual Report involve 
uncertainty since future events and circumstances can cause results 
and developments to differ materially from those anticipated. The 
forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information 
available at the date of preparation of this Annual Report and the 
Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking 
statements. Nothing in this Annual Report should be construed as 
a profit forecast.

Corporate governance statement
The information that fulfils the requirements of the corporate 
governance statement for the purposes of the FCA’s Disclosure 
Guidance and Transparency Rules (“DTRs”) can be found in the 
Governance Section of the Annual Report on pages 38 to 87 (all of 
which forms part of this Directors’ Report) and in this Directors’ Report.

Profit and dividends
Statutory profit after tax for 2019 was £146 million (2018: £488 million).

Subject to shareholder approval, the Directors have recommended 
a final dividend for the financial year ended 31 December 2019 of 
3.5 pence per Ordinary Share which will be paid out of distributable 
reserves. Further information regarding the dividend, including key 
dates, can be found at quilter.com/dividends. On 5 August 2019 the 
Board declared an interim dividend of 1.7 pence per Ordinary Share. 
The interim dividend was paid on 20 September 2019 to shareholders 
on the UK and South African share registers on 30 August 2019. 

Shares are held in the Quilter employee benefit trust (“EBT”) and the 
Equiniti Share Plans Trust (“ESPT”) in connection with the operation of 
the Company’s share plans. Dividend waivers are in place for those 
shares that have not been allocated to employees.

Directors
The names of the current Directors of the Company, along with their 
biographical details, are set out on pages 38 and 39 and are 
incorporated into this report by reference. Changes to Directors during 
the year are set out below:

Information included in the Strategic Report
The Company’s Strategic Report is on pages 2 to 35 and includes the 
following information that would otherwise be required to be disclosed 
in this Directors’ Report:

Name

Role

Effective date of 
appointment/resignation

Tim Tookey

Chief Financial Officer

Resigned 13 March 2019

Mark Satchel

Chief Financial Officer

Appointed 13 March 2019

Subject matter

Important events since the financial year end

Likely future developments in the business

Engagement with employees

Page reference

29

9

14 and 47

Engagement with suppliers, customers and others

15 and 44 to 46

Disclosures concerning greenhouse gas emissions 

13

Information to be disclosed under Listing Rule 9.8.4R

Subject matter

Details of long-term incentive schemes

Shareholder waivers of dividends

Shareholder waivers of future dividends

Page reference

83

88

88

Financial instruments
The information relating to financial instruments that fulfils the 
reporting requirements of Schedule 7 of The Large and Medium sized 
Companies and Group (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 can 
be found on page 153.

Registered office change
In September 2020, Quilter’s registered office will be moving to Senator 
House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4AB.

Branch and representative offices
During 2019, the Group has operated branches or representative 
offices in Hong Kong, Ireland, Jersey, Singapore and the United 
Arab Emirates. 

Details of the Directors’ interests in the share capital of the Company 
are set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration on page 84.

The powers given to the Directors are contained in the Company’s 
Articles of Association and are subject to relevant legislation and, in 
certain circumstances, including in relation to the issuing or buying 
back by the Company of its shares, subject to authority being given 
to the Directors by shareholders in general meeting. The Articles of 
Association also govern the appointment and replacement of Directors. 
The Board has the power to appoint additional Directors or to fill a 
casual vacancy amongst Directors. Any such Director only holds office 
until the next Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) and may offer himself/
herself for election. The UK Corporate Governance Code recommends 
that all directors should be subject to annual re-election and all 
Directors, with the exception of Cathy Turner and Suresh Kana, will 
stand for re-election at the 2020 AGM.

Articles of Association
The Articles of Association may be amended in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006 by way of a special resolution 
of the Company’s shareholders. The Company adopted a new Article 
during the year to enable the Company to carry out an Odd-lot Offer. 
The information below sets out the provisions in the Articles of 
Association in force as at the date of this report.

Share capital and control
The Company has Ordinary Shares in issue, representing 100% of 
the total issued share capital as at 31 December 2019 and as at 3 March 
2020 (the latest practicable date for inclusion in this report). There was 
no movement in the Company’s share capital during the year (see note 
24 on page 164). The rights attaching to the shares are set out in the 
Articles of Association and are summarised below.

88

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Governance
Directors’ Report

Voting rights of members
On a show of hands, every member or authorised corporate 
representative present has one vote and every proxy present has one 
vote except if the proxy has been duly appointed by more than one 
member and has been instructed by (or exercises his discretion given 
by) one or more of those members to vote for the resolution and has 
been instructed by (or exercises his discretion given by) one or more 
other of those members to vote against it, in which case a proxy has 
one vote for and one vote against the resolution. On a poll, every 
member present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share of 
which he is a holder. In the case of joint holders, the vote of the person 
whose name stands first in the register of members and who tenders 
a vote is accepted to the exclusion of any votes tendered by any other 
joint holders.

Unless the Board decides otherwise, a member shall not be entitled to 
vote, either in person or by proxy, at any general meeting of the Company 
in respect of any share held by him unless all calls and other sums 
presently payable by him in respect of that share have been paid.

Transfers
Save as described below, the Ordinary Shares are freely transferable.

A member may transfer all or any of his shares in any manner which 
is permitted by any applicable statutory provision and is from time to 
time approved by the Board. The Company shall maintain a record of 
uncertificated shares in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions.

A member may transfer all or any of his certificated shares by an 
instrument of transfer in any usual form, or in such other form as the 
Board may approve. The instrument of transfer shall be signed by or on 
behalf of the transferor and, except in the case of a fully paid share, by 
or on behalf of the transferee. The Board may, in its absolute discretion, 
refuse to register any instrument of transfer of any certificated share 
which is not fully paid up (but not so as to prevent dealings in listed 
shares from taking place on an open and proper basis) or on which 
the Company has a lien. The Board may also refuse to register any 
instrument of transfer of a certificated share unless it is left at the 
registered office, or such other place as the Board may decide, for 
registration, accompanied by the certificate for the shares to be 
transferred and such other evidence (if any) as the Board may 
reasonably require to prove title of the intending transferor or his right 
to transfer shares; and it is in respect of only one class of shares. If the 
Board refuses to register a transfer of a certificated share it shall, as 
soon as practicable and in any event within two months after the date 
on which the instrument was lodged, give to the transferee notice of 
the refusal together with its reasons for refusal. The Board must 
provide the transferee with such further information about the reasons 
for the refusal as the transferee may reasonably request. Unless 
otherwise agreed by the Board in any particular case, the maximum 
number of persons who may be entered on the register as joint holders 
of a share is four.

Variation of rights
If at any time the share capital is divided into different classes of shares, 
the rights attached to any class (unless otherwise provided by the 
terms of issue) may, whether or not the Company is being wound up, 
be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of three-fourths in 
nominal value of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of 
a special resolution of the holders of the shares of that class.

Exercisability of rights under an employee share scheme
An EBT operates in connection with certain of the Group’s employee 
share plans (“Plans”). The trustees of the EBT may exercise all rights 
attaching to the shares in accordance with their fiduciary duties other 
than as specifically restricted in the relevant Plan governing documents. 
The trustee of the EBT has informed the Company that their normal 
policy is to abstain from voting in respect of the Quilter shares held in 
trust. The trustee of the Quilter Share Incentive Plan (“SIP”) will vote in 
respect of the allocated shares but the trustee will not otherwise vote 
in respect of the unallocated shares held in the SIP Trust.

Purchase of own shares
At the AGM held on 16 May 2019, shareholders passed resolutions 
to authorise the Company to purchase a maximum of 190,225,109 
Ordinary Shares, representing 10% of the Company’s issued Ordinary 
Share capital. As at 3 March 2020, the latest practicable date for 
inclusion in this Report, no shares have been purchased under these 
authorities. In accordance with institutional guidelines, the Directors 
are seeking renewal of these authorities at the 2020 AGM. 

In accordance with the resolutions passed by shareholders at the 
AGM on 16 May 2019, the Directors are launching an Odd-lot Offer on 
11 March 2020. The Odd-lot Offer will enable the Company to purchase, 
at a 5% premium to the market price, the Ordinary Shares held by 
those shareholders who hold fewer than 100 Ordinary Shares in the 
Company, and who do not choose to retain their shareholding. For 
more information on the Odd-lot Offer please refer to quilter.com/olo.

Following the completion of the sale of Quilter Life Assurance to 
Reassure Group plc, the Directors will be commencing a share buyback 
programme to purchase shares with a value of up to £375 million 
subject to remaining within certain pre-set parameters. The share 
buyback programme will be subject to staged regulatory and 
Board approval.

Significant agreements (change of control)
All the Company’s Plans contain provisions relating to a change of 
control. In the event of a change of control, outstanding awards and 
options may be lapsed and replaced with equivalent awards over 
shares in the new company, subject to the Board Remuneration 
Committee’s discretion. Alternatively, outstanding awards and options 
may vest and become exercisable on a change of control subject, 
where appropriate, to the assessment of performance at that time 
and pro-rating of awards.

Short term incentive (“STI”) awards may continue to be paid in respect 
of the full financial year pre and post change of control, or a pro-rated 
STI award may be paid in respect of the portion of the year that has 
elapsed at the point of change of control. Exceptionally, the Board 
Remuneration Committee may exercise its discretion to waive pro-rating.

Directors’ indemnities
Qualifying third party indemnity provisions (as defined by section 234 
of the Companies Act 2006) were in force during the course of the 
financial year ended 31 December 2019 for the benefit of the then 
Directors and, at the date of this report, are in force for the benefit of 
the Directors in relation to certain losses and liabilities which they may 
incur (or have incurred) in connection with their duties, powers and 
office. In addition, the Company maintains Directors’ and Officers’ 
Liability Insurance which gives appropriate cover for legal action 
brought against its Directors.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

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Strategic ReportFinancial statementsOther informationGovernance

Directors’ Report continued

Major shareholders
Major shareholders do not have different voting rights from those 
of other shareholders. As at 31 December 2019, the Company had 
been notified, in accordance with Rule 5 of the FCA’s DTRs, of the 
following holdings of voting rights in its Ordinary Share capital:

Name of shareholder

Allan Gray Unit Trust 
Management (RF) 
Proprietary Limited

Coronation Asset 
Management (Pty) Ltd

Equiniti Trust 
(Jersey) Limited2

Norges Bank

Prudential Portfolio 
Managers (South Africa) 
(PTY) Ltd

Public Investment 
Corporation of the Republic 
of South Africa

Number of  
voting rights 
attaching to  
Quilter shares

% interest in  
voting rights 
attaching to 
Quilter shares1

Nature of  
holding  
notified

68,880,114

3.62

Direct

247,622,893

13.02

Direct

63,153,255

75,840,737

3.32

3.99

Direct

Direct

91,942,798

4.83

Indirect

180,012,608

9.46

Direct

1  The percentage of voting rights detailed above was calculated at the time of the relevant 

disclosures made in accordance with Rule 5 of the FCA’s DTRs.

2  These shares are held by Equiniti Trust (Jersey) Limited in its capacity as trustee of the 

Quilter Employee Benefit Trust.

As at 3 March 2020, the latest practicable date for inclusion in this 
report, the following voting rights had been notified, in accordance with 
Rule 5 of the FCA’s DTRs:

Number of  
voting rights 
attaching to 
Quilter shares

% interest in  
voting rights 
attaching to 
Quilter shares1

Nature of  
holding  
notified

68,880,114

58,206,888

3.62

3.06

Direct

Indirect

268,624,985

14.12

Direct

Norges Bank

75,228,940

63,153,255

3.32

3.95

Direct

Direct and 
indirect

91,942,798

4.83

Indirect

Name of shareholder

Allan Gray Unit Trust 
Management (RF) 
Proprietary Limited

Bank of America 
Corporation

Coronation Asset 
Management (Pty) Ltd

Equiniti Trust 
(Jersey) Limited2

Prudential Portfolio 
Managers (South Africa) 
(PTY) Ltd

Public Investment 
Corporation of the Republic 
of South Africa

York Capital Management 
Global Advisors, LLC

1  The percentage of voting rights detailed above was calculated at the time of the relevant 

disclosures made in accordance with Rule 5 of the FCA’s DTRs. 

2  These shares are held by Equiniti Trust (Jersey) Limited in its capacity as trustee of the 

Quilter Employee Benefit Trust.

Information provided to the Company by major shareholders pursuant 
to the FCA’s DTRs is published via a Regulatory Information Service and 
is available at quilter.com/investor-relations. 

90

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Political donations
Quilter does not make monetary donations or gifts in kind to political 
parties, elected officials or election candidates. Accordingly, no such 
political donations were made in 2019. However, the Directors are 
seeking to renew the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ authority to make 
political donations not exceeding £50,000 in aggregate at the 2020 
AGM. This is for the purposes of ensuring that neither the Company nor 
its subsidiaries inadvertently breach Part 14 of the Companies Act 2006 
by virtue of the relevant definitions being widely drafted. Further 
information is available in the 2020 Notice of AGM.

Employment of disabled persons
Providing an environment where employees are safe and there is 
equality of opportunity is a key element in enabling our people to 
succeed and deliver the business strategy. Using our diversity and 
our relationships to learn from one another enables us to create one 
business that provides better opportunities for our people and better 
outcomes for our customers. We are committed to creating an inclusive 
culture which embraces diversity. We therefore promote equal 
opportunities and ensure that no applicant or colleague is subject to 
less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, marital status, 
nationality, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, responsibilities for 
dependents, or physical or mental disability. We are committed to 
continuing the employment of, and for arranging training for, 
employees who have become disabled while employed by Quilter. 
We select candidates for interview based on their skills, qualifications, 
experience and potential.

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

The Directors consider that the Annual Report and Accounts, taken 
as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s and 
the Group’s position and performance, business model and strategy.

Each of the Directors in office as at the date of this report, whose 
names are listed on pages 38 and 39, confirms that, to the best of his or 
her knowledge:
a)  the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
endorsed by the European Union, give a true and fair view of the 
assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company 
and the Group; and

b)  the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report include a fair review of the 
development and performance of the business and the position of 
the Company and the Group, together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that they face. 

180,012,608

75,455,999

9.46

3.97

Direct

Indirect

For further information on the comprehensive process followed by the 
Board in order to reach these conclusions please refer to the Board 
Audit Committee report on pages 52 to 56.

Governance
Directors’ Report

Disclosure of information to Auditor
Each person who is a Director of the Company as at the date of 
approval of this report confirms that:
a)  so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information 

of which the Company’s Auditor is unaware; and 

b)  the Director has taken all the steps that he or she ought to have 
taken as a Director in order to make him/herself aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s 
Auditor is aware of that information.

Auditors
Following a rigorous audit tender process carried out in 2019, 
the Directors are recommending the appointment of 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s statutory auditor at 
the 2020 AGM. For more information on the audit tender process, 
please refer to the Board Audit Committee report on pages 52 to 57. 

AGM
The 2020 AGM of Quilter plc will be held in the Presentation Suite, 
Millennium Bridge House, 2 Lambeth Hill, London EC4V 4AJ on 
Thursday 14 May 2020 at 11:00am (UK time). Details of the business 
to be transacted at the 2020 AGM are included in the Quilter plc 2020 
Notice of AGM which can be found at quilter.com/agm. We will 
continue to review the arrangements for holding the AGM in the light 
of the developing situation as the meeting date approaches. We will 
provide up to date information for shareholders on our AGM Hub at 
quilter.com/agm.

On behalf of the Board
Patrick Gonsalves
Company Secretary
11 March 2020

Quilter Annual Report 2019

91

Strategic ReportFinancial statementsOther informationFinancial 
statements

Financial statements
Detailed financial information 
provided within our financial 
statements and notes.

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 
Independent auditor’s report to the 
members of Quilter plc 
Primary financial statements 
Notes to the financial statements 
Appendices 
Parent company financial statements 

94

95
104
110
192
198

92

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Quilter Annual Report 2019

93

Financial statements

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 

in respect of the Annual Report and Accounts and the financial statements

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. 

Responsibility statement of the Directors in respect of the 
annual financial report
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
• the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the 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 strategic report includes a fair review of the development and 

performance of the business and the position of the issuer and the 
undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together 
with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

We consider the annual report and accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, 
balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary 
for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, 
business model and strategy. 

Signed on behalf of the Board.

Paul Feeney 
Chief Executive Officer 

Mark Satchel
Chief Financial Officer

11 March 2020

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 
they are required to prepare the Group consolidated financial 
statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the European Union (“IFRSs as adopted by 
the EU”) and applicable law and have elected to prepare the parent 
Company financial statements on the same basis.

Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view 
of the state of affairs of the Group and parent Company and of 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;
• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable, relevant and 

reliable;

• state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 

adopted by the EU;

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

• use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend 

to liquidate the Group or the parent Company or to cease operations, 
or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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 are responsible 
for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have general 
responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them 
to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud 
and other irregularities.

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

94

Quilter Annual Report 2019

 
 
Financial statements

Independent  
auditor’s report

to the members of Quilter plc

1. Our opinion is unmodified

We have audited the financial statements of Quilter  
plc (“the Company”) for the year ended 31  
December 2019 which comprise the consolidated  
income statement, consolidated statement of  
comprehensive income, reconciliation of adjusted  
profit to profit after tax, consolidated statement of  
changes in equity, consolidated statement of  
financial position and consolidated statement of  
cash flows, Company statements of financial  
position, cash flows and changes in equity, and the  
related notes, including the accounting policies in  
note 4.

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 31December  
2019 and of the Group’s profit for the year  
then ended;

— the Group financial statements have been  
properly prepared in accordance with  
InternationalFinancialReporting Standards as  
adopted by the European Union (IFRSs as  
adopted by theEU);

— the parent Companyfinancial statements have  
been properly prepared in accordance with  
IFRSs as adopted by the EU and as applied in  
accordance with the provisions of the  
Companies Act 2006; and

— the financial statements have been prepared in  
accordance with the requirements of the  
CompaniesAct 2006 and, as regards the Group  
financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS  
Regulation.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with  
International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs  
(UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities are  
described below. We believe that the audit  
evidence we have obtained is a sufficient and  
appropriate basis for our opinion. Our audit opinion  
is consistent with our report to the audit  
committee.

We were first appointed as auditor by the Directors in  
advance of our first audit for the year ended 31  
December 2018 prior to the Company becoming a  
public interest entity. The period of total uninterrupted  
engagement is for the two financial years ended 31  
December 2019 as a public-interest entity and 12years  
in total. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities  
under, and we remain independent of the Group in  
accordance with, UK ethical requirements including the  
FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest  
entities. No non-audit services prohibited by that  
standard were provided.

Overview

Materiality:  
Group financial  
statements asa  
whole

Coverage

£13.9m (2018:£11.0m)

4% (2018: 4%) ofnormalised  
profit beforetax attributableto
equityholders

95% (2018:90%) of Group
Profit beforetax

Key audit matters

vs 2018

New:Accounting  
for QLA disposal

Recurring risks

Valuation of goodwill

Parent Company risk:  
Valuation of  
investments in Group  
subsidiaries

(cid:379)(cid:377)

(cid:379)(cid:377)

Quilter Annual Report 2019

95

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

2. Key audit matters: our assessment of risks of material misstatement

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in the audit of the financial  
statements and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by  
us, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and  
directing the efforts of the engagement team. We summarise below the key audit matters, in arriving at our audit opinion above,  
together with our key audit procedures to address those matters and our findings from those procedures in order that the  
Company’s members as a body may better understand the process by which we arrived at our audit opinion. These matters  
were addressed, and our results are based on procedures undertaken, in the context of, and solely for the purpose of, our audit  
of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and consequently are incidental to that opinion, and  
we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

96

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Financial statements
Independent auditor’s report

Accounting for  
Quilter Life  
Assurance(“QLA”)  
disposal

Refer to page 52  
(Audit Committee  
Report), page 113  
(accountingpolicy)  
and page 129  
(financial  
disclosures).

The risk

Accounting for QLA disposal comprises the
following risk areas:

Subjective judgement in thepresentation  
of costs associated with continuing and  
discontinued operations:

When operations are discontinued,  
accounting standards require consideration of  
the allocation of expenses between  
continuing and discontinued. Only those  
costs that cease to be incurred by Quilter  
Group, following the completion of the sale  
of QLA, can be included in the results of  
discontinued operations. Due to some of the  
costs arising across the Group, significant  
judgement is required by the Directors in  
identifying the costs in relation to  
discontinued operations.

Subjective estimation involvedin  
determining gain on disposal:

The book value of the net assets of QLA as at  
the date of disposal is a significant input into  
the calculation of the gain on disposal in  
particular the value of long term insurance  
policyholder liabilities disposed of. The  
valuation of long term insurance policyholder  
liabilities was determined by Quilter’s  
actuaries and represents an area of  
subjective estimation requiring the selection  
of appropriate assumptions on maintenance  
expenses, persistency, mortality, and  
discount rates.

Judgement involved in determininggain  
on disposal

In addition, certain expenses were incurred  
during the disposal of QLA. Significant  
judgement was required to determine  
whether those expenses met thedefinition  
of transaction costs in accordance with  
accounting standards and appropriately  
included when calculating the gain on  
disposal.

Further, for certain transaction costs  
associated with the disposal of QLA,  
significant judgement was required to  
determine whether these transaction costs  
met the criteria to recognise a restructuring  
provision.

Our response

Our procedures included:

Proceduresin relation to presentation of costs  
associated with continuing and discontinued  
operations:
- Assessing principles: We assessed the Director’s
rationale on cost allocation betweendiscontinued  
and continuing operations against the criteria set  
out in accounting standards.

-

Test of details: For costs associated with  
discontinued operations,we assessed the nature  
of the cost by reviewing the underlying  
supporting documentation.

Procedures in relation to gainon disposal:

- Our sector experience: With regards to the long  

term insurance policyholder liabilities, we  
considered the Group's approach of setting  
assumptions and assessed whether it is consistent  
with the industry practice and the Group's  
documented approvalprocess.

- Benchmarking: With regards to the long term  
insurance policyholder liabilities, we utilised our  
own actuarial specialists to assist us in assessing  
and challenging certain assumptions used in the  
actuarial models and the process for setting and  
updating these assumptions. This included  
assessing the data used in the Group's analysis to  
set assumptions in the context of our own  
industry knowledge, external data and our views  
of experience to date.

- Assessing principles: We critically assessed and  
challenged management with regards expenses  
included as transaction costs against criteria in the  
accountingstandards.

- Assessing principles: We assessed the  

restructuring provisions and challenged the directors’  
assessment as to whether these expected costs  
meet the recognition criteria per the accounting  
standards.

-

Test of details: We tested a sample ofexpenses,  
representing 90% of the transaction costs to  
assess the appropriate classification of transaction  
costs associated with the disposal of QLA by  
reference to supportingdocumentation.

Our findings
We found the Group’s judgement in allocating expenses  
between continued and discontinuing operations to be
balanced.

We found the estimate in valuation of long term  
insurance policyholder liabilities tobebalanced.

In determining whether expenses met the definition of  
transaction costs, we found the Group’s judgement was  
balanced.

In determining the requirement for the recognition of  
restructuring provisions we found the Group’s  
judgement gave too much weight to the argument  
favouring the recognition of a provision and we have  
recorded an audit difference.

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Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Valuation of goodwill

Forecast-based valuation

Our procedures included:

The risk

Our response

(£350 million; 2018: £314m)

Refer to page 52 (AuditCommittee  
Report), page 113 (accounting  
policy) and page 149 (financial  
disclosures).

Goodwill is significant and the  
determination of the recoverableamount  
of each reportable segment is complex  
and involves a high level of judgement.  
The significant estimates arise over the  
discount rate, growth rate and cash flow  
forecasts which are key inputs in the  
valuation of goodwill.

The effect of these matters is that, as  
part of our risk assessment, we  
determined that the value in use that is  
used in the consideration of the valuation  
of goodwill has a high degree of  
estimation uncertainty, with a potential  
range of reasonable outcomes greater  
than our materiality for the financial  
statements as a whole, and possibly  
many times that amount. The financial  
statements note 13 disclose the  
sensitivity estimated by the Group.

— Our sector experience and benchmarking  
assumptions: We challenged thecash flow  
forecasts, including the consistency of  
forecasts applied across the Group.

We utilised our own corporate finance  
specialists to assist us in challenging the key  
assumptions and methodologies applied by  
the Group in the determination of discount  
rates, with reference to our ownindependent  
expectations, which were based on our  
industry knowledge and experience.

We assessed the recoverable value against  
the market capitalisation of the Group.

— Comparing valuations and historical  

assumptions: We compared forecasts to  
approved business plans and also previous  
forecasts to actual results to assess the  
performance of the business and the  
accuracy of forecasting. We also considered  
the appropriateness of the scenariosused in  
the context of our wider business  
understanding;

— Sensitivity analysis: We performed  

sensitivityanalyses on the key assumptions  
in the Advice and Wealth Management and  
Wealth Platforms cash generatingunits;and

— Assessing transparency: We assessed that  
the adequacy of the disclosures in relation to  
goodwill appropriately reflect the associated  
risks and the disclosures in relation to the  
sensitivity of the goodwill balance tochanges  
in key assumptions.

Our findings

We found the resulting estimate of the  
recoverable amount of goodwill was  
balanced (2018: balanced) with  
proportionate (2018: proportionate)  
disclosures of the related assumptions and  
sensitivities.

98

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Independent auditor’s report

Parent Company risk:

Parent Company risk:

Low risk, high value

Low risk, high value

Our procedures included:

Our procedures included:

The risk

The risk

Our response

Our response

Valuation of investmentsin  
Group subsidiaries

Valuation of investmentsin  
Group subsidiaries

(£2,235million;2018: £2,663m)

(£2,235million;2018: £2,663m)

Page 113 (accounting policy)and  
Page 113 (accounting policy)and  
page 203 (financialdisclosures).
page 203 (financialdisclosures).

The carrying amount of the Parent  
The carrying amount of the Parent  
Company’s investments insubsidiaries  
Company’s investments insubsidiaries  
represents 67% (2018:79%) of the  
represents 67% (2018:79%) of the  
Parent Company’s total assets.
Parent Company’s total assets.
Significant estimates arise over the  
Significant estimates arise over the  
discount rate, growth rate and cash flow  
discount rate, growth rate and cash flow  
forecasts which are key inputs in the  
forecasts which are key inputs in the  
valuation of investments in subsidiaries.  
valuation of investments in subsidiaries.  
Further, the materiality of the  
Further, the materiality of the  
investments in the contextof the Parent  
investments in the contextof the Parent  
Company financial statements is  
Company financial statements is  
significant.
significant.

— Tests of detail: We compared the carrying  
— Tests of detail: We compared the carrying  
amount of the total investment balance for  
amount of the total investment balance for  
all investments (2018: 97%) with the  
all investments (2018: 97%) with the  
relevantsubsidiaries’ draft balance sheets to  
relevantsubsidiaries’ draft balance sheets to  
identify whether their net assets, being an  
identify whether their net assets, being an  
approximationof their minimum recoverable  
approximationof their minimum recoverable  
amount, were in excess of their carrying  
amount, were in excess of their carrying  
amount.
amount.

— For all investments (2018: 97%), we  

— For all investments (2018: 97%), we  

assessed the recoverable value of thetotal  
assessed the recoverable value of thetotal  
investment balance using cash flow  
investment balance using cash flow  
forecasts and assessed the recoverable  
forecasts and assessed the recoverable  
value of investments against the carrying  
value of investments against the carrying  
amount of the total investmentbalance.
amount of the total investmentbalance.

— Procedures performed over cash flow  

— Procedures performed over cash flow  

forecasts and the related assumptionsare  
forecasts and the related assumptionsare  
described in the section on valuation of  
described in the section on valuation of  
goodwill above; and
goodwill above; and

— Assessing subsidiary audits: As Group  

— Assessing subsidiary audits: As Group  
auditors, we assessed the work performed  
auditors, we assessed the work performed  
by the subsidiary audit teams on that  
by the subsidiary audit teams on that  
sample of those subsidiaries and considered  
sample of those subsidiaries and considered  
the results of that work, on those  
the results of that work, on those  
subsidiaries’profits and net assets.
subsidiaries’profits and net assets.

Our finding

Our finding

We found the valuation of investments in Group  
We found the valuation of investments in Group  
subsidiaries to be balanced (2018:balanced).
subsidiaries to be balanced (2018:balanced).

Following the sale of QLA on 31 December 2019, the Group no longer holds long term insurance policyholder liabilities and  
Following the sale of QLA on 31 December 2019, the Group no longer holds long term insurance policyholder liabilities and  
customer remediation provisions on its consolidated statement of financial position at the year end. We therefore removed the  
customer remediation provisions on its consolidated statement of financial position at the year end. We therefore removed the  
“Valuation of long term insurance policyholder liabilities” and “Valuation of the voluntary customer remediation provision” as key  
“Valuation of long term insurance policyholder liabilities” and “Valuation of the voluntary customer remediation provision” as key  
audit matters from the current year report.
audit matters from the current year report.

We continue to perform procedures over Level 3 investments and securities. However, following a revised assessment of the  
We continue to perform procedures over Level 3 investments and securities. However, following a revised assessment of the  
valuation uncertainty included within this balance, we have not assessed this as one of the significant risks in our current year audit  
valuation uncertainty included within this balance, we have not assessed this as one of the significant risks in our current year audit  
and, therefore, it is not separately identified in our report this year.
and, therefore, it is not separately identified in our report this year.

We also previously reported a key audit matter in respect of the impact of uncertainties due to the UK exiting the European Union.  
We also previously reported a key audit matter in respect of the impact of uncertainties due to the UK exiting the European Union.  
As a result of developments since the prior year report, including the Group’s own preparation, the relative significance of this  
As a result of developments since the prior year report, including the Group’s own preparation, the relative significance of this  
matter on our audit work has reduced. Accordingly, we no longer consider this a key audit matter.
matter on our audit work has reduced. Accordingly, we no longer consider this a key audit matter.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

99

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

3. Our application of materialityand an overview of the  

scope of our audit

Materiality for the Group financial statements as a wholewas set  
at £13.9 million, determined with reference to a benchmark of  
Group profit before tax attributable to equity holders. We set the  
benchmark to include both continuing operations and QLA given  
that QLA was part of the Group before the disposal on 31  
December 2019. The benchmark was also normalised by £163  
million to exclude tax attributable to policyholder returns, profit  
on the disposal of QLA, business transformation costs,  
managed separation costs and impact of acquisition accounting  
as disclosed in note 7. Our materiality represents 4% (2018:
4%) of the normalised profit beforetax.

Materiality for the parent company financial statements as a  
whole was set at £6 million (2018: £9 million), determined with  
reference to a benchmark of total assets.

We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected  
or uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding £0.69  
million, in addition to other identified misstatements that  
warranted reporting on qualitativegrounds.

Of the Group’s 7 (2018: 9) reporting components, we subjected  
6 (2018: 8) to full scope audits for Group purposes and 1 (2018:
1) to an audit of specific account balances.

The components within the scope of our work accounted for the  
percentages illustrated opposite.

The remaining 4% of total Group revenue, 5% of Group profit  
before tax and 1% of total Group assets is represented by non-
reporting components, none of which individually represented  
more than 5% of any of total Group revenue or Group profit  
before tax. For these residual components, we performed  
analysis at an aggregated Group level to re-examine our  
assessment that there were no significant risks of material  
misstatement within these.

The Group team instructed component auditors as to the  
significant areas to be covered, including the relevant risks  
detailed above and the information to be reported back. The  
Group team approved the components’ materiality, which  
ranged from £3 million to £10 million, having regard to the mix of  
size and risk profile of the Group across the components. The  
work on 6 of the 7 components (2018: 8 of the 9 components)  
was performed by component auditors and the rest, including  
the audit of the parent company, was performed by the Group  
team. The Group team performed procedures on the items  
excluded from normalised Group profit before tax.

In addition, we applied materiality of £556 million to the  
classification of unit-linked assets and liabilities and reinsured  
balances in the consolidated statement of financial position,  
consolidated income statement and related notes, determined  
with reference to a benchmark of total assets, of which it  
represents 0.75%. This materiality was applied solely for our  
work on matters for which a misstatement is likely only to lead  
to a reclassification between line items, in accordance with FRC  
Practice Note 20 The audit of Insurers in the United Kingdom.

We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any  
corrected or uncorrected classification misstatementsin  
unit-linked assets and liabilities exceeding £27.8 million  
for the related accounts.

100

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Normalised profit before tax
£335m (2018: £279m)

Group Materiality
£13.9m (2018:£11m)

£13.9m
Whole financial  
statements materiality  
(2018: £11m)

£10m (2018: £9m)
Range of materiality at 7  
components (£3m-£10m)  
(2018: £2m to £9m)

Normalised profit before tax  
Group materiality

£0.69m
Misstatements reported to the  
audit committee (2018:
£0.55m)

Group revenue

Group profit before tax

4

96%

(2018:96%)

96

5

95%

(2018:90%)

95

Group total assets

Group profit before exceptional  
items and tax

1

99%

(2018:99%)

99

6

94%

(2018:100%)

94

Full scope for group audit purposes 2019  

Residual components

4. We have nothing to report on going concern

The Directors have prepared the financial statements on the  
going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the  
Company or the Group or to cease their operations, and as  
they have concluded that the Company’s and the Group’s  
financial position means that this is realistic. They have also  
concluded that there are no material uncertainties that could  
have cast significant doubt over their ability to continue as a  
going concern for at least a year from the date of approval  
of the financial statements (“the going concern period”).
Our responsibility is to conclude on the appropriateness of  
the Directors’ conclusions and, had there been a material  
uncertainty related to going concern, to make reference to  
that in this audit report. However, as we cannot predict all  
future events or conditions and as subsequent events may  
result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements  
that were reasonable at the time they were made, the  
absence of reference to a material uncertainty in this  
auditor's report is not a guarantee that the Group and the  
Company will continue in operation.

In our evaluation of the Directors’ conclusions, we  
considered the inherent risks to the Group’s and  
Company’s business model, and analysed how those risks  
might affect the Group’s and Company’s financial  
resources or ability to continue operations over the going  
concern period. We evaluated those risks and concluded  
that they were not significant to require us to perform  
additional audit procedures.

Based on this work, we are required to report toyou if:

— we have anything material to add or draw attention to in  
relation to the Directors’ statement in Note 1 to the  
financial statements on the use of the going concern  
basis of accounting with no material uncertainties that  
may cast significant doubt over the Group and  
Company’s use of that basis for a period of at least  
twelve months from the date of approval of the  
financial statements;or

— the related statement under the Listing Rules set out  
on page 88 is materially inconsistent with our audit  
knowledge.

We have nothing to report in these respects, and we did  
not identify going concern as a key audit matter.

Financial statements
Independent auditor’s report

5. We have nothing to report on the other informationin  

the Annual Report

The Directors are responsible for the other information  
presented in the Annual Report together with the financial  
statements. Our opinion on the financial statements does  
not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not  
express an audit opinion or, except as explicitly stated  
below, any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in  
doing so, consider whether, based on our financial  
statements audit work, the information therein is materially  
misstated or inconsistent with the financial statements or  
our audit knowledge. Based solely on that work we have  
not identified material misstatements in the other  
information.

Strategic report and Directors’ report

Based solely on our work on the other information:

— we have not identified material misstatements in the  

strategic report and the Directors’ report;

— in our opinion the informationgiven in those reports for  

the financial year is consistent with the financial  
statements; and

— in our opinion those reports have beenpreparedin  

accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

Directors’ remuneration report

In our opinion the part of the Directors’ Remuneration  
Report to be audited has been properly prepared in  
accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

Disclosures of principal risks and longer-term viability

Based on the knowledge we acquired during our financial  
statements audit, we have nothing material to add or draw  
attention to in relation to:

— the Directors’ confirmation within the Group’s viability  
statement on page 35 that they have carried out a  
robust assessment of the principal risks facing the  
Group, including those that would threaten its business  
model, future performance, solvency and liquidity;
— the PrincipalRisks disclosuresdescribingthese risks  
and explaining how they are being managed and  
mitigated;and

— the Directors’ explanation in the Group’s viability  

statement of how they have assessed the prospects of  
the Group, over what period they have done so and why  
they considered that period to be appropriate, and their  
statement as to whether they have a reasonable  
expectation that the Group will be able to continue in  
operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the  
disclosures drawing attention to any necessary  
qualifications or assumptions.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the  
Group’s viability statement. We have nothing to report in  
this respect.

Our work is limited to assessing these matters in the  
context of only the knowledge acquired during our financial  
statements audit. As we cannot predict all future events or  
conditions and as subsequent events may result in  
outcomes that are inconsistent with judgments that were  
reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of  
anything to report on these statements is not a guarantee  
as to the Group’s and Company’s longer-termviability.

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101

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Corporate governance disclosures  

7. Respective responsibilities

We are required to reportto you if:

Directors’ responsibilities

— we have identifiedmaterial inconsistencies betweenthe  
knowledge we acquired during our financial statements  
audit and the Directors’ statement that they consider  
that the annual report and financial statements taken as  
a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and  
provides the information necessary for shareholders to  
assess the Group’s position and performance,business  
model and strategy;or

— the section of the annual report describing the work of  
the Audit Committee does not appropriately address  
matters communicated by us to the Audit  
Committee.

We are required to report to you if the Corporate  
Governance Statement does not properly disclose a  
departure from the eleven provisions of the UK  
Corporate Governance Code specified by the  
Listing Rules for our review.

We have nothing to report in these respects.

6. We have nothing to report on the other matters on  

which we are required to report by exception

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 informationand  

explanations we require for ouraudit.

We have nothing to report in these respects.

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

Auditor’s responsibilities

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about  
whether the financial statements as a whole are free from  
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or other  
irregularities (see below), or error, and to issue our opinion  
in an auditor’s report. Reasonable assurance is a high level  
of assurance, but does not guarantee that an audit  
conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect  
a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can  
arise from fraud, other irregularities or error and are  
considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they  
could reasonably be expected to influence the economic  
decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial  
statements.
A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the  
FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.

Irregularities – ability to detect

We identified areas of laws and regulations that could  
reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the  
financial statements from our general commercial and  
sector experience, and through discussion with the  
Directors and other management (as required by auditing  
standards), and from inspection of the Group’s regulatory  
and legal correspondence and discussed with the  
Directors and other management the policies and  
procedures regarding compliance with laws and  
regulations. We communicated identified laws and  
regulations throughout our team and remained alert to  
any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit.

The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the  
financial statements varies considerably.

Firstly, the Group is subject to laws and regulations that  
directly affect the financial statements including financial  
reporting legislation (including related companies  
legislation), distributable profits legislation, pension  
legislation and taxation legislation and we assessed the  
extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as  
part of our procedures on the related financial statement  
items.

102

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Independent auditor’s report

Secondly the Group is subject to many other laws and  
regulations where the consequences of non- compliance  
could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in  
the financial statements,for instance through the imposition  
of fines or litigation or the loss of the Group’s licence to  
operate. We identified the following areas as those most  
likely to have such an effect: health and safety, anti-bribery,  
employment law, regulatory capital and liquidity, conduct  
including suitability of advice and certain aspects of  
company legislation recognising the financial and regulated  
nature of the Group’s activities and its legal form. Auditing  
standards limit the required audit procedures to identify  
non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry  
of the directors and other management and inspection of  
regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Through these  
procedures, we became aware of actual or suspected non-
compliance and considered the effect as part of our  
procedures on the related financial statement items. The  
identified actual or suspected non-compliance was not  
sufficiently significant to our audit to result in our response  
being identified as a key audit matter.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an  
unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some  
material misstatements in the financial statements, even  
though we have properly planned and performed our audit  
in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the  
further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations  
(irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected  
in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently  
limited procedures required by auditing standards would  
identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a  
higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may  
involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions,  
misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls.We  
are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and  
cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws  
and regulations.

8. The purpose of our auditwork and to whom weowe  

our responsibilities

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 and the terms of our engagement by  
the company. 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  
the further matters we are required to state to them in  
accordance with the terms agreed with the company, and  
for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by  
law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone  
other than the Companyand the Company’smembers, as a  
body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions  
we have formed.

Jonathan Mills

(Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor

Chartered Accountants
15 CanadaSquare  
London
E14 5GL

11 March 2020

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103

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

 Consolidated income statement

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Revenue
Fee income and other income from service activities
Investment return
Other income

Total revenue

Expenses
Insurance contract claims and changes in liabilities
Change in investment contract liabilities
Fee and commission expenses, and other acquisition costs
Change in third party interest in consolidated funds
Other operating and administrative expenses
Finance costs1

Total expenses

Profit/(loss) before tax from continuing operations
Tax (expense)/credit attributable to policyholder returns

(Loss)/profit before tax attributable to equity holders from continuing operations

Income tax (expense)/credit
Less: tax expense/(credit) attributable to policyholder returns

Tax credit attributable to equity holders

(Loss)/profit after tax from continuing operations 
Profit after tax from discontinued operations

Profit after tax

Attributable to:
Equity holders of Quilter plc

Earnings per ordinary share on profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of Quilter plc

Basic
From continuing operations (pence)
From discontinued operations (pence)

Basic earnings per ordinary share (pence)

Diluted
From continuing operations (pence)
From discontinued operations (pence)

Diluted earnings per ordinary share (pence)

Year ended  
31 December  
2019
£m

Year ended  
31 December  
2018
£m

936
6,866
22

7,824

(1)
(5,810)
(294)
(917)
(740)
(17)

(7,779)

45
(98)

(53)

(66)
98

32

(21)
167

146

954
(2,712)
35

(1,723)

(1)
2,499
(398)
369
(750)
(16)

1,703

(20)
61

41

86
(61)

25

66
422

488

146

488

(1.1)
9.1

8.0

(1.1)
8.9

7.8

3.5
23.1

26.6

3.5
23.0

26.5

Notes

8(a)

8(b)

26(c)

9(a)

9(b)

9(e)

10(a)

10(a)

5(c)

11(b)

5(c)

11(b)

11(b)

5(c)

11(b)

1The Group has initially applied IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019 using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, comparative information is not restated and the cumulative effect of 
initially applying IFRS 16 is recognised in retained earnings at the time of initial application.

The attached notes on pages 110 to 197 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

104

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Profit after tax
Exchange losses on translation of foreign operations

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to income statement

Measurement movements on defined benefit plans
Tax on amounts related to defined benefit pension plans

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to income statement

Total other comprehensive expense, net of tax

Total comprehensive income

Attributable to:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Equity holders of Quilter plc

Notes

32

5(d)

Year ended 
31 December 
 2019
£m
146
(1)

Year ended 
31 December 
 2018
£m
488
–

(1)

(7)
1

(6)

(7)

139

(28)
167

139

–

–
–

–

–

488

66
422

488

The attached notes on pages 110 to 197 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

105

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Reconciliation of adjusted profit to profit after tax

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Advice and Wealth Management
Wealth Platforms
Head Office

Adjusted profit before tax before reallocation
Reallocation of QLA costs2
Adjusted profit before tax

Adjusted for the following:
Goodwill impairment and impact of acquisition accounting
Profit on business disposals
Business transformation costs
Managed Separation costs
Finance costs
Policyholder tax adjustments
Voluntary customer remediation provision

Total adjusting items before tax

Notes

6(b)

7(a)(i)

5(b)

7(a)(ii)

7(a)(iii)

7(a)(iv)

7(a)(v)

7(a)(vi)

(Loss)/profit before tax attributable to equity holders
Tax attributable to policyholder returns
Income tax (expense)/credit

10(a)

10(a),(b)

(Loss)/profit after tax

Adjusted earnings per share

Year ended 31 December 2019

Year ended 31 December 2018 

Continuing 
operations
£m
103
112
(33)

Discontinued 
operations¹
£m
–
53
–

182
(26)
156

(54)
–
(77)
(6)
(10)
(62)
–

(209)

(53)
98
(66)

(21)

53
26
79

–
103
–
–
–
(12)
10

101

180
76
(89)

167

Total
£m
103
165
(33)

235
–
235

(54)
103
(77)
(6)
(10)
(74)
10

(108)

127
174
(155)

146

Continuing 
operations
£m
102
105
(31)

Discontinued 
operations¹
£m
26
57
–

176
(28)
148

(50)
–
(84)
(24)
(13)
64
–

(107)

41
(61)
86

66

83
28
111

–
290
–
–
–
37
–

327

438
(97)
81

422

Total
£m
128
162
(31)

259
–
259

(50)
290
(84)
(24)
(13)
101
–

220

479
(158)
167

488

Adjusted profit before tax before reallocation
Shareholder tax on adjusted profit before reallocation

Adjusted profit after tax before reallocation

Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions)

Adjusted basic earnings per share (pence)

Diluted weighted average number of ordinary 
shares (millions)

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (pence)

Year ended 31 December 2019

Year ended 31 December 2018

Continuing 
operations
£m
182
(22)

Discontinued 
operations
£m
53
(3)

160

8.7

50

2.7

8.6

2.7

Notes

10(c)

11(b)

11(a)

11(b)

11(a)

11(b)

Total
£m
235
(25)

210

1,835

11.4

1,863

11.3

Continuing 
operations
£m
176
(13)

Discontinued 
operations
£m
83
2

163

8.9

85

4.6

8.9

4.6

Total
£m
259
(11)

248

1,832

13.5

1,839

13.5

1Discontinued operations includes the results of the Quilter Life Assurance (“QLA”) business. In 2018, it also includes the Single Strategy business up to the date of its disposal in June 2018. 
For further details of the Group’s segmentation, see note 6.
2Adjusted profit from continuing operations includes £26 million of costs (2018: £28 million) previously reported as part of the QLA business which has been reclassified from discontinued 
to continuing operations as these costs do not transfer to ReAssure on disposal at 31 December 2019. See note 5(c) for further information.

Basis of preparation of adjusted profit
Adjusted profit is one of the Group’s Alternative Performance Measures and reflects the Directors’ view of the underlying performance of the 
Group. It is used for management decision-making and internal performance management and is the profit measure presented in the Group’s 
segmental reporting. Adjusted profit is a non-GAAP measure which adjusts the IFRS profit for specified items as detailed in note 7(a).

Adjusted profit excludes significant costs or income that are non-operating or one-off in nature, which includes but is not limited to: the impact of acquisition 
accounting and any impairment of goodwill, any profit or loss on business acquisitions and disposals, costs related to business transformation, and finance 
costs on external borrowings. Adjusted profit also treats policyholder tax (adjusted to remove the impact of non-operating tax items) as a pre-tax charge (to 
offset against the related income collected from policyholders). Full details of the Group’s adjusting items are described in note 7(a).

Adjusted earnings applied in the calculation of adjusted earnings per share is calculated based on adjusted profit after tax. The calculation of the 
adjusted weighted average number of shares includes own shares held in policyholders’ funds.

The Board Audit Committee regularly reviews the use of adjusted profit to confirm that it remains an appropriate basis on which to analyse the 
operating performance of the business. The Group seeks to minimise such changes in order to maintain consistency over time. The Committee 
assesses refinements to the policy on a case-by-case basis.

The attached notes on pages 110 to 197 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

106

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements

 Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 31 December 2019

31 December 2019
Shareholders’ equity at beginning of the year
Adjustment on initial application of IFRS 16 (net of tax)1

Notes

Balance at 1 January 2019
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive expense
Total comprehensive income
Dividends
Release of merger reserve
Movement in own shares
Equity share–based payment transactions2

12

24(b)

25(e)

Total transactions with the owners of the Company

Balance at 31 December 2019

31 December 2018
Balance at 1 January 2018
Profit for the year
Total comprehensive income
Dividends
Acquisition of entities due to Managed 
Separation restructure
Issue of share capital
Movement in own shares
Equity share–based payment transactions2
Change in participation in subsidiaries
Aggregate tax effects of items recognised 
directly in equity

Notes

12

24(b)

24(a)

25(e)

Total transactions with the owners of the Company

Share  
capital
£m
133
–

Share 
premium
£m
58
–

Merger 
reserve
£m
588
–

Share-based 
payments 
reserve
£m
34
–

Other 
reserves
£m
1
–

Retained 
earnings
£m
1,191
(5)

133
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

133

58
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

58

588
–
–
–
–
(439)
–
–

(439)

149

34
–
–
–
–
–
–
11

11

45

1
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

1

1,186
146
(7)
139
(92)
439
(2)
15

360

1,685

Share  
capital
£m
130
–
–
–

Share 
premium
£m
58
–
–
–

Merger 
reserve
£m
–
–
–
–

Share-based 
payments 
reserve
£m
38
–
–
–

Other 
reserves
£m
1
–
–
–

Retained 
earnings
£m
872
488
488
(221)

–
3
–
–
–

–

3

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

591
(3)
–
–
–

–

588

588

–
–
–
7
(12)

1

(4)

34

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

1

–
–
5
35
12

–

(169)

1,191

Total 
share-
holders’
equity
£m
2,005
(5)

2,000
146
(7)
139
(92)
–
(2)
26

(68)

2,071

Total 
share-
holders’
equity
£m
1,099
488
488
(221)

591
–
5
42
–

1

418

2,005

Balance at 31 December 2018

133

58

1The Group has initially applied IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019 using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, comparative information is not restated and the cumulative effect 
of initially applying IFRS 16 is recognised in retained earnings at the time of initial application.
2Equity–settled share–based payment transactions of £26 million (December 2018: £42 million) consists of IFRS 2 costs of £26 million (December 2018: £27 million). In the year ended 
31 December 2019, £15 million has transferred from share-based payments reserve to retained earnings representing share–based payment schemes that have fully vested (December 2018: 
£35 million). The year ended 31 December 2018 also included a transfer of £15 million previously recognised within liabilities to the share-based payment reserve, including cash awards that 
were converted to equity–settled awards.

The attached notes on pages 110 to 197 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

107

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

 Consolidated statement of financial position

At 31 December 2019

Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment2
Investments in associated undertakings
Deferred acquisition costs
Contract costs
Loans and advances
Financial investments
Reinsurers’ share of policyholder liabilities
Deferred tax assets
Current tax receivable
Trade, other receivables and other assets3
Derivative assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity and liabilities
Equity

Ordinary Share capital
Ordinary Share premium reserve
Merger reserve
Share-based payments reserve
Other reserves
Retained earnings

Total equity

Liabilities
Insurance contract liabilities
Investment contract liabilities
Third-party interests in consolidated funds
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities

Current tax payable
Borrowings and lease liabilities2
Trade, other payables and other liabilities
Contract liabilities and deferred revenue
Derivative liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Notes

13

14

22

22

15

16

26

28(a)

28(c)

21

17

23(a)

24(a)

24(a)

24(b)

26

26

27

28(b)

28(c)

29

30

31

17

At  
31 December 
20191
£m

At  
31 December  
 2018 
£m

592
143
1
–
455
217
59,345
–
43
13
424
32
2,473

63,738

133
58
149
45
1
1,685

2,071

–
52,455
7,675
64
88

6
335
836
191
17

550
17
2
11
551
222
59,219
2,162
38
47
530
46
2,395

65,790

133
58
588
34
1
1,191

2,005

602
56,450
5,116
94
59

5
197
999
226
37

61,667

63,738

63,785

65,790

1The Group has initially applied IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019 using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, comparative information is not restated and the cumulative effect 
of initially applying IFRS 16 is recognised in retained earnings at the time of initial application.
2Following the adoption of IFRS 16, the Group has presented right-of-use assets within Property, plant and equipment and lease liabilities within Borrowings and lease liabilities.
3The Group’s contract assets are now included within Trade, other receivables and other assets, having previously been shown separately on the statement of financial position.

Approved by the Board on 11 March 2020.

Paul Feeney 
Chief Executive Officer 

Mark Satchel
Chief Financial Officer

The attached notes on pages 110 to 197 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

108

Quilter Annual Report 2019

 
 
Financial statements

 Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the year ended 31 December 2019

The cash flows presented in this statement cover all the Group’s activities (continuing and discontinued operations and cash that is held for sale) 
and includes flows from both policyholder and shareholder activities. All cash and cash equivalents are available for use by the Group except for 
cash and cash equivalents in consolidated funds.

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit/(loss) before tax from continuing operations
Profit before tax from discontinued operations
Non-cash movements in profit before tax
Net changes in working capital2
Taxation paid

Total net cash (used in)/from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities
Net disposals/(acquisitions) of financial investments
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of intangible assets
Acquisition of interests in subsidiaries2,3
Net proceeds from the disposal of interests in subsidiaries

Total net cash from/(used in) investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to ordinary equity holders of the Company
Finance costs on external borrowings
Payment of interest on lease liabilities
Payment of principal lease liabilities
Proceeds from issue of subordinated and other debt
Subordinated and other debt repaid

Total net cash used in financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

Year ended  
31 December
20191
£m

Year ended 
31 December  
2018
£m

45
256
(2,268)
(39)
(37)

(2,043)

2,260
(8)
(5)
(87)
78

2,238

(92)
(10)
(3)
(13)
–
–

(118)

77
2,395
1

2,473

(20)
341
584
(662)
(92)

151

(366)
(7)
(4)
13
350

(14)

(221)
(8)
–
–
497 
(516)

(248)

(111)
2,507
(1)

2,395

Notes

5(c)

23(b)

23(c)

23(a)

1The Group has initially applied IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019 using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, comparative information is not restated and the cumulative effect 
of initially applying IFRS 16 is recognised in retained earnings at the time of initial application.
2There has been a £7 million reallocation between net changes in working capital and acquisitions of interests in subsidiaries in respect of the comparative figures to conform with the current 
year presentation of contingent consideration payments (see note 5(a)).
3The acquisition of interests in subsidiaries balance also includes £21 million paid in the year in respect of contingent consideration payments relating to historical acquisitions.

The attached notes on pages 110 to 197 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

109

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies

For the year ended 31 December 2019

General information
Quilter plc (the “Company”), a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom (“UK”), together with its subsidiaries 
(collectively, the “Group”) offers investment and wealth management services, long-term savings and financial advice through its subsidiaries and 
associates primarily in the UK with a presence in a number of cross-border markets.

The address of the registered office is Millennium Bridge House, 2 Lambeth Hill, London EC4V 4AJ.

The Company was, until 25 June 2018, a wholly owned subsidiary of Old Mutual plc, a FTSE-100 listed group. The Company formed part of the Old 
Mutual Wealth division of Old Mutual plc, for which it acted as a holding company and delivered strategic and governance oversight. On 25 June 
2018, Quilter plc was listed on the London and the Johannesburg Stock Exchanges and is no longer part of the Old Mutual plc Group.

1: Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of Quilter plc for the year ended 31 December 2019 have been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as endorsed by the European Union (“EU”), and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to those 
reporting under IFRS.

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain financial instruments, 
and are presented in pounds sterling, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates. 

The separate financial statements of the Company are on pages 188 to 196. The Company financial statements are prepared in accordance with 
the Group’s accounting policies, other than for investments in subsidiaries, which are stated at cost less impairments in accordance with IAS 27 
Separate Financial Statements.

Going concern
The Directors have considered the resilience of the Group, taking into account its current financial position, the principal risks facing the business 
and the effectiveness of the mitigating strategies which are or will be applied. As a result, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to 
manage its business risks in the context of the current economic outlook and have sufficient financial resources to continue in business for a 
period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these consolidated financial statements, and continue to adopt the going concern basis 
in preparing the consolidated financial statements. 

Basis of consolidation
The Group’s consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and the results of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries 
are those entities, including investment funds, controlled by the Group. More information on how the Group assesses whether it has control over 
an entity is provided in accounting policy 4(a). Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date the Group obtains control and are excluded from 
consolidation from the date the Group loses control. 

Where necessary, adjustments are made to financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used in line with Group policies. 
All intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised surpluses and deficits on transactions between Group companies are eliminated on 
consolidation.

During the current year, the Group has disposed of the Quilter Life Assurance (“QLA”) business. Details of the disposal, together with all acquisitions 
and disposals in the periods, are included within note 5. QLA, and the related profit on disposal, are presented within the Group’s consolidated 
income statement as a discontinued operation for the current and prior year.

Liquidity analysis of the statement of financial position
The Group’s statement of financial position is in order of liquidity as is permitted by IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements. For each asset and 
liability line item, those amounts expected to be recovered or settled after more than twelve months after the reporting date are disclosed 
separately in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements 
The preparation of financial statements requires management to exercise judgement in applying the Group’s significant accounting policies and 
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. The Group Audit 
Committee reviews these areas of judgement and estimates and the appropriateness of significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation 
of these financial statements.

The Group’s critical accounting judgements are detailed below and are those that management makes when applying its significant accounting 
policies and that have the most effect on the amounts recognised in the Group’s financial statements.

110

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Basis of preparation and significant 
accounting policies

1: Basis of preparation continued
Critical accounting estimates and judgements continued

Area

Critical accounting judgements 

Consolidation of 
investment funds 

The Group’s interest in investment funds can fluctuate according to the Group’s participation in them as clients’ underlying 
investment choices change. The Group exercises judgement in assessing its level of power, exposure to variable returns and 
its ability to use such power to affect those returns relative to the power of other investors in those funds, when evaluating 
the need to consolidate those funds. In particular, management uses its judgement when assessing rights held by other 
parties including substantive removal (“kick-out” rights).

Related notes

4(a)

Recognition of provisions 
and contingent liabilities 
in respect of Lighthouse 
complaints

Complaints were received after the reporting date in relation to advice provided by Lighthouse before its acquisition by the 
Group. Judgement is required to determine whether a provision can be reasonably estimated in relation to the complaints 
and whether redress is probable, and therefore whether a provision can be recognised. Judgement is also required to 
determine the treatment for advice where no complaint has been received and there is no present obligation, and these 
cases have been treated as a contingent liability.

5(a), 27, 
34, 39

Discontinued  
operations

Apportionment of 
Goodwill to business 
disposals

Recognition of  
provisions following  
the disposal of QLA

Management judgement was applied in the classification of the QLA business (disposed in December 2019) as a discontinued 
operation. Management concluded that QLA represented a separate major line of business, being the Group’s closed book 
of legacy business and as such, met the discontinued operations criteria, restating prior year comparatives accordingly. 
Judgement has also been applied in the reallocation of specific on-going costs to the Group’s continuing operations that will 
remain in the business after the disposal of QLA.

Judgement was applied in the allocation of goodwill in relation to the QLA business, impacting the profit on disposal of that 
business. The allocation was based on QLA’s fair value relative to the other businesses within the Wealth Platforms cash 
generating unit (“CGU”). 

The Group has exercised significant judgement in determining the accounting treatment for a number of provisions 
in respect of the disposal of QLA. The disposal of QLA has led to a series of business activities related to the sale of the 
business resulting in costs to separate the business from the Group, including its separation from a significant number of 
shared IT systems. Provisions have been established where costs are either contractual within the disposal agreement or 
represent a constructive liability in respect of ancillary work to separate the businesses. Significant judgement was required 
to assess whether the costs were directly attributable and incremental to the sale and whether a legal or constructive 
obligation existed in order to recognise certain provisions.

Uncertain tax  
position 

Due to the complexity of tax law, the tax treatment of specific transactions may be uncertain. In assessing uncertain 
tax positions, the Group considers the likelihood that the tax authority may take a different view to that reached by 
management. In that regard, the Group has exercised judgement in assessing the accounting tax position in relation 
to transactions undertaken as part of the demerger from Old Mutual plc in 2018.

5(c)

13(c)

27

28

The Group’s critical accounting estimates are shown below and involve the most complex or subjective assessments and assumptions, which 
have a significant risk of resulting in material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. Management 
uses its knowledge of current facts and circumstances and applies estimation and assumption setting techniques that are aligned with relevant 
actuarial and accounting guidance to make predictions about future actions and events. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Area

Critical accounting estimates

Consolidation of 
investment funds

Provision for cost of 
Lighthouse complaints

Goodwill and  
intangible assets

Where the Group consolidates investment funds, estimation is required in some circumstances when sourcing the 
up-to-date financial information, aligned to the Group’s reporting date. In instances where financial information is 
unavailable for the Group’s reporting dates, the Group sources the most recently available financial information for those 
funds, as the best reliable estimate.

An estimation of the provision required for the complaints received was determined based upon a sample of cases which 
was deemed representative of the broader population to form a reasonable estimate. The estimation per case is based 
upon FCA guidelines and modelling performed, based upon factors including pension transfer value, discount rate, and 
retail price indexation. The sample was then extrapolated to the entire population of complaint cases.

The valuation of goodwill and intangible assets that are recognised as the result of a business combination involves 
the use of valuation models. During the current year, these assets have arisen on the acquisition of the Charles Derby Group, 
Lighthouse Group and various smaller adviser businesses. In relation to goodwill impairment, the determination of a CGU’s 
recoverable value is based on the discounted value of the expected future profits of each business. Significant estimates 
include forecast cash flows, new business growth and discount rates. Estimation was also used in the valuation of goodwill 
attributable to the disposal of the QLA business.

Valuation of  
investments 

Where quoted market prices are not available, valuation techniques are used to measure financial investments. 
When valuation techniques use significant unobservable inputs they are subject to estimation uncertainty and are 
categorised as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Matching liabilities are similarly categorised as level 3.

Insurance contracts 
measurement and the 
impact upon profit on 
disposal of QLA

Measurement  
of deferred tax

Measurement of insurance contracts involves significant use of assumptions including mortality, morbidity, persistency, 
expense valuation and interest rates. This measurement impacted upon the closing net asset value of QLA, and therefore 
the profit recognised by the Group on the disposal of QLA.

The estimation of future taxable profits is performed as part of the annual business planning process, and is based 
on estimated levels of assets under management, which are subject to a large number of factors including worldwide stock 
market movements, related movements in foreign exchange rates and net client cash flow, together with estimates of 
expenses and other charges. The business plan, adjusted for known and estimated tax sensitivities, is used to determine the 
extent to which deferred tax assets are recognised. In general the Group assesses recoverability based on estimated taxable 
profits over a 3 year planning horizon. Where credible longer term profit forecasts are available (e.g. for the life insurance 
companies) the specific entity may assess recoverability over a longer period, subject to a higher level of sensitivity testing.

Related notes

4(a)

27

13

19

5(b)
26

28

Quilter Annual Report 2019

111

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

1: Basis of preparation continued
Critical accounting estimates and judgements continued
During the year, the Group reassessed its critical accounting estimates and judgements and no longer considers the judgements and estimates 
relating to the classification and measurement of insurance contracts to be critical to the Group, following the sale of the QLA business (see note 
5(b) for further details of the sale). In addition, the estimates and judgements involved in the recognition and measurement of the voluntary 
customer remediation provision is no longer relevant to the Group as the provision was part of the QLA net assets sold.

2: New standards, amendments to standards, and interpretations adopted by the Group
The Group adopted IFRS 16 Leases for the first time in 2019. The Group has applied the simplified transition approach and has not restated 
comparative amounts for the period prior to initial adoption. The impact of adopting this new standard is outlined in note 4(s).

The Group has also adopted IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments during the year ended 31 December 2019. This interpretation sets out 
how to determine taxable profits/losses, tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits and tax rates (collectively referred to as the “accounting 
tax position”) where there is uncertainty over treatment. In applying IFRIC 23, the Group has made judgements on whether tax authorities will 
accept the Group’s tax filing position and estimated the likely impact on the Group’s tax assets and liabilities. The adoption of this interpretation 
during 2019 has had no material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements other than a reduction in unrecognised deferred tax 
assets (see note 28). 

Other standards:
In addition to IFRS 16 and IFRIC 23, the following amendments to the accounting standards, issued by the International Accounting Standards 
Board (“IASB”) and endorsed by the EU, have been adopted by the Group from 1 January 2019 with no material impact on the Group’s consolidated 
results, financial position or disclosures:
• Amendments to IFRS 9 Financial Instruments – Prepayment features with negative compensation.
• Amendments to IAS 28 Investments in Associates – Long-term interests in associates and joint ventures.
• Amendments to IAS 19 Employee Benefits – Plan amendments, curtailments or settlements.
• Annual improvements to IFRSs 2015-2017 Cycle – Amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations, IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements, IAS 12 Income Taxes 

and IAS 23 Borrowing Costs.

3: Future standards, amendments to standards, and interpretations not early-adopted in these financial statements
Certain new standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards have been published by the IASB that are mandatory for the 
Group’s annual accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020. The Group has not early adopted these standards, interpretations and 
amendments, nor does the Group expect these to have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements. 

•  IFRS 17 Insurance contracts

The IASB issued IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts in May 2017. When IFRS 17 is endorsed by the EU, it will replace its interim predecessor, IFRS 4 
Insurance Contracts. IFRS 17 is a comprehensive standard which provides a single accounting model for all insurance contracts. IFRS 17 will 
replace a wide range of different accounting practices previously permitted, improving transparency and enabling investors and regulators to 
understand and compare the financial position and performance of an insurer, irrespective of where they are based geographically. 

The Group completed the sale of QLA to ReAssure on 31 December 2019. Following the sale, the impact of IFRS 17 is significantly reduced 
for the Group with only a small number of insurance contracts remaining in the Quilter International business. 

The measurement model
The use of current estimates at each reporting date and an explicit risk adjustment to measure obligations created by insurance contracts, 
provides up to date information about cash flows and associated risk and timing. “Day one” profits are deferred and recognised in the income 
statement through the release of the contractual service margin (“CSM”), which has the effect of recognising revenue as services are provided. 
This principle is consistent with the treatment in IFRS 15.

Presentation and disclosure
Insurers’ financial statements will be differently presented under IFRS 17. Insurers will be required to provide information about sources of profit 
or losses from insurance and investment related services, comprising insurance revenue and insurance service expenses (underwriting activity), 
as well as finance income or expense (investing activity). New performance metrics and KPIs will be required to explain business results to the 
investment community. Disclosure requirements focus on amounts recognised in the financial statements, significant judgements and changes 
in those judgements, as well as information about the nature and extent of risks that arise from insurance contracts.

Effective date
The IASB published an exposure draft Amendments to IFRS 17 in June 2019 proposing that the effective date of IFRS 17 be deferred by one year, 
such that it would apply to entities with annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022. The standard is yet to be endorsed by the EU. 

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Basis of preparation and significant 
accounting policies

4: Significant accounting policies
The Group’s significant accounting policies are described below. Any changes to the Group’s significant accounting policies as a result of changes 
in accounting standards during the year are detailed in note 4(s).

4(a): Group accounting
Subsidiaries
Subsidiary undertakings are those entities (investees) controlled by the Group. The Group controls an investee if, and only if, the Group has all of 
the following three elements of control:
• power over the investee;
• exposure or rights to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and
• the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. 

For operating entities this usually arises with a shareholding in the entity of 50% or more. The Group also consolidates certain of its interests in 
open-ended investment companies (“OEICs”), unit trusts, mutual funds and similar investment vehicles (collectively “investment funds”). Where, 
as is often the case with investment funds, voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in deciding who controls the investee, other factors 
are considered in the control assessment. These are described in more detail below. 

The Group continually assesses any changes to facts and circumstances to determine, in the context of the three elements of control listed above, 
whether it still controls investees and is required to consolidate them. 

Investment funds
The Group invests in a wide range of investment funds such as OEICs and unit trusts generally in respect of its unit-linked investment contracts 
where investments are made to match clients’ investment choices. For some of these funds it also acts as fund manager. These funds invest 
predominantly in equities, bonds, cash and cash equivalents. The Group holds interests in these investment funds mainly through the receipt of 
fund management fees, in the case where the Group acts as fund manager, which provide a variable return based on the value of the funds under 
management and other criteria, and in the case of third-party funds where fund performance has an impact on fund-based fees within unit-linked 
investment contracts and other similar client investment products. Where the Group acts as fund manager it may also hold investments in the 
underlying funds, through acquiring units or shares. Where these investments are held in unit-linked funds, the Group has a secondary exposure 
to variable returns through the management fees that it deducts from unit-linked policyholders’ account balances. The Group’s percentage 
ownership can fluctuate from day to day according to the Group’s participation in them as clients’ underlying investment choices change. 

When assessing control of investment funds, the Group considers the purpose and design of the fund, scope of its decision-making authority, 
including its ability to direct relevant activities and to govern the operations of a fund so as to obtain variable returns from that fund and its ability 
to use its power to affect these returns, both from the perspective of an investor and an asset manager. In addition, the Group assesses rights held 
by other parties including substantive removal (“kick-out” rights) that may affect the Group’s ability to direct relevant activities. 

On consolidation, the interests of parties other than the Group are classified as a liability in the Group’s statement of financial position and are 
described as “Third-party interests in consolidated funds”. Such interests are not recorded as non-controlling interests (“NCIs”) as they meet the 
liability classification requirement set out in IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation. These liabilities are regarded as current, as they are repayable 
on demand, although it is not expected that they will be settled in a short time period. 

Business combinations
The Group is required to use the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Business combinations are accounted for at the 
date that control is achieved (the acquisition date). The cost of a business combination is measured as the aggregate of the fair values (at the date 
of exchange) of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. 

The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition under IFRS 3 Business Combinations 
are recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date.

If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Group 
reports provisional amounts. Where provisional amounts are reported these are adjusted during the measurement period which extends up to 
a maximum of 12 months from the acquisition date. Additional assets or liabilities may also be recognised during this period, to reflect any new 
information obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the date of acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the 
amounts recognised as on that date.

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Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

4: Significant accounting policies continued
4(a): Group accounting continued
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets of the acquired 
entity at the date of acquisition. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred. 

Upon disposal, the Group derecognises a subsidiary or disposal group on the date on which control passes. The consolidated income statement 
includes the results of a subsidiary or disposal group up to the date of disposal. The difference between the proceeds from the disposal of a 
subsidiary undertaking and its carrying amount as at the date of disposal, including the cumulative amount of any related exchange differences 
that are recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve equity, is recognised in the consolidated income statement as the gain or loss on 
disposal of the subsidiary undertaking.

Common control combinations
Merger accounting is used by the Group for common control combinations, which are transactions between entities that are ultimately controlled 
by the same party or parties. This method treats the merged entities as if they had been combined throughout the current and comparative 
accounting periods. Merger accounting principles for these combinations result in the recognition of a merger reserve in the consolidated 
statement of financial position, being the difference between the nominal value of any new shares issued by the parent company for the acquisition 
of the shares of the subsidiary and the subsidiary’s Net Asset Value (“NAV”). Such transactions attract merger relief under section 612 of the 
Companies Act 2006. 

4(b): Fair value measurement
The Group uses fair value to measure the majority of its assets and liabilities. Fair value is a market based measure and is the price that would be 
received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. For a financial 
instrument, the best evidence of fair value at initial recognition is normally the transaction price, which represents the fair value of the consideration 
given or received. 

Where observable market prices in an active market, such as bid or offer (ask) prices are unavailable, fair value is measured using valuation 
techniques based on the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. If an asset or a liability measured at fair 
value has a bid or an offer price, the price within the bid-offer spread that is most representative of fair value is used as the basis of the fair value 
measurement.

The quality of the fair value measurement for financial instruments is disclosed by way of the fair value hierarchy, whereby Level 1 represents a 
quoted market price for identical financial assets and liabilities, Level 2 financial assets and liabilities are valued using inputs other than quoted 
prices in active markets included in Level 1, either directly or indirectly and Level 3 whereby financial assets and liabilities are valued using valuation 
techniques where one or more significant inputs are unobservable. 

Classifying financial instruments into the three levels outlined above provides an indication about the reliability of inputs used in determining fair 
value. More information is provided in note 19.

4(c): Product classification
The Group’s life assurance contracts included in the Wealth Platforms segment are categorised as either insurance contracts or investment 
contracts, in accordance with the classification criteria set out in the paragraphs below. 

Insurance contracts
The Group’s insurance contracts include traditional life and health insurance contracts including for the latter stand-alone critical illness and 
long-term care policies (all within the disposed QLA business), as well as the unbundled insurance component of unit-linked contracts (described in 
more detail below in the “hybrid insurance and investment contracts – unbundling” section). Life assurance contracts are categorised as insurance 
contracts at the inception of the contract only if the contract transfers significant insurance risk. Insurance risk is significant if, and only if, an 
insured event could cause the Group to make significant additional payments in any scenario, excluding scenarios that lack commercial substance. 
Such contracts remain insurance contracts until all rights and obligations are extinguished or expire. It is possible to reclassify contracts as 
insurance contracts after inception if insurance risk becomes significant. 

IFRS accounting for insurance contracts in UK companies was “grandfathered” at the date of transition to IFRS and determined in accordance with 
the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting for Insurance Business (issued by the Association of British Insurers and subsequently 
withdrawn from 1 January 2015), which adjusted solvency I balances to remove certain regulatory reserves and margins in assumptions.

Investment contracts
Investment contracts do not meet the definition of an insurance contract as they do not transfer significant insurance risk from the policyholder 
to the insurer. Unit-linked investment contracts are separated into two components being an investment management services component and 
a financial liability. The financial liability component is mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) as it is managed on a fair value basis, 
and its value is directly linked to the market value of the underlying portfolio of assets. The Group does not directly benefit economically from 
returns from the assets held to match policyholder liabilities, apart from secondary exposure to future annual management fees that the Group 
expects to receive over the life of the policy.

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Basis of preparation and significant 
accounting policies

4: Significant accounting policies continued
4(c): Product classification continued
“Hybrid” insurance and investment contracts – unbundling
Generally, life and pensions contracts allow for a single classification at product class level. For those contracts containing both an insurance 
component and an investment component, the Group has elected to unbundle these contracts and account for each component separately. 
This approach has been applied to a number of the Group’s unit-linked assurance business contract types where a significant component of 
insurance risk exists.

4(d): Fee income and other income from service activities
Fee income and other income from service activities represent the fair value of services provided, net of value-added tax. Within Quilter, all 
businesses act as a principal with the only exception to this being in Quilter Investors where the management of certain funds is outsourced to 
external fund managers.

Premium based fees
This relates to non-refundable fees taken on receipt of clients’ investments and recognised on receipt over the life of the contract, in line with the 
performance obligation associated with the contract in respect of the administration of the underlying client records and client benefits. Where 
fees are received, either at inception or over an initial period for services not yet provided, the income is deferred and recognised as contract 
liabilities on the statement of financial position and released to the income statement as services are provided over the lifetime of the contract 
(see note 31 for further information). 

In addition this also includes fees in respect of advice provided to clients, when the advice has been provided to the client and the financial 
adviser’s performance obligation has been fully delivered. Accordingly, fee income is recognised at the inception of the financial product sold. 

Fund based fees
This is periodic fee income based on the market valuation of the Group’s investment contracts. It is calculated and recognised on a daily basis 
in line with the provision of investment management services.

Fixed fees
This is periodic fee income which is fixed in value according to underlying contract terms and relates to the provision of services and transactional 
dealing fees. It is recognised on provision of the transaction or service.

Surrender fees
Surrender fee income relates to client charges received on the surrender of an investment contract or insurance contract, which is based on the 
value of the policy and recognised on surrender of the policy.

Other fee and commission income
This includes charges taken from unit-linked funds to meet future policyholder tax liabilities. Depending on the nature of the tax liability, the 
charges are either recognised at the point a transaction occurs on the unit-linked fund, or annually. This also includes fee and commission income 
within consolidated funds’ income statements. 

4(e): Investment return
Investment return comprises two elements (a) investment income and (b) realised and unrealised gains and losses on investments held at FVTPL. 

Investment income
Investment income includes dividends on equity securities which are recorded as revenue on the ex-dividend date and interest income which is 
recognised using the effective interest rate method which allocates interest and other finance costs at a constant rate over the expected life of the 
financial instrument. 

Realised and unrealised gains and losses
A gain or loss on a financial investment is only realised on disposal or transfer and represents the difference between the proceeds received, net 
of transaction costs, and its original cost (or amortised cost). Unrealised gains or losses, arising on investments which have not been disposed or 
transferred, represent the difference between carrying value at the year end and the carrying value at the previous year end or purchase value 
(if this occurs during the year), less the reversal of previously recognised unrealised gains or losses in respect of disposals made during the year. 

Gains and losses resulting from changes in both market value and foreign exchange on investments classified at FVTPL are recognised in the 
consolidated income statement in the period in which they occur. 

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Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

4: Significant accounting policies continued
4(f): Premiums
Premiums receivable under insurance contracts are shown in the income statement gross of commission and exclude sales-based taxes and 
levies. For regular (and recurring) premium contracts, receivables are recognised when payments are due. Premiums in respect of other insurance 
contracts are recognised in the income statement when receivable, apart from premiums received in respect of unit-linked insurance contracts 
(see below). Where policies lapse due to non-receipt of premiums, then all the related premium income accrued but not received from the date 
they are deemed to have lapsed is offset against premiums.

Premiums received in respect of unit-linked insurance contracts are recognised when the corresponding liability to the policyholder is established. 
For single premium business, this is the date from which the policy is effective. 

4(g): Deferred acquisition costs and contract costs
Investment contracts
Incremental costs, including fee and commission expenses, that are directly attributable to securing either unit-linked investment contracts or 
other asset management services are deferred and recognised as contract costs. Contract costs are linked to the contractual right to benefit from 
providing investment management services; they are therefore amortised through the income statement consistent with the transfer to the 
customer of the services to which the contract relates.

Insurance contracts 
Incremental costs directly attributable to securing an insurance contract, such as initial commission and the costs of obtaining and processing 
such business are deferred and a deferred acquisition cost (“DAC”) asset recognised, to the extent that they are expected to be recovered out of 
future margins. 

Insurance DAC is amortised as an expense on a straight line basis, adjusted for expected persistency, over the expected life of the contract, as the 
services are provided (equal service provision assumed) but subject to a restriction whereby it is no longer than the period in which such costs are 
expected to be recoverable out of future margins.

At the end of each reporting period, contract costs and DAC are reviewed for recoverability, by category of business, against future margins from 
the related contracts. They are impaired in the income statement when they are no longer considered to be recoverable. 

4(h): Investment contract liabilities
The majority of the Group’s investment contracts are unit-linked contracts. At inception, investment contract liabilities for unit-linked business are 
classified as financial liabilities and measured at FVTPL. For these contracts, the fair value liability is equal to the total value of units allocated to the 
policyholders, based on the bid price of the underlying assets in the fund. The FVTPL classification reflects the fact that the matching investment 
portfolio, that backs the unit-linked liabilities, is managed, and its performance evaluated, on a fair value basis. 

Contributions received on investment contracts are treated as policyholder deposits and credited directly to investment contract liabilities on the 
statement of financial position, as opposed to being reported as revenue in the consolidated income statement. This practice is known as deposit 
accounting. Withdrawals paid out to policyholders on investment contracts are treated as a reduction to policyholder deposits, reducing the 
investment contract liabilities on the statement of financial position, as opposed to being recognised as expenses in the consolidated income 
statement. 

4(i): Insurance contract liabilities
Following the disposal of the Group’s QLA business (see note 5(b) for further details), insurance contract liabilities within the Group are £nil at year 
ended 31 December 2019.

Claims 
Insurance business claims reflect the cost of all claims arising during the year and include payments for maturities, annuities, surrender, death 
and disability claims, as well as claims handling costs, incurred in connection with the negotiation and settlement of claims. They are recognised 
as expenses in the income statement. Maturity and annuity claims are recorded as they fall due for payment. Death and disability claims and 
surrenders are accounted for when notified. Reinsurance recoveries, in respect of these claims, are accounted for in the same period as the 
related claim.

Insurance contract liabilities
The Group calculates its long-term insurance contract liabilities, based on local regulatory requirements and actuarial principles consistent with 
those applied in the local market. Liabilities are calculated using the gross premium valuation method, which is based on the amount of contractual 
premiums receivable and includes explicit assumptions for interest and discount rates, as well as for mortality, morbidity, persistency and future 
expenses. These assumptions are based on market data, internal experience data and also external data where either no internal experience data 
exists or where internal data is too sparse to give credible estimates of the true expectation of experience. Anticipated future trends have been 
allowed for in deriving mortality and morbidity assumptions. The liability for contractual benefits that are expected to be paid in the future is 
determined as the discounted value of the excess of future expected outgoings over future expected income. Future expected outgoings include 
claim costs, direct expenses and commissions. Future expected income includes premiums payable by policyholders. For anticipated future 
claims that have been incurred but not yet paid, the Group establishes a provision for outstanding claims. 

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Basis of preparation and significant 
accounting policies

4: Significant accounting policies continued
4(i): Insurance contract liabilities continued
The method used to determine these liabilities makes allowance for the level of risk and uncertainty inherent in the business by the use of margins 
for caution within the assumptions used to project future income and outgoings. The portion of premiums received that relates to unexpired risks 
as at the reporting period end is reported within the long-term insurance liabilities. The change in insurance contract liabilities, comprising the full 
movement in the corresponding liabilities during the period, is recognised in the income statement. 

Liability adequacy test
At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether the recognised insurance contract liabilities are adequate in light of current estimates of 
future cash flows. This liability adequacy test is performed by comparing the carrying value of the insurance contract liabilities and the discounted 
projections of future cash flows. If the carrying value is less than the future expected cash flows, the deficiency is initially recognised by writing 
down the DAC asset. The recoverability of the DAC asset is tested against present value of in-force (“PVIF”) business, determined on a best estimate 
basis, with any deficit written off the DAC asset immediately. Any required write down in excess of the value of the DAC asset is recognised in the 
income statement with a corresponding additional provision in the statement of financial position.

4(j): Reinsurance
Insurance contracts
The Group cedes reinsurance in the normal course of business for the purpose of limiting its claims costs. Ceded reinsurance contracts include 
arrangements where regular risk premiums are paid by the Group to the reinsurer and an agreed share of claims are paid by the reinsurer to the 
Group. These arrangements are in respect of underlying policies that are classified as insurance contracts. Accordingly, contracts with reinsurers 
are assessed to establish whether they contain significant insurance risk to justify such a classification. Only rights under contracts that give rise 
to a transfer of significant insurance risk are accounted for as reinsurers’ share of policyholder liabilities. 

Reinsurance premiums for ceded reinsurance are recognised as an expense on a basis that is consistent with the recognition basis for the 
premiums on the related insurance contracts. Reinsurance recoveries are recognised in the income statement in the same period as the related 
claim.

Reinsurance recoveries due from reinsurers and reinsurance premiums due to reinsurers under reinsurance contracts that are contractually due 
at the reporting date are separately recognised in other receivables and other payables respectively unless a right of offset exists, in which case 
the net amount is reported on the consolidated statement of financial position. Assets, liabilities, income and expenses arising from ceded 
reinsurance contracts are presented separately from the related assets, liabilities, income and expenses from the underlying insurance contracts 
because the reinsurance arrangements do not relieve the Group from its direct obligations to its policyholders.

The value of the benefits that the Group is entitled to under the ceded reinsurance arrangements are reported as “reinsurers’ share of 
policyholder liabilities” in the statement of financial position. This is calculated as the difference between the insurance contract liability assuming 
no reinsurance arrangement exists (the gross basis) and the liability with explicit allowance for all cash flows relating to the reinsurance 
arrangement (the net basis). Insurance contract liabilities are calculated quarterly on the gross and net bases taking into account all relevant 
experience effects. The reinsurers’ share of insurance provisions is updated consistently with these calculations. Any resulting movement in the 
reinsurers’ share of insurance provisions is recognised in the income statement.

Reinsurance assets are assessed for impairment at each reporting date. A reinsurance asset is impaired if there is objective evidence, as a result 
of an event that occurred after its initial recognition, that the Group may not recover all amounts due to it under the terms of the contract and that 
the event has an impact that can be measured reliably in respect of amounts expected to be received from the reinsurer. The reinsurers’ share of 
policyholder liabilities is updated for any impairment. Any resulting movement in the reinsurers’ share of policyholder liabilities is recognised in the 
income statement.

Investment contracts
Investments held on behalf of policyholders recognised by the Group that are fully managed by a third-party reinsurer are shown on the 
statement of financial position within reinsurers’ share of investment contract liabilities, with the corresponding liability to the policyholder 
included within liabilities for linked investment contracts.

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Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

4: Significant accounting policies continued
4(k): Financial instruments (other than derivatives)
Financial instruments cover a wide range of financial assets, including financial investments, trade receivables and cash and cash equivalents and 
certain financial liabilities, including investment contract liabilities, trade payables, and borrowings. Derivatives, which are also financial instruments, 
are covered by accounting policy 4(m). Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group’s statement of financial position when 
the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights 
to receive cash flows have expired or been forfeited by the Group. A financial liability is derecognised when the liability is extinguished.

The Group assesses the objective of a business model in which an asset is held at a portfolio level because this best represents the way the 
business is managed and information is reported to management. The assessment considers the stated portfolio policies and objectives. The 
Group determines its strategy in holding the financial asset, particularly considering whether the Group earns contractual interest revenue, for 
example to match the duration of financial assets to the duration of liabilities that are funding those assets or to realise cash flows through the sale 
of the assets. The frequency, volume and timing of sales in prior periods may be reviewed, along with the reasons for such sales and expectations 
about future sales activity. These factors enable management to determine which financial assets should be measured at FVTPL.

Initial measurement
A financial asset (unless it is a trade receivable without a significant financing component that is initially measured at the transaction price) is initially 
measured at fair value plus, for an item not at FVTPL, transaction costs that are directly attributable to its acquisition.

Subsequent measurement
The classification of financial assets depends on (i) the purpose for which they were acquired, (ii) the business model in which a financial asset is 
managed, and (iii) its contractual cash flow characteristics. The standard has four categories, of which two are applicable within the Group: FVTPL 
and amortised cost. This classification determines the subsequent measurement basis. The following accounting policies apply to the subsequent 
measurement of financial assets.

Measurement basis

Accounting policies

Financial assets at FVTPL

These financial assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Net gains and losses, including interest and dividend income, 
are recognised in profit or loss.

Amortised cost

These financial assets are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. The amortised 
cost is reduced by impairment losses. Interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognised in 
profit or loss. Any gain or loss on de-recognition is recognised in profit or loss.

Amortised cost
A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if it meets both of the following conditions and unless designated as FVTPL on initial recognition 
applying the Fair Value Option (see below):

• the asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and
• the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount 

outstanding on specified dates.

For the purposes of this assessment, principal is defined as the fair value of the financial asset on initial recognition. Interest is defined as 
consideration of the time value of money and for the credit risk associated with the principal amount outstanding during a particular period of time 
and for other basic lending risks and costs (e.g. liquidity risk and administrative costs), as well as profit margin.

Financial investments
All other financial assets that are not measured at amortised cost are classified and measured at FVTPL. This includes any derivative financial 
assets (the majority of which are as a result of the consolidated of funds, as described in note 4(a)). In addition, on initial recognition, the Group may 
irrevocably designate a financial asset that otherwise meets the requirements to be measured at amortised cost, at FVTPL, if doing so eliminates 
or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise (the Fair Value Option). 

The Group’s interests in pooled investment funds, equity securities and debt securities are mandatorily at FVTPL, as they are part of groups of 
financial assets which are managed and whose performance is evaluated on a fair value basis. These investments are recognised at fair value 
initially and subsequently, with changes in fair value recognised in investment return in the consolidated income statement.

The Group recognises purchases and sales of financial investments on trade date, which is the date that the Group commits to purchase or sell the 
assets. The costs associated with investment transactions are included within expenses in the consolidated income statement.

Loans and advances
Loans with fixed maturities, including policyholder loans, are recognised when cash is advanced to borrowers or policyholders. Policyholder loans 
are interest free and are mandatorily at FVTPL since they are taken from the policyholder’s unit-linked account and thereby matched to underlying 
unit-linked liabilities held at FVTPL, which are unaffected by the transaction. Other loans and advances are carried at amortised cost using the 
effective interest rate method. These assets are subject to the impairment requirements outlined below.

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Basis of preparation and significant 
accounting policies

4: Significant accounting policies continued
4(k): Financial instruments (other than derivatives) continued
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, call deposits, money market collective investment funds and other short-term deposits with 
an original maturity of three months or less.

Cash and cash equivalents held within money market collective investment funds are classified as FVTPL. All other cash and cash equivalents are 
classified as amortised cost which means they are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method and are subject to the impairment requirements outlined below. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, other than 
money market collective investment funds which are measured at fair value, approximates to their fair value. 

Financial liabilities and equity
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. At inception, 
investment contract liabilities for unit-linked business are designated as financial liabilities and measured at FVTPL. Other financial liabilities, 
including the Group’s borrowings and trade payables, are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Trade payables and receivables
Trade payables and receivables are classified at amortised cost. Due to their short-term nature, their carrying amount is considered to be the same 
as their fair value.

Investments in subsidiaries
Parent Company investments in subsidiary undertakings are initially stated at cost. Subsequently, investments in subsidiary undertakings are 
stated at cost less any provision for impairment. An investment in a subsidiary is deemed to be impaired when its carrying amount is greater than 
its estimated recoverable amount, and there is evidence to suggest that the impairment occurred subsequent to the initial recognition of the asset 
in the financial statements. All impairments are recognised in the Parent Company income statement as they occur.

Impairment of financial assets 
The expected loss accounting model for credit losses applies to financial assets measured at amortised cost, but not to financial assets at FVTPL. 
Financial assets at amortised cost include trade receivables, cash and cash equivalents (excluding money market collective investment funds 
which are measured at fair value) and loans and advances.

Credit loss allowances are measured on each reporting date according to a three stage expected credit loss (“ECL”) impairment model:

Performing financial assets:
Stage 1
From initial recognition of a financial asset to the date on which an asset has experienced a significant increase in credit risk relative to its initial 
recognition, a stage 1 loss allowance is recognised equal to the credit losses expected to result from its default occurring over the earlier of the 
next 12 months or its maturity date (“12-month ECL”).

Stage 2
Following a significant increase in credit risk relative to the initial recognition of the financial asset, a stage 2 loss allowance is recognised equal to 
the credit losses expected from all possible default events over the remaining lifetime of the asset (“Lifetime ECL”). 

The assessment of whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk requires considerable judgement, based on the lifetime probability 
of default (“PD”). Stage 1 and 2 allowances are held against performing loans; the main difference between stage 1 and stage 2 allowances is the 
time horizon. Stage 1 allowances are estimated using the PD with a maximum period of 12 months, while stage 2 allowances are estimated using 
the PD over the remaining lifetime of the asset.

Impaired financial assets:
Stage 3
When a financial asset is considered to be credit-impaired, the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) continues to represent lifetime expected credit 
losses. However, interest income is calculated based on the amortised cost of the asset, net of the loss allowance, rather than its gross carrying 
amount.

Application of the impairment model
The Group applies the ECL model to two main types of financial assets that are measured at amortised cost:
• Trade receivables to which the simplified approach prescribed by IFRS 9 is applied. This approach requires the recognition of a Lifetime ECL 

allowance on day one and thereafter.

• Loans at amortised cost, to which the general three stage model (described above) is applied, whereby a 12 month ECL is recognised initially 

and the balance is monitored for significant increases in credit risk which triggers the recognition of a Lifetime ECL allowance.

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Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

4: Significant accounting policies continued
4(k): Financial instruments (other than derivatives) continued
ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. ECLs for financial assets that are not credit-impaired at the reporting date are measured 
as the present value of all cash shortfalls (i.e. the difference between the cash flows due in accordance with the contract and the cash flows that the 
Group expects to receive). ECLs for financial assets that are credit-impaired at the reporting date are measured as the difference between the 
gross carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows. ECLs are discounted at the effective interest rate of the financial 
asset. The maximum period considered when estimating ECLs is the maximum contractual period over which the Group is exposed to credit risk.

The measurement of ECLs considers information about past events and current conditions, as well as supportable information about future 
events and economic conditions. The Group has implemented its impairment methodology for estimating the ACL, taking into account forward-
looking information in determining the appropriate level of allowance. In addition it has identified indicators and set up procedures for monitoring 
for significant increases in credit risk.

Credit-impaired financial assets
At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether financial assets carried at amortised cost are credit-impaired. A financial asset is credit-
impaired when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset have occurred. 
Evidence that a financial asset is credit-impaired includes events such as significant financial difficulty of the borrower or issuer, a breach of 
contract such as a default or past due event or the restructuring of a loan or advance by the Group on terms that the Group would not otherwise 
consider. The assumption that the credit risk for balances over 30 days significantly increases has been rebutted on the basis that some balances 
will exceed 30 days in the normal course of the settlement cycle, and therefore, there is no increase in the credit risk.

Presentation of impairment
Loss allowances for financial assets measured at amortised cost are deducted from the gross carrying amount of the assets.

Write-offs
Loans and debt securities are written off (either partially or in full) when there is no realistic prospect of the amount being recovered. This is 
generally the case when the Group concludes that the borrower does not have assets or sources of income that could generate sufficient cash 
flows to repay the amounts subject to the write-off.

4(l): Contract assets
Contract assets are classified as non-financial. Due to their short-term nature, their carrying amount is considered to be the same as their fair 
value.

The expected loss accounting model for credit losses applies to contract assets. The Group applies the ECL model to contract assets, which are 
measured at amortised cost. The simplified approach prescribed by IFRS 9 is applied to contract assets. This approach requires the recognition 
of a Lifetime ECL allowance on day one and thereafter.

4(m): Derivatives
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage well-defined foreign exchange risks arising out of the normal course of business in its 
International operations and uses forward foreign exchange contracts to reduce the currency risk on certain US Dollar, Euro and Swedish Krona 
denominated future revenues and accounts receivables balances. Management determines the classification of derivatives at initial recognition 
and classifies derivatives as mandatorily at FVTPL. All derivatives are carried as assets when their fair value is positive and as liabilities when their 
fair value is negative.

The only other derivatives recognised in the Group’s statement of financial position are as a result of the consolidation of funds (described in note 4(a)).

4(n): Employee benefits
Pension obligations
The Group operates two types of pension plans which have been established for eligible employees of the Group:
• Defined contribution schemes where the Group makes contributions to members’ pension plans but has no further payment obligations once 

the contributions have been paid.

• Defined benefit plans which provide pension payments upon retirement to members as defined by the plan rules. The Group has funded these 

liabilities by ring-fencing assets in trustee-administered funds. 

Defined contribution pension obligation
Under a defined contribution plan, the Group’s legal or constructive obligation is limited to the amount it agrees to contribute to a pension fund 
and there is no obligation to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay benefits. Contributions in respect of defined 
contribution schemes for current service are expensed in the income statement as staff costs and other employee-related costs when incurred.

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Financial statements
Basis of preparation and significant 
accounting policies

4: Significant accounting policies continued
4(n): Employee benefits continued
Defined benefit pension obligation
A defined benefit pension plan typically defines the amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement. For these plans, the 
Group’s defined benefit obligation is calculated by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method, which measures the pension 
obligation as the present value of estimated future cash outflows. The discount rate used is determined based on the yields for investment grade 
corporate bonds that have maturity dates approximating to the terms of the Group’s obligations. Plan assets are measured at their fair value at the 
reporting date. The net surplus or deficit of the defined benefit plan is recognised as an asset or liability in the statement of financial position and 
represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of the plan assets.

An asset is recognised only where there is an unconditional right to future benefits.

The current and past service cost curtailments and settlements are charged to other expenses in the income statement.

Remeasurements, which comprise gains and losses as a result of experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions, the actual return 
on plan assets (excluding interest) and the effect of the asset ceiling, are recognised immediately in other comprehensive income in the period in 
which they occur. Remeasurements are not reclassified to the income statement in subsequent periods. Administration costs (other than the 
costs of managing plan assets) are recognised in the income statement when the service is provided.

When the benefits of a plan are changed, or when a plan is curtailed, the portion of the changed benefit related to past service by employees, 
or the gain or loss on curtailment, is recognised immediately in the income statement when the plan amendment or curtailment occurs.

Employee share-based payments 
The Group operates a number of share incentive plans for its employees. These generally involve an award of shares or options in the Group 
(equity-settled share-based payments), but may also take the form of a cash award based on the share price of the Group (cash-settled share-
based payments).

The Group’s incentive plans have conditions attached before the employee becomes entitled to the award. These can be performance and/or 
service conditions (vesting conditions) or conditions that are often wholly within the control of the employee, for example where the employee has 
to provide funding during the vesting period, which is then used to exercise share options (non-vesting condition).

Performance conditions may be market based or non-market based. Market performance conditions are those related to an entity’s equity, 
such as achieving a specified share price or target based on a comparison of the entity’s share price with an index of share prices. Non-market 
performance conditions are those related to an entity’s profit or revenue targets, an example of which would be Earnings per Share (“EPS”). Market 
based performance conditions and non-vesting conditions are taken into account when estimating the fair value of the share or option awards at 
the measurement date. The fair value of the share awards or options is not adjusted to take into account non-market performance features. These 
are taken into consideration by adjusting the number of equity instruments in the share-based payment measurement and this adjustment is 
made each period until the equity instruments vest.

The fair value of share-based payment awards granted is recognised as an expense in the income statement over the vesting period which accords 
with the period for which related services are provided by the employee. A corresponding increase in equity is recognised for equity settled plans 
and a corresponding financial liability for cash settled plans.

For equity-settled plans, the fair value is determined at grant date and not subsequently re-measured. For cash settled plans, the fair value is 
re-measured at each reporting date and the date of settlement, with any changes in fair value recognised in the profit or loss for the period and the 
liability adjusted accordingly.

At each period end the Group reassesses the number of equity instruments expected to vest and recognises any difference between the revised 
and original estimate in the income statement with a corresponding adjustment to the share-based payments reserve in equity. 

At the time the equity instruments vest, the amount recognised in the share-based payments reserve in respect of those equity instruments is 
transferred to retained earnings.

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Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

4: Significant accounting policies continued
4(o): Tax
Current tax
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date 
and any adjustment to income tax payable in respect of previous years. Current tax is charged or credited to the income statement, except when 
it relates to items recognised directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.

Deferred tax
Deferred taxes are calculated according to the statement of financial position method, based on temporary differences between the tax base of 
assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected 
to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised.

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary 
differences can be utilised.

Deferred tax is charged or credited to the income statement, except when it relates to items recognised directly in equity or in other 
comprehensive income. In certain circumstances, as permitted by accounting guidance, deferred tax balances are not recognised. In particular, 
where the liability relates to the initial recognition of goodwill, or transactions that are not a business combination and at the time of their 
occurrence affect neither accounting nor taxable profit. Note 28(b) includes further detail of circumstances in which the Group does not recognise 
temporary differences.

Policyholder tax
Certain products are subject to tax on the policyholder investment returns. This ‘policyholder tax’ is an element of the Group’s total tax expense. 
To make the tax expense more meaningful, tax attributable to policyholder returns and tax attributable to equity holders’ profits is shown 
separately. 

The tax attributable to policyholder returns is the amount payable in the year plus the movement of amounts expected to be payable in future 
years. The remainder of the tax expense is attributed to shareholders as tax attributable to equity holders’ profits. 

4(p): Goodwill and intangible assets
The recognition of goodwill arises on the acquisition of a business and represents the premium paid over the fair value of the Group’s share of 
the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired at the date of acquisition. Intangible assets include intangible assets initially recognised as part of 
a business combination, purchased assets and internally generated assets, such as software development costs related to amounts recognised 
for in-house systems development.

Goodwill and goodwill impairment
Goodwill arising on the Group’s investments in subsidiaries is shown as a separate asset, while that on associates, where it arises, is included within 
the carrying value of those investments. Goodwill is recognised as an asset at cost at the date when control is achieved (the acquisition date) and is 
subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is not amortised but is subject to annual impairment reviews.

Goodwill is allocated to one or more cash-generating units (“CGUs”) expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, where the CGU 
represents the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets 
or group of assets. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least once annually, as a matter of course even if there is no indication of impairment, 
and whenever an event or change in circumstances occurs which indicates a potential impairment. For impairment testing, the carrying value of 
goodwill is compared to the recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and the fair value less costs of disposal. Any impairment loss 
is recognised immediately in profit or loss and is not subsequently reversed.

On disposal of an operation within a group of CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated, the goodwill associated with that operation is included 
in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal. It is measured based on the relative values of the operation 
disposed of and the portion of the CGU retained. 

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Financial statements
Basis of preparation and significant 
accounting policies

4: Significant accounting policies continued
4(p): Goodwill and intangible assets continued
Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination
Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination are recognised where they are separately identifiable and can be measured reliably. 
Acquired intangible assets consist primarily of contractual relationships such as customer relationships and distribution channels. Such items are 
capitalised at their fair value, represented by the estimated net present value of the future cash flows from the relevant relationships acquired at 
the date of acquisition. Brands and similar items acquired as part of a business combination are capitalised at their fair value based on a ‘relief from 
royalty’ valuation methodology.

Subsequent to initial recognition, acquired intangible assets are measured at cost less amortisation and any recognised impairment losses. 
Amortisation is recognised at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation less estimated residual value, using a straight-line method over their 
estimated useful lives as set out below:
• Distribution channels 
• Customer relationships 
• Brands 

8 years
10 years
5 years

The economic lives are determined by considering relevant factors such as usage of the asset, product life cycles, potential obsolescence, 
competitive position and stability of the industry. The amortisation period is re-evaluated at the end of each financial year end.

Internally developed software
There are a number of factors taken into account when considering whether internally developed software meets the recognition criteria in IAS 38 
Intangible Assets. Where, for example, a third-party provider retains ownership of the software, this will not meet the control criterion in the standard 
(i.e. the power to obtain benefits from the asset) and the costs will be expensed as incurred. 

Where it is capitalised, internally developed software is held at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Such software is 
recognised in the statement of financial position if, and only if, it is probable that the relevant future economic benefits attributable to the software 
will flow to the Group and its cost can be measured reliably.

Costs incurred in the research phase are expensed, whereas costs incurred in the development phase are capitalised, subject to meeting specific 
criteria, as set out in the relevant accounting guidance, the main one being that future economic benefits can be identified as a result of the 
development expenditure. Amortisation is charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the relevant software, 
which range between three and five years, depending on the nature and use of the software.

Subsequent expenditure
Subsequent expenditure on intangible assets is capitalised only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset 
to which it relates. All other expenditure is expensed as incurred.

Impairment testing for intangible assets
For intangible assets with finite lives, impairment charges are recognised where evidence of impairment is observed. Indicators of impairment 
can be based on external factors, such as significant adverse changes to the asset as part of the overall business environment and internal factors, 
such as worse than expected performance reflected in the Group’s three-year Business Plan. If an indication of impairment exists, the recoverable 
amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). The recoverable amount is calculated as the 
higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. If the recoverable amount of an intangible asset is estimated to be less than its carrying 
amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as an expense in the income 
statement immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation 
decrease. Where an intangible asset is not yet available for use it is subject to an annual impairment test by comparing the carrying value with the 
recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is estimated by considering the ability of the asset to generate sufficient future economic benefits 
to recover the carrying value.

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Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

4: Significant accounting policies continued
4(q): Assets and liabilities held for sale and discontinued operations
Assets (and disposal groups) are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount is expected to be recovered through a sales transaction rather 
than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as having been met only when the sale is highly probable and the asset (or disposal group) 
is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for 
recognition as a completed sale within one year of the date of classification. Assets and liabilities held for sale are presented separately in the 
consolidated statement of financial position. 

Assets and liabilities (and disposal groups) classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and their fair value less 
costs to sell. No depreciation or amortisation is charged on a non-current asset while classified as held for sale or while part of a disposal group 
once it has been classified as held for sale.

The Group classifies areas of the business as discontinued operations where they have been disposed of, or are classified as held for sale at the 
year end, which either represent a separate major line of business or geographical area, or are part of a plan to dispose of one, or are subsidiaries 
acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

When an asset (or disposal group) ceases to be classified as held for sale, the individual assets and liabilities cease to be shown separately in the 
statement of financial position at the end of the year in which the classification changes. Comparatives are not restated. If the line of business was 
previously presented as a discontinued operation and subsequently ceases to be classified as held for sale, profit and loss and cash flows of the 
comparative period are restated to show that line of business as a continuing operation.

Further information can be found in note 5.

4(r): Provisions and contingent liabilities
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is more probable than not 
that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made. 
Provisions are measured at management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the reporting date. Where the 
effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted and represent the present value of the expected expenditure. Provisions 
are not recognised for future operating costs or losses.

The Group recognises specific provisions where they arise for the situations outlined below:
• Client compensation and related costs, when the Group has decided to compensate clients in the context of providing fair customer outcomes.
• Onerous contracts, when the expected benefits to be derived by the Group from a contract are lower than the unavoidable cost of meeting the 

obligations under the contract.

• Corporate restructuring, only if the Group has approved a detailed formal plan and raised a valid expectation among those parties directly 

affected, that the plan will be carried out either by having commenced implementation or by publicly announcing the plan’s main features. Such 
provisions include the direct expenditure arising from the restructuring, such as employee termination payments but not those costs associated 
with the ongoing activities of the Group.

• Legal uncertainties and the settlement of other claims.

Contingent liabilities are possible obligations of the Group of which the timing and amount are subject to significant uncertainty. Contingent 
liabilities are not recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position, unless they are assumed by the Group as part of a business 
combination. They are however disclosed, unless they are considered to be remote. If a contingent liability becomes probable and the amount 
can be reliably measured it is no longer treated as contingent and recognised as a liability.

Contingent assets which are possible benefits to the Group are only disclosed if it is probable that the Group will receive the benefit. If such a benefit 
becomes virtually certain, it is no longer considered contingent and is recognised on the consolidated statement of financial position as an asset.

4(s): Changes in accounting policies
IFRS 16 Leases 
As outlined in note 2 above, the Group has adopted IFRS 16 Leases from 1 January 2019. 
At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys 
the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess where a contract conveys the right to 
control the use of an identified asset, the Group assesses whether:
• the contract involves the use of an identified asset which may be specified explicitly or implicitly, and should be physically distinct or represent 
substantially all of the capacity of a physically distinct asset. If the supplier has a substantive substitution right, then the asset is not identified;

• the Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset throughout the period of use; and
• the Group has the right to direct the use of the asset.

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Financial statements
Basis of preparation and significant 
accounting policies

4: Significant accounting policies continued
4(s): Changes in accounting policies continued
On transition to IFRS 16, the Group elected to apply the following practical expedients:
• apply a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with similar characteristics;
• not recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for contracts with a term of 12 months or less, or leases for low value items;
• use hindsight when determining the lease term if the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease; and
• not reassess contracts originally deemed to not be a lease contract under IAS 17 Leases and IFRIC 4 Determining whether an arrangement 

contains a lease. 

For lessee contracts, the right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of lease liability, adjusted for any 
lease payments made at or before the commencement date, and any initial direct costs incurred. Adjustments are also made, where appropriate, 
for dilapidation requirements and lease incentives received such as rent free periods. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value 
of the lease payments that are unpaid at the commencement date, discounted using the asset specific incremental borrowing rates. 

Subsequent to lease commencement, the Group measures the right-of-use asset using a cost model, whereby the asset is held at cost less 
accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment. Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight line basis to write 
down the cost of the right-of-use asset to its residual value over its estimated useful life which is dependent on the length of the lease. In addition, 
the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset may be adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability. The lease liability is subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method and also reflects any lease modifications or reassessments. 

The Group presents its right-of-use assets within “Property, plant and equipment” and lease liabilities within “Borrowings and lease liabilities” 
in the statement of financial position. The Group does not have any right-of-use assets that would meet the definition of investment property. 

In the period prior to the adoption of IFRS 16, leases were accounted for under IAS 17 and classified as operating leases. Payments associated 
with operating leases were recognised in the income statement on a straight line basis over the term of the lease and not disclosed in the Group’s 
statement of financial position.

Impacts on transition
On transition, the Group recognised right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, recognising the difference in retained earnings, with no impact to the 
income statement. Also on transition, rent free period equalisation and dilapidation provisions are included in the right-of-use assets and lease 
liabilities. Prior to IFRS 16, these provisions were recorded as separate items on the statement of financial position and so, on transition to IFRS 16, 
these provisions have been removed. The impact on transition is summarised below:

Right-of-use assets presented in Property, plant and equipment

Lease liabilities presented in Borrowings and lease liabilities

Rent free equalisation and dilapidation provision adjustment

Deferred tax adjustment

Adjustment to opening retained earnings

£m
74

(88)

8

1

(5)

When measuring the lease liabilities, the Group discounted the lease payments using the asset specific incremental borrowing rates at 1 January 
2019 which ranged from 1.6% to 3.7%, with a weighted average of 2.9%. The Group’s operating lease commitments where the Group is the lessee at 
31 December 2018 were valued at £98 million under IAS 17. Upon adoption of IFRS 16 on 1 January 2019, this was recalculated to £88 million using 
the asset specific incremental borrowing rates above. The simplified transition approach creates deferred tax implications, so as the corporation 
tax deduction is spread over the length of the remaining leases, the deferred tax is unwound over the same period.

Impacts for the period
In subsequent periods, the Group recognises depreciation charges on right-of-use assets and finance interest charges on lease liabilities in the 
income statement and, over the term of lease contracts, there is expected to be a broadly neutral impact to the income statement as the aggregate 
depreciation charges and finance interest charges replace office lease rental payments.

Details of the right-of-use assets and the finance charges on lease liabilities can be found in notes 14 and 29.

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2019

5: Acquisitions, disposals and discontinued operations
This note provides details of the Group’s acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries during the financial periods covered by these financial 
statements.

5(a): Business acquisitions
Business acquisitions completed during the year ended 31 December 2019
Charles Derby Group Limited acquisition:
On 14 February 2019, the Group acquired the Charles Derby Group (“CDG”) of companies (recently rebranded “Quilter Financial Advisers”). 
CDG is a financial planning business based in the UK. The acquisition complements the growth of Quilter Private Client Advisers which serves 
upper affluent and high net worth customers. CDG has over 200 restricted advisers (as at 31 December 2018), and represents the next stage 
of Quilter’s ambition to broaden out its national advice business. 

Prior to acquisition, the Group had previously invested £2 million for a 10% stake in CDG. At December 2018, the business was valued at 
£34 million, resulting in a fair value gain of £1 million being recognised, representing the increase in the value on the 10% share in the business. 
Immediately prior to acquisition, CDG undertook a share issue to other shareholders, which diluted the Group’s stake to 6%, with a fair value of 
£2 million. The resulting fair value loss of £1 million (reducing the carrying value from £3 million to £2 million) has been recognised by the Group 
in ‘other operating and administrative expenses’ in the consolidated income statement in 2019. On acquisition, the Group acquired the remaining 
share capital and associated voting rights.

The table below sets out the consolidated assets and liabilities acquired:

Assets
Intangible assets
Loans and advances
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade, other receivables and other assets

Total assets

Liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities
Trade, other payables and other liabilities

Total liabilities

Total net (liabilities)/assets acquired
Total consideration

Goodwill recognised

Acquiree’s 
 carrying  
amount
£m

1
1
1
2

5

–
(9)

(9)

(4)

Fair  
value
£m

15
1
1
2

19

(2)
(9)

(11)

8
31

23

After an initial cash payment of £15 million at acquisition, a further payment of £5 million was made on 1 April 2019. Further contingent payments 
based on a percentage of the level of assets under administration at 2020 and 2022 are expected to be made. Management’s best estimate of the 
net present value of these payments total £9 million. These amounts exclude the £2 million value of the 6% stake already held.

The purchase price has been allocated based on the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities at the date of acquisition determined in accordance 
to IFRS 3 Business Combinations. The allocation required significant use of assumptions regarding cash flows, profit margin and discount, attrition 
and growth rates.

Based on the purchase price of £31 million and the fair value of net liabilities acquired of £5 million (excluding acquired intangible assets 
of £1 million), the value of goodwill and intangible assets is £36 million. Intangible assets representing the value of customer advice contracts 
have been valued at £15 million, less an associated deferred tax liability of £(2) million, with an estimated useful life of 8 years over which the 
intangible assets and the associated tax provision will be amortised on a straight line basis. The balance of £23 million is recognised as goodwill 
in the statement of financial position.

The goodwill recognised is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes, and represents:
• net client cash flow, and fee earning productivity of the acquired advisers; 
• quality and experience of the existing executive team;
• creation of scale and increased service range to the National channel proposition; and
• ability to generate growth in Restricted Financial Planners and client numbers.

The carrying value of tangible assets and liabilities in CDG’s consolidated statement of financial position on acquisition date approximates the 
fair value of these items determined by the Group.

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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

5: Acquisitions, disposals and discontinued operations continued
5(a): Business acquisitions continued
As part of the acquisition of CDG, a Long Term Incentive Plan scheme was set up with a maximum value up to £10 million worth of Quilter plc 
shares. Vesting of awards is up to 50% after three years (31 December 2021), 25% after 4 years, and 25% after 5 years.

The fair value at grant date was £1.39 per share, with an estimated fair value of £7 million. The cost of the awards is expected to be £2 million per 
annum across years 1 – 3 and £1 million in year 4.

Transaction costs of £1 million relating to the acquisition have been recognised within other operating and administrative expenses in the Group’s 
consolidated income statement. These costs are not included within adjusted profit.

No contingent liabilities have been acquired.

The post-acquisition results from the business, excluding integration costs of £2 million, have been consolidated since the date of acquisition, 
contributing £6 million of revenue (£ 3 million, net of cost of sales) and a loss of £6 million to the Group’s consolidated profit after tax.

Lighthouse Group plc acquisition:
On 3 April 2019, the Group made a cash offer to acquire the entire share capital (and associated voting rights) of Lighthouse Group plc 
(“Lighthouse”), and the acquisition completed on 12 June 2019. This acquisition helps to position Quilter as the best place for trusted financial 
advice in the UK, bringing together Quilter’s strengths in its new platform with Lighthouse’s strength in its customer relationships and 
partnerships, covering more than 6 million affluent and mass affluent customers in the UK.

There were 139,864,270 shares in issue for which the offer was 33 pence per share, valuing the business at £46 million.

The Group held 3.99% of the issued share capital of Lighthouse prior to acquisition. This holding was valued at £2 million, based on the 33 pence 
per share offer. 

The purchase price has been allocated based on a provisional estimate of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of 
acquisition determined in accordance to IFRS 3 Business Combinations. The provisional allocation required significant use of assumptions regarding 
cash flows, profit margin and discount, attrition and growth rates. It is possible that the preliminary estimates may change as the purchase price 
allocations are finalised. The accounting must be finalised within 12 months of the acquisition date.

Based on the purchase price of £46 million and fair value of net tangible liabilities acquired of £8 million (excluding acquired intangible assets of 
£5 million), the value of goodwill and intangible assets is £54 million. Intangible assets representing the value of customer advice contracts have 
been valued at £21 million (£24 million gross, less an associated deferred tax liability of £(3) million), with an estimated useful life of 8 years over 
which the intangible and associated tax provision will be amortised on a straight line basis. The balance of £33 million is recognised as goodwill 
in the Group’s statement of financial position.

The goodwill recognised is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes, and represents:
• synergies arising from the alignment of the advisers into a restricted model;
• generation of additional net client cash flows into the integrated solutions offered through the wider Quilter Group; and
• cost saving synergies arising through de-listing the business and integrating with Quilter Financial Planning.

Transaction costs of £2 million relating to the acquisition have been recognised within other operating expenses in the Group’s consolidated 
income statement, but not included within adjusted profit.

No contingent liabilities have been recognised in the fair value statement of financial position.

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

5: Acquisitions, disposals and discontinued operations continued
5(a): Business acquisitions continued
The table below sets out the consolidated assets and liabilities acquired:

Assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments and securities
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade, other receivables and other assets

Total assets

Liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities
Trade, other payables and other liabilities

Provision in respect of British Steel pension scheme members complaints

Total liabilities

Total net (liabilities)/assets acquired

Total consideration

Goodwill recognised

Acquiree’s 
carrying  
amount  
£m

5
2
1
7
7

22

–
(13)

(12)

(25)

(3)

Fair  
value  
£m

24
2
1
7
7

41

(3)
(13)

(12)

(28)

13

46

33

The post-acquisition results from the business, excluding integration costs of £3 million, have been consolidated since the date of acquisition, 
contributing £9 million of revenue and a profit of £1 million to the Group’s consolidated profit after tax.

As disclosed in notes 27, 34 and 39, the Group was advised after the reporting date of a number of complaints received in respect of pension 
transfer advice provided to certain Lighthouse clients between 2016 and 2018, prior to the Group’s acquisition of Lighthouse in June 2019. As the 
advice was provided before the Group’s acquisition of Lighthouse, any redress costs will be recognised as a pre-acquisition liability within the fair 
value of the net assets acquired, with a corresponding increase in goodwill. A provision of £12 million has been calculated for the potential redress 
of the complaints received to date together with related legal and professional costs, which is reflected in the acquisition balance sheet above, 
along with the corresponding increase in goodwill. Any additional liability in respect of any other cases remains uncertain, as explained further 
in note 34. If further information is received by June 2020, the 12-month point post-acquisition, further adjustments will be made to the acquisition 
balance sheet as appropriate.

Acquisition of adviser businesses by Quilter Financial Planning (“QFP”)
During the year, the Group continued the expansion of the Quilter Private Client Advisers (“QPCA”) business, with the acquisition of a further seven 
adviser businesses, including the acquisition of Prescient Financial Intelligence Limited on 20 December 2019. The purchase price has been allocated 
based on the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition determined in accordance to IFRS 3 Business Combinations.

The aggregate estimated consideration payable was £22 million, of which £14 million was cash consideration and up to £8 million in contingent 
consideration. The amount of contingent consideration, which is expected to be paid in full (discounted to net present value), is dependent upon 
meeting certain performance targets, generally relating to the value of funds under management and levels of on-going fee income. Tangible net 
assets of £1 million were acquired in these purchases. Total intangible assets of £9 million (£10 million gross, less an associated deferred tax liability 
of £(1) million) in respect of customer relationships and goodwill of £12 million have been recognised as a result of the acquisitions.

Transaction costs of £1 million relating to these acquisitions have been recognised within other operating expenses in the Group’s consolidated 
income statement, but not included within adjusted profit.

Impact of acquisitions on Group revenue and profit
If all of the above acquisitions had occurred on 1 January 2019, management estimates that the Group’s consolidated revenues would have been 
£10 million higher at £7,774 million, and consolidated profit after tax for the year would have been £5 million lower at £141 million.

128

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

5: Acquisitions, disposals and discontinued operations continued
5(a): Business acquisitions continued
Business acquisitions completed during year ended 31 December 2018
Acquisition of Skandia UK Limited from Old Mutual plc
The Group acquired the Skandia UK Limited group of entities from Old Mutual plc on 31 January 2018, comprising seven Old Mutual plc group 
entities with a net asset value (“NAV”) of £591 million. The transfer was effected by the issue of a share and with the balance represented by a 
merger reserve. No debt was taken on as a result of this transaction. The most significant asset within these entities was a £566 million receivable 
which had a corresponding equivalent payable within the Group’s statement of financial position. The net effect of this transaction for the Group 
was to replace a payable due to Old Mutual plc with equity. 

Acquisition of adviser businesses by Quilter Financial Planning (“QFP”)
During 2018 the Group completed the acquisition of fourteen adviser businesses as part of the expansion of the QPCA business. The total cash 
consideration paid was an initial £5 million with additional potential contingent consideration of £6 million which is expected to be paid in full 
(discounted to net present value for this and all other acquisitions listed below), dependent upon meeting certain performance targets generally 
relating to funds under management. Goodwill of £5 million, other intangible assets of £7 million and a deferred tax liability of £1 million were 
recognised as a result of the transaction. The contingent consideration was capitalised in the calculation of goodwill recognised.

Contingent consideration arising from business combinations
The table below details the movements in the contingent consideration balance (see note 30) during the current and prior year arising from the 
business acquisitions detailed above and in earlier years.

Opening balance at 1 January
Acquisitions during the year
Payments
Financing interest charge
Other movements

Closing balance at 31 December

31 December 2019 
£m
37
22
(21)
3
(2)

39

31 December 2018
£m
35
7
(7)
2
–

37

Contingent consideration represents management’s best estimate of the amount payable in relation to each acquisition discounted to net present 
value. The basis of each acquisition varies but includes payments based upon a percentage of the level of assets under administration, funds 
under management and levels of on-going fee income at future dates. Management estimate a provision sensitivity of +/- 5% (£2 million).

5(b): Business disposals
Year ended 31 December 2019
On 31 December 2019, the Group completed the sale of the Quilter Life Assurance (“QLA”) business (consisting two of the Group’s subsidiary 
undertakings: Old Mutual Wealth Life Assurance Limited and Old Mutual Wealth Pensions Trustee Limited) to ReAssure Group for total 
consideration of £446 million. The Group has recognised a profit on the disposal of QLA of £103 million. Provisions established in respect of this 
disposal are shown in note 27. 

Year ended 31 December 2018
On 29 June 2018, the Group completed the sale of its Single Strategy Asset Management business (“Single Strategy business”) for a total 
consideration of £583 million, comprising cash consideration of £540 million on completion, with an additional £7 million payable before 2022 as 
surplus capital associated with the separation from the Group is released in the business, to a special purpose vehicle ultimately owned by funds 
managed by TA Associates and certain members of the Single Strategy management team (together “the Acquirer”). The contingent consideration 
was not subject to performance conditions. The remaining proceeds of £36 million were received in cash as a pre-completion dividend on 15 June 
2018. Economic ownership of the Single Strategy business passed to the Acquirer effective from 1 January 2018 with all profits and performance 
fees generated up until 31 December 2017 for the account of Quilter plc. The results of the Single Strategy business continued to be included as 
part of the Group up until the date of sale on the 29 June 2018. The Group recognised a post tax profit on disposal of the Single Strategy business 
of £292 million.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

129

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

5: Acquisitions, disposals and discontinued operations continued
5(b): Business disposals continued
Profit on sale of operations

Consideration received1
Less: transaction and separation costs2
Plus: release of accrued expenses in relation to OMW Italy S.p.A disposal
Net proceeds from sale
Carrying value of net assets disposed
Goodwill allocated and disposed
Profit on sale of operations before tax
Tax on disposals

Profit on sale of operations after tax

Year ended 
31 December 2019

Year ended 
31 December 2018

Quilter Life Assurance
£m
446
(19)
–
427
(294)
(30)
103
–

103

Single Strategy business and  
Old Mutual Wealth Italy adjustment
£m
546
(20)
2
528
(155)
(83)
290
4

294

1Consideration received in 2018 in respect of the Single Strategy business comprises £540 million of cash received together with the discounted contingent consideration of £6 million, and 
excludes the £36 million pre-completion dividend received in June 2018.
2Of the £19 million transaction and separation costs relating to the sale of the QLA business in year ended 31 December 2019, £7 million has been expensed, with £12 million of accruals and 
provisions remaining at 31 December 2019.

Carrying value of net assets disposed

Year ended 
31 December 
2019

Year ended 
31 December 
2018

Quilter Life Assurance 
£m

Single Strategy business
£m

Assets
Deferred acquisition costs
Contract costs
Financial investments
Reinsurers’ share of policyholder liabilities
Deferred tax assets
Current tax receivable
Trade, other receivables and other assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities
Long-term business insurance policyholder liabilities
Investment contract liabilities
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities
Current tax payable
Trade, other payables and other liabilities
Contract liabilities

Total liabilities

Carrying value of net assets disposed

130

Quilter Annual Report 2019

8
39
8,646
1,341
–
14
45
361

10,454

736
9,183
12
70
7
129
23

10,160

294

–
5
–
–
5
–
74
170

254

–
–
3
–
3
93
–

99

155

 
Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

5: Acquisitions, disposals and discontinued operations continued
5(c): Discontinued operations – income statement
During 2019, the Group’s discontinued operations consisted solely of the QLA business up to its disposal date of 31 December 2019 and the 
associated profit on sale of that business. For 2018, in addition to QLA’s profit after tax, the Group’s discontinued operations also included the 
profit after tax of the Single Strategy business up to the date of disposal on 29 June 2018 and the related profit on sale of that business.

Revenue
Gross earned premiums
Premiums ceded to reinsurers

Net earned premiums
Fee income and other income from service activities1
Investment return1,2
Other income
Total revenue
Expenses
Claims and benefits paid
Reinsurance recoveries

Net insurance claims and benefits incurred
Change in reinsurance assets and liabilities
Change in insurance contract liabilities
Change in investment contract liabilities2
Fee and commission expenses, and other acquisition costs
Other operating and administrative expenses
Finance costs

Total expenses
Profit on sale of operations before tax

Profit before tax from discontinued operations
Tax (expense)/credit attributable to policyholder returns

Profit before tax from discontinued operations attributable to equity holders

Income tax (expense)/credit
Less: tax expense/(credit) attributable to policyholder returns

Tax expense attributable to equity holders

Profit after tax from discontinued operations

Attributable to:
Equity holders of Quilter plc

Earnings per ordinary share on profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of Quilter plc

Basic – from discontinued operations (pence)

Diluted – from discontinued operations (pence)

Year ended  
31 December  
2019 
£m

Year ended  
31 December  
2018 
£m

145
(86)

59
164
1,386
–
1,609

(98)
72

(26)
121
(134)
(1,364)
(45)
(8)
–

(1,456)
103

256
(76)

180
(89)
76

(13)

167

167

9.1

8.9

147
(87)

60
206
(770)
2
(502)

(86)
60

(26)
103
(109)
772
(84)
(102)
(1)

553
290

341
97

438
81
(97)

(16)

422

422

23.1

23.0

Note

8(a)

8(b)

26(c)

9(a)

9(b)

9(e)

5(b)

10(a)

10(a)

11(b)

11(b)

1In the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group has reclassified £36 million from Fee income and other income from service activities to Investment return to conform with current 
year presentation.
2In the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group has reclassified £35 million from Investment return to Change in investment contract liabilities to conform with current year presentation.

Operating and administration expenses shown within discontinued operations for the current and prior year have been amended in order to 
reallocate costs historically charged to QLA from Group service entities (31 December 2019: £26 million and 31 December 2018: £28 million) back 
to the Group’s continuing operations. This principally reflects those costs previously recharged from Group central support functions to QLA that 
the Group will continue to incur after the disposal of QLA but will no longer be recharged to that business subsequent to its disposal. For more 
information on these costs and related revenues in 2020 (as part of the Transitional Service Arrangement (“TSA”) with ReAssure (“The Acquirer”, 
in respect of QLA)) see the Financial Review.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

131

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

5: Acquisitions, disposals and discontinued operations continued
5(d): Discontinued operations – Statement of comprehensive income

Profit after tax
Total comprehensive income for the year from discontinued operations

5(e): Discontinued operations – Net cash flows

Total net cash used in operating activities 
Total net cash from investing activities
Total net cash used in financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Year ended  
31 December 
2019 
£m
167
167

Year ended  
31 December 
 2018 
£m
422
422

Year ended  
31 December  
2019 
£m
(3,789)
3,765
(130)

(154)

Year ended  
31 December  
2018 
£m
(2,437)
2,529
(46)

46

6: Segmental information
6(a): Segmental presentation
The Group’s operating segments comprise Advice and Wealth Management and Wealth Platforms, which is consistent with the way in which the 
Group is structured and managed. For all reporting periods, these segments have been classified as continuing operations in the income 
statement. Head Office includes certain revenues and central costs that are not allocated to the segments. 

Adjusted profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (“APM”) reported to the Group’s management and Board. Management and the Board use 
additional APMs to assess the performance of each of the segments, including net client cash flows, assets under management and 
administration, revenue and operating margin.

Consistent with internal reporting, assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses that are not directly attributable to a particular segment are allocated 
between segments where appropriate. The Group accounts for inter-segment revenues and transfers as if the transactions were with third parties 
at current market prices. Intra-group recharges in respect of operating and administration expenses within businesses disclosed as discontinued 
operations are not adjusted for potential future changes to the level of those costs resulting from the disposal of those businesses.

The segmental information in this note reflects the adjusted and IFRS profit measures and the assets and liabilities for each operating segment 
as provided to management and the Board. Revenues are further segmented into the geographic location of our businesses in note 8.

Continuing operations:
Advice and Wealth Management
This segment comprises Quilter Investors, Quilter Cheviot and Quilter Financial Planning.

Quilter Investors is a leading provider of investment solutions in the UK multi-asset market. It develops and manages investment solutions in the 
form of funds for the Group and third-party clients. It has several fund ranges which vary in breadth of underlying asset class.

Quilter Cheviot provides discretionary investment management predominantly in the United Kingdom with bespoke investment portfolios 
tailored to the individual needs of affluent and high-net worth customers, charities, companies and institutions through a network of branches 
in London and the regions. Investment management services are also provided by operations in the Channel Islands and the Republic of Ireland.

Quilter Financial Planning is a restricted and independent financial adviser network, including Quilter Private Client Advisers (“QPCA”), CDG and 
Lighthouse, providing mortgage and financial planning advice and financial solutions for both individuals and businesses through a network of 
intermediaries. It operates across all markets, from wealth management and retirement planning advice through to dealing with property wealth 
and personal and business protection needs. 

Wealth Platforms
This segment comprises Quilter Wealth Solutions (“QWS”) and Quilter International.

Quilter Wealth Solutions is a leading investment platform provider of advice-based wealth management products and services in the UK, 
which serves a largely affluent customer base through advised multi-channel distribution. 

Quilter International is a cross-border business, focusing on high net worth and affluent local customers and expatriates in the UK, in Asia, 
the Middle East, Europe and Latin America. 

132

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

6: Segmental information continued
6(a): Segmental presentation continued
Head office
In addition to the two operating segments, Head Office comprises the investment return on centrally held assets, central support function 
expenses, central core structural borrowings and certain tax balances in the segmental statement of financial position. 

Discontinued operations:
The disposal of Quilter Life Assurance (“QLA”) on 31 December 2019, previously part of the Wealth Platforms operating segment, has resulted in its 
classification as a discontinued operation. For the year ended 31 December 2018, the Single Strategy Asset Management business (disposed of on 
29 June 2018) is also included as a discontinued operation. The results of these two businesses, along with the profits on disposal, have been 
presented as discontinued operations. See note 5(b) and note 5(c) for further information.

6(b)(i): Adjusted profit statement – segmental information for the year ended 31 December 2019
This reconciliation presents the Group’s operating segments’ IFRS income statements and reconcile to pre-tax adjusted profit and to the Group’s 
consolidated income statement, including the ‘Profit/(loss) before tax attributable to equity holders’ (for continuing operations only).

Operating segments

Advice and 
Wealth 
Management 
£m

Wealth 
Platforms 
£m

Head  
Office 
£m

Reallocation 
of QLA costs1
£m

Consolidation
adjustments2
£m

Consolidated 
income 
statement
£m

–
3
6

9

–
–
–
–
(68)
(10)

(78)

(69)
–

Continuing operations
Revenue
Fee income and other income from service activities 
Investment return
Other income

Segmental revenue

Expenses
Insurance contract claims and changes in liabilities
Change in investment contract liabilities
Fee and commission expenses, and other acquisition costs
Change in third-party interest in consolidated funds
Other operating and administrative expenses
Finance costs

Notes

8(a)

8(b)

26(c)

9(a)

9(b)

9(e)

486
10
1

497

–
–
(73)
–
(368)
(4)

438
5,823
160

6,421

(1)
(5,810)
(110)
–
(409)
(3)

Segmental expenses

(445)

(6,333)

Profit/(loss) before tax from continuing operations
Tax attributable to policyholder returns

Profit/(loss) before tax attributable to equity holders 
from continuing operations

Adjusted for non-operating items:
Goodwill impairment and impact of acquisition accounting
Business transformation costs
Managed Separation costs
Finance costs
Policyholder tax adjustments 

7(a)(i)

7(a)(ii)

7(a)(iii)

7(a)(iv)

7(a)(v)

Adjusting items before tax

Adjusted profit/(loss) before tax – continuing operations

Adjusted profit before tax – discontinued operations

Total adjusted profit/(loss) before tax

52
–

52

52
(1)
–
–
–

51

103

–

103

88
(98)

(10)

(69)

1
58
1
–
62

122

112

53

165

1
20
5
10
–

36

(33)

–

(33)

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
(26)
–

(26)

(26)
–

(26)

–
–
–
–
–

–

(26)

26

–

12
1,030
(145)

897

–
–
(111)
(917)
131
–

(897)

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

936
6,866
22

7,824

(1)
(5,810)
(294)
(917)
(740)
(17)

(7,779)

45
(98)

(53)

54
77
6
10
62

209

156

79

235

1Reallocation of QLA costs includes £26 million of costs previously reported as part of the QLA business which has been reallocated from discontinued to continuing operations as these costs 
do not transfer to ReAssure on disposal at 31 December 2019. See note 5(c) for further information.
2Consolidation adjustments comprise the elimination of inter-segment transactions and the consolidation of investment funds.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

133

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

6: Segmental information continued
6(b)(ii): Adjusted profit statement – segmental information for the year ended 31 December 2018

Notes

8(a)

8(b)

26(c)

9(a)

9(b)

9(e)

7(a)(i)

7(a)(ii)

7(a)(iii)

7(a)(iv)

7(a)(v)

Continuing operations
Revenue
Fee income and other income from service activities 
Investment return
Other income

Segmental revenue

Expenses
Insurance contract claims and changes in liabilities
Change in investment contract liabilities
Fee and commission expenses, and other acquisition costs
Change in third-party interest in consolidated funds
Other operating and administrative expenses
Finance costs

Segmental expenses

Profit/(loss) before tax from continuing operations
Tax attributable to policyholder returns

Profit/(loss) before tax attributable to equity holders 
from continuing operations

Adjusted for non-operating items:
Goodwill impairment and impact of acquisition accounting
Business transformation costs
Managed Separation costs
Finance costs
Policyholder tax adjustments 
Reallocation of central costs3

Adjusting items before tax

Adjusted profit/(loss) before tax – continuing operations

Adjusted profit before tax – discontinued operations

Total adjusted profit/(loss) before tax

Operating segments

Advice and 
Wealth 
Management
£m

Wealth 
Platforms
£m

Head  
Office
£m

Reallocation 
of QLA costs1
£m

Consolidation
adjustments2
£m

Consolidated  
income  
statement
£m

547
9
2

558

–
–
(163)
–
(358)
(3)

(524)

34
–

34

49
19
–
–
–
–

68

102

26

128

402
(2,478)
101

(1,975)

(1)
2,499
(117)
–
(360)
–

2,021

46
61

–
3
6

9

–
–
–
–
(68)
(13)

(81)

(72)
–

107

(72)

1
58
1
–
(64)
2

(2)

–
7
23
13
–
(2)

41

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
(28)
–

(28)

(28)
–

(28)

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

105

(31)

(28)

57

162

–

(31)

28

–

5
(246)
(74)

(315)

–
–
(118)
369
64
–

315

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

954
(2,712)
35

(1,723)

(1)
2,499
(398)
369
(750)
(16)

1,703

(20)
61

41

50
84
24
13
(64)
–

107

148

111

259

1Reallocation of QLA costs includes £28 million of costs previously reported as part of the QLA business which has been reallocated from discontinued to continuing operations as these costs 
do not transfer to ReAssure on disposal at 31 December 2019. See note 5(c) for further information.
2Consolidation adjustments comprise the elimination of inter-segment transactions and the consolidation of investment funds.
3Reallocation of central costs reverses management reallocations included within adjusted profit to reconcile back to IFRS profit.

134

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

6: Segmental information continued
6(c)(i): Statement of financial position – segmental information at 31 December 2019

Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in associated undertakings
Contract costs
Loans and advances
Financial investments
Deferred tax assets
Current tax receivable
Trade, other receivables and other assets
Derivative assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Inter-segment funding – assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Investment contract liabilities
Third-party interests in consolidated funds
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities
Current tax payable/(receivable)2
Borrowings and lease liabilities3
Trade, other payables and other liabilities
Contract liabilities and deferred revenue
Derivative liabilities
Inter-segment funding – liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity

Total equity and liabilities

Advice & 
Wealth 
Management
£m

Notes

Wealth 
Platforms
£m

Head Office
£m

Discontinued 
Operations
£m

Consolidation
Adjustments1
£m

Total 
£m

13

14

22

15

16

28(a)

28(c)

21

17

23(a)

26

27

28(b)

28(c)

29

30

31

17

458
30
–
–
31
1
11
–
207
–
383
–

134
111
–
455
180
52,249
22
–
177
–
725
12

1,121

54,065

–
–
28
38
1
26
322
1
–
–

416

52,455
–
26
50
(7)
108
477
190
–
–

53,299

–
2
1
–
6
–
10
13
3
–
838
–

873

–
–
10
–
12
201
37
–
–
12

272

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
7,095
–
–
37
32
527
(12)

7,679

–
7,675
–
–
–
–
–
–
17
(12)

7,680

592
143
1
455
217
59,345
43
13
424
32
2,473
–

63,738

52,455
7,675
64
88
6
335
836
191
17
–

61,667

2,071

63,738

1Consolidation adjustments comprise the elimination of inter-segment transactions and the consolidation of investment funds.
2Current tax payable/(receivable) includes Group relief payable and receivable that net to £nil on a consolidated basis but may appear as a receivable within individual segments.
3The Group has initially applied IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019 using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, comparative information is not restated and the cumulative effect 
of initially applying IFRS 16 is recognised in retained earnings at the time of initial application.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

135

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

6: Segmental information continued
6(c)(ii): Statement of financial position – segmental information at 31 December 2018

Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in associated undertakings
Deferred acquisition costs
Contract costs
Loans and advances
Financial investments
Reinsurers’ share of policyholder liabilities
Deferred tax assets
Current tax receivable
Trade, other receivables and other assets2
Derivative assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Inter-segment funding – assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Insurance contract liabilities
Investment contract liabilities
Third-party interests in consolidated funds
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities
Current tax payable/(receivable)3
Borrowings
Trade, other payables and other liabilities
Contract liabilities and deferred revenue
Derivative liabilities
Inter-segment funding – liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity

Total equity and liabilities

Advice & 
Wealth 
Management
£m

Notes

Wealth 
Platforms
£m

Head  
Office
£m

Discontinued 
Operations
£m

Consolidation
Adjustments1
£m

Total 
£m

13

14

22

22

15

16

26

28(a)

28(c)

21

17

23(a)

26

26

27

28(b)

28(c)

29

30

31

17

386
10
–
–
–
27
3
–
7
–
241
–
358
–

1,032

–
–
–
26
40
9
–
340
1
–
–

416

164
7
–
–
498
188
44,950
–
22
23
151
–
599
12

46,614

–
45,211
–
20
–
5
–
425
194
1
–

45,856

–
–
2
–
–
7
2
–
9
1
8
–
440
–

469

–
–
–
9
–
(18)
197
20
–
–
12

220

–
–
–
11
53
–
9,686
2,162
–
23
30
–
514
–

12,479

602
11,239
–
39
19
9
–
158
31
–
–

12,097

–
–
–
–
–
–
4,578
–
–
–
100
46
484
(12)

5,196

–
–
5,116
–
–
–
–
56
–
36
(12)

5,196

550
17
2
11
551
222
59,219
2,162
38
47
530
46
2,395
–

65,790

602
56,450
5,116
94
59
5
197
999
226
37
–

63,785

2,005

65,790

1Consolidation adjustments comprise the elimination of inter-segment transactions and the consolidation of investment funds.
2The Group’s contract assets are now included within Trade, other receivables and other assets, having previously been shown separately on the statement of financial position.
3Current tax payable/(receivable) includes Group relief payable and receivable that net to £nil on a consolidated basis but may appear as a receivable within individual segments.

136

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

7: Alternative performance measures (“APMs”)
7(a): Adjusted profit and adjusting items 
In determining adjusted profit before tax, certain adjustments are made to IFRS profit before tax to reflect the underlying performance of the 
Group. These are detailed below.

7(a)(i): Goodwill impairment and impact of acquisition accounting
The recognition of goodwill and other acquired intangibles is created on the acquisition of a business and represents the premium paid over 
the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired at the date of acquisition (as recognised under IFRS 3 Business 
Combinations). The Group excludes any impairment of goodwill from adjusted profit as well as the amortisation and impairment of acquired 
other intangible assets, any acquisition costs and finance costs related to the discounting of contingent consideration.

The effect of these adjustments to determine adjusted profit are summarised below. All adjustments are in respect of continuing operations.

Amortisation of other acquired intangible assets
Acquisition costs1
Impairment of other intangible assets
Unwinding of discount on contingent consideration

Total goodwill impairment and impact of acquisition accounting

1Acquisition costs include items such as transaction costs or deferred incentives arising on the acquisition of businesses. 

Note

13(a)

Year ended  
31 December  
2019
£m
45
6
–
3

Year ended  
31 December  
2018
£m
41
5
1
3

54

50

7(a)(ii): Business transformation costs
Business transformation costs include four items: costs associated with the UK Platform Transformation Programme, build out costs incurred within 
Quilter Investors as a result of the sale of the Single Strategy business, restructuring costs incurred as a result of the sale of Quilter Life Assurance, 
and the Optimisation Programme costs. All items are within the Group’s continuing operations and are described in detail below. For the year 
ended 31 December 2019, these costs totalled £77 million (31 December 2018: £84 million) in aggregate.

UK Platform Transformation Programme – 31 December 2019: £57 million, 31 December 2018: £58 million 
The Group embarked on a significant programme to develop new platform capabilities and to outsource UK business administration. This involved 
replacing many aspects of the existing UK Platform, and on completion certain elements of service provision will be migrated to FNZ under a long-term 
outsourcing agreement. The costs of developing the new technology do not meet the criteria for capitalisation and have therefore been expensed. 
These direct costs and the costs of decommissioning existing technology and migrating of services to FNZ are excluded from adjusted profit.

In partnership with FNZ, the Group expects to deliver all the existing functionality of the platform with increased levels of straight-through 
processing and enhanced functionality for new business and to migrate the in-force (UK Platform) business during 2020.

Quilter Investors’ build out costs – 31 December 2019: £(1) million, 31 December 2018: £19 million
In March 2016, the Group’s former parent company, Old Mutual plc, announced its Managed Separation strategy that sought to unlock and create 
significant long-term value for Old Mutual plc shareholders. As part of this strategy, Quilter’s Multi-Asset (now renamed as Quilter Investors) and 
Single Strategy teams were to develop as separate distinct businesses, and the Single Strategy business was sold to its management and TA 
Associates on 29 June 2018. As a result, the Group incurred £24 million of one-off costs in the year ended 31 December 2018, £5 million of which 
were included in profit on disposal within discontinued operations and £19 million is an adjusting item within continuing business. During 2019, 
the build has been substantially completed resulting in the release of £1 million of the provision established to complete the build. 

Optimisation Programme costs – 31 December 2019: £18 million, 31 December 2018: £7 million
The Group initiated a phased, multi-year Optimisation Programme in March 2019 targeting a 4 percentage point uplift in the Group’s operating 
margin by 2021. Phase 1 is aiming to unify and simplify the Group through a number of efficiency initiatives that will deliver improvements in 
operational performance.

A number of quick win tactical efficiencies have been delivered, which included targeted staff restructuring, third-party contract renegotiation 
and termination, and property and facilities savings. Some more complex initiatives, such as the insourcing of certain technology capabilities as well 
as the simplification of certain Group support functions, have also been delivered. All the planned programmes that will transform our business 
through technology enablement, such as the consolidation and modernisation of our general ledgers and other associated finance, HR and 
procurement modules, have been initiated. The use of robotics to automate manual operational processes in our International business as well 
as streamlining and automating some of the processes used in our advice business, are also under-way.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

137

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

7: Alternative performance measures (“APMs”) continued
7(a): Adjusted profit and adjusting items continued
Restructuring costs following disposal of Quilter Life Assurance – 31 December 2019: £3 million, 31 December 2018: £nil
As a result of the disposal of QLA on the 31 December 2019, the Group has recognised £3 million as an adjusting item principally in respect of 
redundancy costs incurred during the year. The Group expects to incur further restructuring costs during the following two years, including the 
cost of decommissioning IT systems as the TSA runs off and the remaining business is restructured following the disposal.

7(a)(iii): Managed Separation costs
One-off costs related to the Managed Separation from Old Mutual plc, recognised in the IFRS income statement, have been excluded from 
adjusted profit on the basis that they are not representative of the operating activity of the Group. These costs relate to preparing the Group to 
operate as a standalone business and the execution of various transactions required to implement its Managed Separation strategy. For the 
year ended 31 December 2019 these costs were £6 million (31 December 2018: £24 million). In 2019 these costs primarily relate to post-listing 
rebranding. These costs are not expected to persist in the long term as they relate to a fundamental restructuring of the Group.

7(a)(iv): Finance costs 
The nature of much of the Group’s operations means that, for management’s decision-making and internal performance management, the effects 
of interest costs on external borrowings are removed when calculating adjusted profit. For the year ended 31 December 2019 finance costs were 
£10 million (31 December 2018: £13 million).

7(a)(v): Policyholder tax adjustments
For the year ended 31 December 2019 the total of policyholder tax adjustments to adjusted profit is £74 million (31 December 2018: £(101) million) 
relating to both continuing and discontinued operations, as shown in note 7(c). Adjustments to policyholder tax are made to remove distortions 
arising from market volatility that can, in turn, lead to volatility in the policyholder tax charge between periods. The recognition of the income 
received from policyholders (which is included within the Group’s revenue) to fund the policyholder tax liability can vary in timing to the recognition 
of the corresponding tax expense, creating volatility to the Group’s IFRS (loss)/profit before tax attributable to equity holders. For a further 
explanation of the impact of markets on the policyholder tax charge see note 10(a). Adjustments are also made to remove policyholder tax 
distortions from other non-operating adjusting items. 

7(a)(vi): Voluntary customer remediation
Within QLA, the voluntary customer remediation provision was established in 2017 following product reviews consistent with recommendations 
from the Financial Conduct Authority’s (“FCA”) thematic review and the FCA’s guidance FG16/8 Fair treatment of long-standing customers in the life 
assurance sector. During 2019 the components of the remaining provision have been reviewed and £10 million of the provision released (as detailed 
in note 27), wholly relating to discontinued operations and hence the remaining provision is not included in the Group’s statement of financial 
position as at 31 December 2019.

7(b): IFRS profit before tax (excluding amortisation, policyholder tax adjustments and other one-off items)
For remuneration purposes, the Group uses IFRS profit before tax adjusted to exclude agreed non-operating, one-off items as shown below. 
For further details please refer to the remuneration report (page 64) and KPIs (page 21).

(Loss)/profit before tax attributable to equity holders – continuing operations
Profit before tax attributable to equity holders – discontinued operations
Adjusted for the following:
Profit on business disposals
Goodwill impairment and impact of acquisition accounting
Policyholder tax adjustments
Voluntary customer remediation provision
Quilter Investors’ build out costs
2018 Single Strategy business profit before tax 

Notes

5(c)

5(b)

7(a)(i)

7(a)(v)

7(a)(vi)

7(a)(ii)

IFRS profit before tax (excluding amortisation, policyholder tax adjustments and other one-off items)

Year ended 
 31 December  
2019
£m
(53)
180

Year ended  
31 December 
20181
£m
41
438

(103)
54
74
(10)
(1)
–

141

(290)
50
(101)
–
19
(26)

131

1The 2018 comparative has been restated from £112 million to £131 million to include the adjustment for the Quilter Investors’ build out costs of £19 million (as shown in the table above).

138

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

7: Alternative performance measures (“APMs”) continued
7(c): Reconciliation of IFRS revenue and expenses to adjusted profit total fee revenue and expenses
This reconciliation shows how each line of the Group’s consolidated IFRS income statement is allocated to the Group’s APMs: Net management fee, 
Total net fee revenue and Expenses as part of the Group’s adjusted profit. Allocations are determined by management and aim to show the sources 
of profit (net of relevant directly attributable expenses). These allocations remain consistent from period to period to ensure comparability.

Year ended 31 December 2019
Revenue
Net earned premiums
Fee income and other income  
from service activities
Investment return
Other income

Total revenue
Expenses
Insurance contract claims and changes  
in liabilities
Change in investment contract liabilities
Fee and commission expenses, and other 
acquisition costs
Change in third party interest in  
consolidated funds
Other operating and administrative expenses
Finance costs

Total expenses
Tax (expense)/credit attributable to policyholder 
returns

Total before adjusting items
Adjusting items:
Goodwill impairment and impact  
of acquisition accounting
Business transformation costs
Managed Separation costs
Finance costs
Policyholder tax adjustments
Voluntary customer remediation provision

Adjusting items

Adjusted profit before tax – continuing 
operations and QLA

Net mgmt
fees1
£m

Other
revenue2
£m

Total net fee
revenue3
£m

Expenses
£m

Adjusted 
profit incl. 
QLA
£m

Consol. 
of funds4
£m

Deduct QLA  
(incl. interco
elims)5
£m

IFRS income
statement6
£m

–

871
–
–

871

59

59

203
7,384
1

7,647

1,074
7,384
1

8,518

–
–

(40)
(7,339)

(40)
(7,339)

(108)

(103)

(211)

–
(14)
–

–
(2)
(4)

–
(16)
(4)

(122)

(7,488)

(7,610)

(174)

575

–

159

(174)

734

–
–
–
–
74
–

74

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
74
–

74

–

–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
(697)
(13)

(710)

–

(710)

54
77
6
10
–
(10)

137

649

159

808

(573)

59

–

 (59)

–

1,074
7,384
1

8,518

17
1,031
21

1,069

(155)
(1,549)
–

(1,763)

936
6,866
22

7,824

(40)
(7,339)

–
–

39
1,529

(1)
(5,810)

(211)

(117)

34

(294)

–
(713)
(17)

(917)
(35)
 –

–
8
–

(917)
(740)
(17)

(8,320)

(1,069)

1,610

(7,779)

–

–

76

(77)

(98)

(53)

(174)

24

54
77
6
10
74
(10)

211

235

Quilter Annual Report 2019

139

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

7: Alternative performance measures (“APMs”) continued
7(c): Reconciliation of IFRS revenue and expenses to adjusted profit total fee revenue and expenses continued

Year ended 31 December 2018
Revenue
Net earned premiums
Fee income and other income from  
service activities8
Investment return8,9
Other income

Total revenue
Expenses
Insurance contract claims and changes  
in liabilities
Change in investment contract liabilities9
Fee and commission expenses, and other 
acquisition costs
Change in third party interest in  
consolidated funds
Other operating and administrative expenses
Finance costs

Total expenses
Tax credit/(expense)attributable to policyholder 
returns

Total before adjusting items
Adjusting items:
Goodwill impairment and impact  
of acquisition accounting
Business transformation costs
Managed Separation costs
Finance costs
Policyholder tax adjustments

Adjusting items

Net mgmt
fees1
£m

Other
revenue2
£m

Total net fee
revenue3
£m

Expenses
£m

Adjusted  
profit incl. 
QLA
£m

Consol. of
funds4
£m

Deduct QLA 
(incl. interco
elims)5
£m

IFRS  
income
statement6
£m

–

801
10
–

811

60

60

195
(3,245)
6

(2,984)

996
(3,235)
6

(2,173)

–
–

(33)
3,271

(33)
3,271

(199)

(112)

(311)

–
(22)
–

–
–
(1)

–
(22)
(1)

(221)

3,125

2,904

158

748

–
–
–
–
(101)

(101)

–

141

–
–
–
–
–

–

158

889

–
–
–
–
(101)

(101)

–

–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
(710)
(16)

(726)

–

(726)

50
84
24
13
–

171

996
(3,235)
6

(2,173)

(33)
3,271

60

–

(60)

(56)
769
–

653

–

954
(2,712)
35

(1,723)

14
(246)
29

(203)

–
–

32
(772)

(1)
2,499

39

–
22
1

(398)

369
(750)
(16)

(678)

1,703

(97)

(122)

61

41

(311)

(126)

369
(40)
–

203

–

–

–
(732)
(17)

2,178

158

163

50
84
24
13
(101)

70

Adjusted profit before tax – continuing 
operations and QLA7

647

141

788

(555)

233

1Net Management Fees are commented on within the Financial Review and explained in the Alternative Performance Measures on page 212.
2Other revenue is commented on within the Financial Review and explained in the Alternative Performance Measures on page 212.
3Total net fee revenue is commented on within the Financial Review and explained in the Alternative Performance Measures on page 212.
4Consol of funds shows the grossing up impact to the Group’s consolidated income statement as a result of the consolidation of funds, as described in note 4(a). This grossing up is excluded 
from the Group’s adjusted profit.
5The results of QLA are deducted in order to reconcile to the Group’s consolidated income statement. QLA is presented as a discontinued operation. This includes intercompany eliminations 
that are required when the Group’s results are split between continuing and discontinued operations.
6The IFRS income statement column in the table above, down to Total before adjusting items, reconciles to each line of the Group’s consolidated income statement down to (Loss)/profit 
before tax attributable to equity holders.
7 Adjusted profit before tax – continuing operations and QLA of £233 million for year ended 31 December 2018 represents the Group’s total adjusted profit before tax of £259 million 
(see “Reconciliation of adjusted profit to profit after tax” statement), less £26 million of adjusted profit before tax attributable to the Single Strategy business.
8In the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group has reclassified £36 million from Fee income and other income from service activities to Investment return to conform with current year presentation.
9In the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group has reclassified £35 million from Investment return to Change in investment contract liabilities to conform with current year presentation.

140

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

8: Details of revenue
This note gives further detail on the items appearing in the revenue section of the consolidated income statement.

8(a): Geographic segmental information 
This analyses the Group’s total revenue, split by geographic location of our businesses (UK and International) and further analyses the Group’s fee 
income and other income from service activities, based on the type of fees earned. The Group also earns an immaterial amount of revenue 
through operations based in the Republic of Ireland and the Channel Islands.

Year ended 31 December 2019
Gross earned premiums
Premiums ceded to reinsurers

Net earned premiums

Premium based fees
Fund based fees1
Retrocessions received, intragroup 
Fixed fees
Surrender charges
Other fee and commission income

Fee income and other income from service activities

Investment return
Other income

Total revenue

UK

International

UK

Advice and 
Wealth 
Management
£m
–
–

Wealth 
Platforms
£m
–
–

Head  
Office
£m
–
–

Wealth 
Platforms
£m
1
(1)

Consolidation 
adjustments
£m
–
–

Total  
continuing 
operations
£m
1
(1)

Discontinued 
operations
£m
145
(86)

–

103
383
–
–
–
–

486

10
1

497

–

–
175
2
3
–
39

219

3,825
161

4,205

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

3
6

9

–

72
101
2
28
16
–

219

–

–
–
(4)
–
–
16

12

1,998
(1)

2,216

1,030
(145)

897

–

175
659
–
31
16
55

936

6,866
22

7,824

UK

International

59

11
65
10
2
1
75

164

1,386
–

1,609

UK

Year ended 31 December 2018
Gross earned premiums
Premiums ceded to reinsurers

Net earned premiums

Premium based fees
Fund based fees1
Retrocessions received, intragroup
Fixed fees
Surrender charges
Other fee and commission income
Fee income and other income from service activities2
Investment return2,3
Other income

Total revenue

Advice and 
Wealth 
Management
£m
–
–

Wealth 
Platforms
£m
–
–

Head  
Office
£m
–
–

Wealth 
Platforms
£m
1
(1)

Consolidation 
adjustments
£m
–
–

Total  
continuing 
operations
£m
1
(1)

Discontinued 
operations
£m
147
(87)

–

87
460
–
–
–
–

547

9
2

558

–

–
169
4
2
–
–

175

(1,562)
98

(1,289)

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

3
6

9

–

77
102
4
28
16
–

227

(916)
3

(686)

–

–
–
(8)
–
–
13

5

–

164
731
–
30
16
13

954

(246)
(74)

(315)

(2,712)
35

(1,723)

60

15
210
14
2
1
(36)

206

(770)
2

(502)

1Income from fiduciary activities is included within fund based fees.
2In the year ended 31 December 2018, within discontinued operations, the Group has reclassified £36 million from Fee income and other income from service activities to Investment return to 
conform with current year presentation.
3In the year ended 31 December 2018, within discontinued operations, the Group has reclassified £35 million from Investment return to Change in investment contract liabilities to conform 
with current year presentation.

Consolidation adjustments include £(4) million (2018: £(7) million) retrocessions eliminations relating to intragroup income and £(166) million 
(2018: £(103) million) other income eliminations relating to business services intragroup recharges. All other consolidation adjustments relate 
to consolidation of funds.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

141

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

8: Details of revenue continued
8(b): Investment return
This note analyses the investment return from the Group’s investing activities.

Investments and securities
Cash and cash equivalents1

Total interest and similar income

Dividend income
Foreign currency gains and losses
Total gains on financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss

Mandatorily at fair value through profit and loss
Designated at fair value through profit and loss

Net investment income – continuing operations
Net investment income – discontinued operations2,3

Total net investment income

Year ended  
31 December  
2019
£m
54
23

Year ended  
31 December 
 2018
£m
53
19

77

116
(1)
6,674
6,674
–

6,866

1,386

8,252

72

99
1
(2,884)
(2,883)
(1)

(2,712)

(770)

(3,482)

1Included within cash and cash equivalents is £2 million of interest arising from assets held at amortised cost (2018: £2 million). The remainder is from assets at FVTPL.
2In the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group has reclassified £36 million from Fee income and other income from service activities to Investment return to conform with current 
year presentation.
3In the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group has reclassified £35 million from Investment return to Change in investment contract liabilities to conform with current year presentation.

9: Details of expenses
This note provides further details in respect of the items appearing in the expenses section of the consolidated income statement.

9(a): Fee and commission expenses, and other acquisition costs
This note analyses the fee and commission expenses and other acquisition costs.

Fee and commission expense
Acquisition commission costs – investment contracts
Renewal commission – investment contracts
Retrocessions paid
Changes in contract costs

Fee and commission expenses, and other acquisition costs – continuing operations
Fee and commission expenses, and other acquisition costs – discontinued operations

Total fee and commission expenses, and other acquisition costs

Note

22

Year ended  
31 December  
2019
£m
128
36
71
19
40

294
45

339

Year ended  
31 December  
2018
£m
241
52
50
27
28

398
84

482

142

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

9: Details of expenses continued
9(b): Other operating and administrative expenses
This note provides further details in respect of the items included within other operating and administrative expenses section of the consolidated 
income statement.

Staff costs
Depreciation charge on right-of-use assets
Depreciation on other plant and equipment
Operating lease payments
Amortisation of purchased software
Amortisation of other acquired intangibles
Administration and other expenses

Other operating and administrative expenses – continuing operations
Other operating and administrative expenses – discontinued operations

Total other operating and administrative expenses

Note

9(c)(i)

Year ended 
 31 December  
2019
£m
399
13
6
–
2
45
275

740
8

748

Year ended  
31 December  
2018
£m
375
–
8
16
5
41
305

750
102

852

In prior years, operating lease payments principally represented rentals payable by the Group for the rental of buildings and equipment. 
At 1 January 2019 the Group has initially applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, comparative information 
is not restated and the cumulative effect of applying IFRS 16 is recognised in retained earnings at the time of initial application. Current year 
depreciation of the right-of-use asset is charged to the income statement on a straight line basis.

Administration and other expenses include business transformation costs for the year ended 31 December 2019 of £57 million (2018: £58 million) 
in relation to the UK Platform Transformation Programme as well as general operating expenses such as IT related costs, premises and marketing.

Discontinued operations includes £10 million provision release for the year ended 31 December 2019 in relation to the voluntary customer 
remediation provision (2018: £nil). 

9(c): Staff costs and other employee-related costs
9(c)(i): Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Bonus and incentive remuneration
Social security costs
Retirement obligations

Defined contribution plans

Share-based payments

Cash settled
Equity settled

Other

Staff costs – continuing operations
Staff costs – discontinued operations

Total staff costs

Note

25(e)

25(e)

Year ended  
31 December  
2019
£m
250
57
29

Year ended 
31 December  
2018
£m
221
62
26

14

–
25
24

399
13

412

12

3
24
27

375
75

450

Quilter Annual Report 2019

143

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

9: Details of expenses continued
9(c)(ii): Employee numbers

The average number of persons employed by the Group was:
Advice and Wealth Management
Wealth Platforms
Head office

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Total average number of employees during the year

Year ended  
31 December  
2019
Number

Year ended  
31 December  
2018
Number

1,516
2,476
79

4,071
299

4,370

1,324
2,369
52

3,745
421

4,166

The average number of persons employed by the Group is based on permanent employees and fixed term contractors.

9(d): Auditor’s remuneration
Included in other operating and administrative expenses are fees paid to the Group’s auditors. These can be categorised as follows:

Group and Parent Company
Subsidiaries

Total fees for audit services
Fees for audit-related assurance services

Total fees for audit and audit-related assurance services
Fees for non-audit services

Total Group auditor’s remuneration – continuing operations
Total Group auditor’s remuneration – discontinued operations

Total Group auditor’s remuneration 

Year ended  
31 December  
2019
£m
1.0
2.7

Year ended  
31 December  
2018
£m
1.1
2.1

3.7
1.1

4.8
–

4.8
0.2

5.0

3.2
1.2

4.4
2.3

6.7
0.2

6.9

9(e): Finance costs
This note analyses the interest costs on our borrowings and similar charges, all of which are valued at amortised cost. Finance costs comprise:

Term loans and other external debt
Subordinated debt securities (Tier 2 bond)
Loans from Old Mutual plc

Interest payable on borrowed funds
Interest expense on lease liabilities1
Other

Total finance costs – continuing operations
Total finance costs – discontinued operations

Total finance costs – total business

Year ended  
31 December  
2019
£m
1
9
–

Year ended  
31 December  
2018
£m
2
8
3

10
3
4

17
–

17

13
–
3

16
1

17

1The Group has initially applied IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019 using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, comparative information is not restated and the cumulative effect 
of initially applying IFRS 16 is recognised in retained earnings at the time of initial application.

Finance costs represent the cost of interest and finance charges on the Group’s borrowings from a number of relationship banks and, in the prior 
year, Old Mutual plc. The Group has had no borrowings from Old Mutual plc since 28 February 2018. More details regarding borrowed funds, 
including the interest rates payable, are shown in note 29. These costs are excluded from adjusted profit within the “Finance costs” adjusting item. 

Within other finance costs above is £3 million (2018: £3 million) relating to the impact of unwinding the discount rate on contingent consideration 
payable as a result of various acquisitions. These costs are excluded from adjusted profit within the “Goodwill impairment and impact of 
acquisition accounting” adjusting item as shown in note 7(a)(i).

144

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

Year ended 
31 December  
2019
£m

Year ended  
31 December  
2018
£m

Note

10: Tax
10(a): Tax charged to the income statement

Current tax
United Kingdom
International
Adjustments to current tax in respect of prior periods

Total current tax

Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Effect on deferred tax of changes in tax rates
Adjustments to deferred tax in respect of prior periods

Total deferred tax

33
5
(11)

27

40
2
(3)

39

66

89

155

98
(32)

66

76
13

89

155

(10)
3
(11)

(18)

(61)
–
(7)

(68)

(86)

(81)

(167)

(61)
(25)

(86)

(97)
16

(81)

(167)

Total tax charged/(credited) to income statement – continuing operations

Total tax charged/(credited) to income statement – discontinued operations

5(c)

Total tax charged/(credited) to income statement

Attributable to policyholder returns – continuing operations
Attributable to equity holders – continuing operations

Total tax charged/(credited) to income statement – continuing operations

Attributable to policyholder returns – discontinued operations
Attributable to equity holders – discontinued operations

Total tax charged/(credited) to income statement – discontinued operations

Total tax charged/(credited) to income statement

Policyholder tax
Certain products are subject to tax on policyholders’ investment returns. This “policyholder tax” is an element of total tax expense. To make the 
tax expense more meaningful, tax attributable to policyholder returns and tax attributable to equity holders’ profits are shown separately in the 
income statement. 

The tax attributable to policyholder returns is the amount payable in the year plus the movement of amounts expected to be payable in future 
years. The remainder of the tax expense is attributed to shareholders as tax attributable to equity holders.

The Group’s income tax expense on continuing operations was £66 million for the year ended 31 December 2019, compared to a credit of £(86) 
million for the prior year. This income tax expense/(credit) can vary significantly period on period as a result of market volatility and the impact this 
has on policyholder tax. The recognition of the income received from policyholders (which is included within the Group’s revenue) to fund the 
policyholder tax liability can vary in timing to the recognition of the corresponding policyholder tax expense, creating volatility to the Group’s IFRS 
profit before tax attributable to equity holders. An adjustment is made to adjusted profit to remove these distortions, as explained further in 
note 7(a)(v).

Significant market volatility during the year ended 31 December 2018 led to large investment losses that have reversed in 2019, resulting in 
investment gains of £833 million on products subject to policyholder tax. The gain is a component of the total “investment return” gain of 
£6,866 million shown in the income statement and £1,386 million shown in the discontinued operations income statement. The impact of the 
£833 million investment return gain is the primary reason for the £174 million tax charge attributable to policyholder returns in respect of both 
continuing (£98 million) and discontinued (£76 million) operations for the year ended 31 December 2019 (31 December 2018: £(61) million credit 
in respect of continuing operations and £(97) million in respect of discontinued operations).

First time recognition of deferred tax asset on accelerated depreciation
Within the £39 million total deferred tax charge and the £(32) million tax credit attributable to equity holders (continuing operations) above, the 
Group has recognised a £7 million deferred tax credit for the first time in the current year. This is in respect of a change in recognition of deferred 
tax assets where the Group now recognises the future reversal of temporary differences in respect of capital allowances against matching 
temporary differences in respect of amortisation of acquired intangible assets. Had this been in place in the prior year, the equivalent adjustment 
in 2018 would have been a £9 million deferred tax credit, with a corresponding £2 million charge in the current year. Further detail is shown in 
note 28(a).

Quilter Annual Report 2019

145

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

10: Tax continued
10(b): Reconciliation of total income tax expense
The income tax charged to profit or loss differs from the amount that would apply if all of the Group’s profits from the different tax jurisdictions had 
been taxed at the UK standard corporation tax rate. The difference in the effective rate is explained below:

Profit before tax from continuing operations
Tax at UK standard rate of 19% (2018: 19%)
Different tax rate or basis on overseas operations
Untaxed and low taxed income
Disallowable expenses
Adjustments to current tax in respect of prior years
Net movement on deferred tax assets not recognised
Effect on deferred tax of changes in tax rates
Adjustments to deferred tax in respect of prior years
Income tax attributable to policyholder returns

Total tax charged/(credited) to income statement – continuing operations
Total tax charged/(credited) to income statement – discontinued operations

Total tax charged/(credited) to income statement

Note

5(c)

Year ended  
31 December  
2019
£m
45
9
(6)
1
3
(11)
(11)
2
(3)
82

66
89

155

Year ended  
31 December  
2018
£m
(20)
(4)
(5)
(8)
6
(11)
(11)
–
(7)
(46)

(86)
(81)

(167)

10(c): Reconciliation of income tax expense in the income statement to income tax on adjusted profit

Notes

Year ended  
31 December  
2019
£m
66

Year ended 
 31 December  
2018
£m
(86)

Income tax expense/(credit) on continuing operations1
Tax on adjusting items

Goodwill impairment and impact of acquisition accounting
Business transformation costs
Managed Separation costs
Finance costs

Tax adjusting items

Policyholder tax adjustments 
Other shareholder tax adjustments2

Tax on adjusting items – continuing operations 
Less: Tax attributable to policyholder returns within adjusted profit – continuing operations3

Tax charged on adjusted profit – continuing operations
Reversal of income tax expense on the reallocation of QLA costs

Tax charged on adjusted profit – continuing operations before the reallocation of QLA costs
Income tax expense/(credit) on discontinued operations1
Tax on adjusting items

Profit on business disposals
Voluntary customer remediation provision

Tax adjusting items

Policyholder tax adjustments 
Other shareholder tax adjustments2

7(a)(v)

5(c)

7(a)(v)

Tax on adjusting items – discontinued operations 
Less: Tax attributable to policyholder returns within adjusted profit – discontinued operations3

Tax charged on adjusted profit – discontinued operations
Reversal of income tax credit on the reallocation of QLA costs

Tax charged/(charged) on adjusted profit – discontinued operations before the reallocation of QLA costs

Tax charged on total adjusted profit

8
14
1
2

(62)
24
(13)
(36)

17

5
22

89

–
(2)

(12)
(3)
(17)
(64)

8

(5)
3

25

8
16
2
2

64
5
97
(3)

8

5
13

(81)

4
–

37
(17)
24
 60

3

(5)
(2)

11

1Includes both tax attributable to policyholders and shareholders, in compliance with IFRS reporting.
2Other shareholder tax adjustments comprise the reallocation of adjustments from policyholder tax as explained in note 7(a)(v) together with other adjustments made to deferred tax to 
remove distortions arising from timing differences in respect of acquisition accounting. As such, the £7 million deferred tax credit in respect of a change of deferred tax asset recognition 
described in note 10(a) has been removed from the tax charge on adjusted profit.
3Adjusted profit treats policyholder tax as a pre-tax charge (this includes policyholder tax under IFRS and the policyholder tax adjustments) and is therefore removed from tax charge on 
adjusted profit. 

146

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

11: Earnings per share
The Group calculates earnings per share (“EPS”) on a number of different bases. IFRS requires the calculation of basic and diluted EPS. Adjusted 
EPS reflects earnings that are consistent with the Group’s adjusted profit measure before and after the reallocation of QLA costs, and Headline 
EPS is a requirement of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The Group’s EPS (in aggregate, including both continuing and discontinued operations) 
on these different bases are summarised below.

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing profit after tax attributable to ordinary equity shareholders of the parent by the weighted average number of 
Ordinary Shares in issue during the year. The weighted average number of shares excludes Quilter plc shares held within Employee Benefit Trusts 
(“EBTs”) to satisfy the Group’s obligations under employee share awards, and Quilter plc shares held in consolidated funds (“Own shares”). Own 
shares are deducted for the purpose of calculating both basic and diluted EPS. 

Diluted EPS recognises the dilutive impact of shares awarded and options granted to employees under share-based payment arrangements, to 
the extent they have value, in the calculation of the weighted average number of shares, as if the relevant shares were in issue for the full period.

The Group is also required to calculate headline earnings per share (“HEPS”) in accordance with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Limited (“JSE”) 
Listing Requirements, determined by reference to the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants’ circular 02/2015 Headline Earnings. 
Disclosure of HEPS is not a requirement of IFRS, but it is a commonly used measure of earnings in South Africa.

Basic earnings per share
Diluted basic earnings per share
Adjusted basic earnings per share
Adjusted diluted earnings per share

Source of guidance
IFRS
IFRS
Group policy
Group policy

Headline basic earnings per share (net of tax)
Headline diluted earnings per share (net of tax)

JSE Listing Requirements
JSE Listing Requirements

Year ended  
31 December  
2019
Pence
8.0
7.8
11.4
11.3

2.3
2.3

Year ended  
31 December  
2018
Pence
26.6
26.5
13.5
13.5

10.6
10.5

Notes

11(b)

11(b)

11(b)

11(b)

11(c)

11(c)

11(a): Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares
The table below summarises the calculation of the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares for the purposes of calculating basic and diluted 
earnings per share for each profit measure (IFRS, adjusted and headline profit):

Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares
Own shares including those held in EBTs

Basic weighted average number of Ordinary Shares
Adjustment for dilutive share awards and options 

Diluted weighted average number of Ordinary Shares

11(b): Basic and diluted EPS (IFRS and adjusted profit)
The table below shows the profit measures used in the EPS calculations.

Year ended  
31 December  
2019
Millions
1,902
(67)

1,835
28

1,863

Year ended  
31 December  
2018
Millions
1,902
(70)

1,832
7

1,839

(Loss)/profit after tax

Total adjusting items before tax 
Tax on adjusting items
Less: Policyholder tax adjustments

Adjusted profit after tax 

Reversal of:

Reallocation of QLA costs1
Income tax on reallocation of QLA costs

Adjusted profit after tax before reallocation

Year ended 31 December 2019

Year ended 31 December 2018

Note

10(c)

10(c)

10(c)

Continuing 
operations  
£m

Discontinued 
operations  
£m

(21)

209
13
(62)

139

26
(5)
160

167

(101)
17
(12)

71

(26)
5
50

Total  
£m

146

108
30
(74)

210

–
–
210

Continuing 
operations 
£m

Discontinued 
operations 
£m

66

107
(97)
64

140

28
(5)
163

422

(327)
(24)
37

108

(28)
5
85

Total 
£m

488

(220)
(121)
101

248

–
–
248

1Adjusted profit from continuing operations includes £26 million of costs (2018: £28 million) previously reported as part of the QLA business which has been reallocated from discontinued 
to continuing operations as these costs do not transfer to ReAssure on disposal at 31 December 2019. See note 5(b) for further information.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

147

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

11: Earnings per share continued
11(b): Basic and diluted EPS (IFRS and adjusted profit) continued 

Year ended 31 December 2019

Year ended 31 December 2018

Post-tax profit measure used

Continuing 
operations  
Pence

Discontinued 
operations  
Pence

Total  
Pence

Continuing 
operations 
Pence

Discontinued 
operations 
Pence

Basic EPS

Diluted EPS

Adjusted basic EPS

Adjusted diluted EPS

IFRS profit

IFRS profit

Adjusted profit

Adjusted profit

Adjusted basic EPS before reallocation

Adjusted profit before reallocation

Adjusted diluted EPS before reallocation Adjusted profit before reallocation

11(c): Headline earnings per share

(1.1)

(1.1)

7.5
7.5

8.7

8.6

9.1

8.9

3.9
3.8

2.7

2.7

8.0

7.8

11.4
11.3

11.4

11.3

3.5

3.5

7.6
7.6

8.9

8.9

23.1

23.0

5.9
5.9

4.6

4.6

Total 
Pence

26.6

26.5

13.5
13.5

13.5

13.5

Profit attributable to ordinary equity holders
Adjusting items:
Less: profit on business disposals

Headline earnings

Headline basic EPS (pence)
Headline diluted EPS (pence)

12: Dividends

2018 Special interim dividend paid – 12.0p per ordinary share
2018 Final dividend paid – 3.3p per ordinary share
2019 Interim dividend paid – 1.7p per ordinary share

Dividends paid to ordinary shareholders

Year ended 
 31 December 2019

Year ended  
31 December 2018

Gross  
£m

(103)

(103)

Net of tax  
£m
146

(103)

43

2.3
2.3

Gross  
£m

(290)

(290)

Net of tax  
£m
488

(294)

194

10.6
10.5

Payment date
21 September 2018
20 May 2019
20 September 2019

Year ended  
31 December 
 2019
£m
–
61
31

Year ended  
31 December  
2018
£m
221
–
–

92

221

Subsequent to year ended 31 December 2019, the Directors proposed a final dividend for 2019 of 3.5 pence per Ordinary Share amounting to 
£65 million in total. Subject to approval by shareholders at the AGM, the dividend will be paid on 18 May 2020. In compliance with the rules issued 
by the Prudential Regulation Authority (“PRA”) in relation to the implementation of the Solvency II regime and other regulatory requirements to 
which the Group is subject, the dividend is required to remain cancellable at any point prior to it becoming due and payable on 18 May 2020 and 
to be cancelled if, prior to payment, the Group ceases to hold capital resources equal to or in excess of its Solvency Capital Requirement, or if that 
would be the case if the dividend was paid. The Directors have no intention of exercising this cancellation right, other than where required to do so 
by the PRA or for regulatory capital purposes. Final and interim dividends paid to ordinary shareholders are calculated using the number of shares 
in issue at the record date less own shares held in Employee Benefit Trusts.

148

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

13: Goodwill and intangible assets
13(a): Analysis of goodwill and intangible assets
The table below shows the movements in cost, amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.

Gross amount
1 January 2018
Acquisitions through business combinations
Additions
Transfer to non-current assets held for sale
Other movements1

31 December 2018
Acquisitions through business combinations
Additions
Disposals
Other movements2

31 December 2019

Amortisation and impairment losses
1 January 2018
Amortisation charge for the year
Impairment of other acquired intangibles
Other movements

31 December 2018
Amortisation charge for the year
Disposals
Other movements2

31 December 2019

Carrying amount
31 December 2018

31 December 2019

Software 
development  
costs 
£m

Other  
intangible  
assets  
£m

Goodwill  
£m

306
5
–
(1)
4

314
68
–
(30)
(2)

350

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

314

350

97
–
4
–
(1)

100
–
5
(4)
–

101

(92)
(4)
–
1

(95)
(2)
4
–

(93)

5

8

371
9
–
–
–

380
49
–
(4)
3

428

(108)
(41)
(1)
1

(149)
(45)
4
(4)

(194)

231

234

Total 
£m

774
14
4
(1)
3

794
117
5
(38)
1

879

(200)
(45)
(1)
2

(244)
(47)
8
(4)

(287)

550

592

1Goodwill increased by £4 million in 2018 due to a review of the Purchase Price Allocation (“PPA”) calculation at 31 December 2017 year end relating to the Quilter Financial Planning acquisitions.
2During the year, there has been a gross up of fully amortised intangible assets in the Quilter Financial Planning and Quilter Cheviot businesses arising from previous business combinations.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

149

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

13: Goodwill and intangible assets continued
13(b): Analysis of other intangible assets

Net carrying value
Distribution channels
Customer relationships
Brand

Total other intangible assets

31 December  
2019 
£m

31 December  
2018 
£m

Average  
estimated  
useful life 

Average  
period 
remaining 

22
211
1

234

28
199
4

231

8 years
10 years

5 years

4 years
6 years

1 year

Distribution channel assets are in relation to various Quilter Financial Planning businesses. Customer relationship assets are largely in relation to 
the Quilter Cheviot and Quilter Financial Planning businesses, the latter element increasing due to the 2019 acquisitions of Charles Derby Group 
and Lighthouse plc, of which Lighthouse plc is still a provisional calculation and therefore the apportionment between goodwill and other intangibles 
for this acquisition is subject to change. The brand asset is in relation to the Quilter Cheviot business.

13(c): Allocation of goodwill to cash generating units (“CGUs”) and impairment testing
The Group’s CGUs are based on the Advice and Wealth Management and Wealth Platforms operating segments, as defined in note 6(a). Goodwill is 
allocated to these CGUs as follows:

Goodwill (net carrying amount)
Advice and Wealth Management
Wealth Platforms

Total goodwill

31 December  
2019 
£m

31 December 
 2018 
£m

219
131

350

153
161

314

Annual impairment review
In accordance with the requirements of IAS 36 Impairment of Assets, goodwill in both the Advice and Wealth Management and Wealth Platforms 
CGUs is tested for impairment annually, or earlier if an indicator of impairment exists, by comparing the carrying value of the CGU to which the 
goodwill relates to the recoverable value of that CGU, being the higher of that CGU’s value-in-use or fair value less costs to sell. If applicable, an 
impairment charge is recognised when the recoverable amount is less than the carrying value. Goodwill impairment indicators include sudden 
stock market falls, the absence of NCCF, significant falls in profit and an increase in the discount rate.

The annual impairment test performed in November 2019 continued to show that there was significant headroom in the recoverable amount over 
the carrying value of the CGUs. The goodwill model is subject to stress tests, including the impact of a 20% and 40% decrease in profitability and 
the impact of an increase in discount rates. None of the stress test scenarios have resulted in any indication of impairment.

The impact on expected future profits resulting from muted flows and the IFRS loss after tax for continuing operations of £21 million in the year 
has been partially offset by the effect of a 0.8% decrease in the Group’s cost of capital rate, used as part of the value-in-use calculation, from 10.8% 
in 2018 to 10.0% in 2019. The significant headroom in the recoverable amount over the carrying value for both CGUs also means the impact of the 
lower NCCF and IFRS loss from continuing operations in the current year are not considered sufficiently material to be indicators of impairment.

Following the sale of the QLA business in the year, there has been a £30 million disposal of associated goodwill. This represented the share of 
goodwill in the Wealth Platforms CGU applicable to QLA, based on its fair value relative to the fair values of the other businesses within that CGU. 
The annual impairment assessment performed in November 2019 excluded the impact of QLA in the Wealth Platforms CGU. This resulted in a 
small decrease in headroom in the Wealth Platforms CGU, as the value-in-use of QLA was only slightly higher than its carrying value. 

Value-in-use methodology
The value-in-use calculations for life assurance operations are determined as the sum of net tangible assets, the expected future profits arising 
from the in-force business, together with the expected profits from future new business derived from the business plans. Future profit elements 
allow for the cost of capital needed to support the business.

The net tangible assets and future profits arising from the in-force business are derived from Solvency II (“SII”) calculations. The value of in-force 
(“VIF”) is calculated as the prospective value of future expected cash flows on all in-force policies at the valuation date on a policy-by-policy basis 
allowing for surrender or transfer payments, death claims, income withdrawals, maintenance expenses, fund-based fees, mortality charge/ 
protection premiums and other policy charges. The underlying assumptions are based on the best estimate view for the future, which is largely 
based on recent business experience and any emerging trends. The unit fund growth rates (gross of investment charges) and the risk discount 
rates are set using the prescribed SII term-dependent risk-free interest rates. The SII calculations are adjusted for a risk margin using the 
prescribed SII rules. 

150

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

13: Goodwill and intangible assets continued
13(c): Allocation of goodwill to cash generating units (“CGUs”) and impairment testing continued
The value-in-use calculations for asset management operations are determined as the sum of net tangible assets and the expected profits from 
existing and expected future new business. 

The cash flows that have been used to determine the value-in-use of the cash generating units are based on three year business plans. These cash 
flows grow at different rates because of the different strategies of the CGUs. In cases where the CGUs have made significant acquisitions in the 
recent past, the profits are forecast to grow faster than the more mature businesses. Post the three year business plan, the growth rate used to 
determine the terminal value of the CGUs in the annual assessment approximates to the UK long-term growth rate of 1.7% (2018: 2.1%). Market 
share and market growth information are also used to inform the expected volumes of future new business. 

The Group uses a single cost of capital of 10.0% (2018: 10.8%) to discount future expected business plan cash flows across its two CGUs because 
they are perceived to present a similar level of risk and are integrated. Capital is provided to the Group predominantly by shareholders with only 
a small amount of debt. The cost of capital is the weighted average of the cost of equity (return required by shareholders) and the cost of debt 
(return required by bond holders). When assessing the systematic risk (i.e. beta value) within the calculation of the cost of equity, a triangulation 
approach is used that combines beta values obtained from historical data, a forward looking view on the progression of beta values and the 
external views of investors.

14: Property, plant and equipment

Gross amount
1 January 2018
Additions
Disposals
Foreign exchange and other movements

31 December 2018
Implementation of IFRS 161
Acquisitions through business combinations
Additions2
31 December 2019

Amortisation and impairment losses
1 January 2018
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals
Other movements

31 December 2018
Implementation of IFRS 161
Acquisitions through business combinations
Depreciation charge for the year
31 December 2019

Carrying amount
31 December 2018

31 December 2019

Right-of-use  
assets 
£m

Leasehold 
improvements  
£m

Plant and 
equipment  
£m

–
–
–
–

–
143
1
60
204

–
–
–
–

–
(67)
–
(13)
(80)

–

124

13
2
–
(2)

13
(3)
1
–
11

(7)
(1)
–
–

(8)
2
–
(1)
(7)

5

4

75
5
(1)
–

79
–
1
8
88

(63)
(7)
2
1

(67)
–
(1)
(5)
(73)

12

15

Total  
£m

88
7
(1)
(2)

92
140
3
68
303

(70)
(8)
2
1

(75)
(65)
(1)
(19)
(160)

17

143

1The Group has initially applied IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019 using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, comparative information is not restated and the cumulative effect 
of initially applying IFRS 16 is recognised in retained earnings at the time of initial application.
2The majority of additions during the year relate to the lease for Senator House, the Group’s new London property.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

151

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

15: Loans and advances
This note analyses the loans and advances the Group has made. The carrying amounts of loans and advances were as follows:

Loans to policyholders
Loans to brokers, advisers and other loans to clients
Other loans

Gross loans and advances
Provision for impairments

Total net loans and advances

To be recovered within 12 months
To be recovered after 12 months

Total net loans and advances

31 December  
2019  
£m
180
31
6

31 December
 2018  
£m
189
27
7

217
–

217

190
27

217

223
(1)

222

199
23

222

The carrying amount of loans approximates to their fair value which is measured as the principal amounts receivable under the loan agreements.

Policyholder loans are amounts taken from an individual policyholder’s unit-linked accounts and loaned to the same policyholder. Policyholder 
loans are non-interest bearing and are considered to be risk free from a shareholder perspective as the policyholder retains all associated risks. 
Policyholder loans are considered to be recoverable within 12 months as they have no repayment schedule.

Loans to advisers are made on commercial terms. 

Other loans represent a loan to TA Associates in respect of the deferred consideration receivable arising from the sale of the Single Strategy Asset 
Management business. The loan is repayable no later than June 2022. 

16: Financial investments
The table below analyses the investments and securities that the Group invests in, either on its own proprietary behalf (shareholder funds) or on 
behalf of third parties (policyholder funds).

Government and government-guaranteed securities
Other debt securities, preference shares and debentures
Equity securities
Pooled investments
Short-term funds and securities treated as investments

Total financial investments

Recoverable within 12 months
Recoverable after 12 months

Total financial investments

Notes

16(a)

16(b)

31 December  
2019
£m
1,018
2,160
12,051
44,101
15

31 December  
2018
£m
1,175
2,095
10,006
45,931
12

59,345

59,219

59,344
1

59,345

59,044
175

59,219

The financial investments recoverability profile is based on the intention with which the financial assets are held. These assets, together with the 
reinsurers’ share of investment contract liabilities, are held to cover the liabilities for linked investment contracts (net of reinsurance), all of which 
can be withdrawn by policyholders on demand.

16(a): Other debt securities, preference shares and debentures
Debt securities, preference shares and debentures are neither past due nor impaired. These debt instruments and similar securities are classified 
according to their local credit rating (Standard & Poor’s or an equivalent), by investment grade.

16(b): Equity securities
Equity securities are held to cover the liabilities for linked investment contracts. The majority of the listed securities are traded on the London Stock 
Exchange. The majority of the Group’s holdings of unlisted equity securities arise principally from private equity investments, held exclusively on 
behalf of policyholders.

152

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

17: Derivative financial instruments – assets and liabilities
The Group has limited involvement with derivative instruments and does not use them for speculation purposes. Derivative instruments are 
used to manage well-defined foreign exchange risks arising out of the normal course of business. The Group enters into forward foreign exchange 
contracts to reduce currency risk on accounts receivable and future revenues denominated in United States dollars. The Group does not anticipate 
any material adverse effect on its financial position resulting from its involvement in these types of contracts, nor does it anticipate non-
performance by counterparties. The Group only deals with highly rated counterparties.

The majority of derivatives included within the statement of financial position relate to instruments included as a consequence of the consolidation 
of investment funds. These can be seen within the segmented statement of financial position (note 6(c)).

18: Categories of financial instruments
The analysis of financial assets and liabilities into their categories as defined in IFRS 9 Financial Instruments is set out in the following tables. Assets 
and liabilities of a non-financial nature, or financial assets and liabilities that are specifically excluded from the scope of IFRS 9, are reflected in the 
non-financial assets and liabilities category.

For information about the methods and assumptions used in determining fair value please refer to note 19. The Group’s exposure to various risks 
associated with financial instruments is discussed in note 36(b).

31 December 2019 – Measurement basis
Assets
Investments in associated undertakings1
Loans and advances
Financial investments
Trade, other receivables and other assets
Derivative assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets that include financial instruments
Total other non-financial assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Investment contract liabilities
Third-party interests in consolidation of funds
Borrowings and lease liabilities2
Trade, other payables and other liabilities
Derivative liabilities

Total liabilities that include financial instruments
Total other non-financial liabilities

Total liabilities

Mandatorily  
at FVTPL
 £m

Fair value

Designated  
at FVTPL 
£m

Amortised  
cost 
£m

Non-financial 
assets and 
liabilities 
£m

–
180
59,343
–
32
1,159

60,714
–

60,714

52,455
7,675
–
–
17

60,147
–

60,147

–
–
2
–
–
–

2
–

2

–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–
37
–
373
–
1,314

1,724
–

1,724

–
–
335
730
–

1,065
–

1,065

1
–
–
51
–
–

52
1,246

1,298

–
–
–
106
–

106
349

455

Total 
£m

1
217
59,345
424
32
2,473

62,492
1,246

63,738

52,455
7,675
335
836
17

61,318
349

61,667

1Investments in associated undertakings classified as non-financial assets and liabilities are equity accounted.
2The Group has initially applied IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019 using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, comparative information is not restated.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

153

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

18: Categories of financial instruments continued

31 December 2018 – Measurement basis
Assets
Investments in associated undertakings1
Loans and advances
Financial investments
Reinsurers’ share of policyholder liabilities
Trade, other receivables and other assets2
Derivative assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets that include financial instruments
Total other non-financial assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Insurance contract liabilities
Investment contract liabilities
Third-party interests in consolidation of funds
Borrowings
Trade, other payables and other liabilities
Derivative liabilities

Total liabilities that include financial instruments
Total other non-financial liabilities

Total liabilities

Mandatorily  
at FVTPL 
£m

Fair value

Designated  
at FVTPL 
£m

Amortised  
cost 
£m

Non-financial 
assets and 
liabilities 
£m

–
189
59,052
1,671
–
46
1,361

62,319
–

62,319

–
56,450
5,116
–
–
37

61,603
–

61,603

–
–
167
–
–
–
–

167
–

167

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–
33
–
–
486
–
1,034

1,553
–

1,553

–
–
–
197
840
–

1,037
–

1,037

2
–
–
491
44
–
–

537
1,214

1,751

602
–
–
–
159
–

761
384

1,145

Total 
£m

2
222
59,219
2,162
530
46
2,395

64,576
1,214

65,790

602
56,450
5,116
197
999
37

63,401
384

63,785

1Investments in associated undertakings classified as non-financial assets and liabilities are equity accounted.
2The Group’s contract assets are now included within Trade, other receivables and other assets, having previously been shown separately on the statement of financial position.

19: Fair value methodology
This section explains the judgements and estimates made in determining the fair values of financial instruments that are recognised and 
measured at fair value in the financial statements. Classifying financial instruments into the three levels of fair value hierarchy (see note 19(b)), 
prescribed under IFRS, provides an indication about the reliability of inputs used in determining fair value.

19(a): Determination of fair value
The fair value of financial instruments that are actively traded in organised financial markets is determined by reference to quoted market exit 
prices for assets and offer prices for liabilities, at the close of business on the reporting date, without any deduction for transaction costs:
• for units in unit trusts and shares in open-ended investment companies, fair value is determined by reference to published quoted prices 

representing exit values in an active market; 

• for equity and debt securities not actively traded in organised markets and where the price cannot be retrieved, the fair value is determined by 

reference to similar instruments for which market observable prices exist;

• for assets that have been suspended from trading on an active market, the last published price is used. Many suspended assets are still regularly 

priced. At the reporting date all suspended assets are assessed for impairment; and 

• where the assets are private company shares or within consolidated investment funds the valuation is based on the latest available set of audited 

financial statements where available, or if more recent, a statement of valuation provided by the private company’s management.

There have been no significant changes in the valuation techniques applied when valuing financial instruments. Where assets are valued by the 
Group, the general principles applied to those instruments measured at fair value are outlined below:

Reinsurers’ share of policyholder liabilities
Reinsurers’ share of policyholder liabilities are measured on a basis that is consistent with the measurement of the provisions held in respect 
of the related insurance contracts. Reinsurance contracts which cover financial risk are measured at fair value of the underlying assets.

154

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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

19: Fair value methodology continued
19(a): Determination of fair value continued
Loans and advances
Loans and advances include loans to policyholders, loans to brokers, and other secured and unsecured loans. Loans and advances to policyholders 
of investment linked contracts are measured at fair value. All other loans are stated at their amortised cost.

Financial investments
Financial investments include government and government-guaranteed securities, listed and unlisted debt securities, preference shares and 
debentures, listed and unlisted equity securities, listed and unlisted pooled investments (see below), short-term funds and securities treated as 
investments and certain other securities.

Pooled investments represent the Group’s holdings of shares/units in open-ended investment companies, unit trusts, mutual funds and similar 
investment vehicles. Pooled investments are recognised at fair value. The fair values of pooled investments are based on widely published prices 
that are regularly updated.

Other financial investments that are measured at fair value use observable market prices where available. In the absence of observable market 
prices, these investments and securities are fair valued utilising various approaches including discounted cash flows, the application of an earnings 
before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation multiple or any other relevant technique.

Derivatives
The fair value of derivatives is determined with reference to the exchange traded prices of the specific instruments. The fair value of the Group’s 
over the counter forward foreign exchange contracts is determined by the underlying foreign currency exchange rates. 

Investment contract liabilities
The fair value of the investment contract liabilities is determined with reference to the underlying funds that are held by the Group.

Third-party interest in consolidated funds
Third-party interests in consolidated funds are measured at the attributable net asset value of each fund.

Borrowings and lease liabilities
Borrowings and lease liabilities are stated at amortised cost.

19(b): Fair value hierarchy
Fair values are determined according to the following hierarchy:

Description of hierarchy

Types of instruments classified in the respective levels

Level 1 – quoted market prices: financial assets and liabilities with quoted prices 
for identical instruments in active markets.

Listed equity securities, government securities and other listed debt securities 
and similar instruments that are actively traded, actively traded pooled 
investments, certain quoted derivative assets and liabilities, reinsurers’ share of 
investment contract liabilities and investment contract liabilities directly linked to 
other Level 1 financial assets.

Level 2 – valuation techniques using observable inputs: financial assets and 
liabilities with quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted 
prices for identical or similar instruments in inactive markets and financial assets 
and liabilities valued using models where all significant inputs are observable.

Unlisted equity and debt securities where the valuation is based on models 
involving no significant unobservable data. 
Over the counter (“OTC”) derivatives, certain privately placed debt instruments 
and third-party interests in consolidated funds.

Level 3 – valuation techniques using significant unobservable inputs: financial 
assets and liabilities valued using valuation techniques where one or more 
significant inputs are unobservable.

Unlisted equity and securities with significant unobservable inputs, securities 
where the market is not considered sufficiently active, including certain inactive 
pooled investments.

The judgement as to whether a market is active may include, for example, consideration of factors such as the magnitude and frequency of trading 
activity, the availability of prices and the size of bid/offer spreads. In inactive markets, obtaining assurance that the transaction price provides 
evidence of fair value or determining the adjustments to transaction prices that are necessary to measure the fair value of the asset or liability 
requires additional work during the valuation process.

The majority of valuation techniques employ only observable data and so the reliability of the fair value measurement is high. However, certain 
financial assets and liabilities are valued on the basis of valuation techniques that feature one or more significant inputs that are unobservable 
and, for them, the derivation of fair value is more judgemental. A financial asset or liability in its entirety is classified as valued using significant 
unobservable inputs if a significant proportion of that asset or liability’s carrying amount is driven by unobservable inputs.

In this context, ‘unobservable’ means that there is little or no current market data available for which to determine the price at which an arm’s length 
transaction would be likely to occur. It generally does not mean that there is no market data available at all upon which to base a determination of 
fair value. Furthermore, in some cases the majority of the fair value derived from a valuation technique with significant unobservable data may be 
attributable to observable inputs. Consequently, the effect of uncertainty in determining unobservable inputs will generally be restricted to 
uncertainty about the overall fair value of the asset or liability being measured. 

Quilter Annual Report 2019

155

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

19: Fair value methodology continued
19(c): Transfer between fair value hierarchies
The Group deems a transfer to have occurred between Level 1 and Level 2 or Level 3 when an active, traded primary market ceases to exist for that 
financial instrument. A transfer between Level 2 and Level 3 occurs when the majority of the significant inputs used to determine fair value of the 
instrument become unobservable. Transfers from Levels 3 or 2 to Level 1 are also possible when assets become actively priced.

There were transfers of financial investments of £139 million from Level 1 to Level 2 during the year (31 December 2018: £13 million). There were 
transfers of financial investments of £76 million from Level 2 to Level 1 during the year (31 December 2018: £107 million). These movements are 
matched exactly by transfers of investment contract liabilities. See note 19(e) for the reconciliation of Level 3 financial instruments. 

19(d): Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value, classified according to fair value hierarchy
The majority of the Group’s financial assets are measured using quoted market prices for identical instruments in active markets (Level 1) and 
there have been no significant changes during the year.

The linked assets, together with the reinsurers’ share of investment contract liabilities, are held to cover the liabilities for linked investment 
contracts (net of reinsurance). The difference between linked assets and linked liabilities is principally due to short-term timing differences between 
policyholder premiums being received and invested in advance of policies being issued, and tax liabilities within funds which are reflected within 
the Group’s tax liabilities.

Differences between assets and liabilities within the respective levels of the fair value hierarchy also arise due to the mix of underlying assets and 
liabilities within consolidated funds. In addition, third-party interests in consolidated funds are classified as Level 2.

The table below presents a summary of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in the consolidated statement 
of financial position according to their IFRS 9 classification (see note 18 for full details).

Financial assets measured at fair value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

Total

Financial liabilities measured at fair value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

Total

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

£m

%

£m

%

46,904
12,095
1,717

60,716

50,315
8,115
1,717

60,147

77.3%
19.9%
2.8%

100.0%

83.6%
13.5%
2.9%

100.0%

52,060
9,272
1,154

62,486

54,944
5,508
1,151

61,603

83.4%
14.8%
1.8%

100.0%

89.2%
8.9%
1.9%

100.0%

156

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

19: Fair value methodology continued
19(d): Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value, classified according to fair value hierarchy continued
The tables below further analyse the Group’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value by the fair value hierarchy described in note 19(b):

31 December 2019
Financial assets measured at fair value
Mandatorily (fair value through profit or loss)

Loans and advances
Financial investments 
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative assets

Designated (fair value through profit or loss)

Financial investments

Total assets measured at fair value

Financial liabilities measured at fair value
Mandatorily (fair value through profit or loss)

Investment contract liabilities
Third-party interests in consolidated funds
Derivative liabilities

Level 1 
£m

Level 2 
£m

46,902
180
45,563
1,159
–

2
2

12,095
–
12,063
–
32

–
–

Level 3 
£m

1,717
–
1,717
–
–

–
–

Total 
£m

60,714
180
59,343
1,159
32

2
2

46,904

12,095

1,717

60,716

50,315
50,315
–
–

8,115
423
7,675
17

1,717
1,717
–
–

60,147
52,455
7,675
17

Total liabilities measured at fair value

50,315

8,115

1,717

60,147

31 December 2018
Financial assets measured at fair value
Mandatorily (fair value through profit or loss)
Reinsurers’ share of policyholder liabilities
Loans and advances
Financial investments 
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative assets

Designated (fair value through profit or loss)

Financial investments

Total assets measured at fair value

Financial liabilities measured at fair value
Mandatorily (fair value through profit or loss)

Investment contract liabilities
Third-party interests in consolidated funds
Derivative liabilities

Level 1 
£m

51,893
1,671
189
48,672
1,361
–

167
167

Level 2 
£m

9,272
–
–
9,226
–
46

–
–

Level 3 
£m

1,154
–
–
1,154
–
–

–
–

Total 
£m

62,319
1,671
189
59,052
1,361
46

167
167

52,060

9,272

1,154

62,486

54,944
54,944
–
–

5,508
355
5,116
37

1,151
1,151
–
–

61,603
56,450
5,116
37

Total liabilities measured at fair value

54,944

5,508

1,151

61,603

Quilter Annual Report 2019

157

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

19: Fair value methodology continued
19(e): Level 3 fair value hierarchy disclosure
All of the assets that are classified as Level 3 are held within linked policyholder funds. This means that all of the investment risk associated with 
these assets is borne by policyholders and that the value of these assets is exactly matched by a corresponding liability due to policyholders. The 
Group bears no risk from a change in the market value of these assets except to the extent that it has an impact on management fees earned. 

In the prior year, included within the assets classified as Level 3 was a shareholder investment in an unlisted equity (31 December 2018: £3 million); 
this was not matched by a corresponding liability and therefore any changes in market value were recognised in the Group’s income statement. 
Following the acquisition of the Charles Derby Group during the year, the Group’s investment is no longer held as a Level 3 financial investment, 
but instead as an investment in subsidiary which is eliminated on consolidation.

The table below reconciles the opening balance of Level 3 financial assets to the closing balance at each year end:

At beginning of the year
Total net fair value gains recognised in:

– profit or loss

Purchases
Sales
Transfers in
Transfers out
Foreign exchange and other

Total Level 3 financial assets

Unrealised fair value gains/(losses) relating to assets held at the year end recognised in:

– profit or loss

Year ended  
31 December  
2019 
£m
1,154

Year ended  
31 December  
2018 
£m
1,169

(20)
314
(24)
369
(71)
(5)

54
38
(25)
69
(151)
–

1,717

1,154

(20)

54

Amounts shown as sales arise principally from the sale of private company shares, unlisted pooled investments and from distributions received 
in respect of holdings in property funds.

Transfers into Level 3 assets in the current year total £369 million (31 December 2018: £69 million). This is due to a combination of stale priced 
assets that were previously shown within Level 2 and for which price updates have not been received for more than six months, and an increase 
in suspended funds previously showed within Level 1. Suspended funds are valued based on external valuation reports received from fund 
managers. Transfers out of Level 3 assets in the current year comprise £71 million (31 December 2018: £151 million) of stale priced assets that 
were not previously being repriced and that have been transferred into Level 2 as they are now actively priced.

The table below analyses the type of Level 3 financial assets held:

Pooled investments

Unlisted and stale price pooled investments
Suspended funds

Private equity investments

Total Level 3 financial assets

31 December 
 2019 
£m
361
133
228
1,356

31 December 
 2018 
£m
86
82
4
1,068

1,717

1,154

158

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

19: Fair value methodology continued
19(e): Level 3 fair value hierarchy disclosure continued
All of the liabilities that are classified as Level 3 are investment contract liabilities which exactly match against the Level 3 assets held in linked 
policyholder funds.

The table below reconciles the opening balance of Level 3 financial liabilities to the closing balance at each year end:

At beginning of the year
Total net fair value gains recognised in:

– profit or loss

Purchases
Sales
Transfers in
Transfers out
Foreign exchange and other

Total Level 3 financial liabilities

Unrealised fair value gains/(losses) relating to liabilities held at the year end recognised in:

– profit or loss

Year ended  
31 December  
2019 
£m
1,151

Year ended  
31 December  
2018 
£m
1,167

(20)
314
(24)
369
(71)
(2)

53
38
(25)
69
(151)
–

1,717

1,151

(20)

53

19(f): Effect of changes in significant unobservable assumptions to reasonable possible alternatives
Details of the valuation techniques applied to the different categories of financial instruments can be found in note 19(a) above, including the 
valuation techniques applied when significant unobservable assumptions are used to value Level 3 assets.

The majority of the Group’s Level 3 assets are held within private equity investments, where the valuation of these assets is performed on an 
asset-by-asset basis using a valuation methodology appropriate to the specific investment and in line with industry guidelines. Private equity 
investments are valued at the value disclosed in the latest available set of audited financial statements or, if more recent information is available, 
from investment managers or professional valuation experts at the value of the underlying assets of the private equity investment. For this reason, 
no reasonable alternative assumptions are applicable and management therefore performs a sensitivity test of an aggregate 10% change in the 
value of the financial asset or liability (31 December 2018: 10%), representing a reasonable possible alternative judgement in the context of the 
current macro-economic environment in which the Group operates. It is therefore considered that the impact of this sensitivity will be in the range 
of £172 million to the reported fair value of Level 3 assets, both favourable and unfavourable (31 December 2018: £115 million). As described in 
note 19(e), changes in the value of Level 3 assets held within linked policyholder funds are exactly matched by corresponding changes in the value 
of liabilities due to policyholders and therefore have no impact on the Group’s net asset value or profit or loss, except to the extent that it has an 
impact on management fees earned.

19(g): Fair value hierarchy for assets and liabilities not measured at fair value
Certain financial instruments of the Group are not carried at fair value. The carrying values of these are considered reasonable approximations of 
their respective fair values, as they are either short-term in nature or are repriced to current market rates at frequent intervals. Their classification 
within the fair value hierarchy would be as follows:

Trade, other receivables, and other assets
Trade, other payables, and other liabilities

Level 3
Level 3

Cash and cash equivalents (excluding money market funds) are held at amortised cost and therefore not carried at fair value. The cash and cash 
equivalents that are held at amortised cost would be classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

Loans and advances are financial assets held at amortised cost and therefore not carried at fair value, with the exception of policyholder loans 
which are categorised as FVTPL. The loans and advances that are held at amortised cost would be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Borrowed funds are financial liabilities held at amortised cost and therefore not carried at fair value. Borrowed funds relate to subordinated 
liabilities and would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Lease liabilities valued under IFRS 16 are held at amortised cost and therefore not carried at fair value. They would be classified as Level 3 in the 
fair value hierarchy.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

159

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

20: Structured entities
20(a): Group’s involvement in structured entities
Some investment vehicles are classified as structured entities because they have a narrow and well defined purpose. In structured entities, 
voting rights are not the predominant factor in deciding who controls the entity but rather it is the Group’s exposure to the variability of returns 
from these entities. 

The Group invests in collective investment vehicles, including OEICs and unit trusts, in order to match unit-linked investment contract liabilities. 
Shareholder funds are also invested in collective investment vehicles, principally in respect of money market funds as an alternative to bank 
deposits. These structured entities are not consolidated where the Group determines that it does not have control.

The Group’s holdings in collective investment vehicles are subject to the terms and conditions of the respective investment vehicle’s offering 
documentation and are susceptible to market price risk arising from uncertainties about future values of those investment vehicles. All of the 
investment vehicles in the investment portfolios are managed by portfolio managers who are compensated by the respective investment vehicles 
for their services. Such compensation generally consists of an asset-based fee and a performance based incentive fee, and is reflected in the 
valuation of the investment vehicles.

20(b): Interests in unconsolidated structured entities
The Group invests in unconsolidated structured entities as part of its normal investment and trading activities. The Group’s total interest in 
unconsolidated structured entities is classified as investments and securities held at fair value through profit or loss. The table below provides 
a summary of the carrying value of the Group’s interests in unconsolidated structured entities:

Financial investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Total Group interest in unconsolidated structured entities

31 December  
2019 
£m
38,264
1,159
39,423

31 December  
2018 
£m
40,815
1,361
42,176

The Group’s maximum exposure to loss with regard to the interests presented above is the carrying amount of the Group’s investments. Once 
the Group has disposed of its shares or units in a fund, it ceases to be exposed to any risk from that fund. The Group’s holdings in the above 
unconsolidated structured entities are mostly less than 50% and as such the net asset value of these structured entities is likely to be significantly 
higher than their carrying value.

20(c): Consolidation considerations for structured entities managed by the Group
The Group acts as fund manager to a number of investment funds. Determining whether the Group controls such an investment fund usually 
focuses on the assessment of decision-making rights as fund manager, the investor’s rights to remove the fund manager and the aggregate 
economic interests of the Group in the fund in the form of interest held and exposure to variable returns. 

In most instances the Group’s decision-making authority, in its capacity as fund manager, with regard to these funds is regarded to be well-defined. 
Discretion is exercised when decisions regarding the relevant activities of these funds are being made. For funds managed by the Group where the 
investors have the right to remove the Group as fund manager without cause, the fees earned by the Group are considered to be market related. 
These agreements include only terms, conditions or amounts that are customarily present in arrangements for similar services and level of skills 
negotiated on an arm’s length basis. The Group has concluded that it acts as agent on behalf of the investors in all instances. 

The Group is considered to be acting as principal where the Group is the fund manager and is able to make the investment decisions on behalf 
of the unit holders and earn a variable fee, and there are no kick out rights that would remove the Group as fund manager. 

There have been no changes in facts or circumstances which have changed the Group’s conclusion on the consolidation of funds.

The Group has not provided any non-contractual support to any consolidated or unconsolidated structured entities.

20(d): Other interests in unconsolidated structured entities
There are no investments at the current or prior reporting date managed by the Group in which it has no holding. In the prior year, there was 
£1 million of fees recorded in the income statement in relation to previously managed investments, which are no longer part of the Group following 
the sale of the Single Strategy business in 2018.

160

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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

21: Trade, other receivables and other assets
The note analyses total trade, other receivables and other assets.

Debtors arising from reinsurance business
Outstanding settlements
Other receivables
Accrued interest
Accrued income1
Other accruals and prepayments
Contract assets1
Management fees
Other assets

Total trade, other receivables and other assets

To be settled within 12 months
To be settled after 12 months

Total trade, other receivables and other assets

31 December  
2019 
£m

31 December  
2018 
£m

–
245
78
2
34
30
19
16
–

424

424
–

424

5
327
94
2
29
34
15
23
1

530

530
–

530

1Following refinement of the Group’s interpretation of IFRS 15 post adoption at 1 January 2018 and to conform with current year presentation, in the year ended 31 December 2018 £29 million 
of assets have been reclassified from contract assets to accrued income.

Other receivables mainly relate to trade debtors, tax debtors and other debtors. 

There have been no non-performing receivables or material impairments in the financial year that require disclosure. Information about the 
Group’s impairment losses on trade receivables is included in note 36(b). None of the receivables reflected above have been subject to the 
renegotiation of terms.

All amounts are current, short-term and interest free with the carrying amount approximating to fair value.

22: Deferred acquisition costs and contract costs 
Deferred acquisition costs (on insurance contracts) and contract costs (on investment contracts and asset management contracts) relate to costs 
that the Group incur to obtain new business. These acquisition costs are capitalised in the statement of financial position and are amortised in 
profit or loss over the life of the contracts. The table below analyses the movements in these balances relating to insurance, investment and asset 
management contracts. 

1 January 2018
Reclassification to contract costs1

New business
Amortisation
Other movements

Continuing operations movement

Discontinued operations movement

31 December 2018
New business
Amortisation

Continuing operations movement

Foreign exchange

Discontinued operations movement

Disposal of subsidiaries

31 December 2019

Deferred acquisition costs

Contract costs

Investment 
contracts 
£m
592
(592)
–
–
–
–

Insurance 
contracts 
£m
14
–
–
–
–
–

Asset 
management 
£m
5
(5)
–
–
–
–

Investment 
contracts 
£m
–
592
50
(79)
2
(27)

Asset 
management 
£m
–
5
1
(2)
–
(1)

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

(3)

11
–
–
–

–

(3)

(8)

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

(18)

547
36
(75)
(39)

(3)

(14)

(39)

452

–

4
–
(1)
(1)

–

–

–

3

Total 
£m
611
–
51
(81)
2
(28)

(21)

562
36
(76)
(40)

(3)

(17)

(47)

455

1Reclassified from deferred acquisition costs to contract costs at 1 January 2018, as a result of IFRS 15.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

161

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

23: Cash and cash equivalents
23(a): Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank
Money market funds
Cash and cash equivalents in consolidated funds

Total cash and cash equivalents 

31 December  
2019 
£m
787
1,159
527

31 December  
2018 
£m
550
1,361
484

2,473

2,395

Except for cash and cash equivalents subject to consolidation of funds of £527 million (2018: £484 million), management do not consider that there 
are any material amounts of cash and cash equivalents which are not available for use in the Group’s day-to-day operations.

23(b): Analysis of net cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax 
Adjustments for non-cash movements in net profit for the year
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment1
Movement on deferred acquisition and contract costs
Movement on deferred fee income and contract liabilities
Amortisation and impairment of intangibles
Fair value and other movements in financial assets
Fair value movements in investment contract liabilities
Other change in investment contract liabilities
Profit on sale of subsidiaries 
Other movements1

Net changes in working capital
Increase in derivatives2
Decrease/(increase) in loans and advances
(Decrease)/increase in provisions
Movement in other assets/liabilities3,4

Taxation paid

Net cash flows (used in)/ from operating activities 

31 December  
2019 
£m

31 December  
2018 
£m

301

321

19
57
(13)
48
(7,650)
6,518
(1,209)
(103)
65
(2,268)

(6)
5
(28)
(10)
(39)
(37)

(2,043)

8
49
(14)
46
3,473
(4,119)
1,412
(290)
19
584

(353)
(23)
(6)
(280)
(662)
(92)

151

1In the year ended 31 December 2018, £2 million has been reclassified from Other movements to Depreciation of property, plant and equipment to conform with current year presentation.
2The movement in derivatives primarily relates to consolidated funds as explained in note 20.
3Working capital changes in respect of other assets and liabilities primarily relate to consolidated funds.
4In the year ended 31 December 2018, £7 million has been reclassified between net changes in working capital and acquisitions of interests in subsidiaries to conform with the current year 
presentation of contingent consideration payments (see note 5(a)).

162

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

23: Cash and cash equivalents continued
23(c): Cash flows from financing activities is further analysed below

31 December 2019

Opening balance at 1 January 2019
Cash flows from financing activities
Liability related:

Finance costs on external borrowings

Equity related:

Dividends paid to ordinary equity holders of the Company

Payment of lease liabilities

Cash flows from financing activities
Other changes
External debt interest accrual
Changes in lease liabilities
Other changes in liabilities

Liability related
Equity related

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Opening balance at 1 January 2018
Cash flows from financing activities
Liability related:
Finance costs
Proceeds from issue of subordinated and other debt
Subordinated and other debt repaid

Equity related:

Dividends paid to ordinary equity holders of the Company

Cash flows from financing activities
Other changes
Other changes in liabilities2

Liability related
Equity related

31 December 2018

Liabilities

Borrowings 
 and lease 
liabilities 
£m

Note 29
197

Deposits 
from  
reinsurers 
£m

Note 30
16

Equity1

Changes in  
equity 
£m

Total 
£m

2,005

2,218

(9)

–
(16)

(25)

4
64
6

74
89

335

(1)

–
–

(1)

–
–
1

1
–

16

Liabilities

Borrowings 
 and lease 
liabilities 
£m

Note 29
782

Deposits 
from  
reinsurers 
£m

Note 30
16

(7)
497
(516)

–
(26)

(559)

(559)
–

197

(1)
–
–

–
(1)

1

1
–

16

–

(92)
–

(92)

–
–
–

–
158

2,071

Equity1

Changes in  
equity 
£m

(10)

(92)
(16)

(118)

4
64
7

75
247

2,422

Total 
£m

1,099

1,897

–
–
–

(221)
(221)

–

–
1,127

2,005

(8)
497
(516)

(221)
(248)

(558)

(558)
1,127

2,218

1Full details of changes in equity are shown in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.
2Other changes in liabilities in the year ended 31 December 2018 includes the £566 million receivable transferred into the Group as part of the acquisition of the Skandia UK Group Limited, 
which offsets with the corresponding payable already within the Group, as explained in note 5(a).

Quilter Annual Report 2019

163

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

24: Ordinary Share capital and merger reserve
24(a): Ordinary Share capital
Financial instruments issued are classified as equity when there is no contractual obligation to transfer cash, other financial assets or issue a variable 
number of own equity instruments. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of equity instruments are shown in equity as a deduction 
from the proceeds, net of tax. The Parent Company’s equity capital currently comprises 1,902,251,098 Ordinary Shares of 7p each with an aggregated 
nominal value of £133,157,577 (31 December 2018: 1,902,251,098 Ordinary Shares of 7p each with an aggregated nominal value of £133,157,577). 

This note gives details of the Company’s Ordinary Share capital and shows the movements during the period:

At 1 January 2018

Issue of share capital1

Sub-division of Ordinary Shares of 100p each to 1p each2

Bonus shares issued to ordinary shareholders of 1p each3

Conversion of Ordinary Shares of 1p each to 7p each4

At 31 December 2018

At 1 January 2019

At 31 December 2019

Number of shares
130,000,257
1

130,000,258
12,870,025,542

13,000,025,800
315,731,886

13,315,757,686
(11,413,506,588)

1,902,251,098

1,902,251,098

1,902,251,098

Nominal  
value
£m
130
–

Share  
premium
£m
58
–

130
–

130
3

133
–

133

133

133

58
–

58
–

58
–

58

58

58

1On 31 January 2018, the Company allotted and issued 1 Ordinary Share of £1. On 6 June 2018, the Board approved a reorganisation of its share capital to enable the implementation of the 
Managed Separation and to ensure that existing shareholders of Old Mutual plc received one Ordinary Share for every three Ordinary Shares they hold in Old Mutual plc, as described in the 
prospectus document. The share capital reorganisation consisted of the following steps:
2Each of the Company’s existing 130,000,258 Ordinary Shares of £1.00 each was sub-divided into 100 Ordinary Shares of £0.01 each, following which the Company’s share capital consisted 
of 13,000,025,800 Ordinary Shares of £0.01 each, with an aggregate nominal value of £130,000,258;
3The Company allotted 315,731,886 bonus Ordinary Shares of £0.01 each to the existing shareholders of the Company (with any fractional entitlements arising to be aggregated and allotted 
to Old Mutual plc), following which the Company’s share capital consisted of 13,315,757,686 Ordinary Shares of £0.01 each, with an aggregate nominal value of £133,157,577; and
4The Company’s 13,315,757,686 Ordinary Shares of £0.01 each were consolidated into Ordinary Shares of £0.07 each (with any fractional entitlements arising to be aggregated and allotted 
to Old Mutual plc), following which the Company’s share capital consists of 1,902,251,098 Ordinary Shares of £0.07 each, with an aggregate nominal value of £133,157,577.

24(b): Merger reserve
On 31 January 2018, the Group acquired the Skandia UK Limited group of entities from its then parent company Old Mutual plc. This comprised of 
seven Old Mutual plc group entities with a net asset value of £591 million. The transfer was effected by the issue of one share and with the balance 
giving rise to a merger reserve of £591 million in the consolidated statement of financial position, being the difference between the nominal value 
of the share issued by the parent company for the acquisition of the shares of the subsidiaries and the subsidiaries’ net asset value. No debt was 
taken on as a result of this transaction. The most significant asset within these entities was a £566 million receivable which corresponded to an 
equivalent payable within the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position. The net effect of this transaction for the Group was to replace 
a payable due to Old Mutual plc with equity.

Following the acquisition the Company allotted 315,731,886 bonus ordinary shares of £0.01 each to the existing shareholders of the Company 
(with any fractional entitlements arising to be aggregated and allotted to Old Mutual plc), with a total nominal value of £3 million. This had the effect 
of reducing the merger reserve by £3 million to £588 million at 31 December 2018.

This transaction attracted merger relief under section 612 of the Companies Act 2006.

During the year ended 31 December 2019, there was a partial repayment of the receivable and a subsequent dividend paid by Skandia UK Limited 
up to its parent Quilter plc. The resulting decrease in Skandia UK Limited’s net asset value gave rise to a £439 million impairment of Quilter plc’s 
investment in Skandia UK Limited and an associated release of the merger reserve.

164

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

25: Share-based payments 
During the year ended 31 December 2019, the Group participated in a number of share-based payment arrangements. This note describes the 
nature of the plans and how the share options and awards are valued.

25(a): Description of share-based payment arrangements
The Group operates the following share-based payment schemes with awards over Quilter plc shares which came into force on 25 June 2018: 
the Quilter plc Performance Share Plan, the Quilter plc Share Reward Plan, the Quilter plc Share Incentive Plan, and the Quilter plc Sharesave Plan.

The Old Mutual Wealth Joint Share Ownership Plan, the Old Mutual Wealth Phantom Share Reward Plan and the Old Mutual plc Managed 
Separation Incentive Plan were awards over Old Mutual plc shares or, in the case of the Old Mutual Wealth Phantom Share Reward Plan, notional 
Old Mutual plc shares. These share-based payment schemes were transferred to awards over Quilter plc shares on 25 June 2018 and continue 
to the original vesting dates.

Description of award

Vesting conditions

Scheme

Restricted 
shares

Conditional 
shares

Options

Other

Dividend
entitlement1

Contractual  
life 
 (years)

Typical  
service  
(years)

Quilter plc Performance Share Plan 

Quilter plc Performance Share Plan 

Quilter plc Share Reward Plan

Quilter plc Share Incentive Plan
Quilter plc Sharesave Plan3

Old Mutual Wealth Joint Share 
Ownership Plan4

Old Mutual Wealth Phantom Share
Reward Plan5

Old Mutual plc Managed Separation
 Incentive Plan

Charles Derby Group Performance 
Share Plan

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Up to 10

Not less  
than 3 

Typically 3

Not less  
than 3

3

3

3

2

–

31/2-51/2

3 & 5

3

Typically 3

Up to 10

Up to 10

3

3

–

5

Performance 
(measure)

AP EPS CAGR2 
and Relative Total  
Shareholder Return

Conduct, Risk & 
Compliance Underpins

–

–

–

–

–

Targets in respect of  
Managed Separation 
completion

AP EPS CAGR

1Participants are entitled to actual dividends for the Joint Share Ownership Plan Restricted shares and the Share Incentive Plan. For all other schemes participants are entitled to dividend 
equivalents.
2Adjusted Profit compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”).
3The Quilter plc Sharesave Plan is linked to a savings plan.
4The Joint Share Ownership Plan (“JSOP”) was implemented for certain key employees of the Group in 2013, with the final grant of awards in 2016. It provided participants with an interest in the 
capital growth of the company by granting joint ownership of shares in Old Mutual Wealth Management Ltd (now Quilter plc) with an EBT, whereby the trust owned the principal value of the 
shares and the participants owned any growth in value during the vesting period. Upon the demerger and listing of Quilter plc, the trust exercised a call option to acquire the participants’ 
interest in the shares based on the growth in value of the Company between grant and listing, in return for consideration shares in Quilter plc. The consideration shares for any awards that 
remain unvested are restricted until the normal vesting date, and attract dividends during that time. 
5Awards granted under the Phantom Share Reward Plan prior to the demerger of Quilter plc were made over notional ordinary shares in Old Mutual plc that were settled in cash on the vesting 
date. Upon the demerger and listing of Quilter plc, all unvested notional share awards were converted to conditional awards over ordinary shares in Quilter plc, which will be settled in Quilter plc 
shares on the normal vesting dates.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

165

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

25: Share-based payments continued
25(b): Reconciliation of movements in options
The movement in options outstanding under the Performance Share Plans and Sharesave Plan arrangements during the year is detailed below:

Options over Shares (London Stock Exchange)
Outstanding at beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Forfeited during the year
Exercised during the year
Expired during the year
Cancelled during the year

Outstanding at end of the year

Exercisable at end of the year

Number of  
options
2,468,964
23,632,437
(624,694)
(175,789)
(39,120)
(554,064)

24,707,734

Full year 2019

Weighted average  
exercise price
£0.00
£0.73
£0.30
£0.00
£1.25
£1.25

Full year 2018

Number of  
options
7,622,956
2,824,136
(2,252,333)
(5,578,539)
(5,967)
(141,289)

Weighted average  
exercise price
£1.60
£0.00
£1.60
£1.60
£1.60
£1.60

£0.65

2,468,964

–

–

–

£0.00

–

The weighted average fair value of options at the measurement date, for options granted during the year ended 31 December 2019 is £0.73, 
and for the year ended 31 December 2018 was £1.24.

The options outstanding at 31 December 2019 have exercise prices of £nil for both the Quilter plc Performance Share Plan and Charles Derby 
Group Performance Share Plan, and £1.25 for the Quilter plc Sharesave Plan, with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.7 years. 
At 31 December 2018 the exercise price was £nil, as they were all nil cost options, with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.2 years.

25(c): Measurements and assumptions
In determining the fair value of equity-settled share-based awards and the related charge to the income statement, the Group makes assumptions 
about future events and market conditions. Specifically, management makes estimates of the likely number of shares that will vest and the fair 
value of each award granted which is valued and ‘locked in’ at the grant date.

The fair value of services received in return for share options granted are measured by reference to the fair value of share options granted. 
The estimate of fair value of share options granted is measured using either a Black-Scholes option pricing model or a Monte Carlo simulation.

The inputs used in the measurement of fair values at the grant date for awards granted during 2019 were as follows:

Scheme
Quilter plc Performance Share Plan 
– Share Options (Nil cost options)
Quilter plc Performance Share Plan 

– Conditional Shares

Quilter plc Share Reward Plan 

– Conditional Shares
Quilter plc Sharesave Plan
Charles Derby Group Performance share plan

Weighted 
average 
 share  
price 
£

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price
£

Weighted 
average 
expected 
volatility

Weighted 
average 
expected 
 life
(years)

Weighted 
average 
 risk free 
interest  
rate

Weighted 
average  
expected  
dividend  
yield

Expected 
forfeitures 
per annum

1.39

0.00

29.3%

2.75

0.6%

0.0%

1.39

0.00

29.3%

3.00

0.6%

0.0%

1.39
1.42

0.00
1.25

29.3%
28.1%

2.04
3.65

0.6%
0.8%

0.0%
3.0%

4%

4%

4%
10%

– Share Options (Nil cost options)

1.39

0.00

29.3%

3.75

0.7%

0.0%

4%

166

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

25: Share-based payments continued
25(d): Share grants
The following summarises the fair value of Restricted Shares and Conditional Shares granted by the Group during the year:

Instruments granted during the year
Quilter plc Performance Share Plan – Conditional Shares
Quilter plc Share Reward Plan – Conditional Shares
Quilter plc Share Incentive Plan – Restricted Shares
Old Mutual Wealth Phantom Share Reward Plan – Conditional Shares

Full year 2019

Full year 2018

Number  
granted
4,048,663
10,314,569
–
–

Weighted average  
fair value
£1.39
£1.39
£0.00
£0.00

Number  
granted
5,928,616
–
5,202,140
6,474,853

Weighted average  
fair value
£1.41
–
£1.53
£1.52

25(e): Financial impact
The total expense recognised in the year arising from equity compensation plans was as follows:

Expense arising from equity-settled share and share option plans – continuing operations
Expense arising from equity-settled share and share option plans – discontinued operations

Total expense arising from equity-settled share and share option plans
Expense arising from cash-settled share and share option plans – continuing operations

Total expense arising from share and share option plans

Full year 2019  
£m
25
1

Full year 2018  
£m
24
3

26
–

26

27
3

30

26: Insurance and investment contract liabilities 
The following table provides a summary of the Group’s insurance and investment contract liabilities and related reinsurance assets. Following the 
sale of QLA (see note 5) the Group has no pure insurance contracts (unbundled elements of linked investment contracts are included within “unit 
linked investment contracts and similar contracts”) and as a result the Group no longer has any insurance liabilities or related reinsurance assets.

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Insurance contract liabilities

Life assurance policyholder liabilities
Outstanding claims

Insurance contract liabilities

Notes

26(a)

–
–
–

Investment contract liabilities

Total life assurance policyholder liabilities

26(c)

52,455

52,455

–
–
–

–

–

Gross  
£m

Reinsurance  
£m

Net 
 £m

Gross  
£m

Reinsurance  
£m

–
–
–

588
14
602

(478)
(13)
(491)

Net  
£m

110
1
111

52,455

52,455

56,450

57,052

(1,671)

(2,162)

54,779

54,890

Quilter Annual Report 2019

167

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

26: Insurance and investment contract liabilities continued
26(a): Insurance contract liabilities
Movements in the amounts outstanding in respect of life assurance policyholder liabilities, other than outstanding claims, are set out below:

Carrying amount at 1 January
Impact of new business
Impact of experience effects1
Impact of assumption changes
Other movements

Movement shown in discontinued operations  
income statement2
Disposal of subsidiaries

Life assurance policyholder liabilities

Note

5(c)

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Gross  
£m
588
4
36
91
–

131
(719)

–

Reinsurance  
£m
(478)
(11)
(24)
(86)
–

(121)
599

–

Net  
£m
110
(7)
12
5
–

10
(120)

–

Gross  
£m
480
2
38
69
(1)

Reinsurance  
£m
(375)
(10)
(26)
(68)
1

108
–

588

(103)
–

(478)

Net  
£m
105
(8)
12
1
–

5
–

110

1Impact of experience effects includes the difference between the assumptions made and the actual experience during the period.
2The movement in gross insurance contract liabilities for 2019 of £131 million is a £134 million change in insurance contract liabilities and a £(3) million claim reported within gross premiums 
in the discontinued operations income statement.

26(b): Assumptions – life assurance
The key assumptions considered are mortality/morbidity rates, maintenance expenses, interest rates, persistency rates and maintenance 
expense inflation. These assumptions are based on market data and internal experience data. External data is also used where either no internal 
experience data exists or where internal data is too sparse to give credible estimates of the true expectation of experience. Anticipated future 
trends have been allowed for in deriving mortality and morbidity assumptions.

The liabilities for non-linked contracts have been calculated using a gross premium discounted cash flow approach on a policy by policy basis, 
using the following assumptions. The Continuous Mortality Investigation (“CMI”), supported by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (“IFoA”), 
provides mortality and sickness rate tables for UK life insurers and pension funds. The interest rate assumption is set with reference to a matching 
portfolio of gilts.

Class of business
Non-linked protection business (pre 1 January 2013)1  
excluding stand-alone critical illness policies
Non-linked protection business (post 31 December 2012)1  
and all stand-alone critical illness policies

Pension annuity payment

Mortality/morbidity

Interest rates

2019

2018

2019

2018

Based on relevant CMI tables

0.993%

1.378%

Based on relevant CMI tables
100% PA92 (C2030) ult. projected 
using the long-term cohort basis2

1.242%

1.724%

1.050%

1.420%

1On 1 January 2013, the discount rate was impacted by the Finance Act 2012 amendments to the life tax rules.
2PA92 (C2030) ult. is the CMI reference for the relevant Pension Annuity table.

For non-linked contracts (defined as insurance contracts under IFRS 4), the margin of prudence for the individual assumptions is generally taken as 
the 60% confidence interval over a one year timeframe so that, broadly speaking, in 100 scenarios the reserves are expected to cover the liabilities 
in 60 of those scenarios. Overall, the level of confidence is likely to be greater than 60% on the basis that these margins are applied to several 
assumptions at the same time and prudence is applied to all future years.

The liability values did not make allowance for the amortisation of the DAC asset. A separate liability adequacy test was carried out on best 
estimate assumptions allowing for all of the cash flows used to derive the liability values and the run off of the DAC.

168

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

26: Insurance and investment contract liabilities continued
26(b): Assumptions – life assurance continued
Impact of assumption changes
Assumptions are reviewed annually and updated as appropriate. The impact of the assumption changes on the Group’s annual IFRS profit before 
tax are as follows:

2019
Assumption
Mortality/morbidity rates
Maintenance expense inflation
Interest rates
Methodology changes
Persistency rates

Total

2018
Assumption
Mortality/morbidity rates
Maintenance expense
Interest rates
Persistency rates

Total

Impact on  
IFRS profit  
before tax  
(before 
reinsurance)  
£m

Impact on 
 IFRS profit  
before tax  
(after  
reinsurance)  
£m

Impact of 
reinsurance  
£m

5
1
(104)
8
(1)

(91)

(5)
–
90
–
1

86

–
1
(14)
8
–

(5)

Impact on  
IFRS profit  
before tax  
(before 
reinsurance)  
£m

Impact on  
IFRS profit  
before tax  
(after  
reinsurance)  
£m

Impact of 
reinsurance  
£m

(86)
2
21
(6)

(69)

81
–
(18)
5

68

(5)
2
3
(1)

(1)

The sensitivity of IFRS profit before tax to variations in key assumptions are shown below. The values for 2018 have been determined by varying 
the relevant assumption as at the reporting date and considering the consequential impact assuming other assumptions remain unchanged. 
Sensitivities have not been included for 2019 due to the disposal of QLA. 

(Decrease)/Increase in IFRS profit before tax
Mortality/morbidity rates
Maintenance expenses
Persistency rates

+10%  
£m
(3.3)
(2.2)
2.6

2018

-10%  
£m
3.4
2.2
(2.8)

Quilter Annual Report 2019

169

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

26: Insurance and investment contract liabilities continued
26(c): Investment contract liabilities
Movements in the amounts outstanding in respect of unit-linked and other investment contracts are set out below:

Carrying amount at 1 January
From continuing operations

Fair value movements
Investment income
Movements arising from investment return

From discontinued operations

Fair value movements
Investment income1
Movements arising from investment return

Contributions received1
Maturities
Withdrawals and surrenders
Claims and benefits
Other movements
Change in liability
Currency translation (gain)/loss
Disposal of subsidiaries

Investment contract liabilities

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Gross  
£m
56,450

Reinsurance  
£m
(1,671)

Net  
£m
54,779

Gross  
£m
59,139

Reinsurance  
£m
(2,525)

Net  
£m
56,614

5,091
719
5,810

1,427
142
1,569
5,718
(166)
(7,419)
(205)
2
5,309
(121)
(9,183)

–
–
–

(205)
–
(205)
1,148
–
–
–
(1)
942
–
729

5,091
719
5,810

1,222
142
1,364
6,866
(166)
(7,419)
(205)
1
6,251
(121)
(8,454)

(3,109)
610
(2,499)

(1,010)
160
(850)
7,152
(183)
(6,091)
(234)
(2)
(2,707)
18
–

–
–
–

78
–
78
774
–
–
–
2
854
–
–

(3,109)
610
(2,499)

(932)
160
(772)
7,926
(183)
(6,091)
(234)
–
(1,853)
18
–

52,455

–

52,455

56,450

(1,671)

54,779

1In the year ended 31 December 2018, within discontinued operations, the Group has reclassified £35 million from Investment income to Contributions received to conform with current 
year presentation.

For unit-linked investment contracts, movements in asset values are offset by corresponding changes in liabilities, limiting the net impact on profit. 

The benefits offered under the unit-linked investment contracts are based on the risk appetite of policyholders and the return on their selected 
investments and collective fund investments, whose underlying investments include equities, debt securities, property and derivatives. This 
investment mix is unique to individual policyholders.

The maturity value of these financial liabilities is determined by the fair value of the linked assets at maturity date. There will be no difference 
between the carrying amount and the maturity amount at maturity date.

The reinsurers’ share of policyholder liabilities relating to investment contract liabilities has reduced to £nil (2018: £1,671 million) due to the disposal 
of QLA. Reinsurance contributions received of £1,148 million are disclosed net of withdrawals, reflecting the total of payments made to and 
settlements received from the reinsurer. The underlying movements in the investment funds to which the reinsurance arrangements relate 
indicate contributions received of £(219) million (2018: £(202) million) and withdrawals of £1,367 million (2018: £976 million). In the prior year the 
reinsurers’ share of policyholder liabilities were rated according to the credit ratings in note 36.

26(d): Methodology and assumptions – investment contracts
For unit-linked business, the unit liabilities are determined as the value of units credited to policyholders. Since these liabilities are determined on 
a retrospective basis no assumptions for future experience are required. Assumptions for future experience are required for unit-linked business 
in assessing whether the total of the contract costs asset and contract liability is greater than the present value of future profits expected to arise 
on the relevant blocks of business (the “recoverability test”). If this is the case, then the contract costs asset is restricted to the recoverable amount. 
For linked contracts, the assumptions are on a best estimate basis.

170

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

27: Provisions

31 December 2019
Balance at beginning of the year
Adjustment on initial application of IFRS 16
Additions from business combinations
Charge to income statement1
Utilised during the year
Unused amounts reversed
Reclassification within Statement of Financial Position
Disposals

Balance at 31 December 2019

31 December 2018
Balance at beginning of the year
Additions from business combinations
Charge to income statement1
Utilised during the year
Unused amounts reversed
Reclassification within Statement of Financial Position

Balance at 31 December 2018

Sale of  
QLA  
£m
–
–
–
6
–
–
–
–

6

Compensation 
provisions  
£m
54
–
14
9
(19)
(13)
(3)
(11)

Sale of Single  
Strategy  
business  
£m
20
–
–
1
(11)
–
–
–

31

10

Compensation 
provisions  
£m
82
–
11
(31)
(4)
(4)

Sale of Single  
Strategy  
business  
£m
–
–
25
(5)
–
–

54

20

Other  
£m
20
(5)
1
7
(1)
(4)
–
(1)

17

Other  
£m
22
1
3
(5)
(1)
–

20

Total  
£m
94
(5)
15
23
(31)
(17)
(3)
(12)

64

Total 
£m
104
1
39
(41)
(5)
(4)

94

1Part of the charge to income statement in both 2019 and 2018 is included within the discontinued operations income statement.

Provisions arising on the disposal of Quilter Life Assurance
The QLA business was sold on 31 December 2019 (see note 5), resulting in a number of provisions totalling £6 million being established in respect 
of the costs of disposing the business and the related costs of business separation.

The costs of business separation arise from the process to separate QLA’s infrastructure, which is complex and covers a wide range of areas 
including people, IT systems, data, contracts and facilities. A programme team has been established to ensure the transition of these areas to the 
acquirer. These provisions have been based on external quotations and estimations, and estimates of the time required for incremental resource 
costs to achieve the separation.

The most significant element of the provision is the cost of migration of IT systems and data to the acquirer. Work will take place during 2020 
and 2021. Calculation of the provision is based on management’s best estimate of the work required, the time it is expected to take, the number 
and skills of the staff required and their cost, and the cost of related external IT services to support the work. In reaching these judgements and 
estimates, management have made use of their past experience of previous IT migrations following business disposals. Management estimate 
a provision sensitivity of +/-25% (£1.5 million).

Of the total £6 million provision, £2 million is estimated to be payable after one year.

Compensation provisions
Compensation provisions total £31 million (31 December 2018: £54 million), and are comprised of the following:

QLA Voluntary client remediation provision of £nil (31 December 2018: £38 million)
This provision was established within the QLA business and has therefore formed part of the Group’s discontinued operations, which were 
subsequently disposed of on 31 December 2019.

During 2017, as part of its ongoing work to promote fair customer outcomes, the Group conducted product reviews consistent with the 
recommendations from the FCA’s thematic feedback and the FCA’s guidance FG16/8 Fair treatment of long-standing customers in the life 
insurance sector. Following these reviews, the Group decided to commence voluntary remediation to customers with certain legacy products, 
establishing a provision for £69 million. The redress relates to early encashment charges and contribution servicing charges made on pension 
products and, following the re-introduction of annual reviews, compensation payable to a subset of protection plan holders.

During 2018, £27 million was utilised against programme costs and pension remediation incurred. In addition £4 million was reclassified to 
“investment contract liabilities”, reflecting the capping of early encashment charges on live pension plans. At the end of 2018 there was £38 million 
of the provision remaining, including £6 million of programme costs.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

171

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

27: Provisions continued
During 2019, the components of the remaining provision were reviewed as refinements in supporting data emerged together with improvements 
in estimation methodology and modelling, resulting in a £10 million release. A further £14 million (31 December 2018: £27 million) was utilised 
during the year, with £3 million reclassified as “Trade, other payables and other liabilities”. The remaining £11 million provision prior to the sale of 
QLA was transferred to the acquirer on 31 December 2019.

Lighthouse pension transfer advice complaints of £12 million (31 December 2018: £nil)
A provision was established within the fair value of the Lighthouse assets and liabilities acquired. The provision relates to approximately 30 
complaints received on advice provided by Lighthouse in respect of pension transfers for British Steel pension scheme members, prior to the 
Group’s acquisition of Lighthouse in June 2019. All the complaints received relate to transfers before that date.

The Group has performed a detailed case file review of a sample of 5 of the complaints, as a sample representative of the overall population. The 
loss per client as a proportion of the transfer value of the pension was determined and extrapolated to the overall complaint population. The 
methodology employed to assess the probable redress payable uses assumptions and estimation techniques which are consistent with principles 
under the FCA’s FG17/9 “Guidance for firms on how to calculate redress for unsuitable defined benefit pension transfers”. A provision of £9 million has 
been calculated for the potential redress of all complaints received to date. The final costs of redress for complaints upheld will depend on specific 
calculations on a case-by-case basis and therefore may vary from the currently provided amounts. Further details are provided in note 34.

An additional provision for £3 million has been established in respect of the cost of legal and professional fees related to the complaints and 
redress process, which includes the anticipated costs to review advice provided of a similar nature in relation to cases that management believe 
may have similar characteristics.

No reduction in the provision has been recognised at the reporting date in relation to recoverability of any redress or other costs under 
Lighthouse’s professional indemnity insurance policy.

Compensation provisions (other) of £19 million (31 December 2018: £16 million)
Other compensation provisions of £19 million are all held within the Group’s continuing operations and include amounts relating to the cost of 
correcting deficiencies in policy administration systems, including restatements and clawbacks, any associated litigation costs and the related 
costs to compensate previous or existing policyholders. This provision represents management’s best estimate of expected outcomes based 
upon previous experience. Due to the nature of the provision, the timing of the expected cash outflows is uncertain. Estimates are reviewed 
annually and adjusted as appropriate for new circumstances. Management estimate a provision sensitivity of +/-25% (£5 million). 

Sale of Single Strategy Asset Management business provision
In 2018, a restructuring provision was recognised as a result of the sale of the Single Strategy Asset Management business to enable the remaining 
Quilter Investors business to function as a standalone operation going forward. The provision includes those costs directly related to replacing and 
restoring the operational capability that previously underpinned and supported both parts of the asset management business. Key parts of this 
capability had either been disposed of or disrupted as a consequence of the sale. The provision established for restructuring was £19 million, of 
which £5 million was utilised during 2018. In 2019, a further £11 million of the restructuring provision was utilised and therefore £3 million of the 
provision remains at year end 31 December 2019. Management estimate a provision sensitivity of +/-20% (£0.6 million).

Additional provisions totalling £6 million were also made in the year ended 31 December 2018 as a consequence of the sale of the Single Strategy 
Asset Management business. These were in relation to various sale related future commitments, the outcome of which was uncertain at the time 
of the sale and the most significant of which is in relation to the guarantee of revenues in future years. A further £1 million was added to the 
provision during 2019, bringing the closing balance to £7 million at 31 December 2019.

The provision takes into account sensitivities including potential scenarios which would result in a reduction in Group assets under management 
held in Merian (Single Strategy Asset Management business) funds, leading to a reduction in the management fees paid to Merian. The maximum 
potential exposure is £29 million, arising between 2020 and 2022. 

Of the total £10 million provision outstanding, £3 million (2018: £6 million) is estimated to be payable after one year.

Other provisions
Other provisions include amounts for the resolution of legal uncertainties and the settlement of other claims raised by contracting parties, 
property dilapidation provisions (up to the end of 31 December 2018) and indemnity commission provisions. Where material, provisions and 
accruals are discounted at discount rates specific to the risks inherent in the liability. The timing and final amounts of payments in respect of 
some of the provisions, particularly those in respect of litigation claims and similar actions against the Group, are uncertain and could result in 
adjustments to the amounts recorded. During 2019, provisions related to dilapidations were removed as part of the establishment of right-of-use 
assets and lease liabilities under IFRS 16 Leases. Management estimate a provision sensitivity of +/-20% (£3 million). 

The total £17 million provision outstanding is all estimated to be payable within one year (2018: £6 million).

172

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

28: Tax assets and liabilities
Deferred income taxes are calculated on all temporary differences at the tax rate applicable to the jurisdiction in which the timing differences arise.

Deferred tax summary

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax liability

31 December  
2019  
£m
43
88

31 December 
2018  
£m
38
59

45

21

28(a): Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets are recognised for tax losses carried forward only to the extent that realisation of the related tax benefit is probable, being 
where, on the basis of all available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits against which the reversal 
of the deferred tax asset can be deducted.

The movement on recognised deferred tax assets is as follows:

Year ended 31 December 2019
Tax losses carried forward
Accelerated depreciation
Other temporary differences
Share-based payments
Contract liabilities
Deferred expenses
Netted against liabilities

Deferred tax assets at 31 December 2019

At  
beginning  
of the year  
£m
19
13
4
4
2
35
(39)

38

Income 
 statement 
(charge)/
credit1
£m
(1)
6
(3)
4
(1)
(15)
12

2

Charged  
to equity  
£m
–
–
2
–
–
–
–

2

Acquisition/
disposal of 
subsidiaries  
£m
1
–
–
–
(1)
(13)
14

1

At end  
of the  
year  
£m
19
19
3
8
–
7
(13)

43

The credit to the income statement of £6 million in 2019 in respect of accelerated depreciation includes a credit of £7 million relating to a change 
in deferred tax asset recognition, as explained in note 10(a). Had this been in place in the prior year, the equivalent adjustment in 2018 would have 
been a £9 million deferred tax credit, with a corresponding £2 million charge in the current year. Further detail is shown in note 10(a).

Year ended 31 December 2018
Tax losses carried forward
Accelerated depreciation
Other temporary differences
Share-based payments
Contract liabilities
Deferred expenses
Netted against liabilities

Deferred tax assets at 31 December 2018

At  
beginning  
of the year  
£m
6
17
4
2
3
24
(34)

22

Income  
statement  
(charge)/

credit1 
£m
13
(4)
–
2
(1)
11
(5)

16

Charged  
to equity  
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

Acquisition/
disposal of 
subsidiaries  
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

At end  
of the  
year  
£m
19
13
4
4
2
35
(39)

38

1The income statement credit of £2 million in year ended 31 December 2019 (2018: £16 million) relates to continuing operations only. 

The recognition of deferred tax assets is subject to the estimation of future taxable profits, which is based on the annual business planning process 
and in particular on estimated levels of assets under management, which are subject to a large number of factors including worldwide stock market 
movements and related movements in foreign exchange rates, together with estimates of net client cash flow, expenses and other charges.

The business plan, adjusted for known and estimated tax sensitivities, is used to determine the extent to which deferred tax assets are recognised. 
In general the Group assesses recoverability based on estimated taxable profits over a three-year planning horizon. Where credible longer-term 
profit forecasts are available (e.g. for the life insurance companies) the specific entity may assess recoverability over a longer period, subject to a 
higher level of sensitivity testing. 

Quilter Annual Report 2019

173

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

28: Tax assets and liabilities continued
28(a): Deferred tax assets continued
Sensitivity analysis demonstrates significant headroom in the recoverable amount of the deferred tax asset over the taxable profits contained 
within the three-year planning horizon. The impact of a 20% decrease in profitability over that period has been assessed and would not result in 
any impact over recoverability of deferred tax assets.

Unrecognised deferred tax assets
The amounts for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised comprises:

Expiring in less than a year
Expiring between one and five years
Expiring after five years

Unrelieved tax losses
Accelerated depreciation
Other timing differences

Total unrecognised deferred tax assets

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Gross  
amount  
£m
–
–
472

472
28
7

507

Tax 
£m
–
–
80

80
5
2

87

Gross  
amount  
£m
–
–
663

663
93
285

1,041

Tax  
£m
–
–
112

112
16
49

177

Movements in unrecognised deferred tax assets
The value of unrecognised deferred tax assets decreased by £90 million during the year mainly as a result of the sale of QLA and the adoption of 
IFRIC 23, in respect of uncertain tax positions, from 1 January 2019. 

28(b): Deferred tax liabilities 
The movement on deferred tax liabilities is as follows:

Year ended 31 December 2019
Deferred acquisition costs
Other acquired intangibles
Other temporary differences
Investment gains
Netted against assets

Deferred tax liabilities at 31 December 2019

Year ended 31 December 2018
Deferred acquisition costs
Other acquired intangibles
Other temporary differences
Investment gains
Netted against assets

Deferred tax liabilities at 31 December 2018

At  
beginning  
of the year
£m
11
40
1
46
(39)

59

At  
beginning  
of the year 
£m
15
41
1
167
(34)

190

Income  
statement 
(credit)/
charge1
£m
(3)
(8)
(1)
92
12

92

Income  
statement 
(credit)/

charge1 

£m
(4)
(8)
–
(121)
(5)

(138)

Acquisition/
disposal of 
subsidiaries
£m
(8)
7
–
(76)
14

(63)

Acquisition/ 
disposal of 
subsidiaries 
£m
–
7
–
–
–

7

At end  
of the  
year 
£m
–
39
–
62
(13)

88

At end  
of the  
year 
£m
11
40
1
46
(39)

59

1In the year ended 31 December 2019, of the £92 million income statement charge, £41 million relates to continuing operations and £51 million to discontinued operations. In the year ended 
2018, of the £(138) million income statement credit, £(52) million relates to continuing operations and £(86) million relates to discontinued operations.

28(c): Current tax receivables and payables
Current tax receivables and current tax payables at 31 December 2019 were £13 million (2018: £47 million) and £6 million (2018: £5 million), respectively.

174

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

29: Borrowings and lease liabilities
The following table analyses the Group’s borrowings and lease liabilities:

Subordinated debt: fixed rate loan at 4.478%
Lease liabilities

Total borrowings and lease liabilities

31 December  
2019 
£m
198
137

31 December  
2018 
£m
197
–

335

197

29(a): Borrowings
Borrowed funds are repayable on demand and categorised in terms of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments as “Financial liabilities at amortised cost”. The 
carrying value of the Group’s borrowings is considered to be materially inline with the fair value. All amounts outstanding at 31 December 2019 are 
payable to a number of relationship banks.

On 28 February 2018, the Group issued a £200 million subordinated debt security in the form of a 10-year Tier 2 bond with a one-time issuer call 
option after five years to J.P. Morgan Securities plc, paying a semi-annual coupon of 4.478% (the “Tier 2 Bond”). The bond was remarketed and sold 
to the secondary market in full on 13 April 2018. It is now listed and regulated under the terms of the London Stock Exchange. The loan matures 
in 2028 with the option to redeem in 2023.

In addition, the Group entered into a £125 million revolving credit facility which remains undrawn and is being held for contingent funding purposes.

29(b): Lease liabilities
The Group adopted IFRS 16 Leases for the first time in 2019 and this replaces IAS 17 Leases and IFRIC 4 Determining whether an Arrangement Contains 
a Lease. Further information on IFRS 16 can be found in notes 2 and 4. 

The Group has entered into commercial non-cancellable leases on certain property, plant and equipment where it is not in the best interest of the 
Group to purchase these assets. Such leases have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights.

Lease liabilities represent the obligation to pay lease rentals as required by IFRS 16, and are categorised as financial liabilities at amortised cost.

Opening balance at 1 January
Implementation of IFRS 16
Acquisitions through business combinations
Additions1
Interest charge for the year
Payment for interest portion of lease liability
Payment for principal portion of lease liability

Closing balance at 31 December

To be settled within 12 months
To be settled after 12 months

Total lease liabilities

Maturity analysis2
Within one year
One to five years
More than five years

Total lease liabilities – undiscounted

1The majority of additions during the year relate to the lease for Senator House, the Group’s new London property.
2The maturity analysis of lease liabilities is on an undiscounted basis.

31 December  
2019 
£m
–
89
1
60
3
(3)
(13)

137

13
124

137

15
50
99

164

Quilter Annual Report 2019

175

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

29: Borrowings and lease liabilities continued
29(b): Lease liabilities continued
Operating lease commitments prior to the implementation of IFRS 16
Prior to 1 January 2019, all Group leases were classified as operating leases, being leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and 
rewards of the ownership of the leased asset.

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases prior to the implementation of IFRS 16 were:

Within one year
One to five years
More than five years

Total outstanding commitments under non-cancellable operating leases

30: Trade, other payables and other liabilities

Claims outstanding
Amounts owed to intermediaries

Amounts payable on direct insurance business
Deposits received from reinsurers
Accounts payable on reinsurance business
Outstanding settlements
Accruals and deferred income
Trade creditors
Contingent consideration
Other liabilities

Total trade, other payables and other liabilities

To be settled within 12 months
To be settled after 12 months

Total trade, other payables and other liabilities

31 December  
2018 
£m
15
40
43

98

31 December  
2018 
£m
226
22
248
16
8
386
147
33
37
124

999

981
18

999

31 December  
2019 
£m
182
11
193
16
1
270
160
41
39
116

836

832
4

836

176

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

31: Contract liabilities and deferred revenue
Prior to the implementation of IFRS 15 Revenues from Contracts with Customers on 1 January 2018, contract liabilities were classified as deferred 
revenue. Contract liabilities relate to non-refundable front-end fee income, comprising fees received at inception or receivable over an initial period 
for services not yet provided, and is deferred through the creation of a contract liability on the statement of financial position and released to 
income as the services are provided. Equal service provision is assumed over the lifetime of the contract and, as such, the contract liability is 
amortised on a linear basis over the expected life of the contract, adjusted for expected persistency. The contract liability principally comprises 
fee income already received in cash. The table below analyses the movements in contract liabilities.

1 January 2018
Reclassification to contract liabilities1
Fees and commission income deferred
Amortisation
Foreign exchange

Continuing operations movements
Discontinued operations movements
31 December 2018
Fees and commission income deferred
Amortisation
Foreign exchange
Continuing operations movement
Discontinued operations movement
Disposal of subsidiaries
31 December 2019

1Reclassified as a result of IFRS 15 at 1 January 2018.

Life and Savings

Asset Management

Deferred  
Revenue 
£m
242
(242)
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Contract  
Liabilities 
£m
–
242
10
(12)
(4)

(6)
(11)
225
8
(12)
1
(3)
(8)
(23)
191

Deferred  
Revenue 
£m
2
(2)
–
–
–

Contract  
Liabilities 
£m
–
2
–
(1)
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(1)
–
1
–
(1)
–
(1)
–
–
–

Total 
£m
244
–
10
(13)
(4)

(7)
(11)
226
8
(13)
1
(4)
(8)
(23)
191

The Group expects to recognise the above contract liability balances as revenue in the following years:

Within one year
One to five years
More than five years

Total contract liabilities

31 December  
2019 
£m

31 December  
2018 
£m

25
68
98

191

27
78
121

226

Quilter Annual Report 2019

177

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

32: Post-employment benefits
The Group operates a number of defined contribution and defined benefit pension schemes in the UK, the Channel Islands and Ireland.

Defined contribution pension schemes
The Group operates a number of defined contribution schemes. The schemes require contributions to be made to funds held in trust, separate 
from the assets of the Group. Participants receive either a monthly pension supplement to their salaries or contributions to personal pension 
plans. For the defined contribution schemes, the Group pays contributions to separately administered pension schemes. The Group has no 
further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised in current service cost in the consolidated 
income statement as staff costs and other employee-related costs when they are due.

Defined benefit schemes
The Group operates two defined benefit schemes: The Quilter Cheviot Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme and the Quilter Cheviot Channel 
Islands Retirement Benefits Scheme which are both closed to new members. The assets of these schemes are held in separate trustee 
administered funds. Pension costs and contributions relating to defined benefit schemes are assessed in accordance with the advice of qualified 
actuaries. Actuarial advice confirms that the current level of contributions payable to each pension scheme, together with existing assets, are 
adequate to secure members’ benefits over the remaining service lives of participating employees. The Group’s policy is to fund at least the 
amounts sufficient to meet minimum funding requirements under applicable employee benefit and tax regulations. The schemes are reviewed 
at least on a triennial basis or in accordance with local practice and regulations. In the intervening years the actuary reviews the continuing 
appropriateness of the assumptions applied.

The Trustees of the Quilter Cheviot Limited Retirement Benefits scheme purchased a bulk annuity from Aviva in July 2019 to de-risk the defined 
benefit pension scheme obligation. This investment strategy intends to equally match the assets and liabilities of the scheme. This covers all 
remaining insured scheme benefits following previous bulk annuity transactions in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The Group agreed to inject a capital 
contribution of £7 million to effect this transaction. 

The Group took the decision to fund the buy-in based on the following considerations:
• a buy-in will remove volatility of the scheme from the balance sheet of the Group, and no further contributions would be expected. The Group 

has made discretionary contributions each of the last four years to the Scheme, which total £2 million since December 2015;

• the buy-in will transfer the pension risks associated with the scheme to a third-party insurer. The only remaining risk will be the counterparty risk 

of insurer;

• there will be a substantially reduced requirement for the Group to hold capital in respect of pensions risk; and
• there will be a reduction in the required management time and running costs in respect of the scheme. 

At the time of the bulk annuity purchase in July 2019, the difference between the annuity purchase price and the defined benefit obligation covered 
by the policy was accounted for in other comprehensive income. The accounting treatment is based on the following considerations made by the 
Group: 
• the employer is not relieved of primary responsibility for the obligation. The policy simply covers the benefit payments that continue to be 

payable by the Scheme; 

• the contract is effectively an investment of the Scheme; and 
• the contract provides the option to convert the bulk annuity into individual policies which would transfer the obligation to the insurer (known as 
a “buy-out”). Whilst this course of action may be considered in future, this is not a requirement and a separate decision will be required before 
any buy-out proceeds. There are currently no plans either by management or Trustees to convert the buy-in contract to individual policies.

The Group has considered the requirements of IFRIC 14 IAS 19 – The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their 
Interaction, including whether the Group has an ‘unconditional right’ to a refund of any surplus that may exist at the conclusion of the schemes. 
This includes a scenario where the schemes’ liabilities are gradually settled over time until all members have left the schemes (i.e. on the death of 
the last beneficiary), along with all other potential outcomes for the schemes. The Group has concluded that it does not have an unconditional 
right to a refund of any surplus that may exist under these circumstances, and in accordance with IFRIC 14 has not recognised the current surplus 
as an asset within the statement of financial position. In addition, the Group has concluded that there are no minimum funding requirements of 
the schemes and, as such, no liability has been recognised.

IAS 19 Employee Benefits disclosures
This note gives full IAS 19 Employee Benefits disclosures for the above schemes. 

178

Quilter Annual Report 2019

 
Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

32: Post-employment benefits continued
32(a): Liability for defined benefit obligations
The IAS 19 value of the assets and the scheme obligations are as follows:

Changes in retirement benefit obligations
Total IAS 19 retirement benefit obligation at 1 January
Interest cost on benefit obligation
Effect of changes in actuarial assumptions
Actuarial (losses)/gains
Benefits paid

Total IAS 19 retirement benefit obligations at year end

Change in plan assets
Total IAS 19 fair value of scheme assets at 1 January
Actual return on plan assets
Company contributions
Benefits paid

Total IAS 19 fair value of scheme assets at year end

Net IAS 19 asset recognised in statement of financial position
Funded status of plan
Unrecognised assets

Net IAS 19 amount recognised in statement of financial position

31 December  
2019 
£m

31 December 
 2018 
£m

(44)
(1)
(2)
(6)
15

(38)

56
(8)
6
(15)

39

1
(1)

–

(48)
(1)
1
1
3

(44)

61
(3)
1
(3)

56

12
(12)

–

Contributions for the year to the defined benefit schemes totalled £6 million (2018: £1 million), and £1 million was accrued at 31 December 2019. 
The Group expects to contribute £1 million in the next financial year, based upon the current funded status and the expected return assumption 
for the next financial year.

Changes in the asset ceiling
Opening unrecognised asset due to asset ceiling
Changes in asset ceiling

Closing unrecognised asset due to the asset ceiling

31 December  
2019 
£m

31 December  
2018 
£m

12
(11)

1

13
(1)

12

32(b): Income/expense recognised in the income statement
The total pension charge to staff costs for all of the Group’s defined benefit schemes for the year ended 2019 was £nil (2018: £nil).

Actuarial gains and losses and the effect of the limit to the pension asset under IAS 19 Employee Benefits paragraph 58 have been reported in 
other comprehensive income. 

The cumulative amount of actuarial losses recognised in other comprehensive income is £33 million (2018: £26 million).

Assumptions
The expected long-term rate of return on assets represents the Group’s best estimate of the long-term return on the scheme assets and generally 
was estimated by computing a weighted average return of the underlying long-term expected returns on the different asset classes, based on the 
target asset allocations. The expected long-term return on assets is a long-term assumption that generally is expected to remain the same from 
one year to the next unless there is a significant change in the target asset allocation, the fees and expenses paid by the plan or market conditions.

The Group, in consultation with its independent investment consultants and actuaries, determined the asset allocation targets based on its 
assessment of business and financial conditions, demographic and actuarial data, funding characteristics and related risk factors. Other relevant 
factors, including industry practices, long-term historical and prospective capital market returns, were also considered.

The scheme return objectives provide long-term measures for monitoring the investment performance against growth in the pension obligations. 
The overall allocation is expected to help protect the plan’s funded status while generating sufficiently stable real returns (net of inflation) to help 
cover current and future benefit payments.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

179

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

32: Post-employment benefits continued
32(b): Income/expense recognised in the income statement continued
Both the equity and fixed income portions of the asset allocation use a combination of active and passive investment strategies and different 
investment styles. The fixed income asset allocation consists of longer duration fixed income securities in order to help reduce plan exposure to 
interest rate variation and to better correlate assets with obligations. The longer duration fixed income allocation is expected to help stabilise plan 
contributions over the long run.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation is 19 years, based upon actual cash flows.

The following table presents the principal actuarial assumptions at the end of the reporting year:

Discount rate
Rate of increase in defined benefit funds
Inflation

The mortality assumptions used give the following life expectancy at 65:

2019 
%
2.1
3.5
2.8

2018 
%
2.9
3.6
3.3

31 December 2019
31 December 2018

Life expectancy at 65 for  
male member currently

Life expectancy at 65 for  
female member currently

Mortality table
S2PA Light
S2PA Light

Aged 65
23.40
23.30

Aged 45
25.40
24.90

Aged 65
24.40
24.30

Aged 45
26.70
26.10

Significant actuarial assumptions for the determination of the defined benefit obligation are discount rate, inflation rate and rate of mortality. 

The sensitivities regarding the principal assumptions used to measure the defined benefit obligations are described below. Reasonably possible 
changes at the reporting date to one of the principal actuarial assumptions, holding other assumptions constant, would have affected the defined 
benefit obligation as follows:

Discount rate (0.1% movement)
Inflation rate (0.1% movement)
Rate of mortality (increase by 1 year)

At 31 December 2019

At 31 December 2018

Increase 
£m
(0.7)
0.3 
1.6 

Decrease 
£m
0.7 
(0.3)
–

Increase 
£m
(0.8)
0.4 
1.5 

Decrease 
£m
0.8 
(0.4)
–

32(c): Scheme assets allocation
Scheme assets are stated at their fair values. Total scheme assets are comprised as follows:

Equity securities
Debt securities
Cash and other assets

Total IAS 19 fair value of scheme assets

At 31 December  
2019 
%
4
94
2

At 31 December  
2018 
%
21
77
2

At 31 December  
2019 
£m
2
36
1

At 31 December  
2018 
£m
12
43
1

100

100

39

56

Equity instruments, debt instruments and investment fund assets have a quoted market price. All other assets, including the value of the bulk 
annuity policy, do not have a quoted market price. The bulk annuity policy, where assets are matched to the value of liabilities, is included at values 
provided by the insurer in accordance with relevant guidelines.

180

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

33: Master netting or similar agreements
The Group offsets financial assets and liabilities in the statement of financial position when it has a legal enforceable right to do so and intends 
to settle on a net basis simultaneously. Currently, the only such offsetting within the Group relates to the pooling of bank accounts and, in some 
circumstances a bank account may be overdrawn and therefore offset. The following tables present information on the potential effect of netting 
offset arrangements after taking into consideration these types of agreements.

31 December 2019
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Financial liabilities
Trade, other payables and other liabilities

31 December 2018
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Financial liabilities

Trade, other payables and other liabilities

Amounts 
offset in the 
statement of 
financial 
position
£m

Net amounts  
reported in  
the statement  
of financial  
position
£m

(78)

(78)

2,473

–

Amounts 
offset in the 
statement of 
financial 
position
£m

Net amounts  
reported in  
the statement  
of financial  
position
£m

(24)

(24)

2,395

–

Gross 
amounts
£m

2,551

78

Gross 
amounts

£m

2,419

24

34: Contingent liabilities
The Group, in the ordinary course of business, enters into transactions that expose it to tax, legal and business risks. The Group recognises a 
provision when it has a present obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required to settle the 
obligation and a reliable estimate of the amount can be made (see note 27). Possible obligations and known liabilities where no reliable estimate 
can be made or it is considered improbable that an outflow would result are reported as contingent liabilities in accordance with IAS 37 Provisions, 
Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets.

Tax
The Revenue authorities in the principal jurisdictions in which the Group operates routinely review historical transactions undertaken and tax law 
interpretations made by the Group. The Group is committed to conducting its tax affairs in accordance with the tax legislation of the jurisdictions 
in which they operate. All interpretations made by management are made with reference to the specific facts and circumstances of the transaction 
and the relevant legislation.

There are occasions where the Group’s interpretation of tax law may be challenged by the Revenue authorities. The financial statements include 
provisions that reflect the Group’s assessment of liabilities which might reasonably be expected to materialise as part of their review. The Board is 
satisfied that adequate provisions have been made to cater for the resolution of tax uncertainties and that the resources required to fund such 
potential settlements are sufficient.

Due to the level of estimation required in determining tax provisions, amounts eventually payable may differ from the provision recognised.

Complaints and disputes
The Group is committed to treating customers fairly and supporting its customers in meeting their lifetime goals. The Group does from time to 
time receive complaints and claims, and enters into commercial disputes with service providers, in the normal course of business. The costs, 
including legal costs, of these issues as they arise can be significant and, where appropriate, provisions have been established under IAS 37. 

Contingent liabilities – acquisitions and disposals
The Group routinely monitors and assesses contingent liabilities arising from matters such as litigation, warranties and indemnities relating to 
past acquisitions and disposals.

Prior to the Group’s acquisition of Lighthouse in June 2019, Lighthouse provided pension transfer advice to around 300 British Steel pension 
scheme members between 2016 and 2018. The Group was advised after the reporting date of a number of complaints on the advice given by 
Lighthouse. The Group has initiated a review of all cases advised by Lighthouse, prior to its acquisition by Quilter in June 2019, to assess the 
standard of advice given to British Steel pension scheme members.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

181

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

34: Contingent liabilities continued
For the cases where a complaint has been received on the advice given by Lighthouse, the likelihood of redress is probable. An estimate of the 
amount of redress payable has been made and is included within Provisions in note 27. For the remaining cases, it is possible that further costs 
of redress may be incurred following the outcome of the reviews. Of the pension transfers Lighthouse advised on between 2016 and 2018, 
approximately 80 cases were undertaken prior to mid-2017 after which the British Steel pension scheme was restructured and transfer values 
were enhanced considerably.

As the advice was provided before the Group’s acquisition of Lighthouse, any further redress costs will be recognised as a pre-acquisition liability 
within the fair value of the net assets acquired (as disclosed in note 5), with a corresponding increase in the goodwill recognised. Any adjustments 
to the acquisition balance sheet must be finalised within 12 months after the acquisition, in June 2020.

35: Commitments
The Group has contractual commitments in respect of funding arrangements which will be payable in future periods. These commitments are not 
recognised in the Group’s statement of financial position. 

Prior to the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases on 1 January 2019, lease commitments were not recognised on the Group’s statement of financial position. 
Since adoption, lease liabilities represent the obligation to pay lease rentals as required by IFRS 16, and are categorised as financial liabilities in the 
statement of financial position (see note 29(b)).

36: Capital and financial risk management
36(a): Capital management
The Group manages its capital with a focus on capital efficiency and effective risk management. The capital objectives are to maintain the Group’s 
ability to continue as a going concern while supporting the optimisation of return relative to the risks. The Group ensures that it can meet its 
expected capital and financing needs at all times having regard to the Group’s business plans, forecasts and strategic initiatives and regulatory 
requirements in all businesses in the Group. The Group’s overall capital risk appetite is set with reference to the requirements of the relevant 
stakeholders and seeks to:
• maintain sufficient, but not excessive, financial strength to support stakeholder requirements;
• optimise debt to equity structure to enhance shareholder returns; and
• retain financial flexibility by maintaining liquidity including unutilised committed credit lines. 

The primary sources of capital used by the Group are equity shareholders’ funds of £2,071 million (31 December 2018: £2,005 million) and 
subordinated debt which was issued at £200 million in February 2018. Alternative resources are utilised where appropriate. Risk appetite has been 
defined for the level of capital, liquidity and debt within the Group. The risk appetite includes long-term targets, early warning thresholds and risk 
appetite limits. The dividend policy sets out the target dividend level in relation to profits. 

The regulatory capital for the Group is assessed under Solvency II requirements.

36(a)(i): Regulatory capital (unaudited) 
The Group is subject to Solvency II group supervision by the PRA. The Group is required to measure and monitor its capital resources under the 
Solvency II regulatory regime. 

The Group’s insurance undertakings are included in the Group solvency calculation on a Solvency II basis. Other regulated entities are included in 
the Group solvency calculation according to the relevant sectoral rules. The Group’s Solvency II surplus is the amount by which the Group’s capital 
on a Solvency II basis (own funds) exceeds the Solvency II capital requirement (the Solvency Capital Requirement or “SCR”).

The Group’s Solvency II surplus is £1,168 million at 31 December 2019 (2018: £1,059 million), representing a Solvency II ratio of 221% (2018: 190%) 
calculated under the standard formula. The Solvency II regulatory position for the year ended 31 December 2019 allows for the impact of the 
recommended final dividend payment of £65 million (2018: £61 million). The disclosure does not include the impact of any future distribution of the 
net surplus proceeds from the QLA sale to shareholders or the impact of the odd-lot offer.

The Solvency II estimated results for year ended 31 December 2019 (unaudited) and 31 December 2018 were as follows:

Own funds
Solvency capital requirement (SCR)
Solvency II surplus

Solvency II coverage ratio

1Based on preliminary estimates. Formal annual filing due to the PRA by 19 May 2020.
2As represented within the Quilter plc Group Solvency and Financial Condition report for the year ended 31 December 2018.

182

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Year ended 
31 December 
20191 
£m
2,132
964
1,168

221%

Year ended 
31 December

20182 
£m
2,237
1,178
1,059

190%

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

36: Capital and financial risk management continued
36(a): Capital management continued
36(a)(i): Regulatory capital (unaudited) continued
The Group own funds include the Quilter plc issued subordinated debt security which qualifies as capital under Solvency II. The composition of 
own funds by tier is presented in the table below. 

Group own funds
Tier 11
Tier 22

Total Group Solvency II own funds

31 December  
2019 
£m
1,925
207

31 December  
2018 
£m
2,036
201

2,132

2,237

1All Tier 1 capital is unrestricted for tiering purposes.
2Comprises a Solvency II compliant subordinated debt security in the form of a Tier 2 bond, which was issued at £200 million in February 2018.

The Group’s insurance subsidiaries based in the UK and in Ireland are also subject to Solvency II at entity level. The Group’s asset management 
and advisory businesses are subject to group supervision by the FCA under the Capital Requirement Directive IV regime (“CRD IV”). Other regulated 
entities in the Group are subject to the locally applicable entity-level capital requirements in the jurisdictions in which they operate.

The solvency and the capital requirements for the Group and each of its regulated subsidiaries are reported and monitored through monthly 
Capital Management Forum meetings. Throughout 2019, the Group and each of its regulated subsidiaries have complied with the applicable 
regulatory capital requirements.

36(a)(ii): Loan covenants
Under the terms of the revolving credit facility agreement, the Group is required to comply with the following financial covenant: the ratio of total 
net borrowings to consolidated equity shareholders’ funds shall not exceed 0.5.

Total external borrowings of the Company
Less: cash and cash equivalents of the Company
Total net external borrowings of the Company
Total shareholders’ equity of the Group
Tier 2 bond
Total Group equity (including Tier 2 bond)

Ratio of Company net external borrowings to Group equity

The Group has complied with the covenant since the facility was created in February 2018.

Note

29

29

31 December  
2019 
£m
198
(559)
(361)
2,071
198
2,269

31 December  
2018 
£m
197
(281)
(84)
2,005
197
2,202

-0.159

-0.038

36(a)(iii): Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (“ORSA”) and Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (“ICAAP”)
The Group ORSA process is an ongoing cycle of risk and capital management processes which provides an overall assessment of the current 
and future risk profile of the Group and demonstrates the relationship between business strategy, risk appetite, risk profile and solvency needs. 
These assessments support strategic planning and risk-based decision-making.

The underlying ORSA processes cover the Group and consider how risks and solvency needs may evolve over the planning period. The ORSA 
includes stress and scenario tests, which are performed to assess the financial and operational resilience of the Group.

The Group ORSA report is produced annually and summarises the analysis, insights and conclusions from the underlying risk and capital 
management processes in respect of the Group. The ORSA report is submitted to the PRA as part of the normal supervisory process and may 
be supplemented by ad hoc assessments where there is a material change in the risk profile of the Group outside the usual reporting cycle.

In addition to the Group ORSA process, entity level ORSA processes are performed for each of the solo insurance entities within the Group.

The Group ICAAP process is similar to the ORSA process although the ICAAP process is performed for a subset of the Group consisting of the 
investment and advisory firms within the Group (the “ICAAP Group”). The Group ICAAP report is also produced annually and summarises the 
analysis, insights and conclusions from the underlying risk and capital management processes in respect of the ICAAP Group. The ICAAP report 
is submitted to the FCA as part of the normal supervisory process and may be supplemented by ad-hoc assessments where there is a material 
change in the risk profile of the ICAAP Group outside the usual reporting cycle. 

The conclusions of ORSA and ICAAP processes are reviewed by management and the Board throughout the year.

Quilter Annual Report 2019

183

Strategic ReportGovernanceOther informationFinancial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2019

36: Capital and financial risk management continued
36(b): Credit risk
Overall exposure to credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of adverse movements in credit spreads (relative to the reference yield curve), credit ratings or default rates leading to a 
deterioration in the level or volatility of assets, liabilities or financial instruments resulting in loss of earnings or reduced solvency. This includes 
counterparty default risk, counterparty concentration risk and spread risk.

The Group has established a Credit Risk Framework that includes a Credit Risk Policy, Credit Risk Standard and Credit Risk Appetite Statement. 
This framework applies to all activities where the shareholder is exposed to credit risk, either directly or indirectly, ensuring appropriate 
identification, measurement, management, monitoring and reporting of the Group’s credit risk exposures.

The credit risk arising from all exposures is mitigated through ensuring the Group only enters into relationships with appropriately robust 
counterparties, adhering to the Group Credit Risk Policy. For each asset, consideration is given as to:
• the credit rating of the counterparty, which is used to derive the probability of default; 
• the loss given default; 
• the potential recovery which may be made in the event of default;
• the extent of any collateral that the firm has in respect of the exposures; and
• any second order risks that may arise where the firm has collateral against the credit risk exposure.

The credit risk exposures of the Group are monitored regularly to ensure that counterparties remain creditworthy, to ensure there is appropriate 
diversification of counterparties and to ensure that exposures are within approved limits. At 31 December 2019, the Group’s material credit 
exposures were to financial institutions (primarily through the investment of shareholder funds), corporate entities (including external fund 
managers and reinsurers) and individuals (primarily through fund management trade settlement activities). 

There is no direct exposure to European sovereign debt (outside of the UK) within the shareholder investments. The Group has no significant 
concentrations of credit risk exposure. 

Reinsurance arrangements
The Group has reinsurance arrangements in place to mitigate the risk of excessive claims on unit-linked and, prior to the sale of QLA, non-linked 
protection contracts. Also specific to QLA before its disposal, reinsurance arrangements were used in respect of unit linked institutional business 
to access specific funds not available through direct fund links and to provide liquidity.

Since the Group uses reinsurance as a means of mitigating insurance risk, reinsurance counterparties bear a significant financial obligation to 
the Group.

In general, credit risk in respect of reinsurance counterparties is controlled through the use of risk premium reinsurance terms, where reinsurance 
cover is paid for as the cover is provided. In these arrangements credit risk is limited to the risk of being unable to recover amounts due as a result 
of claims arising over the latest quarter, since reinsurance accounts are settled quarterly in arrears. This risk is largely mitigated since the Group 
would be able to withhold amounts due to the reinsurer to offset amounts due from the reinsurer.

The Group also has reinsurance arrangements in which there is a timing difference between the reinsurance premium payment and the provision 
of cover, which results in prepayment for cover by the Group. In respect of these arrangements, a credit risk exposure can arise.

Reinsurance credit risk is managed by dealing only with reinsurance firms with credit ratings which meet the requirements of the Group’s credit 
risk policy on inception of new reinsurance arrangements. The Group monitors the exposure to and credit rating of reinsurance counterparties 
regularly to ensure that these remain within acceptable limits. Legal agreements are in place for all reinsurance arrangements which set out the 
terms of the arrangement and the rights of both the Group and the reinsurance providers.

Details of the age analyses and credit quality of reinsurance assets in respect of insurance contracts and investment contracts are included below.

Investment of shareholder funds
The risk of counterparty default in respect of the investment of shareholder funds is managed through:
• setting minimum credit rating requirements for counterparties;
• setting limits and key risk indicators for individual counterparties and counterparty concentrations; 
• monitoring exposures regularly against approved limits; and
• on-going monitoring of counterparties and associated limits.

184

Quilter Annual Report 2019

Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

36: Capital and financial risk management continued
36(b): Credit risk continued
Other credit risks
The Group is exposed to financial adviser counterparty risk through a number of loans that it makes to its advisers and the payment of upfront 
commission on the sale of certain types of business. The risk of default by financial advisers is managed through monthly monitoring of loan and 
commission debt balances.

The Group is exposed to the risk of default by fund management groups in respect of settlements and rebates of fund management charges on 
collective investments held for the benefit of policyholders. This risk is managed through the due diligence process which is completed before 
entering into any relationship with a fund group. Amounts due to and from fund groups are monitored for prompt settlement and appropriate 
action is taken where settlement is not timely.

Legal contracts are maintained where the Group enters into credit transactions with a counterparty.

Details of the credit quality of debt securities can be found in this note in the table below.

Impact of credit risk on fair value
Due to the limited exposure that the Group has to credit risk, credit risk does not have a material impact on the fair value movement of financial 
instruments for the year under review. The fair value movements on these instruments are mainly due to changes in market conditions.

Maximum exposure to credit risk
The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk does not differ from the carrying value disclosed in the relevant notes to the financial statements. 

Loans and advances subject to 12 month expected credit losses (“12 month ECL”) are £37 million (2018: £33 million) and other receivables subject 
to lifetime expected credit losses (“lifetime ECL”) are £246 million (2018: £335 million). These balances are not rated; they represent the pool of 
counterparties that do not require a rating. These counterparties individually generate no material credit exposure and this pool is highly 
diversified, monitored and subject to limits. 

The table below represents the Group’s exposure to credit risk from cash and cash equivalents.

Exposure arising from financial instruments not recognised on the statement of financial position is measured as the maximum amount that the 
Group would have to pay, which may be significantly greater than the amount that would be recognised as a liability. The Group does not have any 
significant exposure arising from items not recognised on the statement of financial position.

31 December 2019
Cash at amortised cost, subject to 12 month ECL

Money market funds at FVTPL
Total cash and cash equivalents

31 December 2018
Cash at amortised cost, subject to 12 month ECL
Money market funds at FVTPL
Total cash and cash equivalents

1Cash included in the consolidation of funds is not rated (see note 23(a)).

Credit rating relating to financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired

AA 
£m
272

–

272

A 
£m
511

–

511

BBB 
£m
2

3

5