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Standard Chartered

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FY2019 Annual Report · Standard Chartered
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ANNUAL  REPORT  2019

Here for good

Driving commerce and prosperity  
through our unique diversity

Standard Chartered is a leading  
international banking group

Our heritage and values are expressed in our  
brand promise, Here for good. Our operations  
reflect our purpose, which is to drive commerce  
and prosperity through our unique diversity. 

We offer banking services that help people and 
companies prosper across Asia, Africa, Europe,  
the Americas and the Middle East.

Contents

Strategic report

02 Who we are and what we do

06 Group Chairman’s statement

09 Group Chief Executive’s review

12 Market environment

14

Business model

19 Our strategy

22 Client segment reviews

26

Regional reviews

30 Group Chief Financial Officer’s review

38 Group Chief Risk Officer’s review

43

57

59

64

65

Stakeholders and responsibilities

Non-financial information statement

Underlying versus statutory results

Alternative performance measures

Viability statement

66 Directors’ report

108 Directors’ remuneration report

146 Risk review and Capital review

242 Financial statements

378 Supplementary information

Standard Chartered 
Annual Report 2019

About this report

Sustainability reporting 

Belt & Road Relay

We adopt an integrated approach to  
corporate reporting, embedding  
non-financial information throughout our 
Annual Report. More information is also 
available in our Sustainability Summary at 
sc.com/sustainabilitysummary

Alternative performance measures

The Group uses a number of alternative 
performance measures in the discussion of  
its performance. These measures exclude 
certain items which management believes  
are not representative of the underlying 
performance of the business and which distort 
period-on-period comparison. They provide 
the reader with insight into how management 
measures the performance of the business.

For more information please visit sc.com

Further information is available  
where you see these icons:

Additional information can be 
found within the report

More information is available online

@StanChart

linkedin.com/company/standard-chartered-bank

facebook.com/standardchartered

The photographs on the cover of this Annual 
Report were taken during our Belt & Road 
Relay, which took place over 90 days from 
February 2019. Eight employees, representing 
our four regions, ran across 44 markets in the 
world’s first global running event of its kind. 
Read more on page 58.

Unless another currency is specified, the word ‘dollar’ or 
symbol ‘$’ in this document means US dollar and the word 
‘cent’ or symbol ‘c’ means one-hundredth of one US dollar.

Those disclosures marked ‘unaudited’ are not within the 
scope of KPMG LLP’s audit.
Unless the context requires, within this document, ‘China’ 
refers to the People’s Republic of China and, for the 
purposes of this document only, excludes Hong Kong 
Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong), Macau Special 
Administrative Region (Macau) and Taiwan. ‘Korea’ or  
‘South Korea’ refers to the Republic of Korea. Greater China 
& North Asia (GCNA) includes Mainland China, Hong Kong, 
Japan, Korea, Macau and Taiwan; ASEAN & South Asia 
(ASA) includes Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, 
India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, 
Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam;  
and Africa & Middle East (AME) includes Angola, Bahrain, 
Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, The Gambia, 
Ghana, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mauritius, Nigeria, 
Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, South 
Africa, Tanzania, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uganda, 
Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Within the tables in this report, blank spaces indicate that  
the number is not disclosed, dashes indicate that the number 
is zero and nm stands for not meaningful.
Standard Chartered PLC is incorporated in England and 
Wales with limited liability, and is headquartered in London. 
The Group’s head office provides guidance on governance 
and regulatory standards. Standard Chartered PLC.  
stock codes are: HKSE 02888; LSE STAN.LN; and  
BSE/NSE STAN.IN.

Delivering  our  strategy

We have continued to execute our refreshed strategic priorities, which were announced in 
February 2019. We have made good progress in the year and we are on track to deliver our 
objectives. We gauge our annual progress against a set of Group key performance indicators 
(KPIs), a selection of which are shown below, as well as client segment KPIs, some of which  
are shown on pages 22 to 25. Our Group KPIs include non-financial measures reflecting  
our continued commitment to integrate sustainability across our business by focusing on 
sustainable finance, being a responsible company and promoting inclusive communities.  
Our 11 Sustainability Aspirations, aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals,  
provide tangible targets to drive sustainable business outcomes. 

Throughout this report, we use these icons to represent the different stakeholder groups for whom we create value. 

Clients

Regulators & 
governments

Investors

Suppliers

Society

Employees

Read more on page 17 and 43-56

FINANCIAL  KPIs

NON-FINANCIAL  KPIs

Return on  
tangible equity

6.4% 130bps

Underlying basis

4.8% 320bps

Statutory basis

Read more on page 7

Common Equity  
Tier 1 ratio

13.8% 39bps  

Within our 13-14% range

Read more on page 7

Total shareholder return

20.2% 

Read more on page 7

Diversity and inclusion: 
women in senior roles

28.5% 0.8%

Read more on page 48

Sustainability Aspirations 
met or on track

93.1% +2%

Read more on page 43

OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES

Operating income

Profit before tax

Earnings per share

$15,271m 2%

Underlying basis

$15,417m 4%

Statutory basis

$4,172m 8%

Underlying basis

$3,713m 46%

Statutory basis

75.7 cents 14.3 cents

Underlying basis

57.0 cents 38.3 cents

Statutory basis

Read more on page 30

Read more on page 30

Read more on page 30

1

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ report 
Who we are and what we do

At Standard Chartered our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity.  
Our businesses serve four client segments in four regions, supported by nine global functions.

How we are organised

OUR  CLIENT  SEGMENTS

GLOBAL

Corporate &  
Institutional Banking
Serving over 5,000 large corporations, 
governments, banks and investors.

Operating income
$7,185m

$7,331m

Underlying basis

Statutory basis

Private Banking
Helping over 7,500 clients grow and  
protect their wealth.

Operating income
$577m

$577m

Underlying basis

Statutory basis

Total operating  
income

$15,271m

Underlying basis

$15,417m

Statutory basis

LOCAL

Retail Banking
Serving over nine million individuals  
and small businesses.

Operating income
$5,171m

$5,171m

Underlying basis

Statutory basis

Commercial Banking
Supporting over 45,000 local corporations 
and medium-sized enterprises across Asia, 
Africa and the Middle East.

Operating income
$1,478m

$1,482m

Underlying basis

Statutory basis

Central & other items

Operating income

$860m

Underlying basis

$856m

Statutory basis

OUR  REGIONS

Greater China & North Asia
Serving clients in mainland China, Hong 
Kong, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Macau.  
The Group’s largest region by income.

Operating income
$6,155m

$6,242m

Underlying basis

Statutory basis

Africa & Middle East
Present in 25 markets, of which the most 
sizeable by income are the UAE, Nigeria  
and Kenya.

Operating income
$2,562m

$2,562m

Underlying basis

Statutory basis

Total operating  
income

$15,271m

Underlying basis

$15,417m

Statutory basis

ASEAN & South Asia
Our largest markets by income are 
Singapore and India. We are active  
in all 10 ASEAN countries.

Operating income
$4,213m

$4,211m

Underlying basis

Statutory basis

Europe & Americas
Centred in London and New York with  
a presence across both continents.  
A key income originator for the Group.

Operating income
$1,725m

$1,725m

Underlying basis

Statutory basis

Central & other items

Operating income

$616m

Underlying basis

$677m

Statutory basis

2

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportOur businessGuiding and supporting our businesses

GLOBAL  FUNCTIONS

VALUED  BEHAVIOURS

Our client-facing businesses are supported by our  
global functions, which work together to ensure the 
Group’s operations run smoothly and consistently  
with our legal and regulatory obligations, our purpose 
and our Risk Appetite.

Our valued behaviours demand that we do things 
differently, in order for us to succeed. Only then will  
we realise our potential and truly be Here for good.

Never settle
 ¼ Continuously improve and innovate

 ¼ Simplify

Better together

 ¼ Learn from your successes and failures

Human Resources 
Maximises the value of 
investment in people through 
recruitment, development  
and employee engagement.

Legal 
Enables sustainable business 
and protects the Group from 
legal-related risk.

Technology & 
Innovation 
Responsible for the Group’s 
systems development and 
technology infrastructure.

Risk 
Responsible for the 
sustainability of our business 
through good management  
of risk across the Group  
and ensuring that business  
is conducted in line with 
regulatory expectations.

Operations 
Responsible for all client 
operations, end-to-end,  
and ensures the needs of  
our clients are at the centre  
of our operational framework. 
The function’s strategy is 
supported by consistent 
performance metrics, 
standards and practices  
that are aligned to client 
outcomes.

Never settle

Group CFO 
Comprises seven support 
functions: Finance, Treasury, 
Strategy, Investor Relations, 
Corporate Development, 
Supply Chain and Property. 
The leaders of these  
functions report directly to the 
Group Chief Financial Officer.

Do the right thing

Corporate Affairs & 
Brand and Marketing 
Manages the Group’s 
communications  
and engagement with 
stakeholders in order  
to protect and promote  
the Group’s reputation,  
brand and services.

Do the right thing

Never settle

Better together

Group Internal Audit 
An independent function 
whose primary role is to  
help the Board and Executive 
Management to protect  
the assets, reputation and 
sustainability of the Group.

Conduct, Financial 
Crime and Compliance 
Enables sustainable  
business by delivering the 
right outcomes for our clients  
and our markets by driving  
the highest standards in 
conduct, compliance and 
fighting financial crime.

Do the right thing

Better together
 ¼ See more in others

 ¼ “How can I help?”

 ¼ Build for the long term

Do the right thing
 ¼ Live with integrity

 ¼ Think client

Never settle

 ¼ Be brave, be the change 

Better together

3

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportWhere we operate
We are present in 59 markets  
and serve clients in a further 85

We make the most of our deep roots in 
rapidly developing Asian, African and  
Middle Eastern local markets to seek out 
opportunities at every turn. 

We have been operating in these markets  
for more than 160 years, supporting better 
lives by providing banking where and when  
it matters most.

We place a particular focus on supporting 
customers who trade, operate or invest 
across our unique footprint. What sets us 
apart is our diversity – of people, cultures  
and networks. 

Europe & Americas

CASE STUDY

The Group supports clients in Europe & 
Americas through hubs in London and  
New York as well as a presence in several 
European and Latin American markets. 

Our first 
Sustainability Bond

Argentina

Brazil

Colombia

Falkland Islands

France

Germany

Guernsey

Ireland

Jersey

Sweden

Turkey

UK

US

See more on page 29

4

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportOur business  
 
CASE STUDY

Innovating with 
Castrol India

ASEAN & South Asia

We are the only international bank present  
in all 10 ASEAN countries. With meaningful 
operations across many key South Asian 
markets, we are in a strong position to be 
the ‘go-to’ banking partner for our clients.

Australia

Bangladesh

Brunei

Cambodia

India

Indonesia

Laos

Malaysia

Myanmar

Nepal

Philippines

Singapore

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Vietnam

See more on page 27

Greater China  
& North Asia

Greater China & North Asia generated  
the largest share of the Group’s income  
in 2019, at 40 per cent.

Mainland China

Hong Kong

Japan

Korea

Macau

Taiwan

See more on page 26

CASE STUDY

Sustainable 
shipping

Africa & Middle East

CASE STUDY

We have a deep-rooted heritage of over 160 years in 
Africa & Middle East and are present in 25 markets.  
We are present in the largest number of sub-Saharan 
African markets of any international banking group. 

Infrastructure 
and clean tech

Angola

Bahrain

Botswana

Cameroon

Cote d’Ivoire

Egypt

Jordan

Kenya

Lebanon

Mauritius

Nigeria

Oman

Sierra Leone

South Africa

Tanzania

UAE

Uganda

Zambia

The Gambia

Pakistan

Zimbabwe

Ghana

Iraq

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

See more on page 28

5

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ report  
 
 
  
 
Group Chairman’s statement
Driving more profitable and sustainable growth

José Viñals 
Group Chairman

“ We  delivered  the 
Group’s  fourth 
consecutive  year 
of  improvement 
in  return  on 
tangible  equity”

6

I have been clear since I joined the Group that 
to increase our returns over the medium term, 
we need to grow income in a strong, safe and 
sustainable manner, while maintaining both 
cost and capital discipline. Together with my 
Board colleagues, I have also fully supported 
the Management Team’s drive to improve our 
resilience to external shocks, while helping 
ensure excellent governance and the highest 
ethical standards.

The transformation that is underway  
is creating a more efficient and agile 
organisation with higher growth potential.  
As a result, despite the challenging global 
macroeconomic and geopolitical 
environment in 2019 we continued to  
make progress and delivered the Group’s 
fourth consecutive year of improvement in 
our key performance measure: return on 
tangible equity. 

We are on track to digitise our business and 
form strategic collaborations: we launched 
digital banking platforms in a further eight 
markets in Africa; received a coveted licence 
to launch a standalone virtual bank in Hong 
Kong; and boosted our corporate banking 
capabilities through a series of partnerships 
with Linklogis, IBM and SAP Ariba.

We are making big strides in sustainable 
banking by pioneering new products and 
delivering several world firsts, including  
blue bonds to help protect our oceans and 

deposits designed to finance sustainable 
development. Not only are we offering 
investors access to dynamic markets, but 
giving them an opportunity to put their  
money to work addressing some of the 
world’s biggest long-term threats including 
climate change, health, financial inclusion  
and education.

We are living our Here for good promise and 
continue to stand behind the communities 
we operate in, not just giving back but also  
in building a better tomorrow for the next 
generations:

 ¼ We rolled-out Futuremakers by Standard 

Chartered to tackle inequality and promote 
economic inclusion in our communities. 
We contributed $9 million through 
fundraising and Group donations in this 
first year, which sets us on our way 
towards achieving our $50 million target  
by 2023

 ¼ Our innovative Belt & Road Relay, through 
44 markets across our unique network, 
was a great success. Some of the girls 
involved in Goal, our girls’ empowerment 
programme, joined the runs taking place  
in our Africa & Middle East region, and  
the relay leg in Saudi Arabia was the first 
ever mixed gender race in the country –  
an historic event that reflects our support 
for gender balance around the globe

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGroup Chairman’s statement“ We  are  making 
big  strides  in 
sustainable  banking 
by  pioneering 
new  products  and 
delivering  several 
world  firsts”

Improving our potential

The Group’s longer-term growth potential has 
continued to improve. After having secured 
our foundations, we have resolved legacy 
conduct and control issues, allowing full 
focus on executing the strategic priorities that 
we refreshed last year. We are starting to 
convert our potential into real, sustainable 
growth, which our positive results across all 
segments and regions demonstrate.

We of course still have much to do. As an 
organisation we have become more open  
to change but need to press on; and our 
productivity and cost of funds could be 
improved further. But the refreshed priorities 
include clear plans which are addressing 
these issues.

More resilient

There were several reminders in 2019 as  
well as in the first weeks of this year of the 
importance of the progress we have made 
improving our resilience to external shocks. 
Just to name the most significant ones:  
the ups and downs in the US-China trade 
negotiations, the social unrest in Hong  
Kong and the recent novel coronavirus 
(Covid-19) outbreak.

Geopolitics and societal change – often 
interlinked – have become more uncertain 
than ever, often conducted via social media. 
This means that instability and rapid change 
are becoming the new normal. We must 
constantly assess and adapt to significant 
change – a skill I see as being core to the 
Group’s DNA. We have a long track record  
in serving the areas of the globe that have 
undergone the most radical changes over  
the past 100 years. 

I am very proud of how our team in Hong 
Kong dealt with the social unrest there  
last year; and am equally proud of how 
colleagues in that region and globally are 
pulling together currently to respond to  
the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

Our risk management framework that 
includes non-financial risks has been 
fundamentally overhauled in recent years, 
and we have built strong capital and liquidity 
positions. This means we can face an 
uncertain future confidently, while we 
continue to expand our capabilities to  
keep pace with evolving threats such as 
cyber and financial crime. 

It is easy to dwell on the negatives, but it  
is important not to forget the incredible 
opportunities that exist in our footprint.  
For example, while the US-China trade 
dispute rumbles on, many of our clients have 
learned to live with – and in some cases 
benefit from – the uncertainty. We have seen 
supply chains move and adapt to the new 
realities, often to our benefit as China trades 

Financial KPIs

and invests more within Asia, Africa and the 
Middle East.

Our markets have plenty of growth potential, 
reflecting rapid industrialisation and relatively 
young and hard-working populations.  
Against this backdrop, our strength and the 
opportunity will come from continuing to 
focus on what we can control, and what  
we do best.

Enhanced governance 
and culture

I commissioned an externally facilitated  
Board effectiveness review in the middle of 
the year, which concluded that overall we 
continue to demonstrate good governance 
and our Board is operating effectively. 

Underlying return on tangible  
equity (RoTE)

Total shareholder return  
(TSR)*

5.1%

3.9%

6.4%

6.4%

130bps

17.5%

20.2%

(20.6)%

20.2%

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

Aim Deliver sustainable improvement in the 
Group’s profitability as a percentage of the  
value of shareholders’ tangible equity.

Aim Deliver a positive return on shareholders’ 
investment through share price appreciation  
and dividends paid.

Analysis Underlying RoTE of 6.4 per cent in  
2019 was an improvement on 5.1 per cent  
in 2018 but further progress is required.

Analysis The Group’s TSR in the full year 2019 
was positive 20.2 per cent, compared to negative 
20.6 per cent in 2018.

The underlying profit attributable to ordinary  
shareholders expressed as a percentage of  
average ordinary shareholders’ tangible equity

Combines simple share price appreciation with 
dividends paid to show the total return to the  
shareholder and is expressed as a percentage

Common Equity Tier 1 ratio

* 

In our 2018 Annual Report, we incorrectly stated  
our 2017 and 2018 TSR figures. These have been 
corrected in the above chart

13.6% 14.2%

13.8%

13.8%

39bps

2017

2018

2019

Aim Maintain a strong capital base and  
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio.

Analysis The Group’s CET1 ratio was 13.8 per 
cent, within our 13-14 per cent target range.  
The decrease in the ratio is predominantly due to 
the share buy-back of $1bn completed in 2019.

The components of the Group’s capital are  
summarised on page 236

7

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportGroup Chairman’s statement continued

Recognition Awards 2019

The annual Standard Chartered 
Recognition Awards put the spotlight  
on colleagues who bring our valued 
behaviours – Never settle, Better together, 
Do the right thing – to life, delivering 
outstanding outcomes for the business. 
The awards reinforce that driving our 
performance depends as much on  
how we do things as what we do. 

their inspiring stories. Their achievements 
really impressed the judging panel, and 
showcased individuals and teams who 
showed passion, drive, courage, and 
leadership. Obstacles and challenges 
were overcome by a determination to  
do something important for the benefit  
of our clients, communities, business,  
or all three.

In 2019, 38 finalists from across the  
Group joined the Group Chairman and 
the Management Team at a two-day 
event in Kenya, where they had the 
opportunity to share more details about 

It was an extremely tough decision to 
choose the winners, but the judges  
did settle on three outstanding examples 
of Never settle, Better together and 
Do the right thing.

Winners

Putting a client’s 
need first

Do the right thing

Prince Ofori Nyarko

Never settle

Do the right thing

Syndicated Letters  
of Credit Programme
Better together
Never settle

Better together

From left:  
Frettra DeSilva, Filipe Mossmann, Thiago 
Gama, Daniel Guiotti, Clara Souza

Women in Tech  
Incubator Programme

Do the right thing

From left:  
Helen Nangonzi, Khadija Hashimi, Sarah 
Oyungu, Sumeet Singla, Dayo Aderugbo

Never settle

While in Kenya the finalists also  
participated in a Futuremakers values 
Better together
workshop for girls involved in our  
Kenya Goal education programme.

8

Of course, there are always areas for 
improvement, and these are detailed  
in the Directors’ report section of the  
Annual Report.

I continue to visit many markets across our 
network, and it is clear to me that we have 
some of the most dedicated, diverse, 
inspiring and creative individuals in the 
industry who uphold our valued behaviours 
and endeavour to deliver the very best for  
our clients and the Group.

Dividend and share buy-backs

As Andy will explain later in this report, our 
results in 2019 show good progress on the 
medium-term financial objectives that he  
and Bill laid out at the start of the year.  
The Board has accordingly declared a final 
ordinary dividend of 20 cents per share, 
which would result in a full-year dividend for 
2019 of $863 million or 27 cents per share,  
a 29 per cent improvement on 2018. 

This return to shareholders is in addition  
to the $1 billion of surplus capital that we 
used to buy and cancel existing ordinary 
shares last year. And with our common 
equity tier 1 capital ratio back near the top 
end of our 13-14 per cent target range,  
we are pleased to announce the decision  
to purchase a further $0.5 billion worth of 
ordinary shares starting shortly.

Moving forward

The Group continued to move forwards  
and upwards in 2019 despite the external 
uncertainties. The team has stayed on track 
to deliver a solid performance and through  
it all, has exhibited great focus, discipline  
and resilience. 

There is still much to be done and while 
external conditions are likely to be more 
challenging in the near-term we remain 
excited by the opportunities that lie ahead. 

The Board will continue to oversee the  
task of striking the right balance between 
maximising opportunities on the one hand 
and maintaining appropriate risk controls  
on the other. I am convinced this will allow  
us to improve returns in a strong, safe and 
sustainable manner.

José Viñals 
Group Chairman

27 February 2020

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGroup Chairman’s statementGroup Chief Executive’s review
Delivering on our commitments

Bill Winters  
Group Chief Executive

“ We  passed  several 
strategic  milestones, 
demonstrating  our 
ability  to  execute   
at  pace”

This time last year, I said that Standard 
Chartered stood at an inflection point, poised 
for sustainable and higher-returning growth. 
Guided by the refreshed strategic priorities 
we set for ourselves in 2019, we are now 
delivering on that promise.

By maintaining discipline on the things  
within our control and keeping a sharp  
focus on the areas in which we are most 
differentiated, we grew underlying earnings 
per share 23 per cent and generated a 
further significant improvement in our return 
on tangible equity (RoTE). This is despite 
volatile geopolitics and lower interest rates.

We also passed several strategic milestones, 
demonstrating our ability to execute at pace. 
Highlights include obtaining one of the  
first virtual bank licences in Hong Kong, 
successful completion of the Group’s first 
ever share buy-back – our next will start 
shortly – and agreeing to sell our stake in our 
Indonesian joint venture, Permata. We also 
resolved in April our previously disclosed 
investigations in the US and UK into historical 
sanctions and financial crime controls issues.

From turnaround to 
transformation

Every client segment and region grew income 
last year on a constant currency basis and 
each managed to do so at a faster rate than 
costs, but the numbers only tell part of the 
story. In parallel, we made tangible progress 
against each of our strategic priorities.

 ¼ We are supporting trade and investment 
by delivering our global network to our 
corporate and institutional clients

 ¼ We are growing our affluent client 
business, helping our individual  
clients prosper

 ¼ We have stepped up our digitisation and 
innovation efforts, transforming how we 
serve our customers and – in the process 
– being recognised at the Global Finance 
Awards as the World’s Best Consumer 
Digital Bank

 ¼ We made encouraging progress and in 
aggregate grew operating profits in four 
large markets where we are focused on 
optimising returns

 ¼ We have launched several initiatives to 
improve productivity that are delivering 
positive results. For example, our new  
legal entity structures in Hong Kong and 
Singapore are already allowing us to better 
deploy our strong capital and liquidity to 
generate income more efficiently 

9

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportGroup Chief Executive’s review continued

Culture and sustainability

Conclusion and outlook

Last year, we articulated an aspiration to drive 
an inclusive, innovative performance culture 
that emphasises sustainability and conduct. 

We are making good progress improving  
the day-to-day experience of our customers, 
our colleagues and the communities in which 
we operate. And we have set out how we  
can lead the way on many globally important 
issues, leveraging the unique diversity of our 
people, products, and network.

Emerging markets will be the most affected 
by climate change and have the greatest 
opportunity to leapfrog to new low-carbon 
technology, but there has not been sufficient 
investment into this sector across emerging 
markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. 
We are part of the solution in bridging what 
the UN estimates to be a $2.5 trillion a year 
funding gap.

Our refreshed Sustainability Aspirations 
reinforce our commitment to the UN’s 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  
We are taking bold and ambitious actions  
in a number of areas:

 ¼ Having met our previous $4 billion target 
early, we increased our aspiration for 
funding and facilitating renewable energy 
to $35 billion from 2020 to the end of 2024

 ¼ We will only support clients who actively 
transition their business to generate less 
than 10 per cent of their earnings from 
thermal coal by 2030, and will review our 
activities within other industries generating 
substantial CO2 emissions 

 ¼ We are targeting net zero emissions and  
to use only renewable energy sources  
by 2030

 ¼ We have launched a number of innovative 
sustainable finance products linked to  
the SDGs

These themes speak directly to that for  
which Standard Chartered stands: we are 
Here for good.

We improved our RoTE by 130 basis  
points to 6.4 per cent in 2019. This is  
decent progress, especially considering  
an increasingly challenging external 
environment:

 ¼ Interest rates continue to fall, putting 
pressure on our net interest income 
despite ongoing efforts to improve our  
cost of funding 

 ¼ The global economy is still driven 

disproportionately by markets in our 
footprint, but is growing at a slower  
pace than before

 ¼ China and the US only recently passed  
the first phase of what is likely to be a 
drawn-out process to resolve their 
differences 

 ¼ Our largest market, Hong Kong, tipped  
into recession, driven by a combination  
of the extended US-China trade dispute, 
slower economic growth in China and local 
social unrest

 ¼ And more recently, the outbreak of the 
novel coronavirus (Covid-19) comes  
with unpredictable human and  
economic consequences

These external challenges will mean that 
income growth in 2020 is likely to be lower 
than our anticipated 5-7 per cent medium-
term range, and that it will take longer to 
achieve our 10 per cent RoTE target than  
we previously envisaged. I want to be clear, 
though, that we continue to target RoTE 
above 10 per cent; this remains the minimum  
hurdle rate we use to run the business and  
is the least I expect from this franchise. 
However, it is important that we do not 
jeopardise our recently secured foundations. 
Nor will we sacrifice achieving our medium-
term objectives to satisfy shorter-term 
financial targets. We remain sensitive to 
external conditions generally and recognise 
that these could as easily recover as worsen. 
We are prepared for moves in either direction.

“ We  are  in  the  right 
markets  guided  by 
the  right  strategy”

We will continue to invest in areas of our 
competitive strength in 2020 and will not 
compromise on the quality of the income we 
generate. If the external environment means 
our top-line grows more slowly then so will 
our costs, and if there are fewer opportunities 
to effectively deploy surplus capital to fuel 
incremental high-returning growth then we 
will have more to return to shareholders.  
We have improved our RoTE every year  
since 2015 and we are focused on doing  
so again this year through maintaining 
positive income-to-cost jaws and disciplined 
capital deployment. 

We have taken significant steps to reshape 
our business and we are prepared to take 
further action if the dampening external 
factors turn out to be more structural or 
long-lasting. But I believe the factors that are 
likely to create economic headwinds in 2020 
will turn out to be transitory. The synchronised 
global policy easing that started earlier in 
2019 should stimulate growth but there is 
always a lag. And on top of this monetary 
support, China and India – by far the two 
biggest drivers of global growth – have fiscal 
levers to deploy to underpin growth. 

As we continue to transform Standard 
Chartered this year, we will welcome 
challenge, adapt swiftly and be 
uncompromising in our pursuit of high 
performance. A perfect example of this in 
2019 was how colleagues adapted to the 
disruption in Hong Kong to maintain their 
client focus in the second half of the year; 
truly exemplifying our valued behaviours. 

We are in the right markets, guided by  
the right strategy and united through our 
purpose to drive commerce and prosperity.  
I am confident that we have set ourselves  
up for lasting success. 

Bill Winters 
Group Chief Executive 

27 February 2020

10

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGroup Chief Executive’s reviewInvested in 20191

$1.6bn 

2018: $1.6bn  2017: $1.5bn

1  Regulatory, strategic, cyber and 

system investments 

Proportion of Retail Banking clients 
that are digitally active

54% 

2018: 49%  2017: 45%

Management Team

5. 

6. 

7. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

 Bill Winters, CBE  
Group Chief Executive

 Andy Halford  
Group Chief Financial Officer

 Tracy Clarke  
Regional CEO, Europe  
& Americas and CEO,  
Private Bank

 Simon Cooper  
CEO Corporate, Commercial 
and Institutional Banking

Proportion of Retail Banking income 
generated from Priority clients

48% 

2018: 47%  2017: 45%

 David Fein  
Group General Counsel 

8. 

 Dr Michael Gorriz 
Group Chief Information Officer

9. 

 Benjamin Hung  
Regional CEO, Greater China  
& North Asia and CEO,  
Retail Banking, and  
Wealth Management

 Judy Hsu  
Regional CEO,  
ASEAN & South Asia

 Tanuj Kapilashrami  
Group Head,  
Human Resources 

10.   Sunil Kaushal 
Regional CEO,  
Africa & Middle East

11.   Tracey McDermott, CBE  

Group Head, Corporate Affairs, 
Brand & Marketing, Conduct, 
Financial Crime & Compliance

12.   Mark Smith  

Group Chief Risk Officer

13.   David Whiteing 

Group Chief Operating Officer

14.   Alison McFadyen* 

Group Head, Internal Audit

14

13

10

7

11

12

9

1

2

3

8

6

5

4

*  Alison represents Group Internal Audit as an invitee at Management Team meetings

11

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportMarket environment
Macroeconomic factors affecting  
the global landscape

Global macro trends

Trends in 2019

Greater China  
& North Asia

Actual and projected growth  
by country in 2019 and 2020

 ¼ Global growth slowed in 2019, likely growing at 3.0 per cent, weaker 

than the 3.8 per cent growth witnessed in 2018

6.1%

5.5%

 ¼ Asia continued to be the main driver of global growth though growth 

slowed here as well

 ¼ Amongst the majors, the US was an outperformer, supported by a 
strong labour market though growth slowed as the impact of earlier 
fiscal stimulus faded

 ¼ The euro-area economy growth likely eased to 1.1 per cent in 2019  
from 1.9 per cent in 2018 on the back of global trade slowdown and 
Brexit uncertainty

 ¼ Major central banks eased policy to guard against rising recession risks

Outlook for 2020

 ¼ Global growth is expected to stabilise around 3 per cent in 2020, the 

slowest pace of growth since the 2008-09 global financial crisis (GFC) 
though well above growth seen in the GFC years

 ¼ Asia will remain the fastest growing region in the world and will continue 

to drive global growth, expanding by more than 5 per cent

 ¼ Our core scenario is that the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak  
will be contained by late March, paving the way for a Q2 recovery. 
However, the evolution of the coronavirus situation globally remains  
a key uncertainty

 ¼ Monetary and fiscal policy support will cushion the negative coronavirus 
impact but will not be able to fully compensate for the deadweight loss 
to growth that is likely in Q1

 ¼ There are several downside risks to this outlook including escalation  
of US-China trade tensions or a geopolitical event risk resulting in an  
oil price spike 

Medium-term and long-term view

 ¼ Ongoing global growth recovery is cyclical in nature and therefore 

vulnerable; structural challenges remain. Productivity growth is weak, 
especially in developed countries

 ¼ Long-term growth in the developed world is constrained by high levels  

of indebtedness and ageing populations

 ¼ Relatively younger populations in many emerging markets as well as 
adoption of digital technology will allow emerging markets to become 
increasingly more important for the global growth story

 ¼ Rising nationalism, anti-globalisation and protectionism are a threat to 

long-term growth prospects for emerging markets

 ¼ Emerging countries will have to focus on education and upskilling to 

meet the threat of rising joblessness due to automation

2.0%

2.0%

-1.2%

-2.4%

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

China

Hong Kong

Korea

 ¼ China’s economy grew by 6.1 per cent 

in 2019, we expect it to slow to  
5.5 per cent for 2020 due to the drag 
on production and consumption from 
the coronavirus outbreak

 ¼ The US-China trade tensions and  
the property sector are sources of 
downward pressure on China’s 
economy

 ¼ A few positive factors should help  

offset these headwinds. These include 
government infrastructure spending, a 
recovery in the industrial inventory cycle 
and the lagged impact of a pick up in 
total social financing

 ¼ The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) is 
expected to further cut the required 
reserve ratio (RRR) to support growth, 
in addition to the fiscal stimulus such as 
tax benefits and subsidies for SMEs

 ¼ Hong Kong is likely to see a deeper 
recession of -2.4 per cent in 2020  
after the -1.2 per cent growth in 2019. 
The deeper recession will reflect the 
impact of the coronavirus outbreak  
and a slowdown in China on an 
economy already hurt by social unrest

 ¼ We expect South Korea’s economy to 
grow by 2 per cent in 2020 as growth  
is hurt by the coronavirus outbreak 
especially in the first quarter. Monetary 
and fiscal policy is likely to be eased 
from Q2 to support growth

See our regional performance on 
page 26

12

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportMarket environmentASEAN  
& South Asia

Africa &  
Middle East

Europe  
& Americas

Actual and projected growth  
by country in 2019 and 2020

Actual and projected growth  
by country in 2019 and 2020

Actual and projected growth  
by country in 2019 and 2020

5.6%

5.0%

5.0%

5.0%

3.0%

2.4%

2.1%

1.7%

2.3%

1.7%

1.2%

1.0%

0.7%

0.8%

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

India

Indonesia

Singapore

Nigeria

UAE

UK

US

 ¼ ASEAN growth will be hurt by the 

coronavirus outbreak but will still be one 
of the fastest growing regions in 2020

 ¼ Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is 
likely to accelerate in 2020 from a weak 
base, despite global headwinds

 ¼ We expect Singapore to grow by  
0.8 per cent in 2020, unchanged 
compared to 2019. Growth will stay 
weak due to the impact of the 
coronavirus outbreak. We expect  
the central bank to ease policy to 
support growth

 ¼ The growth outlook remains supported 

by domestic demand – especially 
government infrastructure spending –  
in some countries such as Indonesia 
and the Philippines

 ¼ India witnessed a broad-based 

slowdown in 2019, with growth likely 
slipping from 6.1 per cent in 2018 to  
5.0 per cent in 2019

 ¼ India is likely to see a gradual recovery 

to 5.6 per cent in 2020 given challenges 
in the financial sector, sluggish private 
investment and limited policy levers 
domestically

 ¼ Non-oil growth will support a strong 

recovery in Nigeria 

 ¼ Renewed US-Iran tensions have raised 
the geopolitical stakes in MENAP with 
likely spill-overs into the rest of 2020

 ¼ OPEC+ cuts constitute a downside  

risk to oil exporters’ recovery in growth 
in 2020. A sustained expansion in  
the non-oil economy will depend on 
fiscal support

 ¼ We expect Dubai’s hosting of EXPO 
2020 to provide a one-off boost to 
UAE’s growth by helping lift UAE’s 
non-oil growth to c3 per cent 

 ¼ Unlike other regions, there is not much 
of a dovish wave in SSA. Amid greater 
risk aversion, central bankers are 
increasingly wary of capital outflows

 ¼ US growth is likely to weaken towards 

trend growth in 2020. Domestic  
growth is likely to be sluggish given  
a slowdown in China, the Boeing 
shutdown and uncertainty related to  
the US presidential elections. Growth 
will be supported by a strong labour 
market and consumer spending

 ¼ Fed easing in 2019 is also likely to 

support growth in 2020. We expect  
the Fed to remain on hold through  
2020 though it could cut rates early  
if necessary depending upon the 
evolution of the coronavirus situation

 ¼ In 2020, political risks may intensify as 

the US heads into elections 

 ¼ For the euro-area, weaker China 
demand due to the coronavirus 
outbreak will be a drag on growth  
while lower oil prices will be growth-
supportive

 ¼ The European Central Bank is likely to 
stay on hold in 2020, though it could 
ease if the coronavirus outbreak 
continues in Q2

 ¼ As risks of an imminent Brexit crisis has 
eased, UK growth is likely to stabilise. 
Fiscal stimulus is likely to offset some  
of the headwinds likely to emerge from 
the post-Brexit UK-EU relationship

See our regional performance on 
page 27

See our regional performance on 
page 28

See our regional performance on 
page 29

All data correct as of 21 February 2020

13

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportBusiness model
Built on long-term relationships

What makes us different

How we’re shaping our future

At Standard Chartered, we 
tailor our business model as 
needed in order to meet future 
challenges and opportunities:

 ¼ By putting clients at the centre of 

everything that we do, we make sure 
that we are developing new products 
and services that optimally fulfil their 
needs with the support of state-of-the-
art technology 

 ¼ We help our clients to make the right 
financial decisions and support them  
to grow their businesses sustainably

 ¼ We strive to remain at the forefront  
of the fight against financial crime. 
Achieving the highest standards of 
conduct is an indispensable part of the 
sustainability of our business model

 ¼ Our unique network and expertise 

differentiates us from our competition 

 ¼ We are putting in place the  

frameworks and guidelines to  
ensure that our business model  
is sustainable, enhancing our 
capabilities and governance for  
Climate Risk management

OUR  PURPOSE

To drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity – 
is underpinned by our brand promise, Here for good. 

Do the right thing

Never settle

Better together

Do the right thing

Never settle

Better together

Do the right thing

Never settle

Better together

Do the right thing

Never settle

Better together

14

Client focus
Our clients are our business. We build 
long-term client relationships through 
trusted advice, expertise and best-in-
class capabilities.

Robust risk   
management
We are here for the long term.  
Effective risk management allows  
us to grow a sustainable business.

Distinct proposition
Our unique understanding of the  
markets we operate in and our extensive 
international network allow us to offer  
a truly tailored proposition to our  
clients, combining global expertise  
and local knowledge.

Sustainable and 
responsible business
We promote social and economic 
development by supporting sustainable 
finance, being a responsible company 
and promoting inclusive communities.

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportOur businessThe inputs we rely on

OUR  RESOURCES

We aim to use resources in a sustainable way, to achieve our  
long-term strategic objectives

Human capital
Our diversity differentiates us. Achieving our strategic 
priorities hinges on the way we invest, manage and 
organise our people, the employee experience we 
curate and the culture we develop. 

Strong brand
We are a leading international banking group with 
more than 160 years of history. In many of our markets 
we are a household name.

+23 

‘Main bank’ net promoter score1

International network
We have an unparalleled international network, 
connecting companies, institutions and individuals  
to, and in, some of the world’s fastest-growing and 
most dynamic regions.

Local expertise
We have a deep knowledge of our markets and a 
privileged understanding of the drivers of the real 
economy, offering us insights that can help our  
clients achieve their ambitions.

How we’re enhancing our resources

 ¼ We are building out skills of future strategic  
value including analytics, digital and cyber 
capabilities – over 9,500 certifications in  
skills that support new ways of working  
were completed by employees in 2019

 ¼ We are creating a working environment that 
supports resilience and creativity – we have 
wellbeing champions in place who cover  
95 per cent of our employees

 ¼ Building a strong and consistent narrative  
on what we stand for as a bank, through 
impactful, creative and powerful messaging

 ¼ Taking more ownership of our narrative through 
strategic use of digital channels and increased 
use of digital listening and insights

1  ‘Main bank’ net promoter score refers to clients that 

use Standard Chartered as their main bank

 ¼ We continue to leverage our network strength to 
serve the inbound and outbound cross-border 
trade and investment needs of our clients

 ¼ About two-thirds of the income generated by 

our Corporate & Institutional Banking business is 
now from clients using the network, a significant 
increase compared with 2015

 ¼ We facilitate trade and investment in and  
across our markets, contributing to their  
rapid economic development

 ¼ Our strong local presence enables us to 

connect our clients to investors, suppliers, 
buyers and sellers, enabling them to move 
capital, manage risk, invest to create wealth, and 
providing them with bespoke financing solutions

Financial strength
With over $700 billion in assets on our balance sheet, 
we are a strong, trusted partner for our clients.

$720bn

Balance sheet

 ¼ Stronger capital and a much more resilient 

balance sheet

 ¼ CET1 ratio of 13.8 per cent, within the Group’s 

target range of 13-14 per cent

Technology
We possess leading technological capabilities to 
enable best-in-class customer experience, operations 
and risk management.

 ¼ Providing digital solutions to meet clients’  

needs, partnering to co-create solutions and 
experimenting with new business models

 ¼ Automating for efficiency and accelerating 

speed to market

15

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportStrategic report

Business model

Business model continued

What we deliver

We deliver an extensive set of solutions, products 
and services adapted to the needs of our clients.

GLOBAL

LOCAL

See our client segment reviews on pages 22 to 25

Clients in our global businesses are supported  
by relationship managers with a global reach.

Country-level relationship managers support 
clients in our local businesses. To ensure 
efficiency and consistency and to enable  
greater investment, we have global oversight  
of our systems and products.

Corporate & Institutional Banking

Retail Banking

Private Banking

Commercial Banking

PRODUCTS  AND  SERVICES

Retail Products

Wealth Management

Transaction Banking

Corporate Finance

Financial Markets

 ¼ Deposits

 ¼ Savings

 ¼ Mortgages

 ¼ Credit cards

 ¼ Personal loans

 ¼ Investments

 ¼ Cash management

 ¼ Portfolio management

 ¼ Insurance and advice

 ¼ Payments and 
transactions

 ¼ Planning services

 ¼ Securities services

 ¼ Trade finance  

products

 ¼ Structured and  
project financing

 ¼ Strategic advice

 ¼ Mergers and 
acquisitions

 ¼ Investment

 ¼ Risk management

 ¼ Debt capital markets

FINANCIAL  PERFORMANCE

Income

 ¼ Net interest income

 ¼ Fee income

 ¼ Trading income

Profits

Income gained from providing our  
products and services minus expenses  
and impairments

Return on tangible equity

Profit generated relative to tangible  
equity invested

16

Standard Chartered 
Annual Report 2019

The value we create

We aim to create long-term value for a broad range of stakeholders  
in a sustainable manner.

OUTCOMES

Clients
We enable individuals to achieve their ambitions, grow and 
protect their wealth. We help businesses to trade, transact, 
invest and expand. We also help a variety of financial 
institutions, including banks, public sector and development 
organisations, with their banking needs.

Suppliers
We work with local and global suppliers to ensure they  
can provide the right goods and services for our business, 
efficiently and sustainably.

8.7%

total Affluent Client  
growth year-on-year

$4.0bn

spent in 2019 with more 
than 14,600 active suppliers

Regulators and governments
We engage with relevant authorities to play our part in 
supporting the effective functioning of the financial system 
and the broader economy.

Society
We strive to operate as a sustainable and responsible 
company, driving prosperity through our core business  
and collaborating with local partners to promote social  
and economic development.

$1,421m

in taxes paid in 2019

$51.1m

on community investment

Investors
We aim to deliver robust returns and long-term sustainable 
value for our investors.

Employees
We believe great employee experience drives great client 
experience. We want all our people to pursue their ambitions, 
deliver with purpose and have a rewarding career enabled by 
great people leaders.

$863m

in dividends declared  
in 2019

$1bn

spent buying back shares

63%

of senior appointments 
which are internal

96%

of employees are 
committed to our success 

17

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportSUSTAINABLE  FINANCE

Innovative financing  
powers solar energy 

We believe everyone should have access  
to safe, reliable and affordable power.  
Between 2016 and 2019, we financed  
and facilitated $24.9 billion for clean 
technology such as renewable energy. 

In 2019, an innovative financing deal with GuarantCo, a 
Private Sector Infrastructure Development Group company, 
paved the way for the first, and currently only, operational 
utility-scale solar power plant in Bangladesh. The project, 
developed by Technaf Solartech Energy Limited (TSEL), will 
increase the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix 
and benefit almost 140,000 people. At peak production, the 
plant at Teknaf in the Cox’s Bazar District of Bangladesh will 
produce up to 80 per cent of the present electricity demand 
for the entire Teknaf region.

Standard Chartered, working with local banks, provided a 
15-year $13.5 million dual currency financing solution to  
TSEL. GuarantCo provided a partial credit guarantee and 
liquidity extension guarantee to mitigate risk and extend  
the tenor of both USD and Taka loan to 15 years – a first  
in Bangladesh. GuarantCo mobilises private sector local 
currency investment for infrastructure projects in lower 
income countries across Africa and Asia. 

We recently published a report on how the private sector can play  
a critical role in meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.  
For more information on our involvement in TSEL and other projects,  
visit sc.com/opportunity2030

18 Standard Chartered 

Annual Report 2019

Image provided by Joules Power Limited

“ Standard  Chartered, 
working  with  local   
banks,  provided  a   
15-year  $13.5  million   
dual  currency  financing 
solution  to  TSEL”

Our strategy
Taking Standard Chartered  
to the next level

Transforming the way we deliver  
services to meet our clients’ needs  
is at the core of our strategic priorities  
and critical to our success. 

We are executing our refreshed strategic priorities 
that we announced in February 2019. We have  
made good progress in the year and we are on  
track to deliver our objectives. Going forward,  
we remain committed to these objectives while 
leading the transformation of the banking industry. 

Purpose 
and  
People

Understand our 
responsibilities 
We view our experience and expertise 
in managing risk across complex 
markets and products as a 
competitive advantage. We aim to 
drive up standards of governance, 
ensure fair outcomes for clients and 
markets and continue to partner with 
others in fighting financial crime. We 
are further developing our Financial 
Information Sharing Partnership and 
increasing our Correspondent 
Banking Academy Programme.

Lead sustainable financing 
across emerging markets 
We are maintaining our focus on 
supporting sustainable economic 
growth, expanding renewables 
financing and investing in sustainable 
infrastructure where it matters most. 
We will continue to facilitate the 
movement of capital to drive positive 
social and economic impact in our 
markets. In 2019, we launched our 
first emerging market-focused 
Sustainability Bond and the world’s 
first Sustainable Deposit.

Progress in 2019 

Support the communities 
where we live and work 
We tackle inequality in our markets 
through Futuremakers by Standard 
Chartered, which works with local 
and global partners to deliver 
community programmes focused  
on education, employability and 
entrepreneurship. Our programmes 
support young people, particularly 
girls, women and people with visual 
impairment. The Standard Chartered 
Foundation, set up in 2019 to 
advance charitable purposes,  
will be the lead delivery partner  
for Futuremakers.

Maximise return from 
investment in our people 
We want to deliver a client-centric 
environment with an inclusive culture 
that capitalises on the experience and 
unique diversity of our people. We are 
building a future-ready workforce, 
embedding digital, agile and people 
leadership skills. We aim to amplify 
the impact of our people by deploying 
them in markets that fit their 
capabilities and career aspirations. 

Employee net promoter score + growth:  
Year-on-year

+11.5 +0.2pts YoY

2018: +11.3

Employee net promoter score 
measures the number of promoters 
who would recommend the Group as  
a great place to work compared with 
detractors on a scale from -100 to +100. 

Sustainability Aspirations met or on track

93.1% +2% YoY

2018: 90.9%

Measuring progress against 
the targets set in our 11 
Sustainability Aspirations. 

19

Our strategic priorities

Deliver   
our   
network

Purpose 
and  
People

Transform   
and disrupt   
with digital

Grow   
our affluent 
business

Improve   
productivity

Optimise 
low-returning 
markets

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportOur strategy continued

Deliver  
our  
network

Grow  
our affluent 
business

Optimise 
low-returning 
markets

Leverage our unique footprint 
Our unique network is a long-term 
source of growth and sustainably higher 
returns. We have continued to deepen 
our penetration among our core clients 
to fully realise the revenue potential of our 
network. Our footprint has enabled us to 
capture strong client flows as we focus 
on multinational corporates operating 
extensively in Asia, Africa and the Middle 
East, as well as investors and financial 
institutions that are seeking emerging 
market solutions. We are also positioned 
to take advantage of increasing 
sustainable finance opportunities in 
emerging markets. 

Build on our strength in China 
We will continue connecting our clients 
both within and beyond China. We are 
increasingly capturing growth opportunities 
arising from capital market opening, 
renminbi (RMB) internationalisation, Belt & 
Road corporate clients, offshore mainland 
Chinese wealth and the Greater Bay Area. 

Grow with Africa 
We aim to grow with our clients in Africa, 
focusing on capturing inbound flows  
of financial institutions, multinational 
corporations, and Belt & Road clients. 
Meanwhile, we have continued our Retail 
Banking client growth in Africa with our 
cost-efficient digital bank capabilities.  
We have now acquired over 150,000 
customers on this digital platform 
(trebling previous client acquisition rates).

Read more on pages 26 to 29

Meet the wealth needs of the affluent 
and emerging affluent 
By continuously enhancing our offering for 
clients, we have been able to grow income 
as we attract new clients and improve our 
product mix (income from our Premium, 
Priority and Private clients increased 6 per 
cent YoY). In 2019, we launched a forex  
(FX) derivatives platform and introduced a 
‘Premium’ banking service in 10 markets.

Enhance client experience  
with data and technology 
We will increase our investment in data and 
analytics capabilities to generate a unique 
understanding of our clients and their 
needs, and in turn improve our offerings, 
deliver a personalised experience and 
increase client engagement. In 2019, we 
launched the Trade AI Engine in partnership 
with IBM to enhance the client experience 
in trade document processing.

We have been a core part of developing  
the FEAT (Fairness, Ethics, Accountability 
and Transparency) framework in Singapore 
and are embedding these principles in all  
AI offerings we develop.

Scale the non-affluent segment  
in a targeted manner 
The rise of the emerging affluent is an 
important growth opportunity for our 
business. To profitably capture this opportunity, 
we will implement new business models, 
harness technology and work with 
non-bank partners to acquire and serve 
non-affluent clients with our target profile  
in a cost-efficient manner.

Read more on pages 22 to 25

Improve returns in markets where 
we are an international bank with 
trusted local capabilities 
In markets where we can utilise our local 
and international capabilities, we have 
continued to improve our returns through 
our sharpened participation in Corporate 
& Institutional Banking and selectively in 
Commercial Banking and/or Retail 
Banking. In particular, we have focused 
on optimising the performance of four 
high-potential markets, namely India, 
Indonesia, Korea and the UAE.

Accelerate growth in our largest 
and most profitable markets 
In markets where we are a top local 
universal bank and have attractive 
returns, we will participate in all of our 
business segments and invest to grow 
our market share. 

Focus on Corporate & Institutional 
Banking in other markets 
In markets where our capabilities are 
geared towards international business, 
we will reinforce our focus on originating 
and facilitating cross-border business 
with our Corporate & Institutional 
Banking presence.

Progress in 2019 

Progress in 2019 

Progress in 2019 

Corporate & Institutional Banking 
network income: 

Affluent client income:

Underlying operating profit before taxation 
in India, Indonesia, Korea and the UAE: 

$4.7bn +6% YoY

$3.5bn +6% YoY

$420m +10% YoY

2018: $4.4bn

2018: $3.3bn

2018: $383m

Corporate & Institutional Banking income generated 
outside of a client group’s headquarter country.

Income from Retail Banking Priority, Retail Banking 
Premium and Private Banking clients.

Aggregate underlying profit before taxation in the four 
markets; excluding Permata.

20

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportOur businessImprove  
productivity

Transform  
and disrupt  
with digital

Continue investing in productivity 
Our investment in digitisation will continue 
to support productivity improvements and 
enhance client experience. We refreshed 
our digital platform with unified trade and 
FX capabilities in Corporate & Institutional 
Banking. In Retail Banking, we launched 
real-time client on-boarding on digital 
channels and refreshed wealth and FX 
platforms with full mobile access (Hong 
Kong transactions increased 15 per cent 
YoY).

Organise around client journeys 
We are shaping our organisation around 
the journeys of our clients, to better align 
our processes and way of working with  
the needs of our clients and partners.  
In 2019, we launched journeys in cash 
management cross-border payments, 
retail credit card and personal loan 
on-boarding, FX, wealth lending, Private 
Banking on-boarding and investment 
advisory.

Unlock capital and liquidity efficiency 
Since making Standard Chartered Bank 
(Hong Kong) Limited a wholly owned direct 
subsidiary of Standard Chartered PLC, the 
Group has moved its China, Korea and 
Taiwan subsidiaries under the new entity. 
We also consolidated our activities in 
Singapore in a new legal entity hub. These 
actions allow more efficient use of capital 
and liquidity that will over time result in a 
lower cost of funds for the Group.

Progress in 2019 

Underlying operating income per FTE: 

$182k +5% YoY

2018: $173k

Underlying operating income over the past 12 
months divided by the 12-month rolling average 
full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.

Transform our Retail Banking 
business with digital 
We have continued our strong 
momentum in digitising our Retail 
Banking business. For example, we 
have rolled out a full-service, cost-
efficient digital bank in eight additional 
markets in Africa, and our joint venture 
with PCCW, HKT and Ctrip Finance 
has obtained a virtual bank licence 
in Hong Kong and will launch a new 
entity in 2020. Going forward, we aim 
to adapt and replicate these capabilities 
as appropriate across our footprint to 
enhance client experience, improve 
efficiency, gain market share, disrupt 
and build a future-proof retail bank.

Consolidate our strong position 
with corporate clients 
We have been leading disruptive 
innovations in corporate banking.  
In 2019, we launched an open digital 
platform for small and medium-sized 
enterprises in India, we completed  
our first cross-border letter-of-credit 
blockchain transaction in the oil  
industry with PTT Group on the Voltron 
platform and the first joint deep-tier 
supply chain financing transaction  
with Linklogis for Digital Guangdong.

We will continue to invest in 
cutting-edge digital tools and new 
corporate banking models.

See case study on page 50

Progress in 2019 

Retail Banking digital adoption: 

54.4% +500bps YoY

2018: 49.4%

Mobile and online adoption by active clients.

Corporate & Institutional  
Banking digital volumes: 

Commercial Banking  
digital adoption:

$157m +9% YoY

68% +310bps YoY

2018: $144m

2018: 65% 

Financial markets sales income originated  
via e-platforms.

Percentage of Commercial Banking clients active on 
the Straight2Bank application.

21

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ report 
 
Corporate & Institutional Banking

At a glance 

Profit before taxation 

$2,318m 12%

underlying basis

$2,208m 32%

statutory basis

Risk-weighted assets

$132bn $3bn

Return on tangible equity (RoTE)

8.5% 110bps  

underlying basis

8.1%  210bps  

statutory basis

KPIs

Proportion of low-returning client 
risk-weighted assets (RWA)

15.3%

15.5%

13.8%

13.8%

 of RWA

2017

2018

2019

Aim: Reduce perennial sub-optimal RWA1 and 
bring down the proportion of low returning 
client RWA.

Analysis: Our perennial sub-optimal RWA  
has reduced 46 per cent year-on-year.  
The proportion of low returning client RWA 
decreased from 15.5 per cent in 2018 to  
13.8 per cent in 2019 driven by a reduction in 
overall total RWA and margin compression. 

Collaboration with other 
client segments

158,000

157,000

132,000

132,000

 new sign-ups

2017

2018

2019

Aim: Increased collaboration with other  
client segments to generate cross-segment 
business opportunities. 

Analysis: Added 132,000 new Employee 
Banking account sign-ups from Corporate & 
Institutional Banking Clients. 

Segment overview

Corporate & Institutional Banking supports clients with their transaction banking, corporate 
finance, financial markets and borrowing needs across more than 50 markets, providing 
solutions to over five thousand clients in some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and 
most active trade corridors.

Our clients include large corporations, governments, banks and investors operating or investing 
in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Americas. Our strong and deep local presence 
across these markets enables us to connect our clients multilaterally to investors, suppliers, 
buyers and sellers to enable them to move capital, manage risk, invest to create wealth, and 
co-create to provide bespoke financing solutions.

We collaborate increasingly with other segments, introducing Commercial Banking services to 
our clients’ ecosystem partners – their networks of buyers, suppliers, customers and service 
providers – and offering our clients’ employees banking services through Retail Banking.

Finally, we are committed to sustainable finance, delivering on our ambitions to increase 
support and funding for financial products and services that have a positive impact on our 
communities and environment.

Strategic priorities 
 ¼ Deliver sustainable growth for clients by leveraging 

 ¼ Proportion of low returning client RWA at  

13.8 per cent (2018: 15.5 per cent)

 ¼ Underlying RoTE up 110 bps to 8.5 per cent

1   Perennial sub-optimal clients are clients who have returned 

below 3 per cent RoRWA for the past three years

2  Capital-lite income refers to products with low RWA 
consumption or of a non-funded nature. This mainly 
includes Cash Management and FX products

3  Our next generation transaction banking  

digital platform

DRIVING INNOVATION

Co-created a 
Ready to Trade 
(RTT) Bot with 
Blackrock Inc.

During the year, we co-created RTT 
chatbot, an industry-leading and 
award-winning solution, built on 
the Symphony platform to address 
the challenges of highly manual 
processes that complicate client 
onboarding. The Bot responds to 
fundamental pre-trade questions, 
eliminating the need for labour-
intensive resources whilst reducing 
turnaround time. The solution positions 
Standard Chartered at the forefront 
of the digital transformation across 
the industry while equipping clients 
and staff with tools that make doing 
business with us faster and easier.

our network to facilitate trade, capital and 
investment flows across our footprint markets 

 ¼ Generate high-quality returns by growing 

capital-lite income, driving balance sheet velocity 
and improving funding quality while maintaining 
risk controls

 ¼ Partner with strategically selected third parties  
to expand capabilities and to access new clients

 ¼ Deliver a true frictionless cross-product digital 
banking experience to our clients through our 
integrated client portal, open banking and  
API solutions 

 ¼ Accelerate Sustainable Finance products to our 
clients through product innovation and enabling 
transition to a low carbon future

Progress 
 ¼ Quality of income continues to improve driven  

by capital-lite2 income up 9 per cent and Network 
income up 6 per cent; Network contributes to 
69 per cent of total CIB segment income

 ¼ Maintained balance sheet quality with 

investment-grade clients representing 57 per 
cent of customer loans and advances (2018:  
63 per cent) and high-quality operating account 
balances improving to 60 per cent of Transaction 
Banking customer balances (2018: 49 per cent)

 ¼ Strengthened focus on digital client experience, 
investments and talent pool by establishing Digital 
Channels and Client Data Analytics division

 ¼ Digitised c.3,000 client entities and increased  

S2B NextGen3 client transaction volumes from  
1 per cent to 32 per cent of total transaction 
volume

 ¼ Resilient performance driven by diversified 

product suite and expanded client solutions 
delivering growth despite challenging 
geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions 
across footprint markets

Performance highlights 
 ¼ Underlying operating profit before taxation of 

$2,318 million was up 12 per cent, primarily driven 
by higher income and prudent cost management

 ¼ Underlying operating income of $7,185 million 
was up 5 per cent primarily driven by Financial 
Markets and Cash Management

 ¼ Good balance sheet momentum with loans  
and advances to customers up 7 per cent 

22

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportClient segment reviewsRetail Banking

At a glance 

Profit before taxation 

$1,083m 5%

underlying basis

$1,020m 6%

statutory basis

Risk-weighted assets

$44bn $2bn

Return on tangible equity (RoTE)

12.6% 80bps  

11.8% 80bps  

statutory basis

underlying basis

KPIs

Digital adoption

49.4%

44.7%

54.4%

54%

 number of clients

2017

2018

2019

Aim: Align the Group’s service to how clients 
want to interact and increase efficiency by 
reducing the amount of manual processing.

Analysis: Online applications have continued 
to grow year-on-year with the proportion of 
Retail Banking clients that are digitally active up 
from 49 per cent in 2018 to 54 per cent at the 
end of 2019.

Priority & Premium client focus

53.8%

56.1%

57.4%

57%

 share of income

2017

2018

2019

Aim: Increase the proportion of income from 
Priority and Premium clients, reflecting the 
strategic shift in client mix towards affluent  
and emerging affluent clients.

Analysis: The share of Retail Banking income 
from Priority and Premium clients increased 
from 56 per cent in 2018 to 57 per cent in 2019, 
supported by over 110,000 new-to-bank Priority 
clients in the year.

Segment overview 

Retail Banking serves over nine million individuals and small businesses, with a focus on affluent 
and emerging affluent in many of the world’s fastest-growing cities. We provide digital banking 
services with a human touch to our clients with services spanning across deposits, payments, 
financing products and Wealth Management, as well as supporting their business banking needs.

Retail Banking represents approximately one-third of the Group’s operating income and 
one-quarter of the Group’s operating profit. We are closely integrated with the Group’s other  
client segments; for example, offering employee banking services to Corporate & Institutional 
Banking clients, and Retail Banking provides a high-quality liquidity source for the Group.

Increasing levels of wealth across Asia, Africa and the Middle East support our opportunity to 
grow the business sustainably. We aim to improve productivity and client experience by driving 
digitisation and cost efficiencies, and simplifying processes.

Strategic priorities
 ¼ Invest in our affluent and emerging affluent clients 
with a focus on Wealth Management and Deposits 
to capture the significant rise of the middle class 
in our markets

 ¼ Build on our client ecosystem and alliances initiatives

 ¼ Improve our clients’ experience through an enhanced 
end-to-end digital offering, with intuitive platforms, 
best-in-class products and service responding to 
the change in digital habits of clients in our markets

a constant currency basis) in ASEAN & South 
Asia and a 9 per cent decline (down 3 per cent on 
a constant currency basis) in Africa & Middle East

 ¼ Strong income momentum growth of 12 per cent 

from Deposits with improved margins and 
balance growth. Together, Wealth Management 
and Deposits income, representing 64 per cent  
of Retail Banking income, grew 7 per cent 

 ¼ Underlying RoTE improved to 12.6 per cent from 

11.8 per cent 

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Making digital 
leaps and bounds 
in South Korea

We chose South Korea, one of the 
most advanced markets in terms of 
digital technology adoption, as our  
test bed for a new mobile platform 
concept. After extensive research and 
user testing, we brought together 
global, regional and local teams to 
collaborate with select partners to 
develop the next generation of our 
mobile application. We became the 
first bank in the market to use open 
banking, which enables clients to  
view their finances from 19 other 
banks in one place in our application. 
The response from clients has been 
extremely positive – mobile adoption 
increased by 28 per cent and digital 
sales were up by more than 50 per 
cent in the first six months. We will  
now roll out the application across  
our top markets.

Progress 
 ¼  Increased the share of income from Premium  
and Priority clients from 56 per cent in 2018  
to 57 per cent as a result of strong Wealth 
Management and Deposit income growth  
and increasing client numbers

 ¼ Launched the Côte d’Ivoire digital banking model 
across eight other markets in the Africa & Middle 
East region: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, 
Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe and Nigeria

 ¼  Successful application for HK digital bank  

licence in partnership with PCCW, HKT and  
Ctrip Finance which will redefine customer 
experience of banking services

 ¼ Launched real-time on-boarding (RTOB) for 

Credit Cards and Personal Loans (CCPL) in India 
in addition to saving account launch a year earlier, 
enabling more efficient credit cards and personal 
loan applications with significantly improved 
customer experience. RTOB launched in three 
new markets: Singapore, Malaysia and UAE

 ¼  Driving affluent growth with Priority Private 

launched in five markets: Singapore, Malaysia, 
Taiwan, China and Hong Kong, which is a key 
lever to accelerate Priority Banking growth

 ¼ Premium Banking, which serves emerging 

affluent clients and serves as feeder to Priority 
growth, now launched in 10 markets: Hong Kong, 
Korea, China, Singapore, India, Malaysia, UAE, 
Kenya, Pakistan and Taiwan

 ¼ A further improvement in digital adoption, with  

54 per cent of clients now actively using online or 
mobile banking compared with 49 per cent in 2018

Performance highlights 
 ¼  Underlying operating profit before taxation of 

$1,083 million was 5 per cent higher, as higher 
income more than offset higher credit impairment

 ¼ Underlying operating income of $5,171 million 

was up 3 per cent (up 5 per cent on a constant 
currency basis). Growth of 4 per cent (up 6 per 
cent on a constant currency basis) in Greater 
China & North Asia, 6 per cent (up 8 per cent on  

23

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportCommercial Banking

At a glance 

Profit before taxation 

$448m 100%

underlying basis

$437m 106%

statutory basis

Risk-weighted assets (RWA)

$28bn $2bn

Return on tangible equity (RoTE)

7.3% 390bps  

underlying basis

7.2%  400bps  

statutory basis

KPIs

Capital-lite income

47%

49%

43%

49%

  share of total 
income

2017

2018

2019

Aim: Reshape the income mix towards 
capital-lite income.

Analysis: Share of capital-lite income 
increased from 43 per cent in 2017 to 49 per 
cent in 2019 driven by Cash Management.  
We have set up dedicated liabilities team in  
key markets and continue to focus on cash  
rich sectors, non-borrowing clients and  
FX cross-sell opportunities.

New to bank clients on-boarded 
(‘000)

6.4

6.4

5.5

6.4k

 number of clients

2017

2018

2019

Aim: Building scale by on-boarding new to 
bank clients. 

Analysis: We maintain strong momentum in 
the on-boarding of new to bank clients, while 
monetising clients on-boarded in prior years. 
Clients on-boarded in the past two years  
helped us generate c.$190 million additional 
income on approximately $5 billion additional 
liabilities in 2019.

24

Segment overview 

Commercial Banking serves over 45,000 local corporations and medium-sized enterprises in 
26 markets across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. We aim to be our clients’ main international 
bank, providing a full range of international financial solutions in areas such as trade finance, 
cash management, financial markets and corporate finance.

Through our close linkages with Retail Banking and Private Banking, our clients can access 
additional services they value including employee banking services and personal wealth 
solutions. We also collaborate with Corporate & Institutional Banking to service their clients’ 
end-to-end supply chains. 

Our clients represent a large and important portion of the economies we serve and are 
potential future multinational corporates. Commercial Banking is at the heart of our shared 
purpose to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity.

Strategic priorities 
 ¼ Drive quality sustainable growth by deepening 

relationships with existing clients and on-
boarding new clients, focusing on rapidly 
growing and internationalising companies

Performance highlights 
 ¼ Underlying operating profit before taxation of 
$448 million was up 100 per cent driven by 
income growth combined with lower costs  
and impairments

 ¼ Improve balance sheet and income mix, 
accelerating utilisation of growth in Cash 
Management and FX products

 ¼ Continue to enhance capital allocation discipline 

and Credit Risk management

 ¼ Improve client experience, leveraging technology 
and investing in frontline training, tools and analytics

Progress 
 ¼  Delivered 6 per cent income growth while 

reducing RWA consumption (down 8 per cent) 
and maintaining cost discipline (down 2 per cent) 

 ¼ Onboarded over 6,400 new clients in 2019, 
which helped generate $75 million additional 
income and $3 billion additional Cash liabilities 

 ¼ Grew Network income 18 per cent year-on-year, 
notably from clients in India and China, as we 
continue to help our Commercial Banking clients 
capture international opportunities

 ¼ Continued to reshape business mix towards 

capital-lite products: Cash Management and FX 
income up 8 per cent year-on-year accounting 
for 44 per cent of total income, while Cash 
operating account balances grew 11 per cent 
year-on-year

 ¼ Strengthened origination discipline and 
improved asset quality: RWA efficiency1 
improved to 68 per cent in 2019 from 74 per 
cent in 2018; impairments reduced 50 per cent 
primarily from lower stage 3 assets 

 ¼ Continued to improve client experience:  

reduced client turnaround time from eight days 
to five days

 ¼ Leveraging partnerships with Linklogis and SAP 
Ariba (world’s largest digital business network) to 
make our supply chain financing solutions easily 
accessible to new clients 

 ¼ Underlying operating income of $1,478 million 
was up 6 per cent mainly from growth in Cash 
Management, Financial Markets and Lending

 ¼ ASEAN & South Asia and Africa & Middle East 
income was up 7 per cent and 14 per cent 
respectively, partially offset by subdued  
income growth in Greater China & North Asia, 
up 2 per cent, impacted by lower trade

 ¼ Underlying RoTE improved from 3.4 per cent  

to 7.3 per cent

INNOVATIVE FINANCING

Harnessing 
offshore wind  
in Taiwan

We are committed to supporting the 
renewable energy market in Taiwan. 
In 2019, we facilitated the financing 
of the landmark Yunlin Offshore 
Wind Farm, the largest offshore 
wind farm in Asia-Pacific. We were 
able to draw on our experience in 
export financing, the Taiwanese 
dollar financial markets and the wind 
farm sector in Taiwan to support the 
transaction. The 80-turbine, 640 MW 
farm represents our first financing 
deal for a greenfield offshore wind 
farm. It will prevent 31 million tonnes 
of carbon emissions over its 25-year 
life and support Taiwan’s shift away 
from coal towards renewable energy.

1  RWA efficiency is derived as credit RWA divided by 

assets and contingents

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportClient segment reviewsPrivate Banking

At a glance 

Profit before taxation 

$94m nm

underlying basis

$83m nm

statutory basis

Risk-weighted assets (RWA)

$6bn $1bn

Return on tangible equity (RoTE)

7.3% 830bps  

underlying basis

6.4%  940bps  

statutory basis

KPIs

Net new money

$2.6bn

$2.2bn

$0.7bn

2017

2018

2019

$2.6bn

 of net new money

Aim: Grow and deepen client relationships, 
improve investment penetration and attract 
new clients.

Analysis: We added $2.6 billion of net new 
money in 2019, delivering positive inflows for 
the third consecutive year since 2016

Net client score for ease of  
doing business

33.0%

27.7%

28.0%

33% 

2017

2018

2019

Aim: Improve the Private Banking client 
experience through all touch points with the 
Group.

Analysis: Launched in 2016, the annual Private 
Banking client satisfaction survey reviews 
multiple dimensions of client sentiment and 
measures our progress in putting client needs 
at the heart of everything we do. Consequently, 
in 2019, our net client score rose to 33 per cent 
compared with 28 per cent in 2018.

Segment overview

Private Banking offers a full suite of investment, credit and wealth planning solutions to grow 
and protect the wealth of high-net worth individuals across our footprint.

Our investment advisory capabilities and product platform are independent from research 
houses and product providers, allowing us to put client interests at the centre of our business. 
This is coupled with an extensive network across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East 
which provides clients with relevant market insights and cross-border investment and financing 
opportunities.

As part of our universal banking proposition, clients can also leverage our global Commercial 
Banking and Corporate & Institutional Banking capabilities to support their business needs. 
Private Banking services can be accessed from six leading centres: Hong Kong, Singapore, 
London, Jersey, Dubai and India.

Strategic priorities
 ¼ Leverage the significant wealth creation and 
wealth transfers taking place in our markets  
to achieve greater scale in the business

 ¼ Make it easier for clients to access products  
and services across the Group. Improve  
clients’ experience and grow the share of our 
clients’ assets under management by enhancing 
our advisory proposition and reducing the 
turnaround time of the investment process

 ¼ Implement a rigorous controls enhancement 

plan to balance growth and controls

Progress 
 ¼ Deepened client engagement with our target 

client base (over $5 million in AUM) by improving 
our ‘Relationship Management, Investment 
Advisory and Product Specialist’ coverage 
model leading to a growing revenue contribution 
from these clients

 ¼ Continued to further enhance our open 

architecture derivatives platforms through  
full automation and straight through processing 
of the transactions. Our FX platform won  
the Financial Times’ ‘Best initiative of the year  
in relationship management technology,  
Asia’ award

 ¼ Prioritised investments in user-centric 

technology such as the development of the  
3rd generation relationship manager facing 
market insights portal, ADVICE

 ¼ Improved ease of doing business for clients  

by re-engineering key client-facing processes 
such as client on-boarding

 ¼ Further strengthened the stability and resilience 
of our business through timely execution of our 
control enhancement programme

 ¼ Launched our Impact Philosophy as a key  
pillar of our approach to sustainable finance 
(outlined to the right)

Performance highlights 
 ¼ Underlying operating profit before taxation 
of $94 million is driven by a net $31 million 
release in credit impairment and an 
improvement in top-line growth 

 ¼ Underlying operating income of $577 million  

was up 12 per cent, making a third consecutive 
year of top-line growth. Income increase was 
mainly driven by higher Wealth-products income  
(up 19 per cent) 

 ¼ Assets under management increased $8 billion 
or 14 per cent year-on-year, mainly driven by 
$2.6 billion of net new money and positive 
market movements 

 ¼ Underlying RoTE increased 830bps to 7.3 per cent

IMPACT FINANCE

Launch of Impact 
Philosophy

Standard Chartered Private Bank 
launched its Impact Philosophy, 
offering high-net-worth clients a robust 
roadmap for using their resources 
to drive impact, including global 
metrics in line with the global Impact 
Reporting and Investment Standards 
(IRIS). This was rolled out to clients 
in Q1 2019, and allows us to engage 
them in structured conversations 
pertaining to driving impact, 
similar to an investment advisory 
conversation. In 2019, the private 
bank also launched ESG ratings in 
its equity and fixed income trades 
notes, providing clients an additional 
data point for decision making.

25

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportGreater China & North Asia 

Profit before taxation 

Region overview 

$2,432m 3%

underlying basis

$2,294m 1%

statutory basis

Risk-weighted assets

$86bn $5bn

Loans and advances to customers

Greater China & North Asia
44% of Group

Income split by key markets

%
1
6

g
n
o
K
g
n
o
H

%
6
1

a
e
r
o
K

%
4
1

i

a
n
h
C

%
9

s
r
e
h
t
O

Greater China & North Asia generated the largest share of the Group’s income in 2019, at  
40 per cent, and includes our clients in Hong Kong, Korea, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan  
and Macau. Of these, Hong Kong remains the Group’s largest market, underpinned by a 
diversified franchise and deeply rooted presence. 

The region is highly interconnected, with China’s economy at its core. Our global footprint and 
strong regional presence, distinctive proposition and continued investment position us strongly 
to capture opportunities as they arise from the continuing opening up of China’s economy. 

We are building on the region’s ongoing economic growth, the rising wealth of its population, 
the increasing sophistication and internationalisation of Chinese businesses and the resulting 
increased usage of the renminbi internationally. 

Strategic priorities 
 ¼ Leverage our network strength to serve the 
inbound and outbound cross-border trade  
and investment needs of our clients

 ¼ Capture opportunities arising from China’s 
opening, including the Greater Bay Area, 
renminbi, Belt & Road initiative, onshore capital 
markets and mainland wealth, as well as from 
development of our digital capabilities

 ¼ Strengthen market position in Hong Kong and 

improve performance in Korea

Progress 
 ¼ Actively participated in the opening of China’s 
capital markets, helping overseas investors do 
business through channels such as Bond 
Connect, Stock Connect and the Qualified 
Domestic Institutional Investor initiative, awarded 
‘Top Custodian, Active Bank and Top Dealer’  
by Bond Connect Awards, 26 per cent market 
share through Bond Connect

 ¼ Continuing good progress in Retail Banking in 
Hong Kong. We attracted over 50,000 new 
Priority clients during the year, up 22 per cent 
and increased our active qualified Priority clients 
by 12 per cent

 ¼ We were granted a virtual banking licence from 

the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on 27 March 
2019; one of the first to receive a licence under 
Hong Kong’s new virtual banking scheme and 
teamed up with PCCW, HKT and Ctrip Finance

 ¼ Continued to optimise the Korea franchise to 

improve returns and focus on China’s opening. 
China is the top network income contributor to 
the rest of the region and Group

Performance highlights 
 ¼ Underlying operating profit before taxation of 
$2,432 million was up 3 per cent, with steady 
income growth despite the challenges of the 
ongoing social unrest in Hong Kong and the 
extended US-China trade tensions. Expenses 
were broadly flat, partially offset by higher credit 
impairment

 ¼ Underlying operating income of $6,155 million 

was up 2 per cent on a constant currency basis, 
with strong growth across Retail Deposits, 
Financial Markets and Wealth Management, 
partially offset by a weaker Treasury income 
performance

 ¼ Retail Banking income grew 4 per cent, driven 
by Deposits with improving margins and strong 
balance sheet growth partly offset by a subdued 
performance in Wealth Management. Private 
Banking income was up 27 per cent, driven by  
a strong Wealth Management performance. 
Corporate & Institutional Banking and 
Commercial Banking income grew 2 per cent 
each, mainly through strong Cash Management 
and Financial Markets performances, partly 
offset by lower Corporate Finance and 
unfavourable debit valuation adjustment within 
Financial Markets

 ¼ Balance sheet momentum was sustained with 

loans and advances to customers up 7 per cent 
and customer accounts up 4 per cent

CASE STUDY

Financing a sustainable future of shipping

We successfully closed an $80.8 
million Senior Secured Facility to SITC 
International Holding Company Limited 
(SITC) in June 2019. Two of the vessels 
financed by the facility are eco-friendly 
container ships to be delivered by 
Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group. These 
vessels have adopted an eco-design 
approach to deliver high fuel efficiency and 
reduced emissions. This is fully aligned with 
the Group’s Sustainable Finance initiative 
taking into account environmental, social 
and governance (ESG) considerations.

As a bank, we recognise that our role 
in the global shipping industry enables 
us to deliver responsible finance to 
promote environmental stewardship 
throughout the maritime industry value 
chain. Zero-emission vessels will need 
to enter the global fleet by 2030. This 
transaction demonstrates that we are 
not only serving both our clients and 
institutions to improve decision-making at 
a strategic level but will also shape a better 
future for the global shipping industry. 

26

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportRegional reviews 
ASEAN & South Asia 

Profit before taxation 

Region overview 

$1,025m 6%

underlying basis

$1,039m 3%

statutory basis

Risk-weighted assets (RWA)

$89bn $1bn

Loans and advances to customers

ASEAN & South Asia
26% of Group

Income split by key markets

%
9
3

e
r
o
p
a
g
n
S

i

i

a
d
n

I

%
5
2

%
0
1

%
6
2

s
r
e
h
t
O

i

a
s
y
a
a
M

l

The Group has a long-standing and deep franchise across the ASEAN & South Asia region.  
As the only international bank present in all 10 ASEAN countries and with meaningful 
operations across many key South Asian markets, we are in a strong position to be the ‘go-to’ 
banking partner for our clients. The two markets in the region contributing the highest income 
are Singapore and India, where we have had a deep-rooted presence for more than 160 years.

The region contributes over a quarter of the Group’s income. Within the region, Singapore is 
home to the majority of our global business leadership and our technology operations, as well 
as SC Ventures, our innovation hub.

The strong underlying economic growth in the ASEAN & South Asia region enables us to help 
our clients achieve their growth ambitions and sustainably improve returns. The region is 
benefiting from rising trade flows, including activity generated from the Belt & Road initiative, 
continued strong investment and a rising middle class which is driving consumption growth 
and improving digital connectivity.

Strategic priorities 
 ¼ Leverage the strength of our international 

network to support our clients’ cross-border 
trade and investment activities across the 
high-growth ASEAN and South Asia corridors 

 ¼ Deliver comprehensive client propositions  
in key markets (Singapore, India, Malaysia  
and Bangladesh) and a targeted offering in  
other high-growth markets such as Indonesia 
and Vietnam 

 ¼ Continue to invest in technology and digital 

capabilities to enhance client experience and 
build scale efficiently 

 ¼ Improve capital efficiency and sharpen our 
investments in higher-returning businesses 

 ¼ Continue to reshape our India and Indonesia 

franchises to improve returns

Progress 
 ¼ Strong broad-based growth in income and 

operating profit, all client segments and majority 
of our markets grew versus prior year

 ¼ Instant client on-boarding and digitisation 

of service journeys have improved 
productivity and accelerated digital 
adoption amongst Retail Banking clients 

 ¼ Steady progress in our optimisation markets: 
India saw double-digit income growth and 
cost-to-income ratio improved to 65 per 
cent; Indonesia grew income by 5 per cent 
as we pivoted our focus towards Wealth 
Management and flow businesses 

Performance highlights 
 ¼ Underlying operating profit before taxation 

grew by 6 per cent to $1,025 million, 
underpinned by 6 per cent income growth 
and well-managed costs, offset by higher 
credit impairment; Singapore, our largest 
profit contributor grew 33 per cent

 ¼ Underlying operating income of $4,213 million  

is 6 per cent higher, with double-digit 
income growth in Corporate & Institutional 
Banking and high single-digit growth in 
Commercial, Retail and Private Banking

 ¼ Double-digit income growth in Priority Banking 

 ¼ Retail current and savings accounts grew by 

and attracted 12,000 new clients through 
differentiated propositions and advisory led 
approach 

 ¼ Investments in network bankers and tailored 
client solutions delivered double-digit growth  
in the Global Subsidiaries business 

11 per cent; Transaction Banking cash liabilities 
grew by 12 per cent and we reduced our 
Corporate Time Deposits to optimise our cost 
of funds. RWA growth controlled at 1 per cent

CASE STUDY

Industry-first digital incentive programme 

financial inclusivity, and enhances the 
level of trust and transparency with which 
Castrol engages with its customers.

We partnered with Castrol India Limited, 
one of India’s leading lubricant players, to 
digitise the way its mechanics and retailers 
receive incentive payments. Using the 
new mobile platform, they can scan QR 
codes on lubricant products and receive 
their payments instantaneously, instead of 
relying on physical coupons which often 
took months to process. In 2019, Castrol 
facilitated 100,000 incentive coupons daily 
for rewards aggregating $857,000 a month. 
This innovation encourages digital upskilling 
in a traditionally manual field, promotes 

27

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportAfrica & Middle East

Profit before taxation 

Region overview 

$684m 29%

underlying basis

$666m 54%

statutory basis

Risk-weighted assets

$49bn $4bn

Loans and advances to customers

Africa & Middle East
10% of Group

Income split by key markets

E
A
U

%
4
2

%
1
1

a
y
n
e
K

%
0
1

a
i
r
e
g
N

i

%
5
5

s
r
e
h
t
O

We have a deep-rooted heritage of over 160 years in Africa & Middle East and are present in 
25 markets, of which the UAE, Nigeria, Pakistan and Kenya are the largest by income. We are 
present in the largest number of sub-Saharan African markets of any international banking group. 

A rich history, deep client relationships and a unique footprint in the region and across key 
origination centres in Asia, Europe and the Americas enable us to seamlessly support our clients. 
Africa & Middle East is an important part of global trade and investment corridors, including 
those on the China’s Belt and Road initiative and we are well placed to facilitate these flows. 

Macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds in 2019 have impacted income momentum 
across both the Middle East and Africa; however, we remain confident that the opportunities  
in the region will support long-term sustainable growth for the Group. We continue to invest 
selectively and drive efficiencies.

Strategic priorities 
 ¼ Provide best-in-class structuring and financing 

solutions and drive origination through  
client initiatives 

 ¼ Invest to accelerate growth in differentiated 
international network and affluent client 
businesses

 ¼ Invest in market-leading digitisation initiatives  
in Retail Banking to protect and grow market 
share in core markets; continue with our retail 
transformation agenda to recalibrate our 
network and streamline structures 

 ¼ De-risk and improve the quality of income with 
continuous focus on return enhancements

Progress 
 ¼ A number of marquee transactions across the 

region are reflective of the strong client franchise

 ¼ Network income was 9 per cent higher and the 
Group’s Global Subsidiaries business grew by  
3 per cent

 ¼ After a successful launch of a digital-only bank in 
Côte d’lvoire in the first half of 2018, roll-out was 
extended to eight additional markets (Uganda, 
Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana, 
Zambia and Nigeria)

–  Across these nine markets, customer 

acquisition has trebled

–  Account funding rates for most markets are 

relatively healthy and customer feedback has 
been good

–  Practically a ‘zero touch’ platform, with 

account opening and servicing without the 
need to visit a branch

–  This efficiency has translated into a more 
targeted branch footprint, allowing us to 
reduce our number of branches by one-third 
in the last two years

 ¼ Despite continued geopolitical and 

macroeconomic headwinds, improved asset 
quality and good risk discipline led to lower 
credit impairments 

 ¼ Cost efficiencies have allowed investments to 

continue through the cycle

Performance highlights
 ¼ Underlying operating profit before taxation of 

$684 million was 29 per cent higher with lower 
expenses and improved credit impairment 
partially offset by a 2 per cent decrease in income

 ¼ Underlying operating income of $2,562 million 
was down 2 per cent but up 3 per cent on a 
constant currency basis, with a good performance 
in our Financial Markets business across the 
region. Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan 
were flat, and Africa was down 3 per cent 

 ¼ Strong performances in Financial Markets and 

Corporate Finance were offset by margin 
compression in Retail Banking and lower  
Wealth Management in UAE

 ¼ Loans and advances to customers were up  

5 per cent and customer accounts were down  
2 per cent

CASE STUDY

Infrastructure and clean tech

In 2019, we provided a $2.4 billion project 
finance facility for the development, 
construction, operation and maintenance of 
a 700MW concentrated solar power (CSP) 
and 250MW photovoltaic plant in Dubai.

The project will provide clean energy to 
over 320,000 residences in Dubai, while 
reducing 1.4 million tonnes of carbon 
emissions a year. Standard Chartered 

acted as mandated lead arranger, 
documentation bank, pre-hedging bank, 
offshore account bank, intercreditor 
agent, and offshore security trustee.

The project is our first CSP financing in 
the region and the largest limited recourse 
project finance deal in Dubai. It is also 
the largest regional investment into the 
renewable sector for a single project.

28

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportRegional reviewsEurope & Americas

Profit before taxation 

$157m 2%

underlying basis

$123m 24%

statutory basis

Risk-weighted assets

$44bn $3bn

Loans and advances to customers

Europe & Americas
20% of Group

Income split by key markets

K
U

%
4
4

S
U

%
4
4

%
2
1

s
r
e
h
t
O

Region overview 

The Group supports clients in Europe & Americas through hubs in London and New York as 
well as a presence in several European and Latin American markets. Our extensive expertise  
in working across our footprint in Asia, Africa and the Middle East allows us to offer our clients 
unique network and product capabilities. 

The region is a significant income origination engine for the Group’s Corporate & Institutional 
Banking business. Clients based in Europe & Americas generate over one-third of Corporate  
& Institutional Banking income, with two-thirds of that income booked in the Group’s other 
regions where the service is provided.

The region is home to the Group’s two biggest payment clearing centres and the largest 
trading room. Over 80 per cent of the region’s income derives from Financial Markets and 
Transaction Banking products. The business we do across the Group with clients based in 
Europe & Americas therefore generates above average returns.

Our Private Banking business focuses on serving clients with linkages to our footprint markets.

Strategic priorities 
 ¼ Continue to attract new international corporate 
and financial institutional clients and deepen 
relationships with existing and new clients and 
banking them across more markets in our 
network, connecting them to the fastest growing 
and highest potential economies in the world

 ¼ Scale up our continental European business, 
leveraging significant trade corridors with Asia 
and Africa

 ¼ Enhance capital efficiency, maintain strong risk 
oversight and further improve the quality of our 
funding base 

 ¼ Grow our Private Banking franchise and assets 
under management in London and Jersey 

 ¼ Leverage our network capabilities as new 

e-commerce based industries grow internationally

Progress 
 ¼ Strong progress in improving the share of 

business from targeted CIB Priority clients,  
with income up 9 per cent from ‘Top 100’,  
‘Next 100’ and ‘New 90’ client initiatives

 ¼ Continued growth in our key Greater China, 

ASEAN and South Asia corridors providing high 
network returns from Europe & Americas clients

 ¼ Standard Chartered Bank AG (Germany) is 

operational and positioned to support our clients 
in all Brexit scenarios

 ¼ Launched Sustainable Finance business and 
issued inaugural sustainable bond focused on 
emerging markets

Performance highlights 
 ¼ Underlying operating profit before taxation of 
$157 million improved 2 per cent driven by 
higher income, partially offset by higher costs 
and impairments 

 ¼ Underlying operating income of $1,725 million 

was up 3 per cent largely due to improved sales 
and trading performance in Financial Markets 
and higher income in Cash and Treasury.  
There was a year-on-year reduction in income  
of $108m from a swing in the debit valuation 
adjustment (DVA) due to an improvement in the 
Group’s own Credit Risk

 ¼ Income generated by Europe & Americas 

clients, but booked elsewhere in our network, 
increased by 6 per cent

 ¼ Loans and advances to customers grew  
10 per cent year-on-year and customer 
accounts grew 7 per cent

CASE STUDY

Launching our first Sustainability Bond

Standard Chartered successfully issued  
its first Sustainability Bond, focused on 
emerging markets, a landmark transaction 
that was over six times subscribed. 

At EUR 500 million, the proceeds of the 
bond will be used to provide finance in 
areas aligned with the United Nations 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – 
including clean energy projects, smaller 
business lending and microfinance loans 
– helping drive employment, growth and 
prosperity across emerging markets. 

While 90 per cent of SDG financing needs 
are covered in developed countries, only 
60 per cent of the investment needs are 
addressed in emerging and developing 
regions, and as low as 10 per cent in Africa. 
Our unique network and Here for good 
brand promise positions us well to address 
this problem.

Since the issuance of our inaugural 
Sustainability Bond, we have continued 
to innovate new Sustainable products, 
including the completion of our first LMA 
Green Loan Compliant trade financing, 
which was the first of its kind in the market.

29

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportGroup Chief Financial Officer’s review
An encouraging and resilient performance

Summary of financial 
performance

The Group delivered a resilient performance 
in 2019 notwithstanding an unusual 
combination of geopolitical and 
macroeconomic challenges that impacted 
some of its largest markets. Income grew  
at a faster rate than costs, profitability and 
return on tangible equity improved, capital 
and liquidity levels remain strong, and the 
balance sheet is growing. 

All commentary that follows is on an 
underlying basis and comparisons are  
made to full-year 2018 on a reported  
currency basis, unless otherwise stated.  
A full reconciliation between statutory and 
underlying results is set out on page 59  
of the Annual Report.

 ¼ Operating income grew 2 per cent or  
4 per cent on a constant currency basis 

 ¼ Net interest income decreased 2 per 
cent with increased volumes more than 
offset by a reduction in net interest margin 

 ¼ Other income increased 6 per cent  
with a particularly strong performance  
in Financial Markets

 ¼ Operating expenses excluding the UK 
bank levy were down 1 per cent or up  
1 per cent on a constant currency basis, 
with tight control of costs generating 
positive income-to-cost jaws of 3 per cent. 
The cost-to-income ratio (excluding the UK 
bank levy) improved 2 percentage points  
to 66 per cent. The Group will continue to 
invest in its strategic priorities while – as 
previously guided – targeting cost growth 
below the rate of inflation and positive jaws. 
The UK bank levy rose $23 million to 
$347 million

 ¼ Credit impairment increased by  

 ¼ Other impairment reduced by  

$110 million to $38 million following the 
Group’s decision to discontinue its  
ship leasing business, with the related 
impairment now recorded as a 
restructuring charge and excluded  
from underlying results

 ¼ Profit from associates and joint 
ventures was up 5 per cent with 
continued good performance at China 
Bohai Bank partially offset by the  
exclusion from underlying performance  
of the Group’s share of PT Bank  
Permata Tbk’s earnings

$166 million to $906 million. This was 
driven mainly by a $275 million increase  
in stage 1 and 2 impairments, around  
half of which related to a deterioration in 
macroeconomic variables, which includes 
the downward revision to Hong Kong  
GDP in the second half of the year. 
Impairments of stage 3 assets decreased 
by $109 million, despite a $141 million 
charge booked in the fourth quarter 
relating to a single client exposure in 
ASEAN & South Asia. Credit impairment  
of $906 million represents a loan-loss rate 
of 27 basis points (2018: 21 basis points) 
and remains at an historically low level 

 ¼ Profit before tax improved 8 per cent  
or 10 per cent on a constant currency 
basis. Charges relating to restructuring, 
provisions for regulatory matters and  
other items decreased $850 million to 
$459 million, primarily driven by a reduction 
in regulatory provisions. The resolution of 
previously disclosed investigations in the 
UK and US into historical sanctions and 
financial crime control issues included 
monetary penalties of $1,086 million, of 
which $186 million was provided for in  
the current year. Including these items, 
statutory profit before tax increased  
46 per cent 

 ¼ Taxation was $1,373 million on a statutory 
basis including a $179 million capital gains 
tax charge arising from the changes in 
legal entity structure to create a capital  
and liquidity hub in the Greater China & 
North Asia region. The underlying effective 
tax rate was 29.3 per cent, a decrease of 
5.3 percentage points reflecting a greater 
proportion of profits from markets with 
lower tax rates and a reduction in 
non-deductible expenses

 ¼ Underlying return on tangible equity 

improved by 130 basis points to  
6.4 per cent, reflecting the increase in 
underlying profit and the reduction in 
tangible equity following the completion of 
the $1 billion share buy-back programme

 ¼ Underlying basic earnings per share 

(EPS) increased 23 per cent and statutory 
EPS trebled 

 ¼ A final ordinary dividend per share of  
20 cents has been proposed by the  
Board which would result in a full-year 
dividend of 27 cents, an increase of  
6 cents or 29 per cent

Andy Halford
Group Chief Financial Officer

30

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGroup Chief Financial Officer’s reviewNet interest income1

Other income1

Underlying operating income

Other operating expenses

UK bank levy

Underlying operating expenses

Underlying operating profit before impairment and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Underlying profit before taxation

Provision for regulatory matters

Restructuring

Other items

Statutory profit before taxation 

Taxation

Profit for the period

Net interest margin (%)1

Underlying return on tangible equity (%)

Underlying earnings per share (cents)

Statutory return on tangible equity (%)

Statutory earnings per share (cents)

Change 
%

Constant currency 
change 
%2

(2)

6

2

1

(7)

1

8

(22)

74

5

8

75

47

(70)

46

5

111

4

(1)

(2)

10

10

49

113

2019 
$million

7,698

7,573

15,271

(10,062)

(347)

(10,409)

4,862

(906)

(38)

254

4,172

(226)

(254)

21

3,713

(1,373)

2,340

1.62

6.4

75.7

4.8

57.0

2018 
$million

7,840

7,128

14,968

(10,140)

(324)

(10,464)

4,504

(740)

(148)

241

3,857

(900)

(478)

69

2,548

(1,439)

1,109

1.69

5.1

61.4

1.6

18.7

1  The Group has changed its accounting policies for net interest income, net trading income and net interest margin. Prior period has been restated. Refer to Note 1 to the  

financial statements

2  Comparisons presented on the basis of the current period’s functional currency rate, ensuring like-for-like currency rates between the two periods

Operating income by product

Transaction Banking

Trade

Cash Management

Securities Services

Financial Markets 

Foreign Exchange

Rates

Commodities

Credit and Capital Markets

Capital Structuring Distribution Group

DVA

Other Financial Markets

Corporate Finance1, 2

Lending and Portfolio Management2

Wealth Management

Retail Products

CCPL and other unsecured lending

Deposits

Mortgage and Auto

Other Retail Products

Treasury

Other

Total underlying operating income

2019 
$million

3,849

1,100

2,406

343

2,916

1,128

696

165

577

329

(100)

121

1,143

792

1,878

3,849

1,251

1,982

508

108

1,090

(246)

15,271

2018 
$million

3,718

1,123

2,262

333

2,612

1,001

555

192

324

309

77

154

1,186

755

1,799

3,750

1,310

1,782

573

85

1,223

(75)

14,968

Change 
%

4

(2)

6

3

12

13

25

(14)

78

6

nm3

(21)

(4)

5

4

3

(5)

11

(11)

27

(11)

nm3

2

1  In December 2018 it was decided to discontinue the ship operating lease business and any future profits and losses will be reported as restructuring. Prior periods have not  

been restated

2  There has been a reorganisation of certain product teams between Corporate Finance and Lending and Portfolio Management. Prior periods have been restated

3  Not meaningful

31

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportGroup Chief Financial Officer’s review continued

Transaction Banking income grew  
4 per cent with strong performance in Cash 
Management on the back of improved 
margins and increased volumes. Growth in 
Securities Services was offset by a 2 per cent 
decline in Trade.

Financial Markets income grew 12 per cent 
benefiting from market volatility and increased 
hedging and investment activity by clients. 
There was strong double-digit growth in 
Credit and Capital Markets and Rates and 
double-digit growth in Foreign Exchange 
partly offset by a negative $177 million 
movement in the Debit Valuation Adjustment, 
of which a negative $118 million movement 
occurred in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Corporate Finance income was down  
4 per cent impacted by the Group’s decision  
to discontinue its ship leasing business,  
with the related income now recorded as 
restructuring and excluded from underlying 
results. Excluding the impact of this  
decision, Corporate Finance income  
was up 2 per cent.

Lending and Portfolio Management 
income was up 5 per cent with improved 
margins and increased volumes in  
Corporate Lending.

Wealth Management income grew  
4 per cent – despite more challenging market 
conditions – primarily from growth in FX,  
fixed income and structured products.

Retail Products income grew 3 per cent or 
5 per cent on a constant currency basis with 
continued growth in Deposits from improved 
margins and increased volumes partly offset 
by margin compression in Mortgages and 
Credit Cards & Personal Loans.

Treasury income reduced 11 per cent with 
the impact of interest rate movements within 
the Treasury Markets portfolio partly offset by 
$122 million favourable movement in hedge 
ineffectiveness.

Other products income of negative  
$246 million includes increased funding  
costs reflecting the impact of adopting  
IFRS 16.

Profit before tax by client segment and geographic region

Corporate & Institutional Banking

Retail Banking

Commercial Banking

Private Banking

Central & other items (segment)

Underlying profit before taxation

Greater China & North Asia

ASEAN & South Asia

Africa & Middle East

Europe & Americas

Central & other items (region)

Underlying profit before taxation

1  Not meaningful

2019 
$million

2,318

1,083

448

94

229

4,172

2,432

1,025

684

157

(126)

4,172

2018 
$million

2,072

1,033

224

(14)

542

3,857

2,369

970

532

154

(168)

3,857

Change 
%

12

5

100

nm1

(58)

8

3

6

29

2

25

8

Corporate & Institutional Banking 
improved its profit by 12 per cent and was the 
largest contributor to the overall Group’s profit 
before tax, from a client segment perspective. 
Commercial Banking doubled its profit 
and Retail Banking’s grew by 5 per cent. 
Private Banking generated a profit of  
$94 million up from an operating loss of  
$(14) million in 2018. The improved profitability 
of the client segments was partly offset by a 

58 per cent reduction in the profit generated 
by Central & other items (segment) due to 
lower Treasury income from higher rates 
internally paid on liabilities and one-off  
liquidity requirements.

Greater China & North Asia was the 
largest regional contributor to the overall 
Group’s profit before tax, and grew profit by  
3 per cent. Africa & Middle East was the 

fastest growing region, with profit up  
29 per cent. ASEAN & South Asia 
generated 6 per cent growth, while profit in 
Europe & Americas improved 2 per cent. 
The loss incurred by Central & other items 
(region) decreased by $42 million to  
$126 million with higher external debt costs 
offset by a favourable change in hedge 
ineffectiveness and increased internal  
capital charges.

32

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGroup Chief Financial Officer’s reviewAdjusted net interest income and margin

Adjusted net interest income

Average interest-earning assets 

Average interest-bearing liabilities

Gross yield (%)

Rate paid (%)

Net yield (%)

Net interest margin (%)2

2019 
$million

8,007

494,756

444,595

3.34

1.92

1.42

1.62

restated
20181
$million

8,032

476,114

430,167

3.18

1.65

1.53

1.693

1  The Group has changed its accounting policies for net interest income and net trading income. Prior periods have been restated. Refer to Note 1 to the financial statements

2  Adjusted net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets

3  Restated as per Net interest margin, defined under Alternative performance measures in the Strategic report

The Group has changed its accounting  
policy for net interest income and the basis  
of preparation of its net interest margin to 
better reflect the underlying performance of 
its banking book. See Note 1 to the financial 
statements for further details. 

Adjusted net interest income was flat with 
growth in interest-earning assets offsetting  
a 7 basis points reduction in net interest 
margin which averaged 162 basis points  
for the full year. 

Credit risk summary 

Gross loans and advances to customers3 

Of which stage 1 and 2

Of which stage 3

Expected credit loss provisions

Of which stage 1 and 2

Of which stage 3 

Net loans and advances to customers

Of which stage 1 and 2

Of which stage 3 

Cover ratio of stage 3 before/after collateral (%)

Credit grade 12 accounts ($million)

Early alerts ($million)

Investment grade corporate exposures (%)

 ¼ Average interest-earning assets increased 

 ¼ Average interest-bearing liabilities 

4 per cent driven by an increase in 
investment securities balances and higher 
loans and advances to customers. Gross 
yields increased 16 basis points compared 
to the average in 2018 and predominantly 
reflected the flow-through of rises in global 
interest rates that occurred through 2018, 
partly offset by declining interest rates  
in the second half of 2019

increased 3 per cent driven by growth  
in customer accounts. The rate paid  
on liabilities increased 27 basis points 
compared to the average in 2018 reflecting 
interest rate movements

The 7 basis point reduction in net interest 
margin was primarily driven by margin 
pressure on liabilities.

20191
$million

Total

274,306

266,908

7,398

(5,783)

(779)

(5,004)

268,523

266,129

2,394

68 / 85

1,605

5,271

61

20181,2 
$million

Liquidation  
portfolio

1,769

86

1,683

(1,374)

(4)

(1,370)

395

82

313

Ongoing  
business

261,216

254,445

6,771

(5,054)

(838)

(4,216)

256,162

253,607

2,555

Total

262,985

254,531

8,454

(6,428)

(842)

(5,586)

256,557

253,689

2,868

62 / 82

81 / 95

66 / 85

1,437

4,767

62

86

–

–

1,523

4,767

62

1  Balances for 2019 and 2018 reflect interest due but unpaid together with equivalent credit impairment charge 

2  2018 Stage 3 balances, provisions and cover ratios have been restated

3  Includes reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending held at amortised cost of $1,469 million at 31 December 2019 and $3,151 million at 31 December 2018

33

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportGroup Chief Financial Officer’s review continued

The Group has changed its accounting policy 
to report interest in suspense for stage 3 
exposures. This results in an increase in 
gross stage 3 exposures and provisions, with 
no change to net stage 3 assets. Prior period 
balances have been restated. See Note 1 to 
the financial statements for further details. 

Asset quality overall was broadly stable in  
the year with credit impairment rising but 
remaining at historically low levels well below 
those seen in previous years. The Group 
remains vigilant considering significant 
volatility in some markets, with continuing 
geopolitical uncertainty and weakening 
economic forecasts. Reviews and stress 
tests of the Group’s portfolio are carried out 

regularly to help identify then mitigate any 
risks that may arise. The actions to reduce 
exposures in the Group’s former liquidation 
portfolio were substantially completed in 2018 
so the remaining exposures are reported as 
part of the ongoing business in 2019.

Gross stage 3 loans and advances to 
customers of $7.4 billion were down 12 per 
cent compared with 31 December 2018.  
The reduction is due to repayments, 
write-offs and upgrades to stage 2 mainly  
in Corporate & Institutional Banking and 
Commercial Banking. These credit-impaired 
loans represented 2.7 per cent of gross loans 
and advances, a reduction of 0.5 percentage 
points compared with 31 December 2018. 

The stage 3 cover ratio increased to 68 per 
cent from 66 per cent in 2018. The cover ratio  
post collateral was stable at 85 per cent.

Credit grade 12 balances increased 5 per 
cent since 31 December 2018 reflecting 
sovereign ratings downgrades in Zimbabwe, 
Zambia and Lebanon which impacted the 
ratings of certain accounts in those countries. 
Early alert accounts increased 11 per cent  
in the year due to the transfer in the fourth 
quarter of 2019 of a handful of unrelated 
clients that had been previously under review.

The proportion of investment grade corporate 
exposures has remained broadly stable at  
61 per cent.

Restructuring and other items

Operating income

Operating expenses

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Profit/(loss) before taxation

The Group’s statutory performance is 
adjusted for profits or losses of a capital 
nature, amounts consequent to investment 
transactions driven by strategic intent, other 
infrequent and/or exceptional transactions 
that are significant or material in the context of 
the Group’s normal business earnings for the 
period and items which management and 
investors would ordinarily identify separately 
when assessing underlying performance 
period-by period. 

2019

2018

Provision for 
regulatory 
matters 
$million

–

(226)

–

–

–

(226)

Restructuring  
$million

Other items 
$million

146

(298)

(2)

(98)

(2)

(254)

–

–

–

(27)

48

21

Provision for 
regulatory  
matters 
$million

–

(900)

–

–

–

(900)

Restructuring 
$million

Other items 
$million

(248)

(283)

87

(34)

–

(478)

69

–

–

–

–

69

As previously disclosed, the Group expects 
to incur around $500 million of restructuring 
charges between 2019 and 2021 to execute 
its refreshed strategic priorities. Restructuring 
charges of $254 million for 2019 primarily 
related to redundancy provisions taken in  
the fourth quarter together with impairments 
related to the Group’s discontinued ship 
leasing business. Other items of $21 million 
included profits from the Group’s joint venture 
investment in Indonesia, which the Group  
has classified as held for sale having signed  

a conditional share purchase agreement to  
sell its 44.56 per cent equity interest, and 
goodwill impairment relating to the Group’s 
subsidiaries in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Oman. 
The provision for regulatory matters primarily 
relates to the agreement to pay monetary 
penalties following the resolution of 
investigations into historical sanctions and 
financial crime control issues, described 
further in Note 26 to the financial statements.

34

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGroup Chief Financial Officer’s reviewBalance sheet and liquidity

Assets

Loans and advances to banks

Loans and advances to customers

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity

Total equity and liabilities

Advances-to-deposits ratio (%)1

Liquidity coverage ratio (%)

31.12.19 
$million

31.12.18 
$million

Increase/  
(decrease) 
$million

Increase/  
(decrease) 
%

53,549

268,523

398,326

720,398

28,562

405,357

235,818

669,737

50,661

720,398

64.2%

144%

61,414

256,557

370,791

688,762

29,715

391,013

217,682

638,410

50,352

688,762

63.1%

154%

(7,865)

11,966

27,535

31,636

(1,153)

14,344

18,136

31,327

309

31,636

(13)

5

7

5

(4)

4

8

5

1

5

1  In calculating the advances-to-deposits ratio the Group now excludes $9,109 million held with central banks (2018: $7,412 million) that have been confirmed as repayable at the point 

of stress

The Group’s balance sheet remains strong, 
liquid and well diversified. 

 ¼ Loans and advances to customers 

increased 5 per cent since 31 December 
2018 to $269 billion driven mainly by 
growth in Financial Markets, Corporate 
Lending and Mortgages

 ¼ Customer accounts of $405 billion 

increased 4 per cent since 31 December 
2018 with an increase in operating account 
balances within Cash Management offset 
by a run-off in Corporate Term Deposits

Risk-weighted assets

By risk type

Credit Risk

Operational Risk

Market Risk

Total RWAs

 ¼ Other assets and other liabilities increased 
7 per cent and 8 per cent respectively 
since 31 December 2018. The growth  
in other assets was driven by increased 
investment securities and reverse 
repurchase agreements partly offset by  
a reduction of cash balances at central 
banks. The growth in other liabilities  
reflects increased trading book liabilities 
and repurchase agreements

The advances-to-deposits ratio increased 
slightly to 64.2 per cent from 63.1 per cent  
at 31 December 2018 while the liquidity 
coverage ratio at year-end decreased  
10 percentage points to 144 per cent, well 
above the minimum regulatory requirement. 

31 .12.19 
$million

31.12.18 
$million

Increase/  
(decrease) 
$million

Increase/  
(decrease) 
%

215,664

27,620

20,806

264,090

211,138

28,050

19,109

258,297

4,526

(430)

1,697

5,793

2

(2)

9

2

1  Variance is increase/(decrease) comparing the current reporting period to the prior reporting period

Total risk-weighted assets (RWA) increased  
2 per cent or $5.8 billion since 31 December 
2018 to $264.1 billion. 

 ¼ Credit Risk RWA increased $4.5 billion to 
$215.7 billion, with asset growth partially 
offset by RWA efficiencies, foreign 
currency translation and the partial sale  
of the Group’s Principal Finance portfolio

 ¼ Market Risk RWA increased by $1.7 billion 

to $20.8 billion due to higher levels of 
Financial Markets activity and some policy 
and methodology changes

 ¼ Operational Risk RWA reduced by  

$0.4 billion primarily due to a decrease in 
average income as measured over a rolling 
three-year time horizon, with lower 2018 
income replacing higher 2015 income

Total RWA increased at broadly the same rate 
in 2019 as income. The ongoing execution  
of organic and inorganic RWA optimisation 
initiatives supports the expectation that 
income growth will exceed RWA growth in 
the medium-term.

35

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportGroup Chief Financial Officer’s review continued

Capital base and ratios

CET1 capital

Additional Tier 1 capital (AT1)

Tier 1 capital 

Tier 2 capital 

Total capital

CET1 capital ratio end point (%)1

Total capital ratio transitional (%)1

UK leverage ratio (%)1

31.12.19 
$million

36,513

7,164

43,677

12,288

55,965

13.8

21.2

5.2

31.12.18 
$million

36,717

6,684

43,401

12,295

55,696

14.2

21.6

5.6

Increase/  
(decrease) 
$million

Increase/  
(decrease) 
%

(204)

480

276

(7)

269

(1)

7

1

–

–

(0.4)

(0.4)

(0.4)

1   Change is percentage point difference between two points rather than percentage change

The Group remains well capitalised and 
highly liquid with all metrics above regulatory 
thresholds.

The Group’s common equity tier 1 (CET1) 
ratio of 13.8 per cent was towards the top of 
the 13-14 per cent target range, 39 basis 
points lower than as at 31 December 2018. 
On an underlying basis CET1 rose 16 basis 
points as profits generated in the year were 
partly offset by credit and market RWA 
growth and higher dividends. This was  
offset by the impact of the $1 billion share 
buy-back, the costs of the legal entity 
restructuring in Greater China & North Asia 
and regulatory provisions.

The Group repurchased 116,103,483 ordinary 
shares for an aggregate consideration of 
approximately $1 billion between 2 May 2019 
and 25 September 2019. The shares were 
subsequently cancelled, reducing the total 
issued share capital by 3.5 per cent.

The Board has decided to carry out a  
share buy-back for up to a maximum 
consideration of $0.5 billion to further  
reduce the number of ordinary shares in 
issue by cancelling the repurchased shares. 
The terms of the buy-back will be announced 
and the programme will start shortly and is 
expected to reduce the Group’s CET1 ratio  
in the first quarter of 2020 by approximately 
20 basis points.

The Group’s UK leverage ratio of 5.2 per cent 
was down 38 basis points compared with  
31 December 2018 as higher Tier 1 capital 
was offset by growth in the leverage 
exposure measure. The Group’s leverage 
ratio is significantly above its minimum 
requirement of 3.7 per cent.

In the period the Group’s Pillar 2A buffer 
increased from 2.9 to 3.4 per cent of which 
1.9 per cent has to be held in CET1. The UK 
Financial Policy Committee and the Hong 
Kong Monetary Authority also announced 
changes to their counter-cyclical buffer rates 
with the UK increasing its rate from 1 per cent 
to 2 per cent with effect from 16 December 
2020 and Hong Kong reducing its rate from 
2.5 per cent to 2 per cent with effect from  
14 October 2019. The changes to the 
counter-cyclical buffer rates are not expected 
to materially impact the Group’s minimum 
CET1 requirements and it continues to target 
a CET1 ratio of 13-14 per cent. 

The Board has recommended a final  
ordinary dividend of 20 cents per share 
which, together with the interim dividend of  
7 cents per share, would result in a full-year 
ordinary dividend of 27 cents a share or  
$863 million, which represents a 29 per cent 
increase in the full-year ordinary dividend.

Outlook

The underlying momentum in the fourth 
quarter of 2019 continued in the opening 
weeks of 2020 but lower interest rates,  
slower global economic growth, a softer 
Hong Kong economy and the impact of the 
recent novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak 
will likely result in income growth in 2020 
below our medium-term 5-7 per cent target 
range. These headwinds are expected to  
be transitory, but we now believe it will  
take longer to achieve our RoTE target of  
10 per cent than we previously envisaged.

We have improved our RoTE every year since 
2015 and we are focused on doing so again 
in 2020 through a combination of positive 
income-to-cost jaws and continued discipline 
on returning surplus capital to shareholders. 
The Board has authorised the purchase and 
cancellation of up to $0.5 billion worth of 
shares starting shortly and will review the 
potential for making a further capital return 
upon the completion of the Permata sale.

Andy Halford
Group Chief Financial Officer

27 February 2020

36

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGroup Chief Financial Officer’s reviewS
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37

OUR  RESEARCH

Sharing insights on sustainability,  
trade and wealth with our clients

make good progress, as well as smaller trading nations such 
as Côte d’Ivoire which are showing increasing promise. These 
high-potential markets may be of interest as future investment 
opportunities, or as import markets and supply chain partners.

For more information on our Trade20 report visit sc.com/wealthexpectancy

Introducing a new measure of prosperity

Our Wealth Expectancy Report 2019 examines the saving and 
investment behaviours of 10,000 emerging affluent, affluent and 
high-net-worth individuals across Asia, Africa and the Middle  
East. To do this, we compare their aspirations for retirement with 
the wealth they can expect to accumulate by the time they are  
60. Even with a global average wealth expectancy of more than  
$1 million, nearly six out of 10 people (56 per cent) are at risk of  
not being able to afford the retirement lifestyle they aspire to.

For more information on our Wealth Expectancy Report visit sc.com/trade20

We recently published three reports providing 
insights for clients on opportunities for investment 
in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 
how global markets are opening for trade, and the 
gap between wealth aspirations and reality among 
affluent consumers in our footprint.

Highlighting the SDG investment opportunity

The private sector has a critical role to play in meeting the SDGs 
over the next decade. Spanning 15 of the world’s fastest-growing 
economies, our Opportunity2030 report reveals an almost  
$10 trillion opportunity for private-sector investors across all 
emerging markets to help achieve the SDGs. This opportunity 
represents around 40 per cent of the total funding required to 
meet specific indicators within three infrastructure-focused SDGs 
between now and 2030. Providing universal access to power 
represents the greatest investment opportunity, followed by 
significant improvements to transport infrastructure, digital  
access and access to clean water and sanitation.

For more information on our Opportunity2030 report 
visit sc.com/opportunity2030

Pointing to greater trade potential

Our Trade20 report maps the 20 markets with the greatest 
potential for future trade growth. The study points to existing 
trade powers that continue to pave the way for increased trade, 
including markets such as China, India and Singapore. It also 
highlights a number of medium-sized trading economies, such 
as Ireland, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand, that continue to 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Chief Risk Officer’s review
Staying strong in challenging times

2019 saw considerable geopolitical and 
macroeconomic uncertainty, with global 
growth slowing and the long-term impacts 
of US-China trade tensions, low interest 
rates, social unrest in Hong Kong and Brexit 
dominating the financial landscape. This has 
continued into 2020, with the recent novel 
coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak affecting 
many of our key markets. While ensuring 
appropriate support of clients, we have 
taken measures to ensure the ongoing 
effectiveness of our risk management, 
maintaining a strong, diversified and 
resilient portfolio; and ensuring that 
areas of growth are well controlled and 
sustainable. Asset quality has remained 
broadly stable, although credit impairment 
saw a modest increase compared with 
2018. However, this is still below the 
elevated impairment levels observed in 
previous years. Our capital and liquidity 
positions continue to be at healthy levels. 

We are constantly scanning the risk 
landscape for new areas of potential concern 
and in 2020 we have elevated Model Risk to 
a Principal Risk Type recognising the 
importance of Model Risk to the Group. We 
have also identified Climate Risk as a material 
cross-cutting risk that should be considered 
alongside multiple risk types. Sustainability 
remains a core item on our agenda and our 
adoption of the UN’s Principles for 
Responsible Banking demonstrates our 
commitment to provide the right outcomes 
for all our stakeholders. We continue to invest 
in technology to further enhance our risk 
management capabilities.

An update on key risk priorities

In view of the challenging risk environment  
it is essential that we continue to optimise  
the way risk is managed within the Group. 
Innovation is at the heart of our agenda, and 
we are making progress on the Risk, and 
Conduct, Financial Crime and Compliance 
(CFCC) priorities set out at half year:

 ¼ Strengthen the Group’s risk culture: 

Embedding a healthy risk culture continues 
to be a core objective across all areas of 
the Group. It underpins an enterprise-level 
ability to identify and assess, openly 
discuss, and take prompt action to 
address all existing and emerging risks. 
Our Enterprise Risk Management 
Framework (ERMF) has been embedded 
and rolled out to all countries. It sets out 
the guiding principles for our people, 
enabling us to have integrated and holistic 
risk conversations across the Group. In 
2019, we increased focus on non-financial 
risks and are implementing a revised 
framework for the management of 
Operational Risk. Internal messaging from 
senior management promotes a healthy 
risk culture by valuing risk-based thinking 
across each line of defence, encouraging 
risk awareness, challenging the status  
quo and creating a transparent, safe  
and open environment for employees  
to communicate risk concerns. 

 ¼ Enhance information and cyber 

security (ICS): A key part of our Group 
strategy has been our investment in 
digitisation and partnerships to better serve 
our clients. A new Group ICS strategy has 

Mark Smith 
Group Chief Risk Officer

38

been developed to align with the overall 
corporate strategy and drive cohesion 
across the Group on managing ICS Risk. 
The refreshed approach saw the following 
deliverables in 2019: an enhanced 
operating model to clarify accountabilities 
between the first and second lines of 
defence; Group-wide initiatives to further 
enhance our cyber capabilities; and 
increased training and awareness 
alongside crisis management exercises  
to ensure business responses with focus 
on clients and critical services, which has 
facilitated greater insights into the Group’s 
risk position. In 2020, we will work to 
implement enhanced ICS capabilities 
across all our applications and businesses.

 ¼ Managing Climate Risk: Climate  
change remains one of the greatest 
challenges facing the world today, given  
its widespread and proven impacts on  
the physical environment and human 
health, and potential to adversely impact 
economic growth. We recognise the need 
to manage both our contribution through 
direct and financed emissions, and the 
financial and non-financial risks arising 
from climate change. The Group is 
responding responsibly and with urgency 
on both and has committed to measure, 
manage and ultimately reduce the 
emissions linked to our financing in line 
with the Paris Agreement. In support of 
this, in December 2019 we announced  
a substantial new clean technology and 
renewables target, and that we will only 
support clients who actively transition their 
business to generate less than 10 per cent 
of earnings from thermal coal by 2030. 
Governance around management of 
Climate Risk was significantly strengthened 
in 2019. To provide oversight on the 
development and implementation of the 
Climate Risk framework a Climate Risk 
Management Forum has been appointed 
that includes senior leaders from the 
business, risk and strategy. We have also 
partnered with external experts to further 
assess the impact of climate related risks, 
including engaging Imperial College 
London as academic advisers and piloting 
the Munich Re tool for physical risk 
assessments. Climate Risk has been 
identified as a material cross-cutting risk 
and multiple workstreams are underway  
to incorporate it into the relevant Principal 
Risk Type Frameworks. Our 2019 
Taskforce for Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures Report provides further  
details on the Group’s progress.

More details on the Group’s Taskforce for 
Climate-related Financial Disclosures Report  
can be found on sc.com/tcfd

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGroup Chief Risk Officer’s  review ¼ Manage financial crime risks: We 
remain committed to our mission of 
“partnering to lead in the fight against 
financial crime” and are delivering on  
the remediation actions arising from the 
2019 resolutions. In 2019, we reached  
a milestone with the termination of the 
Independent Consultant appointed by the 
New York State Department of Financial 
Services (NY DFS), and the business 
restrictions previously imposed by the  
NY DFS are no longer in effect as of  
31 December 2019. We reclassified the 
Fraud Risk sub-type from Operational Risk 
to Financial Crime Risk, thus providing  
new insights and a more holistic view of 
Financial Crime threats. We have also 
further developed our Fighting Financial 
Crime microsite as well as delivering on 
many of our system upgrades. We are 
demonstrating delivery against our mission 
through our Correspondent Banking 
Academies, our ongoing deployment of 
upgraded systems for AML, sanctions, 
fraud and customer due diligence, and the 
Group’s plan to collaborate with Quantexa, 
which will support the Group’s Financial 
Crime team in developing innovative 
solutions to tackle challenges including 
money laundering, fraud and terrorist 
financing. The Group also contributes  
to industry thinking on reform and 
information sharing partnerships in a 
number of markets, as well as working  
with international forums such as the 
Wolfsberg Group.

 ¼ Strengthen our conduct environment: 
Conduct remains a key focus across the 
Group. The emphasis in 2019 was to 
further embed the framework at a more 
granular level across our footprint, 
businesses and functions, and ensure  
that conduct considerations are central to 
decisions taken throughout the Group. The 
Conduct Risk Type Framework provides a 
robust and consistent approach to help the 
identification, monitoring and management 
of Conduct Risk. The Conduct Risk 
Appetite metrics were also revised to focus 
on our main Conduct Risk outcomes: fair 
outcomes for clients; employee welfare 
and relations; and effective markets and 
stakeholder confidence, to provide a better 
view of the key Conduct Risks facing the 
Group. Conduct Plans are a key part of our 
framework and they identify, document 
and develop action plans to mitigate 
Conduct Risks. Ownership of Conduct 
Plans is with the first line of defence, with 
review and challenge from CFCC. These 
will play a significant part in helping us to 
uphold the highest standards of conduct, 
acknowledging that while incidents cannot 
be entirely avoided, the Group has no 
appetite for wilful or negligent misconduct. 

 ¼ Enhance our Risk and CFCC 

infrastructure: We continue to invest  
in our Risk and CFCC infrastructure to 
streamline processes, serve clients better 
and drive internal efficiencies. This includes 
improvements to stress testing, exposure 
management and data quality by using 
agile delivery methods to enhance our 
workflow and reporting systems. We are 
further developing our data and analytics 
infrastructure to enhance the speed and 
quality of risk decision-making; this 
includes initiatives driven both by internal 
innovation and collaboration with fintech 
partners. Our control capability has 
continued to strengthen with machine 
learning functionality and increased  
scope of surveillance and financial crime 
platforms, as well as adding availability on 
mobile devices to provide on-demand 
access to our automated askCompliance 
portal. We have also made structural 
changes including integrating financial 
crime and regulatory compliance teams  
at Group level to provide a single point  
of contact for the business. This has 
simplified our structure resulting in a 
greater client focus with reduced hierarchy, 
and faster decision-making. A new country 
operating model has also been designed 
and is being implemented across the 
Group. This mirrors the changes (and 
resulting benefits) at Group level by 
bringing together the financial crime and 
regulatory compliance teams, providing 
local teams with better access to specialist 
knowledge at a regional and group level. 

 ¼ Enhance our Model Risk 

management: We have elevated Model 
Risk to a Principal Risk Type and identified 
its development as a key priority for the 
Group. In 2019, we launched the Model 
Risk Management Strategic Enhancement 
Programme which will improve our current 
capabilities. We have adopted a holistic 
approach, focusing on areas such as 
policy and governance, model inventory, 
Model Risk appetite and risk assessment, 
roles and responsibilities across first and 
second line activities, model development 
and validation standards, model portfolio 
optimisation and mitigation techniques.  
We will continue to invest in 2020 to  
embed the enhanced Model Risk 
management framework. 

Our risk profile and  
performance in 2019 

Our 2019 risk profile indicates strong 
performance that reflects the good work 
done in past years to improve our portfolios 
and secure our foundations. This should 
serve us well as the macroeconomic 
environment becomes more challenging.  
In 2019, we have remained resilient, with  
the Group’s asset quality remaining broadly 
stable as well as our capital and liquidity 
metrics continuing to be at healthy levels.  

We remain vigilant against existing and 
emerging risks that may impact our business, 
and utilise portfolio reviews and stress testing 
to assess the risk landscape.

Although credit impairment has increased 
year-on-year, it remains below the elevated 
levels seen in previous periods. Total credit 
impairment excluding the restructuring 
portfolio is $906 million, an increase of  
22 per cent on 2018; however, this was 
largely due to stage 1 and 2 impairment, 
which saw a rise due to deteriorating 
macroeconomic variables, including a 
reduction in Hong Kong GDP. This was 
partially offset by lower stage 3 impairments 
across most segments.

Gross credit impaired (stage 3) loans  
reduced by 12 per cent to $7.4 billion  
(2018: $8.5 billion) driven by continued 
reductions in Corporate & Institutional  
Banking and Commercial Banking.

The stage 3 cover ratio increased to  
68 per cent (2018: 66 per cent) due to new 
impairment charges, repayments and 
upgrades in Corporate & Institutional Banking. 
The cover ratio including collateral was flat at 
85 per cent (2018: 85 per cent).

Retail Banking and Private Banking  
represent a similar proportion of total 
customer loans and advances to the  
previous year, with the overall loan-to-value  
of the mortgage portfolio remaining low at  
45 per cent. The percentage of unsecured 
loans in the portfolio is broadly stable.

Average Group Value at Risk increased by  
47 per cent year-on-year as the non-trading 
book saw an increase in the bond inventory  
of high quality assets in the Treasury Markets 
business. While we have seen growth in 
Financial Markets income, we remain 
comfortable with the level of risk we are taking 
and continue to actively monitor the portfolio 
to ensure that any growth is in line with our  
risk appetite.

The results of the Bank of England’s Annual 
Cyclical Scenario stress test in 2019 show that 
the Group is more resilient to stress than a 
year ago. Despite an increase in the severity  
of the scenario, the maximum fall in the 
Group’s Common Equity Tier 1 ratio reduced 
to 520 basis points (2018: 570 basis points), 
reflecting improved revenue momentum and 
overall risk profile together with the resolution 
of legacy conduct and control issues.

Further details of the Group’s risk performance for 
2019 are set out in the Risk update (pages 150 and 
151) and the Risk profile section (pages 152 to 205)

39

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportGroup Chief Risk Officer’s review continued

An update on our risk 
management approach 

Since its launch in 2018, we have embedded 
the Enterprise Risk Management Framework 
(ERMF) across the Group, including branches 
and subsidiaries. This allows the Group to 
identify and manage risks holistically, as well 
as strengthening the Group’s capabilities  
to understand, articulate and control the 
nature and level of the risks we take while  
still effectively serving our clients. 

In 2019, we reviewed the ERMF. As part of 
the review, we have elevated Model Risk  
to a Principal Risk Type with enhancements 
to the Group’s approach to Model Risk 
management. This was previously a risk 
sub-type within the Operational Risk Type 
Framework. In addition to the Principal Risk 
Types, the Group now recognises Climate 
Risk as a material cross-cutting risk that 
manifests through other relevant Principal 
Risk Types. Climate Risk is defined as the 
potential for financial loss and non-financial 
detriments arising from climate change and 
society’s response to it. The Group aims  
to measure and manage financial and 
non-financial risks from climate change, and 
reduce emissions related to our own activities 

and those related to the financing of clients  
in alignment with the Paris Agreement.  
Over time, the Group will consider if any of 
the other existing or emerging risks should  
be treated as material cross-cutting risks. 

Principal risks are those risks that are  
inherent in our strategy and business model. 
These are formally defined in our ERMF 
which provides a structure for monitoring  
and control of these risks through the 
Board-approved Risk Appetite. The Group 
will not compromise adherence to its Risk 
Appetite in order to pursue revenue growth  
or higher returns. The table below provides 
an overview of the Group’s principal risks  
and how these are managed. 

Principal risk types

How these are managed

Credit Risk

Traded Risk

Capital and Liquidity Risk

Country Risk

Reputational Risk

Operational Risk1

Compliance Risk

Conduct Risk

The Group manages its credit exposures following the principle of diversification across products, 
geographies, client segments and industry sectors

The Group should control its trading portfolio and activities to ensure that Traded Risk losses (financial or 
reputational) do not cause material damage to the Group’s franchise

The Group should maintain a strong capital position including the maintenance of management buffers 
sufficient to support its strategic aims and hold an adequate buffer of high-quality liquid assets to survive 
extreme but plausible liquidity stress scenarios for at least 60 days without recourse to extraordinary central 
bank support

The Group manages its Country Risk exposures following the principle of diversification across geographies 
and controls the business activities in line with the level of Jurisdiction Risk

The Group aims to protect the franchise from material damage to its reputation by ensuring that any  
business activity is satisfactorily assessed and managed by the appropriate level of management and 
governance oversight

The Group aims to control operational risks to ensure that operational losses (financial or reputational), 
including any related to conduct of business matters, do not cause material damage to the Group’s franchise

The Group has no appetite for breaches in laws and regulations, while recognising that regulatory non-
compliance cannot be entirely avoided the Group strives to reduce this to an absolute minimum

The Group has no appetite for negative Conduct Risk outcomes arising from negligent or wilful actions by the 
Group or individuals recognising that while incidents are unwanted, they cannot be entirely avoided

Financial Crime Risk

The Group has no appetite for breaches in laws and regulations related to Financial Crime, recognising that 
whilst incidents are unwanted, they cannot be entirely avoided

Information and Cyber 
Security Risk

The Group seeks to avoid risk and uncertainty for our critical information assets and systems and has a low 
appetite for material incidents affecting these or the wider operations and reputation of the bank

Model Risk2

The Group aims to control Model Risk through appropriate level of governance and oversight to protect  
the franchise from losses that may occur as a consequence of decisions or the risk of mis-estimation that 
could be principally based on the output of models due to errors in the development, implementation  
or use of such models

1  Risks arising from execution capability, governance, reporting, operational resilience (including third party vendor services, and system availability)  

are managed by the Operational Risk Type Framework. For further details please refer to page 221

2   Model Risk was added as a Principal Risk Type effective from January 2020. Further details on the Model Risk Type framework will be provided in the 2020 Annual Report

  Further details of our Principal Risks and how these are being managed are set out in the Principal risks section (pages 212 to 227)

Emerging risks

Emerging risks refer to unpredictable and uncontrollable outcomes from certain events and circumstances which may have the potential to 
impact our business materially. These include near-term risks that are on the horizon and can be measured or mitigated to some extent, as well 
as longer-term uncertainties that are on the radar but not yet fully measurable. 

40

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGroup Chief Risk Officer’s  reviewThe table below summarises the emerging risks that the Group faces, and the steps we are taking to manage them.

Emerging risks

Geopolitical events, in 
particular: extended trade 
tensions driven by geopolitical 
and trade concerns, unrest 
in Hong Kong, Middle East 
geopolitical tensions, Brexit 
implications, and Japan-Korea 
diplomatic dispute

Moderation of growth in key 
footprint markets led by China, 
political volatility, novel 
coronavirus and disruptions  
to global supply chains

Climate-related transition  
and physical risks2

Interbank offered rate (IBOR) 
discontinuation and transition

Risk trend 
since 20181 How these are mitigated/next steps

 ¼ We monitor and assess geopolitical events and act as appropriate to ensure we minimise 

the impact to the Group and our clients

 ¼ We conduct stress tests and portfolio reviews at a Group, country and business level to 

assess the impact of extreme but plausible geopolitical events

 ¼ We monitor economic trends and conduct stress tests and portfolio reviews at a Group, 

country and business level to assess the impact of extreme but plausible events

 ¼ A global downturn with shocks concentrated on China and countries with close trade links 

with China is one of the regularly run Traded Risk stress tests

 ¼ The Group has robust Business Continuity Plans that are reviewed regularly to manage a 

range of scenarios

 ¼ We are developing a Climate Risk framework to deliver a consistent Group-wide approach 
to climate risk management. We are also a member of the Risk Management Working 
Group under the Bank of England’s Climate Financial Risk Forum

 ¼ The Group has a public target to fund and facilitate $35 billion towards renewable energy 

from 2020 to the end of 2024

 ¼ We have implemented a global programme to manage all aspects of the transition
 ¼ We are actively participating in and contributing to industry associations and business or 

regulatory forums focusing on different aspects of the LIBOR to Risk-Free Reference Rate 
(RFR) transition

Regulatory changes 

 ¼ We actively monitor regulatory initiatives across our footprint to identify any potential 

Regulatory reviews, 
investigations and  
legal proceedings

New technologies and 
digitisation, including business 
disruption risk, responsible 
use of artificial intelligence 
and obsolescence risk

impact and change to our business model

 ¼ We have established relevant project management programmes to review and improve 

end-to-end processes in terms of oversight and accountability, transparency, permission 
and controls, legal entry level limits and training

 ¼ We have invested in enhancing systems and controls, and implementing remediation 

programmes (where relevant)

 ¼ We continue to train and educate our people on relevant issues including conduct, 

conflicts of interest, information security and financial crime compliance in order to reduce 
our exposure to legal and regulatory proceedings

 ¼ We monitor emerging trends, opportunities and risks in the technology space which may 

have implications on the banking sector

 ¼ We are engaged in building our capabilities to ensure we remain relevant and can 

capitalise rapidly on technology trends

 ¼ We continue to make headway in harnessing new technologies, actively targeting the 

reduction of obsolescent/end of support technology and ensuring operational resilience

Increased data privacy and 
security risks from strategic 
and wider use of data

 ¼ We have governance and control frameworks which we continue to enhance to meet the 

needs of emerging technologies

 ¼ We have designed a programme to manage the risks posed by rapidly evolving cyber 

security threats

 ¼ We maintain a vigilant watch on legal and regulatory developments in relation to data 

protection to identify any potential impact to the business

Risk heightened in 2019 

Risk reduced in 2019 

  Risk remained consistent with 2018 levels

1   The risk trend refers to the overall risk score trend which is a combination of potential impact, likelihood and velocity of change

2   Physical risks refer to the risk of increased extreme weather events while transition risks refer to the risk of changes to market dynamics due to governments’ response to  

climate change

Further details on our emerging risks can be found on 
pages 228 to 235

Summary

Risk is an area that provides both challenges and opportunities. The Risk and CFCC functions will remain key to the Group’s success. Early in 
2020, we have been faced with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Major elections are due later in the year and a number of other geopolitical 
risks remain. Our continued investment and focus on our risk management capabilities will help the Group to navigate these headwinds, with the 
intention of ensuring a sustainable, innovative, resilient and client-centred bank.

Mark Smith
Group Chief Risk Officer

27 February 2020

41

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ report  
  
CLIENT  CASE  STUDY

Building an Indian fashion  
brand with Neeru’s

Based in Hyderabad, Neeru’s specialises in 
traditional, handcrafted Indian fashion design. 

In 2008, with demand for her unique designs increasing, 
Neeru Kumar, Owner and Head Designer, was looking for 
ways to expand, but didn’t want to have to sell her stake in 
the business in order to raise capital. Neeru eventually found 
a way forward with Standard Chartered. We provided an  
INR 22,000,000 ($314,285) business loan, as well as an  
INR 19,800,000 ($282,857) personal loan over 180 months.

These loans formed the groundwork that ultimately enabled 
Neeru to open three more stores – one in Hyderabad and 
two in Bangalore. In 2019, Neeru took out a mortgage loan 
with us of INR 83,500,000 ($1,192,857) to support the 
ongoing expansion of the brand.

Today, over a decade since we first worked with the business, 
Neeru’s retails across 100 points of sale in 25 Indian cities 
and in Dubai.

42

Standard Chartered 
Annual Report 2019

“ With  Standard  Chartered,   
we  are  achieving  our  goal  of 
expanding  both  domestically 
and  internationally”

Neeru  Kumar  Owner  and  Head  Designer,  Neeru’s

Stakeholders and responsibilities

As an international bank located in 59 markets, stakeholder engagement is central to how we understand 
local, regional and global perspectives and trends that inform our approach to doing business. 

OUR  STAKEHOLDERS

Clients

Regulators and 
governments

Investors

Suppliers

Society

Employees

This section forms our Section 172 
disclosure, describing how the directors 
considered the matters set out in section 
172(1)(a) to (f) of The Companies Act 2006.  
It also forms the directors’ statement 
required under section 414CZA of the Act. 

See the following pages for:
How we engage stakeholders  
to understand their interests

See pages 44 to 46

How we engage employees  
and respond to their interests 

See pages 47 to 49

How we respond to stakeholder 
interests through sustainable and 
responsible business 

See pages 51 to 56

Detailed information about how 
the Board engages directly with 
stakeholders and shareholders 
can be found in the Directors’ 
Report on pages 80 to 82.

Examples of a selection of the 
Board’s principal decisions are 
included throughout this section.

This section also forms our key 
non-financial disclosures in relation 
to sections 414CA and 414CB of the 
Companies Act. Our non-financial 
information statement can be found 
at the end of this section on page 57. 

Sustainability Aspirations

Our Sustainability Aspirations continue to provide a robust set of 
performance targets to support sustainable business outcomes. 
Developed in 2016, the Aspirations are a set of annual and multi-year 
performance targets aligned to the UN SDGs. Performance against 
our Aspirations in 2019 is set out in the following pages. Their integration 
into the 2019 Annual Report reflects the Group’s continued commitment 
to delivering sustainable and responsible banking. 

As part of this commitment, we are embarking on third-party, limited 
assurance of a selection of our Aspirations as they represent our most 
significant impacts. 

See page 405 for our refreshed 2020 Sustainability Aspirations

Group KPI: 
Sustainability

Delivering sustainability aspirations

88.6%

90.9%

93.1%

93.1%

+2%

Sustainability Aspirations 
achieved or on track

2017

2018

2019

Aim: Embed sustainable and responsible 
practices across our business, operations and 
communities by measuring progress against the 
targets set out in our Sustainability Aspirations. 

Analysis: In 2018, 90.9 per cent of our 
Aspirations were achieved or on track. In 2019, 
this figure rose to 93.1 per cent, demonstrating 
the continued progress being made. 

Each Aspiration contains one or more performance 
measure. The KPI is the proportion of all measures that 
have been achieved or are on track to deliver at the 
end of the reporting period.

43

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportEngaging stakeholders

Constructive dialogue with 
stakeholders is central to 
delivering sustainable and 
responsible banking. Regular 
engagement builds trust with 
governments, regulators, investors 
and civil society, and enables 
us to understand and respond 
to the long-term challenges 
facing our markets. This is 
necessary if we are to deliver 
our purpose to drive commerce 
and prosperity in our markets. 

During 2019, we increased our dialogue 
and engagement with stakeholders 
including civil society, regulators and 
investors on sustainability. We continued 
to track short- and long-term issues, 
assessing them based on business impact 
and level of stakeholder concern. 

Stakeholder feedback is communicated 
internally to senior management through 
the relevant forums and governing 
committees to the Board’s Brand, Values 
and Conduct Committee (BVCC). The 
BVCC oversees the Group’s approach 
to its main government and regulatory 
relationships. Progress is communicated 
regularly to external stakeholders through 
channels such as sc.com and this report.

“Constructive 
dialogue  is  central 
to  sustainable   
and  responsible 
banking”

Clients

Regulators and 
governments

How we create value

How we create value

We enable individuals to grow and protect 
their wealth. We help businesses to trade, 
transact, invest and expand. We also help  
a variety of financial institutions, including 
banks, public sector and development 
organisations, with their banking needs.

How we serve and engage

Clients are at the heart of everything we do as 
a bank. By building and fostering long-term 
relationships with our clients, we can serve 
them better, deepen our relationships, uphold 
our reputation and attract new customers to 
grow our business. 

During 2019, we continued to capture 
feedback via annual surveys, real-time client 
experience surveys and third-party studies 
that benchmark our performance against 
competitors. Additionally, we launched efforts 
to work more directly with clients earlier in  
the development process to co-design new 
solutions and improve the value proposition 
of our existing offerings. Through this, clients 
have told us that we need to simplify our 
processes and make more effective use of 
digital technology. In recent years, we have 
also seen increasing demand from our clients 
for sustainable finance products.

The increased emphasis on direct interaction 
allowed us to respond more quickly and 
completely to our clients’ feedback. For 
example, Retail Banking created a personal 
loan product in Singapore with a simplified 
online user experience and application 
process that was delivered in just six weeks; 
Private Banking designed more user-friendly 
communication for customers on corporate 
actions and enabled payment notifications  
via email and mobile; and Corporate & 
Institutional Banking developed innovative 
new products to meet clients’ growing 
interest in sustainable finance.

Their interests

 ¼ Differentiated products, preferred bank

 ¼ Digitally enabled and positive experience

 ¼ Sustainable finance

We engage with relevant authorities to  
play our part in supporting the effective 
functioning of the financial system and the 
broader economy.

How we serve and engage

We actively engage with governments, 
regulators and policymakers at a global, 
regional and national level to share insights, 
and to support the development of best 
practice and the adoption of consistent 
approaches across our markets. 

In 2019, we engaged policymakers on topics 
such as prudential rules, Brexit, supporting 
trade and economic growth, sustainable 
banking, fintech, artificial intelligence, cyber 
security and fighting financial crime, 
benchmark reform and conduct.

We are committed to complying with 
legislation, rules and other regulatory 
requirements applicable to our businesses 
and operations in the jurisdictions within 
which we operate. Our compliance with legal 
and regulatory frameworks ensures that the 
Group meets its obligations and supports  
the resilience and effective functioning of  
the broader financial system and economy.  
In support of this, we have a unified Public 
and Regulatory Affairs team responsible for 
anticipating changes to relevant legislation 
and regulation, and managing relationships 
with regulators and governments. During 
2019, we improved our capacity to identify 
and analyse the forward horizon of potential 
and emerging regulatory developments that 
have strategic impacts on the Group.

We meet all relevant transparency 
requirements and engage through ongoing 
dialogue with regulators and governments, 
submitting responses to formal consultations 
and by participating in industry working 
groups. We typically publish our consultation 
responses on regulations that impact the 
Group on sc.com. 

In 2020, we expect to engage on regulation 
and legislation associated with international 
trade, emerging technologies and innovations 
in banking, sustainable banking including 
climate risk and artificial intelligence including 
data analytics and privacy.

Their interests

 ¼ Robust capital base/strong liquidity 

position

 ¼ Standards for conduct 

 ¼ Healthy economies, competitive markets 

and positive social development

44

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportOur businessInvestors

How we create value

We aim to deliver robust returns and 
long-term sustainable value for our investors.

How we serve and engage

We rely on capital from debt and equity 
investors to execute our business model. 
Whether they have a short- or long-term 
investment horizon, we provide all investors 
with information about all aspects of our 
financial and sustainability performance. 

Our operating footprint and commitment to 
sustainable and responsible banking enables 
us to connect investors in capital markets  
to opportunities in emerging markets. We 
believe that an integrated approach to ESG 
issues and a strong risk and compliance 
culture provide a competitive advantage. 
During 2019, we delivered value by executing 
against our strategic priorities. See pages 19 
to 29 for more information.

Transparent engagement with our investors 
and the wider market helps us to understand 
what investors need so that we can tailor  
our public information accordingly. We 
communicate with investors through quarterly 
management statements, half- and full-year 
results, webinars and media releases. Our 
Investor Relations team engages directly 
through calls, conferences and roadshows. 
For example, during 2019 we hosted investor 
seminars on our franchise in the Africa & 
Middle East region and our Financial Markets 
business to provide greater insights into their 
opportunities, advantages and underlying 
drivers of performance.

Feedback is taken seriously by the Board  
and it is aware of topics of particular interest, 
recommendations or requests. During the 
year, the Board met with investors to discuss 
key topics including digital banking initiatives, 
the US-China trade dispute, social unrest  
in Hong Kong and executive remuneration. 
They also discussed the views of institutional 
investors and responded to retail 
shareholders’ questions at the AGM. 

We continued to respond to the growing 
interest from mainstream investors on ESG 
matters including the SDGs, sustainable 
finance, climate change, coal and human 
rights. We also engage with sustainability 
analysts and participate in sustainability 
indices that provide independent 
benchmarking of our performance. We are 
included in FTSE4Good and submit to the 
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). 

In 2020, we will continue to engage with 
investors on how we plan to sustainably 
improve our returns to create value over  
the long term.

Their interests

 ¼ Safe, strong and sustainable financial 

performance

 ¼ Opportunities for sustainable finance

 ¼ Environment, social and governance 

matters

Suppliers

How we create value

We work with local and global suppliers to 
ensure they can provide the right goods  
and services for our business, efficiently  
and sustainably.

How we serve and engage

Engagement is guided by our Supplier 
Charter, which sets out what we expect of 
suppliers on issues such as ethics, anti-
bribery and anti-corruption, human rights and 
environmental performance. Our suppliers 
must recommit to the charter annually, and 
regular engagement to monitor performance 
is built into our procurement practices and 
standards. 

We engage globally and locally to create 
value through the supply chain for both our 
business and our suppliers. In 2019, our 
innovation arm SC Ventures and our Group 
Chief Executive held engagement sessions 
with strategic and fintech suppliers in 
Singapore to strengthen collaboration and 
innovation around digital transformation. In 
addition, we formed a strategic partnership 
with SAP Ariba to bring financial supply chain 
solutions to businesses in the Asia Pacific 
Region through the Ariba Network. 

Small and medium-sized business owners 
continue to have the opportunity to 
participate in our sourcing activities and local 
supply teams help them meet the standards 
set out in our charter. We continue to work 
with small and medium-sized fintechs with 
SC Ventures to drive greater innovation in  
our supply chain. 

PRINCIPAL BOARD DECISION 1

PRINCIPAL BOARD DECISION 2

Share buy-back 
programme

In setting out the Group’s approach to 
dividend growth and capital returns, 
the Board considered a range of 
options to grow the dividend over time 
and to deploy capital not needed to 
be retained in the business over time. 
Taking into account a broad range 
of investor views, and considering 
regulator sentiment, the Board agreed 
that it was in the best interests of the 
Group to return $1 billion of capital 
through a share buy-back programme, 
subject to prevailing economic and 
regulatory conditions.

Climate risk and sustainability strategy

The Board reviewed the Group’s 
activities in relation to climate change. 

In its discussions, the Board recognised 
the need to manage physical and 
transitional climate risks that are 
impacting clients, shareholders, 
employees and local communities. 

As a result, the Board endorsed the 
Management Team’s decision to 
develop and implement a Climate 
Risk framework and to incorporate 
climate into relevant Principal Risk 
types as a material cross-cutting risk. 

The Board also acknowledged the 
significant opportunity to support 
clients with new financing solutions 
that contribute to decarbonising 
economies and improving physical 
resilience to a changing climate. 

In addition, it considered the Group’s 
progress in advancing its sustainability 
strategy against a rapidly changing 
landscape where expectations 
from key stakeholders, including 
governments, regulators, investors 
and employees, were increasing. 

45

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportEngaging stakeholders continued

Suppliers continued

Society

We are committed to improving the supplier 
experience. In 2019, suppliers told us they 
wanted simpler on-boarding and payment 
processes. To address this, we are 
streamlining our on-boarding processes, 
improving our use of technology and 
providing additional training on these 
processes for employees and suppliers.

During 2019, we made good progress 
embedding sustainability into our 
procurement practices. We strengthened 
governance of Modern Slavery and Human 
Trafficking (MSHT) risk and assessed the 
MSHT standards and practices of our 
strategic suppliers’ own supply chains.  
Read our 2019 Modern Slavery Statement  
at sc.com/modernslavery.

We have started to enrich our data on 
supplier diversity and conducted a 
benchmarking study in preparation for 
developing a more robust supplier diversity 
programme in 2020.

Their interests

 ¼ Open, transparent and consistent 

tendering process

 ¼ Willingness to adopt supplier driven 

innovations

 ¼ Accurate and on-time payments 

How we create value

We strive to operate as a sustainable and 
responsible company, collaborating with  
local partners to promote social and 
economic development. 

How we serve and engage

We engage with a wide range of civil  
society and international and local non-
governmental organisations (NGOs) from 
those focused on environmental and  
public policy issues to partners delivering  
our community programmes. 

Where NGOs approach us about a specific 
client or transaction, we aim for constructive 
dialogue that helps ensure we understand 
alternative positions, which can shape our 
thinking, and that our approach to doing 
business is understood. This engagement 
takes the form of individual face-to-face 
meetings and calls, as well as written 
responses on specific topics. The views  
and concerns of our stakeholders are then 
fed into the decisions we make within the 
Group. In 2019, we continued to engage  
with organisations on climate change,  
human rights and tax. 

We engage with international and local NGOs 
to advance our community development 
agenda to tackle avoidable blindness and 
promote economic inclusion. We have 
long-standing relationships with global 
implementing partners, such as Women  
Win and the International Agency for the 

Prevention of Blindness, which deliver our 
community programmes. These relationships 
provide valuable insight, with partners 
acting as trusted sounding boards for 
understanding evolving issues in our 
communities. 

Local NGO partners delivering our 
community programmes collect regular 
feedback from participants to shape future 
activities. For example, girls on our Goal 
empowerment programme are regularly 
surveyed to track their individual and 
collective progress against the programme’s 
objectives. In 2019, we commissioned an 
independent study to learn more about 
Goal’s impact. 

We also encourage colleagues to use  
their three days of volunteering leave to  
build relationships within their own 
communities, and the Board incorporates 
visits to our community programmes into 
their travel schedules.

In 2020, we will host the inaugural 
Futuremakers Forum, an engagement 
opportunity that will bring together a broad 
range of experts, community members  
and corporates to discuss and promote 
economic inclusion for young people.

Their interests

 ¼ Positive social and economic contribution

 ¼ Strong community outreach and 

sustainability programme

 ¼ Climate change and environmental issues

PRINCIPAL BOARD DECISION 3

Sale of joint venture investment  
in an Indonesian bank

In deciding to explore, with its joint  
venture partner, the sale of its stake in an 
Indonesian bank, the Board gave due 
consideration to the potential impact on 
other key stakeholders, over and above 
the financial and strategic benefits which 
would be realised by the Group. This 
included local regulatory requirements. 

The Board considered the impact of the 
divestment on clients and employees, as 
well as the local communities in which the 
bank operates, and agreed that the final 
terms of the sale were in the best interests 
of the Group as a whole. 

46

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportOur businessEmployees

How we create value

We believe great employee experience  
drives great client experience. We want  
all our people to pursue their ambitions, 
deliver with purpose and have a rewarding 
career enabled by great people leaders.

2019 SUSTAINABILITY ASPIRATIONS:  
EMPLOYEES

People

Increase gender representation:  
30% women in senior roles  
(Sept 2016 – Dec 2020) 

employer. Our employees told us they want 
to: have interesting and impactful jobs; 
innovate within a unique set of markets and 
clients; cultivate a brand that sustainably 
drives commerce and offers enriching 
careers and development; and be supported 
by great people leaders. They want these 
elements to be anchored in competitive 
reward and a positive work-life balance.  
Our EVP has been a key input to our 
refreshed People Strategy, which was 
approved by the Board in 2019. The  
strategy will be a key enabler in delivering  
our business strategy while also creating  
a differentiated employee experience.

Group KPI:  
Employee engagement

Employee Net Promoter  
Score (eNPS) 
Aim: Increase engagement across the Group  
by creating a better working environment for  
our employees that should translate into an 
improved client experience.

Analysis: Our eNPS has steadily increased 
since 2016 and is on a par with 2018. 

11.3

11.5

+11.5

+0.2%

5.9

2017

2018

2019

eNPS measures the number of promoters (who  
would recommend the Group as a great place to 
work) compared with detractors on a scale from  
-100 to +100. This is reflected in the percentage 
change calculation.

CASE STUDY

Inclusive 
leadership

83 per cent of our people leaders 
have now attended an Inclusive 
Leadership Programme. This builds 
an understanding of how to create 
an inclusive culture and create 
value by unlocking the diversity of 
thought in teams. This has been 
further supported by the launch 
of an activity-based e-learning 
‘When we’re all included’ in 2019. 

Implement a Living Wage for all 
employed workers (Jan 2019 – Dec 2019)

Listening to employees

Conduct feasibility analysis to  
incorporate a Living Wage into 
agreements for all non-employed 
workers (Jan 2019 – Dec 2020)

Concluded in the year

Ongoing aspirations

  Achieved

  On track

  Not achieved

  Not on track

How we serve and engage

By engaging employees and fostering a 
positive experience for them at Standard 
Chartered, we can better serve our clients 
and deliver our purpose to drive commerce 
and prosperity through our unique diversity. 
Building an inclusive culture enables us to 
harness our unique diversity to unlock 
innovation, make better decisions, deliver  
our business strategy, live our valued 
behaviours, and embody ‘Here for good’.

Since 2016, the Group has taken steps 
toward an inclusive, innovative and 
performance-based culture that emphasises 
sustainability and conduct. When lived 
consistently, our valued behaviours (Never 
settle, Do the right thing, and Better together) 
should deliver our desired culture.

We proactively assess and manage 
people-related risks; for example, 
organisation, capability, and culture, as part 
of our Group risk management framework.

Their interests

Listening to employees helps us identify,  
and work to close gaps between their 
expectations and their experiences. My 
Voice, our annual engagement survey has 
played a role at each stage in our culture 
transformation. In 2019, 71,000 (91 per cent) 
of our employees and, for the first time, 3,000 
non-employed workers (NEWs) completed 
the survey. Two-thirds of the survey questions 
improved year-on-year with one survey 
question decreasing, suggesting the overall 
employee experience is improving. This is 
also reflected in our voluntary attrition rates 
decreasing year-on-year. Our employee net 
promoter score (eNPS) has continued to 
increase steadily since 2016. Improving 
employee advocacy internally is beginning to 
reflect externally with increasing LinkedIn 
follower growth (up by 36 per cent from 2018) 
and our Glassdoor rating is 3.7 stars.

We need our people leaders to be the  
drivers of culture change. During the year, 
more than 80 per cent of first-time leaders 
attended our new people leader development 
programme LeadX to develop better 
leadership capabilities. The programme 
content was informed by what our employees 
told us they wanted from their leaders in  
My Voice. 

While survey results are improving, employee 
satisfaction with growth opportunities is  
the lowest scoring question. As part of  
our refreshed People Strategy, we are 
implementing several initiatives to improve 
this, including piloting the introduction of a 
virtual talent marketplace to grow individuals’ 
skillsets and increasing opportunities for 
learning experiences for all employees.

In 2018, we conducted research to 
understand our Employee Value Proposition 
(EVP) or the value that employees feel they 
gain from being part of our organisation.  
The research also illustrated what potential 
employees consider important in an 

In response to the revised UK Corporate 
Governance Code Provision 5, we 
considered the specified workforce 
engagement methods (a director from the 
workforce, a workforce advisory panel,  
and/or a designated non executive director) 

47

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportEngaging stakeholders continued

Employees continued

and concluded that an alternative framework 
would be more suitable. As a global 
organisation with a workforce of 
approximately 90,000 across 59 diverse 
markets, the Board engagement needs  
to gather feedback that is representative  
of the whole workforce to be effective. 
Several channels exist for the Board to 
understand the views of the workforce, 
including information reported from senior 
management on culture, My Voice, Speaking 
Up, disciplinary and grievance data and 
themes. The Board engages directly with the 
workforce on overseas visits, which in 2019 
included Germany, China and Singapore, 
and other events; for example, our employee 
Recognition Awards. Further, in 2019 we 
experimented with two interactive online 
sessions. More than 900 employees actively 
participated in both sessions either asking 
questions, providing comments or liking 
content. Questions focused on the future of 
banking, organisational structures, talent 
management and diversity and inclusion, and 
the Questions and Answers page has been 
viewed more than 6,500 times. These initial 
sessions demonstrate employee interest in 
hearing from our Board members and the 
output will be used to inform future 
engagements with employees. 

Developing future skills in a 
diverse workforce 

The world of work continues to change 
rapidly. We want to equip employees with  
the skills they need to prosper in this 
increasingly ambiguous environment.  
This starts with an aspiration for every 
employee to have a personalised growth 
plan, created in partnership with their people 
leader and based on their performance, 
career objectives and future roles. Our goal  
in 2020 is for 80 per cent of employees to 
have a growth plan in place.

We are investing in tools to support this 
aspiration. Our new global people 
management platform makes it easier  
for employees to define their objectives, 
receive feedback from peers and plan their 
career growth. 

We want to increase access to development 
opportunities for our diverse talent. We are 
building a virtual talent marketplace platform, 
supported by artificial intelligence, that 
enables employees to match their skills and 
aspirations with short-term experiences.  
We are also rolling out a personalised  
learning platform that provides tailored 
recommendations and access to internal  
and external learning resources. This should 
help employees manage their careers for  

Group KPI:  
Diversity and inclusion

Women in senior roles
Aim: Improve gender diversity in the Group’s  
top levels of management by supporting, 
developing, promoting and retaining senior 
female colleagues.

Analysis: Since signing the Women in Finance 
Charter in 2016, we have seen a positive trend 
in female representation in our senior leadership 
roles, increasing to 28.5 per cent at the end of 
2019. This takes us closer towards our pledge  
of having women occupy 30 per cent of senior 
roles by 2020. 

27.7%

28.5%

25.7%

28.5%

+0.8%

2017

2018

2019

The total number of women in senior management 
(Managing Director and band 4) roles expressed as  
a percentage of total senior management roles.

the future. In addition, we have delivered a 
series of targeted leadership acceleration 
programmes to more than 850 employees to 
develop role readiness and build leadership 
capabilities. These efforts are having a 
positive impact on developing our pipeline  
of internal talent with 63 per cent of senior 
management appointments in 2019 going  
to an internal candidate.

We will only prosper as an organisation if  
our employees and teams prosper too.  
We want to create a working environment 
that supports employee resilience and 
creativity, so they can thrive at work and  
in their personal lives. Providing working 
conditions that are broad and inclusive will 
help us to reap the benefits of our diverse  
and talented workforce. Our Fair Pay  
Charter (p116) is a public declaration of  

our commitment to deliver fair, transparent 
and competitive pay, continually improve  
our benefits, and support our employees’ 
lifestyle, wellbeing and development.  
We continue to build on the resources 
(mental, physical, social and financial) to  
help our employees manage their individual 
wellbeing needs. We have wellbeing 
champions in place that cover 95 per cent  
of our employees and mental health first 
aiders available in the UK, US, Singapore  
and Hong Kong.

Creating an inclusive culture  
that leverages our diversity 

Following the launch of our Diversity and 
Inclusion (D&I) strategy in 2018, we have 
continued to build the foundations and raise 
awareness of D&I. It is our strong belief that a 
culture of inclusivity is the key to harnessing 
our unique diversity to unlock innovation  
and create shareholder value. Our Inclusive 
Leadership Programme, completed by  
more than 80 per cent of people leaders, 
cultivates skills and behaviours to help 
mitigate unconscious bias and build a culture 
of inclusion. This has further been supported 
through the launch of our e-learning, ‘When 
we’re all included’, for all employees.

We recognise five international D&I dates1 to 
raise awareness, enable dialogue, highlight 
role models, disrupt traditional norms and 
break stereotypes. Our global campaigns, 
supported by local D&I councils and 
employee resource groups, delivered 293 
activities ranging from panel events with 
clients and community representatives to 
hosting classes on sign language, cultural 
intelligence and flexible working. In addition, 
we shared toolkits to increase understanding 
of cultural dialogue, being an LGBT+ 
advocate, mental wellbeing, disability  
and parental leave best practices. 

We have signed up to disability advocacy 
initiatives such as The Valuable 500 and the 
International Labour Organization – Global 
Business Disability Network Charter to further 

FUTURE SKILLS

Global Learning Week 

In support of our ambition to develop 
future skills as part of our refreshed 
People Strategy, we held a global 
learning week in October titled ‘Invest 
in Yourself’. About 49,000 participants 
took part in more than 500 events that 
included panels, external speakers and 

demonstrations of learning tools and more 
than 17,000 videos, articles and podcasts 
were consumed. The week was a catalyst 
to encourage people to think about the 
future of work, develop new skills and 
make learning an everyday habit. 

48

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportOur businessreinforce our commitment to be a disability- 
confident organisation. Our aim is to remove 
barriers and increase accessibility. We’ve had 
an inclusive design standard in place since 
2016 which has been applied to all new 
premises and retrofits. Further, we are 
encouraging markets to assess their disability 
confidence with a new assessment tool to 
close gaps and identify best practice.

We achieved our 2019 aspiration to pay all 
employed workers a living wage, and in 
locations where it is possible, employees  
are invited to participate in our Sharesave 
plan to share in the success of the Group. 

During 2020, we will continue work on a 
feasibility assessment to extend our living 
wage commitment to our contractors and 
third parties.

Our inclusion efforts and actions have led to 
improvements in the outcomes we measure 
including female representation in senior 
roles, which has increased from 27.7 per cent 
in 2018 to 28.5 per cent at the end of 2019. 
We don’t plan to settle at 30 per cent and, as 
part of our new Sustainability Aspirations for 
People, we have set ourselves a new target 
to have 35 per cent female representation in 
senior roles by 2024. 

Externally, we have engaged with more than 
600 clients in our efforts to drive the pace of 
change and inclusion across the industry.  
We have sponsored conferences and 
summits, such as the Bloomberg Equality 
Summit and Grace Hopper Celebration India. 
We have also delivered the ‘Men Advocating 
Real Change’ programme in India, Singapore 
and the UK where clients and senior leaders 
have come together to sharpen their 
awareness of inequality, develop inclusive 
leadership strategies and hone skills to  
make a lasting impact. We are also helping 
our clients with their inclusion efforts.  
For example, we have launched an Impact 
Philosophy Framework for our private bank 
clients. This provides a methodology to 
match our clients’ financial goals with 
solutions that help drive the advancement  
of the Sustainable Development Goals.

We continue to be recognised for our 
achievements and efforts in D&I across the 
footprint. There is a summary of our award 
wins on page 409. We are proud of the 
progress that we have made to date but 
recognise there is more work to do.

1.  International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia 
and Biphobia; International Day of Persons with 
Disabilities; International Men’s Day; International 
Women’s Day; and World Day for Cultural Diversity for 
Dialogue and Development

Gender pay gap and equal pay

We continue to analyse our gender pay gap 
for the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE and 
the US. The gender pay gap compares the 
average pay of men and women, without 
accounting for some of the key factors which 
influence pay, including different roles, skills, 
seniority and market pay rates. Our gender 
pay gaps are caused by there being fewer 
women in senior roles and in business areas 
where market rates of pay are highest. With 
the exception of the mean hourly pay gap in 
the US, the mean gap for hourly pay and the 
mean gap for bonus pay have remained flat 
or reduced across all five markets.

When the pay of males and females at the 
same level and in the same business area is 
compared the gender gaps are significantly 
smaller. The remaining gaps exist due to 
differences in the market pay level for different 
types of roles at the same level and in the 
same business areas, and differences in the 
relative positioning of the pay of each role 

holder around the market benchmark.  
In the UK, the 2019 adjusted pay gap is  
four per cent, which is an increase of two 
percentage points compared to 2018.  
We wanted to understand more about why 
this figure had increased, so we conducted 
additional equal pay checks for the UK to 
provide assurance that there was not a 
systemic issue to address.

We are committed to gender diversity globally 
and have initiatives in place to support this; 
we acknowledge it will take time to see the 
level of change needed to significantly reduce 
our gender pay gaps. You can read more 
about our gender pay gaps and our gender 
diversity initiatives in our gender pay gap 
report at sc.com/genderpaygap.

Equal pay is a more detailed measure of  
pay equality than the gender pay gap, and is 
a key commitment in our Fair Pay Charter. 
We analyse equal pay during our annual 
performance and pay review process globally 
to assure ourselves that we deliver equal pay 
for equal work.

2019 gender pay gap

Mean hourly pay gap

Mean bonus pay gap

Female representation

UK

Hong Kong

Singapore

32%

46%

20%

38%

35%

46%

UAE

26%

53%

US

25%

48%

Board

Female

31%

(2018: 31%)

Female

4

Male

9

2019
2018

Management Team

Female

31%

(2018: 35.7%)

Female

4

Male

9

Senior management  
(Managing directors and band 4)

All employees

Female

28.5%

(2018: 27.7%)

Female

1,162

Male

2,914

2019
2018

Female

46.1%

(2018: 45.9%)

Female

38,880

Male

45,518

2019
2018

2019
2018

49

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportDIGITAL  BANKING

We now provide digital banking  
in nine African markets

Now that our digital banking platforms have stabilised, our 
focus has shifted to adding a full suite of digital products to 
enhance our competitive advantage. 

We launched mobile-led insurance and investments in the 
second half of 2019 and will begin to phase in additional 
offerings like digitally-led small-ticket loans, Business 
Banking and Agency Banking throughout 2020. 

We are also going paperless in all of these markets with  
the launch of a staff-assisted platform, which enables all 
customers walking into branches to have their accounts 
opened directly on the digital platform. In parallel, we have 
begun work on rolling out these digital platforms to our 
Middle Eastern markets in 2020.

After launching our first digital bank in  
Côte d’Ivoire in 2018, we rolled out digital 
capabilities across eight additional markets  
in less than 12 months. 

Our digital banking solution now covers Kenya, Uganda, 
Tanzania, Ghana, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Nigeria. 

Early results show that markets like Uganda and Tanzania 
have increased their customer acquisition by three times, 
account funding rates for most markets are relatively healthy 
and customer feedback has been positive.

The platform we now have in Africa operates on the existing 
technology rails available to us, but it has a middle and 
backend that is practically zero touch, which means that 
customers can open accounts, do all their banking 
transactions and receive customer service without going  
into branches or interacting with staff. 

This efficiency has translated into a more targeted branch 
footprint, allowing us to reduce our branches by over a third 
to 199 branches across Africa and the Middle East.

“We  have  begun  work 
on  rolling  out  our  digital 
platforms  in  our  Middle 
Eastern  markets  in  2020.”

50

Standard Chartered 
Annual Report 2019

Sustainable and responsible business

Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity. 
Our new sustainability vision is to become the most sustainable and responsible 
bank, and the leading private sector catalyser of finance for the SDGs where it 
matters most, in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. 

Sustainable  
Finance

Here  
for  good

Responsible 
Company

Inclusive 
Communities

We embed sustainability across our 
business, operations and communities 
through our sustainability framework. By 
focusing on three pillars – Sustainable 
Finance, Responsible Company and Inclusive 
Communities – we believe we can deliver 
sustainable prosperity, in line with our valued 
behaviours and our brand promise to be 
Here for good.

This approach is framed around a 
Sustainability Philosophy that informs our 
decision-making, Sustainability Aspirations 
that provide tangible targets for sustainable 
business outcomes aligned to the UN 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 
and Position Statements that set out our 
environmental and social client standards. 

In 2018, we laid the foundations for an 
ambitious transformation of our sustainability 
performance and in 2019, we built on this 
with positive results. We created sustainable 
finance products and a governance 
framework that support our commitment  
to help deliver the SDGs. We accelerated  
our response to climate change, publishing 
our emissions white paper to encourage 
collaboration across the finance sector, 
updating our position on coal and integrating 
climate into the Group’s risk framework.  
As part of our refreshed Sustainability 
Aspirations, we set stretching new targets  
for Sustainable Finance as well as People, 
Environment, Conduct and Financial Crime 

Compliance and we continued to deliver for 
our communities through volunteering and 
community programmes. 

Sustainability governance

The Board is responsible for ensuring that 
high standards of responsible business are 
maintained and receives information to 
identify and assess significant risks and 
opportunities related to environmental and 
social matters, including climate change. 
Sustainability is overseen by the Brand, 
Values and Conduct Committee of the 
Board, which reviews priorities and oversees 
the development of, and delivery against, 
public commitments. 

At a management level, the CEO,  
Corporate & Institutional Banking is 
responsible for Sustainable Finance, which 
incorporates Environmental and Social Risk 
management. The Group Head, Corporate 
Affairs, Brand & Marketing, Conduct, 
Financial Crime and Compliance leads a 
cross-business Sustainability Forum to 
develop and deliver the Group’s broader 
sustainability strategy and champion 
sustainability across the Group. 

See page 44 to read how stakeholder engagement 
informs our approach to sustainable and responsible 
business

See page 405 for a full list of our 2020 Sustainable 
Aspirations

CLIMATE CHANGE

Innovative solutions  
for climate change
In 2019, we joined forces with the Centre 
for Climate Finance & Investment at the 
UK’s Imperial College Business School to 
launch the Climate Investment Challenge. 
The competition encourages postgraduate 
students to develop and describe creative 
financial solutions and innovations to address 
climate change. Ideas will be judged on their 
innovation, implementation feasibility, scalability 
and impact by a panel from investment 
banking, private equity and impact investing.

51

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportSustainable and responsible business continued

Sustainable Finance

Stakeholders 

1

2019 SUSTAINABILITY ASPIRATIONS: 
SUSTAINABLE FINANCE

Clients

Investors

Society

We use our core business 
to promote sustainable 
development in our 
markets, while managing 
the environmental and 
social risks associated with 
our financing activities.

“We  have  set 
stretching  new 
targets  to  ensure 
we  continue  to  drive 
sustainable  finance 
that  supports 
the  UN  SDGs”

Infrastructure

Provide advisory, financing, debt 
structuring services and policy advice   
for $25bn of infrastructure projects 
(Jan 2017 – Dec 2019)

Including $4bn toward clean technology 
(Jan 2016 – Dec 2020)

Climate change

Develop a methodology to measure, 
manage and ultimately reduce the 
emissions related to the financing of our 
clients (Jan 2019 – Dec 2020)

Entrepreneurs

Provide $6bn to Business Banking 
clients (Jan 2017 – Dec 2019)

Grow our lending to smaller business 
clients in our Commercial Bank by 20% 
(Jan 2017 – Dec 2019)

Digital

Continue to provide ‘last mile’  
payments and collections through  
our Straight2Bank wallet 
(Jan 2017 – Dec 2019)

Commerce

Bank 8,000 of our clients’ networks  
of suppliers and buyers through 
banking the ecosystem programmes 
(Jan 2017 – Dec 2020)

Impact Finance

Provide $1bn to institutions for 
microfinance (Jan 2016 – Dec 2020)

Facilitate opportunities for Private Bank 
clients to invest in impact investing funds 
(Jan 2016 – Dec 2020)

Continue to promote blended finance 
capabilities (Jan 2016 – Dec 2020)

Concluded in the year

Ongoing aspirations

  Achieved

  On track

  Not achieved

  Not on track

Our unique footprint across emerging 
markets enables us to focus sustainable 
finance where it matters most. In 2019, we 
took major steps forward to deliver finance 
that drives positive social and economic 
impact and manage environmental and social 
risks associated with our financing activities. 

In 2019, we launched two new Sustainable 
Finance products to address the SDGs in 
low- and middle-income countries. The 
proceeds from our inaugural €500 million 
Sustainability Bond will finance clean energy 
projects, smaller business lending and 
microfinance loans. We also launched the 
world’s first Sustainable Deposit in London 
and Asia’s first Sustainable Deposit in 
Singapore. This was followed by launches  
in Hong Kong and New York. Every dollar 
deposited will be referenced against 
sustainable assets.

These products are underpinned by a  
robust approach to governance. Our Green 
and Sustainable Product Framework and 
Green and Sustainable Bond Framework  
set out all eligible and excluded activities  
and themes for future sustainable products. 
The frameworks, which were developed in 
collaboration with leading ESG research 
provider Sustainalytics, will be subject to 
internal review annually.

Our Sustainability Aspirations set out the 
areas in which we can have the most positive 
impact in our markets. In 2019, to support  
the low carbon transition, we mobilised  
$20 billion for clean technology and helped 
clients issue $18.3 billion in green, social and 
sustainable bonds. 

Entrepreneurs and small businesses play an 
important role in the economic sustainability 
of communities. We continued to extend 
access to finance for entrepreneurs, providing 
$710 million to microfinance institutions (MFIs) 
in 2019 and $2.4 billion since 2016. We remain 
strongly committed to the sustainable 
financing of smaller businesses, which are 
at the heart of growth, job creation and 
economic empowerment in our footprint. 
While we did not meet our target, we 
continued to grow our lending to Commercial 
Banking clients by 12 per cent between 2017 
and 2019.

Following engagement with internal and 
external stakeholders, we set stretching  
new targets to support the SDGs. As set out 
in our Sustainability Aspirations, between 
January 2020 and December 2024, we will 
fund and facilitate $40 billion for infrastructure 
that promotes sustainable development  
and $35 billion for renewable energy, 
provide $15 billion to small business clients 
and $3 billion to MFIs.

See page 405 for a full list of our 2020 Sustainable 
Aspirations

52

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportOur businessSustainable Finance continued

Managing Environmental  
and Social Risk

Our main impact on the environment and 
society is through the business activities  
we finance. Our seven Position Statements 
outline the cross-sector standards we  
expect of ourselves and our clients, as  
well as sector-specific guidance for those 
clients operating in sectors with a high 
potential environmental or social impact. 
These draw on International Finance 
Corporation Performance Standards, the 
Equator Principles and global best practice. 
Our Prohibited Activities list sets out the 
activities we do not finance and can be  
found on sc.com.

We identify and assess environmental and 
social risks related to our Corporate & 
Institutional, Commercial and Business 
Banking clients, and embed our 
Environmental and Social Risk framework 
directly into our credit approval process.  
All relationship managers and credit  
officers are offered training in assessing 
Environmental and Social Risk against our 
criteria, as well as access to online resources. 
During 2019, we continued to embed the 
Position Statements through e-learning and 
classroom-based training for frontline and  
risk colleagues. 

Our refreshed Position Statements came into 
effect in March 2019. During the year, we 
reviewed 1,127 transactions that presented 
potential specific risks against our Position 
Statements. Further to our 2018 decision to 
end financing for new coal-fired power plants, 
we announced that we will only support 
clients who actively transition their business 
to generate less than 10 per cent of earnings 
from thermal coal by 2030.

We work with clients, regulators and peers 
across the finance sector to continuously 
improve environmental and social standards. 
We proactively engage with clients to mitigate 
identified risks and impacts and support 
them to improve their environmental and 
social performance over time. Where this is 
not possible, transactions have been, and will 
continue to be, turned down. In 2019, we 
were active in the review of the refreshed 
Equator Principles 4 (EP4) and in November, 
assumed the role of chair of the EP Steering 
Committee. Our focus will be overseeing 
implementation of EP4 during 2020.

See our Position Statements at 
sc.com/positionstatements

Responding to climate change 

Climate change is a shared global challenge. 
We are committed to supporting clients 
through the low-carbon transition in line  
with the Paris Agreement and supporting 
adaptation and resilience to tackle physical 
risks. Since 2018, we have been identifying 
ways to measure, manage and ultimately 
reduce the carbon emissions relating to our 
financing of clients. 

During 2019, we published a white paper  
on our emissions framework to accelerate 
discussion across the finance sector.  
We piloted two methodologies to measure 
emissions, focusing on the 2 Degrees 
Investing Initiative’s tool to understand 
emissions at a sector level. Using this tool,  
we disclosed our current, financed emission 
intensities for the automotive and cement 
manufacturing portfolio in our 2019 Climate 
Change/Taskforce on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report to 
support dialogue with a range of 
stakeholders. Further insights from this  
work are informing our corporate planning 
process and the development of our new 
Climate Risk framework.

Recognising the significance of climate-
related concerns to our clients and 
communities, we are integrating Climate  
Risk into our Group-wide approach to risk 
management. We have identified it as a 
material cross-cutting risk that will be 
considered alongside designated Principal 
Risk Types. For more information, see  
pages 206 to 235 of the Risk review.

In addition to our own response, we believe 
collaborative action is needed. We are 
continuing to work through existing 
relationships including UN Environment 
Programme for Financial Institutions and the 
Katowice Commitment. In 2019, we became 
a founding member of the UN Principles for 
Responsible Banking, a signatory to the  
UN Collective Commitment to Climate  
Action and joined the Coalition on Climate 
Resilient Investment.

We continue to engage clients on assessing 
Climate Risk and identifying low-carbon 
opportunities through our Sustainable 
Finance team. We are mobilising finance to 
support the low-carbon transition, such as 
our new commitment to provide $35 billion of 
financial services towards renewable energy 
between January 2020 and December 2024. 

Responsible  
Company

2

Stakeholders

Clients

Regulators & 
governments

Suppliers

Society

We strive to manage our 
business sustainably and 
responsibly, drawing on our 
purpose, brand promise, 
valued behaviours and Code 
of Conduct to enable us to 
make the right decisions.

2019 SUSTAINABILITY ASPIRATIONS: 
RESPONSIBLE COMPANY

Environment

Reduce annual energy use by 35% in 
tropical climates (Jan 2008 – Dec 2019)

Reduce annual energy use by 31%  
in temperate climates 
(Jan 2008 – Dec 2019)

Reduce annual water use by 72% 
(Jan 2008 –Dec 2019)

Reduce annual office paper use by 57% 
(Jan 2008 – Dec 2020)

Reduce annual GHG emissions by  
36% by 2025

Conduct

Effectively embed conduct risk into 
product governance across the Group 
(Jan 2019 – Dec 2019)

Financial crime compliance

All eligible staff to complete  
relevant ABC, AML and sanctions 
training with less than 2% overdue 
(Ongoing)

Deliver at least 10 correspondent 
banking academies 
(Jan 2019 – Dec 2019)

Concluded in the year

Ongoing aspirations

See our 2019 Climate Change/Taskforce on 
Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report  
at sc.com/tcfd 

  Achieved

  On track

  Not achieved

  Not on track

53

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ report 
Sustainable and responsible business continued

Responsible Company continued

Promoting good conduct

Speaking Up

Fighting financial crime 

Good conduct is a priority for our 
stakeholders and for the Group. 

We continue to make good progress on our 
conduct, embedding practices that help us 
identify, aggregate and manage Conduct 
Risk as part of our Group-wide approach to 
risk management. 

In 2019, we strengthened Conduct Risk 
management, focusing on fair outcomes for 
clients by formalising conduct considerations 
in strategy design and product governance. 

Our Code of Conduct remains the central tool 
through which we set our conduct expectations. 
The Code supports a culture where: employees 
are encouraged to demonstrate good 
judgement, integrity, and a strong sense of 
personal accountability when they make 
decisions; leaders are empowered to recruit 
and recognise employees based on good 
conduct; and performance objectives and 
reward mechanisms are linked to our valued 
behaviours. 

Conduct training is obligatory and employees 
are asked annually to recommit to the Code. 
In 2019, 99.5 per cent recommitted to the Code.

In 2020, we will challenge and support our 
employees to identify and mitigate Conduct 
Risk as we continue to promote good conduct 
across the Group.

See page 223 for more on our approach  
to conduct risk

Percentage of employees recommitted 
to the Group Code of Conduct in 2019 

Speaking Up is our confidential and 
anonymous whistleblowing programme.  
It includes independent and secure  
channels for anyone – employees, 
contractors, suppliers and members of  
the public – to raise concerns.

During 2019, 1,383 concerns were raised 
through Speaking Up, of which 528 were 
within scope of the programme and 
investigated or resolved. Themes included 
breaches of operating procedures, failures  
in information and cyber security and 
breaches of our Code of Conduct. During  
the period, 453 cases were closed following 
investigation (these included cases raised  
in 2019 as well as in prior years) of which  
263 were substantiated while 190 were 
closed as unsubstantiated. A range of 
corrective actions were taken. These  
include process improvements, targeted 
coaching and training and, for 97 cases, 
disciplinary sanctions ranging from verbal 
warning to dismissals. 

Results from our 2019 My Voice employee 
survey continue to demonstrate confidence  
in the programme with 91 per cent of 
employees responding favourably to the 
statement: ‘I feel comfortable to speak up  
if I see a violation of the Bank’s policies, 
valued behaviours and Code of Conduct.’

As part of our commitment to Speaking Up, 
we invested in a new system to enable better 
management of cases. 

In 2020, we will continue to raise awareness 
and use by launching a digital learning toolkit. 

99.5%

Speaking Up cases 

Year

2019

2018*

2017*

Closed3

Total raised1

In scope2

Substantiated4

Unsubstantiated

1,383

1,473

1,183

528

590

460

263

305

201

190

275

296

1  Total concerns raised within the reporting year

2  A concern under the FCA whistleblowing rules that is raised within the reporting year and considered within the scope 
of the Speaking Up programme. For the purposes of this report, this number also includes any cases pending triage 
assessment at the point of reporting 

3  This represents all cases closed within the reporting year. This includes cases that were raised in the reporting year and 

in previous years

4  Closed and with sufficient evidence supporting the original allegation(s)

*  Case numbers reported in prior years differ from those reported in this period due to closed cases being either 

reclassified, based on new information, or updated for administrative reasons.

Download our Group Code of Conduct at sc.com/codeofconduct and visit sc.com/speakingup  
to find more about how our Speaking Up programme works

54

We believe partnering to lead in the fight 
against financial crime is the best way to 
protect our business, clients and wider 
communities from its damaging effects.  
By cutting off funding sources, we help make 
the financial system a hostile environment for 
criminals and support positive economic 
development in our markets. 

We have comprehensive safeguards in  
place to address threats including money 
laundering, terrorist financing, sanctions 
compliance breaches, bribery and other 
forms of corruption. A dedicated Financial 
Crime Compliance (FCC) team leads our 
Financial Crime Risk management activities, 
which include adhering to anti-money 
laundering and sanctions policies and 
applying core controls such as client  
due-diligence screening and monitoring.  
See the Risk review on page 225 for more 
on how we manage Financial Crime Risk. 

Anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) policies aim 
to prevent colleagues, or third parties working 
on our behalf, from participating in active or 
passive bribery or corruption, or from making 
facilitation payments. In 2019, 99.9 per cent 
of colleagues completed ABC training,  
99.9 per cent completed anti-money 
laundering training and 99.9 per cent 
completed sanctions training. 

By working in partnership with our client 
banks, we share best practices on controls 
for managing Financial Crime Risk and in 
doing so build a strong network to keep 
criminal activity out of the financial system.  
In 2019, we further strengthened our 
partnerships as we surpassed our target of at 
least 10 Correspondent Banking Academies, 
delivering 19 training sessions in 49 countries.  

In 2020, we will continue to adapt our 
controls to emerging threats by ensuring  
we have highly trained and experienced 
employees working with new technologies  
to detect any abuse of the financial system. 
We will also continue to partner with, and 
educate, peer banks and clients in the 
detection and control of financial crime risks. 

For more visit, sc.com/fightingfinancialcrime

Respecting human rights

We are committed to respecting human rights 
and seek to ensure they are not adversely 
impacted in our role as an employer, financial 
services provider and procurer of goods and 
services. We recognise that our footprint and 
supply chain give us the opportunity to raise 
awareness of human rights and modern 
slavery in a wide range of markets and industries.

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportOur business 
Our Position Statement on human rights 
outlines our approach, reflecting the 
International Bill of Human Rights, the UN 
Guiding Principles and the UK Modern 
Slavery Act. This is then embedded across a 
range of internal policies and risk management 
frameworks, including our Group Code 
of Conduct and Supplier Charter.

We have met our long-term targets for  
energy efficiency, reducing consumption  
in temperate climates by 44 per cent and 
tropical climates by 38 per cent between 
2008 and 2019. Further expansion of our 
LED lighting conversions, effective space 
management and more efficient equipment is 
the core principle behind the efficiency gains.

In 2019, we continued to review and  
enhance our controls relating to modern 
slavery, including via collaborative dialogue 
with one of our investors. Our 2019 Modern 
Slavery Statement, which is approved by  
the Group’s Board, details the actions we  
are taking as a result. These include changes 
to risk assessment processes for suppliers,  
and a review of our strategic suppliers to 
assess their standards and practices in 
managing modern slavery risks in their 
onward supply chains.

Read our 2019 Modern Slavery Statement at  
sc.com/modernslavery

Reduce emissions from our operations 
by 20301 to reach

Net Zero

Managing our environmental 
footprint

We are committed to reducing the direct 
environmental impact of our branches and 
offices. To do this, we measure and manage 
their energy and water efficiency, greenhouse 
gas emissions and paper use. We also 
measure the amount of non-hazardous 
waste our branches and offices generate  
and recycle. We do not produce or handle, 
and therefore do not report information on, 
material quantities of hazardous waste.

Our reporting criteria sets out the principles  
and methodology for measuring our emissions. 
Our Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as well as water 
and waste data, are independently assured by 
Global Documentation.

We have measured our greenhouse gas 
(GHG) emissions since 2008, and last year 
adopted science-based targets (SBT) to 
significantly reduce our carbon footprint.  
In 2019, we reduced our annual GHG 
emissions by 22 per cent by reducing our 
reliance on diesel generators. A temporary 
increase in emissions from our global data 
centres was the result of additional capacity 
being used as we migrated to new, more 
energy efficient data centres. 

During the year, we set more ambitious 
targets to achieve net zero emissions and 
only use renewable energy sources by 2030. 
We are reviewing fuels and increasing 
renewable energy sources to deliver the 
efficiency improvements needed across our 
properties to meet these challenging targets.

Water availability is a growing challenge in  
our markets. Although we did not face any 
issues sourcing water that was fit for purpose 
in 2019, we continue to take a sustainable 
and responsible approach to managing  
water across the Group. We reduced 
consumption by 29 per cent in 2019 and  
72 per cent between 2008 and 2019 by 
installing ultra-low flow water devices, 
targeting markets with high water usage and  
improving our behaviour towards water use.

Our aim is to reduce paper use across our 
operations and since 2012, we have reduced 
consumption by 27 per cent. In 2019, we 
improved our paper reporting and worked 
with country technology teams to look at 
ways to support local paper reduction. 

Annual energy use of our property (kWh/m2/year)2 

Tropical climate

Temperate climate

355

38%

230

220

Since 2008

398

275

44%

222

Since 2008

2008

2019
Target

2019
Actual

2008

2019
Target

2019
Actual

1  Net zero: In aggregate, we do not produce any emissions from our operations (Scope 1 & 2)

2  Tropical energy usage relates to cooling; temperate energy usage relates to both heating and cooling

Our Group Chief Executive communicated 
with employees globally, encouraging them  
to go paperless as part of wider efforts  
to reduce our environmental impact.  
Further action will be needed to achieve  
our 57 per cent reduction target between 
2012 and the end of 2020.

We are committed to reducing waste in all 
its forms and have prevented more than 
one million disposable cups going to landfill 
annually since 2017. We are working to 
remove single-use plastic from all our 
operations. We choose to send non-
recyclable waste to energy generation 
or compost so that we limit our impact 
on landfill where possible. In 2019, we 
strengthened our commitment with 
ambitious new targets to reduce waste 
to 40 kilograms per employee and recycle 
90 per cent of our waste by 2025. 

We continue to identify ways to improve  
our environmental performance. In 2019,  
we extended our third-party assurance to 
include water and waste.

In 2020, we will focus on reducing waste 
further and taking the necessary steps  
to meet our SBTs for greenhouse gas 
emissions. 

Read the principles and methodology for  
measuring our greenhouse gas emissions at  
sc.com/environmentcriteria

Read the independent assurance for our energy  
and greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) at 
sc.com/environmentalassurance

ENVIRONMENT

Reducing our 
energy use in  
West Africa 

Many of our markets in West Africa 
lack reliable and consistent access to 
clean electricity. They rely on diesel 
generators that can be inefficient  
and produce high greenhouse gas 
emissions. In 2019, our property teams 
in Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Ghana, 
Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire introduced 
improvements that delivered a  
30 per cent reduction in energy use 
across the region. Measures included 
upgrading air conditioning units,  
fitting LED lights, upgrading and 
right-sizing generators and installing 
solar photovoltaic panels.

55

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportSustainable and responsible business continued

Inclusive Communities

Stakeholders

3

Society

Regulators & 
governments

We aim to create more  
inclusive economies by 
sharing our skills and 
expertise, and developing 
community programmes 
that transform lives.

2019 SUSTAINABILITY ASPIRATIONS: 
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

Communities

Invest 0.75% of prior year operating  
profit in communities 
(Jan 2006 – Dec 2020)

Raise $50m for Futuremakers by 
Standard Chartered 
(Jan 2019 – Dec 2023)

Education

Reach one million girls and  
young women through Goal  
(Jan 2006 – Dec 2023)

Employability

Reach 100,000 young people 
(Jan 2019 – Dec 2023)

Entrepreneurship

Reach 50,000 young people, micro and 
small businesses (Jan 2019 – Dec 2023)

Visual impairment

Support the development of the Vision 
Catalyst Fund (Jan 2019 – Dec 2020)

In 2019, we invested $51.1 million in 
communities and employees contributed 
more than 51,300 volunteering days. 

In the first year of Futuremakers by Standard 
Chartered, our new global initiative to tackle 
inequality, we contributed $9.4 million  
through fundraising and Group donations. 
Our target is to raise $50 million between 
2019 and 2023 through fundraising and 
Group donations to empower the next 
generation to learn, earn and grow.

As part of Futuremakers, we expanded Goal, 
our existing girls’ empowerment programme, 
which reached more than 108,400 girls and 
young women in 2019. Goal reached more 
than 590,300 between 2006 and 2019. 

We also launched new global programmes  
in 2019. Youth to Work reached 1,834 young 
people through employability projects.  
In addition, we reached 9,269 young  
people and small businesses through 
entrepreneurship activities, including our 
Women in Tech (WiT) incubators. In 2019, 
we launched WiT in Pakistan, UAE and 
Nigeria to support women-led ventures 
enabled by technology.

We are continuing to support the delivery  
of eye health projects as part of Seeing is 
Believing (SiB), our global initiative to tackle 
avoidable blindness. Between 2003 and 
2019, we reached 212.7 million people 
through SiB, and raised and matched a  
total of $104.2 million. We are using our 
knowledge and experience from SiB to 
mobilise support for the Vision Catalyst Fund 
(VCF), which aims to raise $1 billion to fund 
sustainable eye care projects, and by 
supporting people with visual impairments 
through Futuremakers.

In 2020, we will scale-up and roll-out 
Futuremakers programmes, continue to 
support the creation of the VCF and develop 
and implement a robust measurement and 

evaluation framework for our community 
programmes. We will host our first 
Futuremakers Forum bringing together 
programme participants, clients and 
development experts. From 2020, we  
will also be working towards encouraging  
55 per cent of employees to participate  
in volunteering annually between 2020  
and 2023. 

The Standard Chartered Foundation  
was established in 2019 to advance 
charitable purposes. It will be the Group’s 
lead partner in delivering its philanthropic 
activities, including Futuremakers by 
Standard Chartered. 

During the year, the Board received an 
update on Futuremakers, SiB and the 
establishment of the Foundation, confirming 
the Group’s approach and encouraging the 
Management Team to advance our 
community investment and engagement 
activities. 

Our community expenditure 2019

1. Leverage1

2. Management costs

3. Gifts in kind

4. Cash contributions

5. Employee time (non-cash item)

3.7%

8.8%

0.6%

53.8%

33.1%

1  Leverage data relates to the proceeds from staff and 

other fundraising activity

1

2

3

4

$51.1m

5

Concluded in the year

Ongoing aspirations

  Achieved

  On track

GIRLS’ EMPOWERMENT

  Not achieved

  Not on track

Measuring Goal’s impact

We measure the impact of our community 
programmes to ensure they are delivering 
on our objectives. In 2019, we commissioned 
global development think tank, Overseas 
Development Institute (ODI) to assess 
Goal’s impact. 

Using data and interviews with Goal girls, 
their families and communities, ODI found 

strong evidence of Goal’s positive and 
lasting impact on girls. After completing 
Goal, girls reported a 14 per cent increase 
in self-confidence, a 28 per cent increase 
in knowledge about health, and an 18 per 
cent increase in knowledge about savings 
and finance. The full report will be shared 
around International Women’s Day.

56

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportOur businessNon-financial information statement

This table sets out where shareholders and stakeholders can find information about key non-financial matters in this report, in compliance with 
the non-financial reporting requirements contained in sections 414CA and 414 CB of the Companies Act 2006. Further disclosures are available 
on sc.com and in our 2019 Sustainability Summary.

Reporting requirement

Environmental matters

Employees

Human rights

Social matters

Anti-corruption and anti-bribery

Where to read more in this report about our policies and impact  
(including risks, policy embedding, due diligence and outcomes) 

Risk review and capital review
 ¼ Group Chief Risk Officer’s Review
Sustainable and responsible business 
 ¼ Sustainable Finance
 ¼ Managing environmental and social risks
 ¼ Responding to climate change
 ¼ Managing our environmental footprint
Directors’ report
 ¼ Environmental impact of our operations
Supplementary sustainability information
 ¼ Environment performance data1

Engaging stakeholders 
 ¼ Employees
 ¼ Gender pay gap and equal pay
Sustainable and responsible business
 ¼ Speaking Up
Directors’ report
 ¼ Employee policies and engagement
 ¼ Health and Safety
Supplementary People Information

Engaging stakeholders
 ¼ Suppliers
Sustainable and responsible business 
 ¼ Respecting human rights

Engaging stakeholders
 ¼ Society
Sustainable and responsible business
 ¼ Inclusive Communities

Group Chief Risk Officer’s review
Sustainable and responsible business
 ¼ Promoting good conduct
 ¼ Speaking Up
 ¼ Fighting financial crime
Directors’ report
 ¼ Political donations

Description of business model

Business model

Non-financial KPIs

Employees
 ¼ Employee engagement (eNPS) 
 ¼ Gender diversity in senior roles
 ¼ Female representation
 ¼ Training on anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering
 ¼ Recommitment to the Code of Conduct
Society
 ¼ Sustainability Aspirations achieved or on track
 ¼ Energy, water, waste and emissions
 ¼ Community expenditure
 ¼ Reach of community programmes

Principal risks and uncertainties

Risk review and capital review

1  Visit sc.com/environmentcriteria for our carbon emissions criteria and sc.com/environmentalassurance for Global Documentation’s Assurance Statement of our Scope 1 and 2 

emissions, and waste and water data

Page

38

52
53
53
55

142

403

47
49

54

141
142
400

45

54

46

56

38 

54
54
54

138

14

47
48
49 
54
54

43
53
56
56

146

57

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BELT  &  ROAD

Our first-ever global running event 
along the Belt & Road

At the beginning of 2019, eight of our employees 
set off to run across 44 markets over the course 
of 90 days in the first-ever global running event 
spanning the Belt & Road Initiative.

The Standard Chartered Belt & Road Relay began in Hong 
Kong on 17 February and ended in Beijing, China on 11 May, 
covering a total of 353km.

Our staff runners were selected from our diverse footprint 
across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe and the 
Americas.

We are present in two-thirds of Belt & Road markets, and  
our rich heritage, deep local knowledge and unparalleled 
connectivity mean that we’re ideally placed to help our partners, 
clients and communities to make the most out of the initiative.

We have been connecting Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and 
Europe and the Americas for more than 160 years.

58

Standard Chartered 
Annual Report 2019

“ We  have  been  connecting 
Asia,  Africa,  the  Middle 
East,  Europe  and  the 
Americas  for  more 
than  160  years” 

Underlying versus statutory results 
reconciliations

Reconciliations between underlying and statutory results are set out in the tables below:

Operating income by client segment

Corporate & 
Institutional 
Banking 
$million

7,185

146

7,331

Corporate & 
Institutional  
Banking 
$million

6,860

(257)

3

6,606

2019

Retail  
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

5,171

–

5,171

1,478

4

1,482

2018

Retail  
Banking 
$million

5,041

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

1,391

–

–

(1)

–

5,041

1,390

577

–

577

Private  
Banking 
$million

516

2

–

518

860

(4)

856

Central &  
other items 
$million

1,160

8

66

1,234

Underlying operating income

Restructuring1

Statutory operating income

Underlying operating income

Restructuring1

Gains arising on repurchase of senior  
and subordinated liabilities1

Statutory operating income

1  Refer to Note 2 for further details

Operating income by region

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

 Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

Europe & 
Americas 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

2019

Underlying operating income

Restructuring1

Statutory operating income

Underlying operating income

Restructuring1

Gains arising on repurchase of senior  
and subordinated liabilities1

6,155

87

6,242

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

6,157

(7)

–

4,213

(2)

4,211

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

3,971

21

–

2,562

–

2,562

2018

 Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

2,604

1

–

1,725

–

1,725

Europe &  
Americas 
$million

1,670

6

3

Statutory operating income

6,150

3,992

2,605

1,679

1  Refer to Note 2 for further details

616

61

677

Central &  
other items 
$million

566

(269)

66

363

Total 
$million

15,271

146

15,417

Total 
$million

14,968

(248)

69

14,789

Total 
$million

15,271

146

15,417

Total 
$million

14,968

(248)

69

14,789

59

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportProfit before taxation

Operating income

Operating expenses

Operating profit/(loss) before impairment  
losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Profit/(loss) before taxation

Operating income

Operating expenses

Operating profit/(loss) before impairment  
losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Underlying 
$million

15,271

(10,409)

4,862

(906)

(38)

254

4,172

Underlying 
$million

14,968

(10,464)

4,504

(740)

(148)

241

–

(900)

(900)

–

–

–

Provision for 
regulatory 
matters 
$million

Restructuring 
$million

2019

Gains arising 
on repurchase 
of senior and 
subordinated 
liabilities 
$million

Share of 
profits of PT 
Bank Permata 
Tbk joint 
venture 
$million

Goodwill 
impairment 
$million

–

(226)

(226)

–

–

–

(226)

146

(298)

(152)

(2)

(98)

(2)

(254)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(27)

–

(27)

–

–

–

–

–

48

48

Provision for 
regulatory 
matters 
$million

Restructuring 
$million

2018

Gains arising  
on repurchase  
of senior and 
subordinated 
liabilities 
$million

Share of  
profits of PT 
Bank Permata 
Tbk joint  
venture 
$million

Goodwill 
impairment 
$million

Statutory  
$million

15,417

(10,933)

4,484

(908)

(163)

300

3,713

Statutory  
$million

14,789

(11,647)

3,142

(653)

(182)

241

2,548

Total 
$million

15,271

15,271

–

(10,409)

4,862

(906)

(38)

254

4,172

(226)

(254)

(27)

48

3,713

(248)

(283)

(531)

87

(34)

–

(478)

69

–

69

–

–

–

69

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2019

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

1,478

1,539

(61)

(907)

571

(123)

–

–

448

–

(11)

–

–

437

577

329

248

(514)

63

31

–

–

94

–

(11)

–

–

83

860

1,824

(964)

(873)

(13)

(4)

(8)

254

229

(226)

(59)

(27)

48

(35)

Profit/(loss) before taxation

3,857

(900)

Profit before taxation by client segment

Operating income

External

Inter-segment

Operating expenses

Operating profit/(loss) before impairment 
losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Underlying profit before taxation

Provision for regulatory matters

Restructuring

Goodwill impairment

Share of profits of PT Bank Permata Tbk  
joint venture

Corporate & 
Institutional 
Banking 
$million

7,185

7,356

(171)

(4,361)

2,824

(474)

(32)

–

2,318

–

(110)

–

–

Retail  
Banking 
$million

5,171

4,223

948

(3,754)

1,417

(336)

2

–

1,083

–

(63)

–

–

Statutory profit/(loss) before taxation

2,208

1,020

60

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportUnderlying versus  statutory results 2018

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

Corporate & 
Institutional  
Banking 
$million

6,860

7,055

(195)

(4,396)

2,464

(242)

(150)

–

2,072

(50)

(350)

3

1,675

Retail  
Banking 
$million

5,041

4,493

548

(3,736)

1,305

(267)

(5)

–

1,033

–

(68)

–

965

Operating income

External

Inter-segment

Operating expenses

Operating profit/(loss) before impairment  
losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Underlying profit/(loss) before taxation

Provision for regulatory matters

Restructuring

Gains arising on repurchase of senior and 
subordinated liabilities

Statutory profit/(loss) before taxation

Profit before taxation by region

1,391

1,570

(179)

(923)

468

(244)

–

–

224

–

(12)

–

212

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

 Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

2019

Operating income

Operating expenses

Operating profit/(loss) before impairment  
losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Underlying profit/(loss) before taxation

Provision for regulatory matters

Restructuring

Goodwill impairment

Share of profits of PT Bank Permata Tbk  
joint venture

6,155

(3,771)

2,384

(194)

(5)

247

2,432

–

(138)

–

–

Statutory profit/(loss) before taxation

2,294

4,213

(2,681)

1,532

(506)

(1)

–

1,025

–

(34)

–

48

1,039

2,562

(1,747)

815

(132)

1

–

684

–

(18)

–

–

666

516

270

246

(530)

(14)

–

–

–

(14)

–

(24)

–

(38)

Europe & 
Americas 
$million

1,725

(1,470)

255

(98)

–

–

157

–

(34)

–

–

123

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

Operating income

Operating expenses

Operating profit/(loss) before impairment 
losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Underlying profit/(loss) before taxation

Provision for regulatory matters

Restructuring

Gains arising on repurchase of senior and 
subordinated liabilities

Statutory profit/(loss) before taxation

6,157

(3,812)

2,345

(71)

(110)

205

2,369

–

(106)

–

2,263

3,971

(2,711)

1,260

(322)

6

26

970

–

105

–

1,075

2018

 Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

2,604

(1,810)

Europe &  
Americas 
$million

1,670

(1,453)

794

(262)

–

–

532

–

(100)

–

432

217

(83)

17

3

154

(50)

(8)

3

99

1,160

1,580

(420)

(879)

281

13

7

241

542

(850)

(24)

66

(266)

Central &  
other items 
$million

616

(740)

(124)

24

(33)

7

(126)

(226)

(30)

(27)

–

(409)

Central &  
other items 
$million

566

(678)

(112)

(2)

(61)

7

(168)

(850)

(369)

66

(1,321)

Total 
$million

14,968

14,968

–

(10,464)

4,504

(740)

(148)

241

3,857

(900)

(478)

69

2,548

Total 
$million

15,271

(10,409)

4,862

(906)

(38)

254

4,172

(226)

(254)

(27)

48

3,713

Total 
$million

14,968

(10,464)

4,504

(740)

(148)

241

3,857

(900)

(478)

69

2,548

61

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportReturn on tangible equity (RoTE)

Underlying RoTE

Provision for regulatory matters

Restructuring

Of which: Income

Of which: Expenses

Of which: Other impairment

Goodwill impairment

Share of profits of PT Bank Permata Tbk  
joint venture

Tax on normalised items

Statutory RoTE

Underlying RoTE

Provision for regulatory matters

Restructuring

Of which: Income

Of which: Expenses

Of which: Credit impairment

Of which: Other impairment

Gains arising on repurchase of senior and 
subordinated liabilities

Tax on normalised items

Statutory RoTE

Corporate & 
Institutional 
Banking 
%

8.5

–

0.7

(0.8)

(0.5)

–

–

0.2

8.1

Corporate & 
Institutional  
Banking 
%

7.4

(0.2)

(1.3)

(0.8)

0.5

(0.2)

–

0.6

6.0

2019

Commercial 
Banking 
%

Private  
Banking 
%

Central &  
other items 
%

7.3

–

0.1

(0.3)

–

–

–

0.1

7.2

2018

7.3

–

–

(1.2)

–

–

–

0.3

6.4

(5.1)

(3.1)

–

(0.6)

(0.1)

(0.4)

0.6

(2.8)

(11.5)

Commercial 
Banking 
%

Private  
Banking 
%

Central &  
other items 
%

3.4

–

–

(0.3)

–

–

–

0.1

3.2

(1.0)

–

0.2

(1.7)

(1.3)

–

–

0.8

(3.0)

(4.8)

(11.4)

0.1

(0.4)

–

–

0.9

(3.3)

(18.9)

Retail  
Banking 
%

12.6

–

–

(1.0)

–

–

–

0.2

11.8

Retail  
Banking 
%

11.8

–

–

(1.1)

–

–

–

0.3

11.0

Total 
%

6.4

(0.6)

0.4

(0.8)

(0.3)

(0.1)

0.1

(0.3)

4.8

Total 
%

5.1

(2.3)

(0.6)

(0.7)

0.2

(0.1)

0.2

(0.2)

1.6

62

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportUnderlying versus  statutory resultsEarnings per ordinary share

Profit for the year attributable to  
ordinary shareholders

Basic – Weighted average number  
of shares (millions)

Basic earnings per ordinary share 
(cents)

Profit for the year attributable to ordinary 
shareholders

Basic – Weighted average number of 
shares (millions)

Basic earnings per ordinary share 
(cents)

2019

Provision for 
regulatory 
matters 
$million

Underlying 
$million

Restructuring 
$million

Profit from 
joint venture 
$million

Gains  
arising on 
repurchase of 
senior and 
subordinated 
liabilities 
$million

Goodwill 
impairment 
$million

Tax on 
normalised 
items1
$million

Statutory  
$million

2,466

(226)

(254)

48

–

(27)

(152)

1,855

3,256

75.7

3,256

57.0

2018

Provision for 
regulatory 
matters 
$million

Underlying 
$million

Restructuring 
$million

Profit from  
joint venture 
$million

Gains  
arising on 
repurchase of 
senior and 
subordinated 
liabilities 
$million

Goodwill 
impairment 
$million

Tax on 
normalised 
items1
$million

Statutory  
$million

2,031

(900)

(478)

–

69

–

(104)

618

3,306

61.4

3,306

18.7

63

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportAlternative performance 
measures

Alternative performance measures

An alternative performance measure is a financial measure of historical or future financial performance, financial position, or cash flows, other 
than a financial measure defined or specified in the applicable financial reporting framework. The following are key alternative performance 
measures used by the Group to assess financial performance and financial position.

Measure

Definition

Constant currency basis

Underlying

Advances-to-deposits/customer 
advances-to-deposits (ADR) ratio

A performance measure on a constant currency basis is presented such that comparative periods are 
adjusted for the current year’s functional currency rate. The following balances are presented on a constant 
currency basis when described as such:
 ¼ Operating income
 ¼ Operating expenses
 ¼ Profit before tax
 ¼ RWAs or Risk-weighted assets

A performance measure is described as underlying if the statutory result has been adjusted for restructuring 
and other items representing profits or losses of a capital nature; amounts consequent to investment 
transactions driven by strategic intent; and other infrequent and/or exceptional transactions that are 
significant or material in the context of the Group’s normal business earnings for the period, and items  
which management and investors would ordinarily identify separately when assessing performance 
period-by-period. A reconciliation between underlying and statutory performance is contained in Note 2  
to the financial statements. The following balances and measures are presented on an underlying basis 
when described as such:
 ¼ Operating income
 ¼ Operating expense
 ¼ Profit before tax
 ¼ Earnings per share
 ¼ Cost to income ratio
 ¼ Jaws
 ¼ RoE or Return on equity
 ¼ RoTE or Return on tangible equity

The ratio of total loans and advances to customers relative to total customer accounts, excluding approved 
balances held with central banks, confirmed as repayable at the point of stress. A low advances-to-deposits 
ratio demonstrates that customer accounts exceed customer loans resulting from emphasis placed on 
generating a high level of stable funding from customers.

Cost to income ratio

The proportion of total operating expenses to total operating income.

Cover ratio

The ratio of impairment provisions for each stage to the gross loan exposure for each stage.

Cover ratio after collateral/ 
cover ratio including collateral

The ratio of impairment provisions for stage 3 loans and realisable value of collateral held against these 
non-performing loan exposures to the gross loan exposure of stage 3 loans.

Gross yield

Jaws

Loan loss rate

Statutory interest income divided by average interest earning assets.

The difference between the rates of change in revenue and operating expenses. Positive jaws occurs  
when the percentage change in revenue is higher than, or less negative than, the corresponding rate for 
operating expenses.

Total credit impairment for loans and advances to customers over average loans and advances to 
customers.

Net tangible asset value per share

Ratio of net tangible assets (total tangible assets less total liabilities) to the number of ordinary shares 
outstanding at the end of a reporting period.

Net yield

Gross yield less rate paid.

NIM or Net interest margin

Net interest income adjusted for interest expense incurred on amortised cost liabilities used to fund financial 
instruments held at fair value through profit or loss, divided by average interest-earning assets.

RAR per FTE or Risk adjusted  
revenue per full-time equivalent

Rate paid

RoE or Return on equity

RoTE or Return on ordinary 
shareholders tangible equity

Risk adjusted revenue (RAR) is defined as underlying operating income less underlying impairment over  
the past 12 months. RAR is then divided by the 12-month rolling average full-time equivalent (FTE) to 
determine RAR per FTE.

Statutory interest expense adjusted for interest expense incurred on amortised cost liabilities used to fund 
financial instruments held at fair value through profit or loss, divided by average interest bearing liabilities.

The ratio of the current year’s profit available for distribution to ordinary shareholders to the weighted  
average ordinary shareholders’ equity for the reporting period.

The ratio of the current year’s profit available for distribution to ordinary shareholders, to the weighted 
average ordinary shareholders’ equity less the average goodwill and intangible assets for the reporting 
period. Where a target RoTE is stated, this is based on profit and equity expectations for future periods.

TSR or Total shareholder return

The total return of the Group’s equity (share price growth and dividends) to investors.

64

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Strategic reportViability statement

The directors are required to issue a viability 
statement regarding the Group, explaining 
their assessment of the prospects of the 
Group over an appropriate period of time  
and state whether they have reasonable 
expectation that the Group will be able to 
continue in operation and meet its liabilities  
as they fall due.

The directors are to also disclose the period 
of time for which they have made the 
assessment and the reason they consider 
that period to be appropriate.

In considering the going concern status and 
viability of the Group, the directors have 
assessed the key factors likely to affect the 
Group’s business model and strategic plan, 
future performance, capital adequacy, 
solvency and liquidity taking into account the 
emerging risks as well as the principal risks.

The assessment has been made over a 
period of three years, which the directors 
consider adequate as it is within both the 
Group’s strategic planning horizon and, the 
basis upon which its regulatory capital stress 
tests are undertaken, and is representative  
of the continuous level of regulatory change 
affecting the financial services industry.  
The directors will continue to monitor and 
consider the appropriateness of this period.

The directors have reviewed the corporate 
plan, the output of the Group’s formalised 
process of budgeting and strategic planning. 
The corporate plan is evaluated and 
approved each year by the Board with 
confirmation from the Group Chief Risk 
Officer that the plan is aligned with the 
Enterprise Risk Management Framework  
and Group Risk Appetite Statement and 
considers the Group’s future projections of 
profitability, cashflows, capital requirements 
and resources, liquidity ratios and other key 
financial and regulatory ratios over the period. 
The corporate plan details the Group’s key 
performance measures, of forecast profit, 
CET1 capital ratio forecast, return on tangible 
equity forecasts, cost to income ratio 
forecasts and cash investment projections. 
The Board has reviewed the ongoing 
performance management process of the 
Group by comparing the statutory results to 
the budgets and corporate plan.

The Group performs enterprise-wide stress 
tests using a range of bespoke hypothetical 
scenarios that explore the resilience of the 
Group to shocks to its balance sheet and 
business model.

To assess the Group’s balance sheet 
vulnerabilities and capital and liquidity 
adequacy, severe but plausible 
macrofinancial scenarios explore  
shocks that trigger one or more of:

 ¼ Global slowdowns, including a China hard 
landing with spillovers within Asia and more 
broadly via financial and other linkages

Further details of information relevant to the 
directors’ assessment can be found in the 
following sections of the annual report:

 ¼ The Group’s Business model (pages 14  

to 18) and Strategy (pages 19 to 21)

 ¼ The Group’s current position and 

prospects including factors likely to affect 
future results and development, together 
with a description of financial and funding 
positions, are described in the client 
segment reviews and regional reviews 
(pages 22 to 29)

 ¼ An update on the key risk themes of the 

Group is discussed in the Group Chief Risk 
Officer’s review, found in the Strategic 
report (pages 38 to 41)

 ¼ The BRC section of the Directors’ report 

(pages 92 to 97)

 ¼ The Group’s Emerging risks, sets out the 
key external factors that could impact  
the Group in the coming year (page 40  
and pages 228 to 235). Note 26 sets  
out information relating to legal and 
regulatory matters.

 ¼ The Group’s Enterprise Risk Management 

Framework details how the Group 
identifies, manages and governs risk 
(pages 206 to 211)

 ¼ The Group’s Risk profile provides an 

analysis of our risk exposures across all 
Principal Risk Types (page 212 to 227)

 ¼ The capital position of the Group, 

regulatory development and the approach 
to management and allocation of capital 
are set out in the Capital review (pages 236 
to 241)

Having considered all the factors outlined 
above, the directors confirm that 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 period of the 
assessment up to 31 December 2022.

Our Strategic report from pages 01 
to 65 has been reviewed and 
approved by the Board

Bill Winters
Group Chief Executive

27 February 2020

 ¼ Sharp falls in world trade volumes, 
including the effects of an extreme 
worsening in and broadening of recent 
trade tensions.

 ¼ Material and persistent declines in 

commodity prices

 ¼ Financial market turbulence, including a 
generalised sharp fall in risky asset prices

Under this range of scenarios, the results  
of these stress tests demonstrate that the 
Group has sufficient capital and liquidity to 
continue as a going concern and meet 
regulatory minimum capital and liquidity 
requirements.

To assess the Group’s business model 
vulnerabilities, extreme and unlikely scenarios 
are explored that, by design, result in the 
Group’s business model no longer being 
viable. Insights from these reverse stress  
tests can inform strategy, risk management 
and capital and liquidity planning.

Further information on stress testing is 
provided in the Risk management approach 
section (page 208).

The Board Risk Committee (BRC) exercises 
oversight of prudential risks on behalf of the 
Board. These risks include, among others: 
credit, market, capital, liquidity and funding, 
model, operational and information and cyber 
security risks. It reviews the Group’s overall 
risk appetite and makes recommendations 
thereon to the Board.

The BRC receives regular reports that  
inform them of the Group’s key risks, as  
well as updates on the macroeconomic 
environment, geopolitical outlook, market 
developments, and regulatory updates in 
relation to capital, liquidity and risk. In 2019, 
the BRC had deeper discussions on: 
Intragroup funding limits and controls, 
Industry portfolio mandates, ERR function, 
Climate Risk management, CIB Risk  
Review, macroeconomic and geopolitical 
risks (including US-China trade tension,  
China slowdown and regional impact  
and Hong Kong social unrest), technology 
obsolescence, operational resilience,  
IRB models performance initiatives, RWA 
strategic review, transition from LIBOR to 
risk-free rates, RB Risk review, Technology 
Risk, SC Ventures business ventures, and 
Safety and Security Risk.

Based on the information received, the 
directors considered the emerging risks as 
well as the principal risks in their assessment 
of the Group’s viability, how these impact the 
risk profile, performance and viability of the 
Group and any specific mitigating or remedial 
actions necessary.

65

Risk review and Capital reviewSTRATEGIC REPORTSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportSUSTAINABLE  FINANCE   

Delivering finance  
where it matters 
most

The world is just a decade away from its 2030 deadline to deliver on the 
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet, according to a UN 
report, just 60 per cent of the financing needed to achieve the SDGs in 
low and middle-income countries is being met. In Africa, this is as low 
as 10 per cent. 

In 2019, we launched the world’s first 
Sustainable Deposit. Every dollar deposited 
will be referenced against sustainable  
assets that support the delivery of the UN’s 
17 SDGs, which form a global blueprint for  
a more sustainable world. Corporate and 
institutional clients in London, Singapore, 
Hong Kong and New York, along with Retail 
clients in Singapore, can now use their 
money to help address some of the world’s 
biggest threats, including climate change, 
financial exclusion, and lack of access to 
health and education. 

The deposit meets the requirements of  
our new Green and Sustainable Product 

Framework, which sets out qualifying  
themes and activities aligned to the SDGs. 
Liquidity raised from the deposit will provide 
financing for microfinance institutions,  
small and medium-sized enterprises,  
and the development of sustainable 
infrastructure and services including clean 
energy, water improvements and health  
and education services in middle- and 
low-income countries.

The deposit is just one of the ways we are 
mobilising private capital to where it is  
needed most. Our aim is to help close  
the annual $2.5 trillion funding gap that  
the UN estimates exists for the SDGs.

Sustainable  
Finance

Here  
for  good

Responsible 
Company

Inclusive 
Communities

Read more about our approach to 
sustainable and responsible business 
on pages 51 to 56

66

Standard Chartered 
Annual Report 2019

Clients  can  use  their 
money  to  address  climate 
change,  financial  exclusion, 
and  lack  of  access  to 
health  and  education.

DIRECTORS’  REPORT

68  Chairman’s letter

69  Board of Directors

72  Management Team

75  Corporate governance

108  Directors’ remuneration report

138  Other disclosures

145   Statement of directors’ 

responsibilities

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67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Chairman’s letter

“ We  remain  committed  to  ensuring 
we  work  effectively  as  a  Board 
in  providing  robust  oversight  to 
support  the  Group’s  ambitions”. 

Dear Shareholder,

As I mentioned earlier in this report, 2019 has been a year of progress 
against our strategic and financial objectives, as we continue to unlock 
our potential and focus on driving profitable and sustainable growth. 
We have also taken measures to improve our resilience to shocks, an 
area which the Board Risk Committee has particularly focused on this 
year. We have made good progress on the environmental and broader 
sustainability agenda, overseen by the Brand, Values and Conduct 
Committee, where we have strengthened our sustainable finance 
position for clients, announced our withdrawal from all new coal-fired 
power stations and launched new sustainable finance products. 

Ensuring excellent governance underpins everything we do and  
is critical in retaining the trust of our shareholders and wider 
stakeholders. The resolution of legacy sanctions compliance  
and financial crime controls investigations in the US and UK was 
overseen by the Board Financial Crime Risk Committee. More details 
of its work can be found on pages 105 to 107 of this report. 

As a Board we engaged extensively with our stakeholders throughout 
the year to understand better their views, as well as the opportunities, 
challenges and the Group’s impact across our diverse markets. 
Following the response to our Remuneration Policy at last year’s Annual 
General Meeting (AGM), members of the Remuneration Committee  
and I met with many of our shareholders to understand their views.  
This resulted in the outcomes announced in November which are 
detailed, along with the extensive engagement undertaken by the 
Committee, in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 108 to 137. 

The Board also met with a combination of clients, employees, 
regulators and investors as part of meetings held across our footprint 
this year, in Frankfurt, Shanghai and Singapore. Details of our 
engagement with stakeholders can be found on pages 80 to 82, 
including how the Board has engaged with employees, as part of  
the new workforce engagement provisions within the UK Corporate 
Governance Code. In addition, we have provided some examples in 
our Section 172 disclosure on pages 43 to 49 regarding how the 
Board has given consideration to our stakeholders’ diverse interests 
as part of its discussions and decision-making. 

This year, we paid significant attention to enhancing the effectiveness  
of the Board and its committees. An externally facilitated Board 
effectiveness review was commissioned, conducted by Ffion Hague  
of Independent Board Evaluation (IBE) and undertaken in line with the 
requirements of the UK Corporate Governance Code. The review 
assessed the Board’s progress since the last external review in 2017 and 
provided an opportunity to take a step back, and reflect on the Board’s 
overall effectiveness. The review concluded that the Board continues to 
operate effectively while also signalling several areas for improvement. 
Separately, but in parallel, the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) 
undertook their own Board effectiveness review. More details on the 
process and the key issues and outcomes of both reviews can be found 
on page 84 and in the committee sections of this report.

Sharing information and maintaining escalation channels with the 
chairs and independent non-executive directors (INEDs) across our 
subsidiaries has continued to strengthen in recent years through a 
number of mechanisms, including annual conference calls, meetings 
with INEDs as part of market visits and the introduction of the global 
subsidiary governance conference in 2017. Reflecting feedback from 
the last conference, the Board hosted its second global subsidiary 
governance conference while in Singapore in November. This two-day 
event brought together the Board, the Management Team and chairs 
and INEDs representing the Group’s banking subsidiaries from over 
25 countries across our markets, and provided the opportunity for 
those present to deliberate and discuss key elements of the Group 
strategy and further cement intra-Group cohesion. More details on  
the conference, including an insight into some of the topics discussed 
can be found on page 82, along with details of some of the work 
underway to drive improved linkages through the regional hub 
structure. Ensuring strong linkages will be particularly important  
with the change of the Group’s Auditor to EY this year. The Audit 
Committee have overseen the smooth transition from KPMG to EY 
and further details on the committee’s activities and judgements are 
provided on pages 86 to 91. 

As Chairman I am responsible for ensuring that the Board is, and 
remains, an effective decision making body able to challenge and 
support the executive, now and into the future. Ensuring robust 
succession planning, identifying high-quality and diverse Board 
candidates, with the right skills and experience for the medium to 
longer term continues to be a key priority for the Governance and 
Nomination Committee. 

In June 2019, we welcomed David Tang to the Board. In addition  
to his knowledge of China, his experience and understanding of 
emerging technologies, in the context of some of our key markets and 
strategic ambitions, has added significant value to our discussions  
as we continue to innovate and drive our digital capabilities. The 
Governance and Nomination Committee also played a central role  
in considering the corporate governance arrangements resulting  
from the establishment of the Hong Kong regional hub, as well as 
overseeing the composition of the dual-board structure with Standard 
Chartered Bank. More details on the work of the Governance and 
Nomination Committee can be found on page 101 to 104. 

Our Board action plan sets out a number of key areas for us for  
the year ahead. We remain committed to ensuring we work  
effectively as a Board in providing robust oversight to support  
the Group’s ambitions. 

José Viñals 
Group Chairman

68

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportGroup Chairman’s letterBoard of Directors

Committee key

  Committee Chair shown in green
  Audit Committee
A
   Board Risk Committee
Ri
V

 Brand, Values and Conduct Committee
 Governance and Nomination Committee
 Board Financial Crime Risk Committee

C
   Remuneration Committee
R

N

José Viñals (65) 
Group Chairman

Bill Winters, CBE (58) 
Group Chief Executive

Andy Halford (60)
Group Chief Financial Officer

Naguib Kheraj (55)
Deputy Chairman 

Appointed: October 2016 and 
Group Chairman in December 2016. 
José was appointed to the Court  
of Standard Chartered Bank in  
April 2019.

Experience: José has substantive 
experience in the international 
regulatory arena and has exceptional 
understanding of the economic and 
political dynamics of our markets  
and of global trade, and a deep and 
broad network of decision-makers in 
the jurisdictions in our footprint.

Career: José began his career as an 
economist and as a member of the 
faculty at Stanford University, before 

spending 25 years at the Central 
Bank of Spain, where he rose to be 
the Deputy Governor. José has held 
many other board and advisory 
positions, including Chair of Spain’s 
Deposit Guarantee Fund, Chair of the 
International Relations Committee at 
the European Central Bank, member 
of the Economic and Financial 
Committee of the European Union, 
and Chair of the Working Group on 
Institutional Investors at the Bank for 
International Settlements. José joined 
the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 
in 2009 and stepped down in 
September 2016 to join Standard 
Chartered PLC. While at the IMF,  

he was the Financial Counsellor and 
the Director of the Monetary and 
Capital Markets Department, and 
was responsible for the oversight  
and direction of the IMF’s monetary 
and financial sector work. He was  
the IMF’s chief spokesman on 
financial matters, including global 
financial stability.

During his tenure at the IMF, José 
was a member of the Plenary and 
Steering Committee of the Financial 
Stability Board, playing a key role  
in the reform of international financial 
regulation.

Committees:  N

Appointed: June 2015. Bill was 
appointed to the Court of Standard 
Chartered Bank in June 2015.

Experience: Bill is a career banker 
with significant frontline global 
banking experience and a proven 
track record of leadership and 
financial success. He has extensive 
experience of working in emerging 
markets and a proven record in 
spotting and nurturing talent.

Career: Bill began his career with  
JP Morgan, where he went on to 
become one of its top five most 
senior executives and later co-chief 

executive officer at the investment 
bank from 2004 until he stepped 
down in 2009. Bill was invited to  
be a committee member of the 
Independent Commission on 
Banking, established in 2010, to 
recommend ways to improve 
competition and financial stability in 
banking. Subsequently, he served  
as an adviser to the Parliamentary 
Commission on Banking Standards 
and was asked by the Court of the 
Bank of England to complete an 
independent review of the bank’s 
liquidity operations. In 2011, Bill 
founded Renshaw Bay, an alternative 

asset management firm, where he 
was chairman and CEO. He stepped 
down on appointment to the 
Standard Chartered PLC Board.

Bill was previously a non-executive 
director of Pension Insurance 
Corporation plc and RIT Capital 
Partners plc. He received a CBE  
in 2013.

External appointments: Bill is an 
independent non-executive director 
of Novartis International AG.

Bill Winters leads the 
Management Team

Appointed: July 2014. Andy was 
appointed to the Court of Standard 
Chartered Bank in July 2014.

Experience: Andy has a strong 
finance background and deep 
experience of managing complex 
international businesses across 
dynamic and changing markets.

Career: Andy was finance director at 
East Midlands Electricity plc prior to 
joining Vodafone in 1999 as financial 
director for Vodafone Limited, the  
UK operating company. Andy was 
later appointed financial director for 

Vodafone’s Northern Europe,  
Middle East and Africa region,  
and later the chief financial officer  
of Verizon Wireless in the US.  
He was a member of the board  
of representatives of the Verizon 
Wireless Partnership. Andy was 
appointed chief financial officer of 
Vodafone Group plc in 2005, a 
position he held for nine years.  
As Group Chief Financial Officer  
at Standard Chartered, Andy is 
responsible for Finance, Corporate 
Treasury, Strategy, Group Corporate 
Development, Group Investor 

Appointed: January 2014 and 
Deputy Chairman in December 2016. 
Naguib was appointed to the Court 
of Standard Chartered Bank in  
April 2019.

Experience: Naguib has significant 
banking and finance experience. 

Career: Naguib began his career  
at Salomon Brothers in 1986 and 
went on to hold senior positions at 
Robert Fleming, Barclays, JP Morgan 
Cazenove and Lazard. Over the 
course of 12 years at Barclays, 
Naguib served as group finance 
director and vice-chairman, and in 
various business leadership positions 

in wealth management, institutional 
asset management and investment 
banking. Naguib was also a Barclays’ 
nominated non-executive director of 
ABSA Group in South Africa and of 
First Caribbean International Bank. 
He served as chief executive officer 
of JP Morgan Cazenove and served 
for 12 years on the investment 
committee of Wellcome Trust. 

Naguib is a former non-executive 
director of NHS England and served 
as a senior adviser to Her Majesty’s 
Revenue and Customs and to the 
Financial Services Authority in  
the UK.

Relations, Property and Supply  
Chain Management functions.

External appointments: Andy is 
Senior Independent Director and 
Chair of the Audit Committee at 
Marks and Spencer Group plc.  
He is also a trustee of the Standard 
Chartered Foundation.

Andy Halford also sits on the 
Management Team

External appointments: Naguib  
is Chairman of Rothesay Life, a 
specialist pensions insurer, and a 
member of the Finance Committee  
of the Oxford University Press. 
Naguib spends a substantial  
amount of his time as a senior  
adviser to the Aga Khan 
Development Network and  
serves on the boards of various 
entities within its network.

Committees: 

A

Ri  R N C

69

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORT 
  
  
Board of Directors

Christine Hodgson, CBE (55)
Senior Independent Director

Appointed: September 2013 and 
Senior Independent Director in 
February 2018. Christine was 
appointed to the Court of Standard 
Chartered Bank in April 2019.

Experience: Christine has strong 
business leadership, finance, 
accounting and technology 
experience. 

Career: Christine held a number  
of senior positions at Coopers & 
Lybrand and was corporate 
development director of Ronson plc 
before joining Capgemini in 1997, 

where she held a variety of roles, 
including chief financial officer for 
Capgemini UK plc and chief 
executive officer of technology 
services for North West Europe. 
Christine was previously a trustee  
of MacIntyre Care and was  
a non-executive director of 
Ladbrokes Coral Group plc.

External appointments: Christine 
is an independent non-executive 
director and chair designate of 
Severn Trent Plc. She will step down 
as chair of Capgemini UK plc in 

March 2020 and become chair of 
Severn Trent Plc in April 2020. 
Christine also sits on the board of 
The Prince of Wales’ Business in  
the Community and is chair of The 
Careers & Enterprise Company Ltd,  
a government-backed company 
established to help inspire and 
prepare young people for the world 
of work. She received a CBE for 
services to education in the Queen’s 
New Year Honours 2020.

Committees: 

R

VA

N C

Appointed: January 2016. David 
was appointed to the Court of 
Standard Chartered Bank in  
April 2019.

Experience: David has significant 
global and corporate, investment  
and retail banking experience,  
strong risk management credentials 
and an in-depth knowledge of  
Asian markets. 

Career: David spent his career in the 
financial services industry, living and 
working across Asia for 37 years, for 

both Citibank and OCBC Bank.  
He joined Citibank in 1976 as a 
management trainee and went on to 
hold a number of Asia-based senior 
management roles, including chief 
executive officer of Citibank India and 
managing director and marketing 
manager at Citibank Japan, before 
leaving Citibank in 2002. David joined 
OCBC Bank in Singapore as chief 
executive officer and director in 2002. 
He implemented a strategy of growth 
and led the bank through a period of 
significant turbulence. David stepped 

down as chief executive officer  
in 2012 but remained as a non- 
executive director on the board of 
OCBC Bank, before leaving the 
group in 2014.

External appointments: David  
is a non-executive director of  
GasLog Ltd.

Ri

A N C

Committees: 
David is also a member of the 
Combined US Operations  
Risk Committee of Standard 
Chartered Bank.

Appointed: April 2015. Jasmine was 
appointed to the Court of Standard 
Chartered Bank in April 2019.

Experience: Jasmine has significant 
business leadership experience as 
well as first-hand experience of 
operating across our markets. 

Career: Jasmine began her career  
in international marketing in the 
technology sector and joined 
Thomson Financial in 1994, 
becoming managing director of  
the Electronic Settlements Group. 

After completing the Stanford 
Executive Program, Jasmine set up 
one of Oxfam’s first regional offices, 
managing nine country operations  
in West Africa, later becoming 
international director responsible for 
Oxfam’s programmes worldwide. 
Jasmine joined Save the Children in 
2005, where she was responsible  
for revitalising one of the UK’s most 
established charities. In 2010, she 
was appointed as Save the Children’s 
first international chief executive 
officer, a position she held until she 

stepped down in 2015. Jasmine 
stepped down as a non-executive 
director from the Board of BT Group 
plc in December 2019.

External appointments: Jasmine 
is chief executive of London First, a 
business campaigning group with  
a mission to make London the best 
city in the world to do business and  
a non-executive director of WPP Plc.

Committees: 

V

R N

Appointed: April 2015. Gay was 
appointed to the Court of Standard 
Chartered Bank in April 2019.

Experience: Gay has extensive 
banking and financial services 
experience, with significant 
commercial and UK regulatory  
and governance experience. 

Career: Gay spent over 30 years 
working within the financial services 
industry, the international capital 
markets and with the financial 
regulator. Gay spent seven years with 
the Financial Services Authority from 

1998 to 2005, where she was 
director of markets division, capital 
markets sector leader, with 
responsibility for establishing a 
market-facing division for the 
supervision of market infrastructure, 
oversight of market conduct and 
developing markets policy. From 
2005 to 2008, Gay held a number  
of roles at Citibank, including head  
of governance, Citi Alternative 
Investments, EMEA, before joining 
Barclays Capital where she was vice 
chair of investment banking and 
investment management. She was 

previously a non-executive director  
at Aviva plc and the London Stock 
Exchange Group plc. She received 
an OBE for services to financial 
services and diversity in 2016.

External appointments: Gay is 
chair of the London Metal Exchange, 
a non-executive director of 
ConocoPhillips and Bank Itau BBA 
International plc, and a non-executive 
member of the HM Treasury board. 
Gay also sits on the panel of senior 
advisers at Chatham House.

Committees: 

C

Ri

Appointed: January 2013. Louis 
was appointed to the Court of 
Standard Chartered Bank in  
April 2019.

Experience: Louis has a wide 
breadth of knowledge and 
experience of financial services, 
particularly in a Greater China 
context. 

Career: Louis was a global partner 
of McKinsey & Company and a 
leader in its Asia Pacific financial 

institutions practice prior to joining 
Ping An Insurance Group in 2000. 
Louis worked in several senior roles 
at Ping An, including chief financial 
officer, before becoming group 
president in 2003 and executive 
director from 2006 to 2011. 

External appointments: Louis is 
managing partner of Boyu Capital 
Advisory Co, a China-focused private 
equity investment firm and an 
independent non-executive director 

of Fubon Financial Holding Company. 
He is also a Fellow of the Hong  
Kong Management Association  
and a Director of The Friends of 
Cambridge University in Hong Kong. 

Committees:  R

David Conner (71)
Independent Non-Executive 
Director

Jasmine Whitbread (56) 
Independent Non-Executive 
Director

Gay Huey Evans, OBE (65)
Independent Non-Executive 
Director 

Louis Cheung (56)
Independent Non-Executive 
Director 

70

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ report 
Byron Grote (71)
Independent Non-Executive 
Director 

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (65)
Independent Non-Executive 
Director

David Tang (65)
Independent Non-Executive 
Director 

Carlson Tong (65) 
Independent Non-Executive 
Director

Amanda Mellor (55)
Group Company Secretary 

Appointed: July 2014. Byron was 
appointed to the Court of Standard 
Chartered Bank in April 2019.

Experience: Byron has broad and 
deep commercial, financial and 
international experience. 

Career: From 1988 to 2000, Byron 
worked across BP in a variety of 
commercial, operational and 
executive roles. He was appointed  
as chief executive of BP Chemicals 
and a managing director of BP plc in 
2000 and had regional group-level 

Appointed: November 2017.  
Ngozi was appointed to the Court  
of Standard Chartered Bank in  
April 2019.

Experience: Ngozi has significant 
geopolitical, economic, risk and 
development experience, and 
expertise at a governmental and 
intergovernmental level.

Career: A development economist, 
Ngozi spent 25 years working at the 
World Bank in various positions. After 
leaving in 2003, she served as the 
Finance Minister of Nigeria from 2003 
to 2006. She returned to the World 
Bank in 2007, serving as a Managing 
Director until 2011, when she was 
appointed to the role of Minister of 

Appointed: June 2019. David  
was also appointed to the Court  
of Standard Chartered Bank in  
June 2019.

Experience: David has deep 
understanding and experience  
of emerging technologies in the 
context of some of our key markets, 
most notably mainland China.

Career: David has more than  
30 years of international and  
Chinese operational experience  
in the technology and venture  
capital industries, covering venture 
investments, sales, marketing, 
business development, research & 

accountability for BP’s activities in 
Asia from 2001 to 2006. Byron was 
chief financial officer of BP plc from 
2002 until 2011, subsequently serving 
as BP’s executive vice president, 
corporate business activities, from 
2012 to 2013, with responsibility for 
the group’s integrated supply and 
trading activities, alternative energy, 
shipping and technology. Byron was 
a non-executive director at Unilever 
plc and Unilever NV before stepping 
down in 2015. 

Finance and Coordinating Minister of 
Economy in the Nigerian government, 
a position she held until 2015.  
During her time in government, she 
spearheaded Nigeria’s successful 
programme to obtain debt relief and 
is credited with developing reforms 
that helped improve governmental 
transparency to stabilise and grow 
the Nigerian economy.

External appointments: Ngozi is 
an independent director of Twitter, 
Inc, Chair of GAVI, the Global Alliance 
for Vaccines and Immunisations and 
co-chair of Lumos Global, an off-grid 
solar provider. She also holds a 
number of prestigious international 
advisory positions, including the 
Asian Infrastructure Investment  

development and manufacturing. 
From 1989 to 2004, David held a 
number of senior positions in Apple, 
Digital Equipment Corp and 3Com 
based in China and across the Asia 
Pacific region. From 2004 to 2010, 
David held various positions in Nokia, 
including corporate senior vice 
president, chairman of Nokia 
Telecommunications Ltd and vice 
chairman of Nokia (China) Investment 
Co. Ltd. He went on to become 
senior vice president, regional 
president of Advanced Micro  
Devices (AMD), Greater China,  
before joining NGP (Nokia Growth 

External appointments: Byron  
is Senior Independent Director at 
Anglo American plc, a non-executive 
director and chair of the audit 
committee at Tesco PLC and is 
deputy chairman of the supervisory 
board at Akzo Nobel NV. He is also  
a member of the European Audit 
Committee Leadership Network.

Committees:  A R

Bank and holds advisory panel and 
chair positions at a range of global 
institutions, including charitable 
foundations, non-governmental 
organisations and inter-governmental 
organisations. Ngozi chairs the 
African Risk Capacity, a weather-
based insurance organisation of the 
African Union and is co-chair of the 
Global Commission on Economy  
and Climate. She is a member of  
the G20 Eminent Persons Group, 
reviewing Global Financial 
Governance, an ambassador of  
the Open Government Partnership 
and is a trustee of the Carnegie 
Endowment for International Peace.

Committees:  V

Partners) as managing director and 
partner in 2013.

External appointments: David  
is managing director and partner  
of NGP in Beijing, managing 
investments in a range of technology 
start-up and emerging technology 
companies. David is also a 
non-executive director of YY Inc,  
the Chinese live streaming social 
media platform, listed on the  
Nasdaq, and Kingsoft Corporation,  
a leading Chinese software and 
internet services company, listed on 
the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Committees:  V

Appointed: February 2019.  
Carlson was appointed to the  
Court of Standard Chartered Bank  
in April 2019.

Experience: Carlson has a deep 
understanding and knowledge of 
operating in mainland China and 
Hong Kong and has significant 
experience of the financial services 
sector in those markets.

Career: Carlson joined KPMG UK in 
1979, becoming an Audit Partner of 
the Hong Kong firm in 1989. He was 
elected chairman of KPMG China 
and Hong Kong in 2007, before 

becoming Asia Pacific chairman and 
a member of the global board and 
global executive team in 2009. He 
spent over 30 years at KPMG and 
was actively involved in the work of 
the securities and futures markets, 
serving as a member of the Main 
Board and Growth Enterprise Market 
Listing Committee of the Stock 
Exchange of Hong Kong from 2002 
to 2006 (chair from 2004 to 2006). 
After retiring from KPMG in 2011, he 
was appointed a non-executive 
director of the Securities and Futures 
Commission, becoming its chair in 
2012 until he stepped down in 

October 2018. He oversaw a number 
of major policy initiatives during his 
term as the chair including the 
introduction of the Hong Kong and 
Shanghai/Shenzhen Stock connect 
schemes and the mutual recognition 
of funds between the mainland and 
Hong Kong.

External appointments: Carlson 
sits on various Hong Kong SAR 
government bodies, including as a 
non-executive director of the Airport 
Authority of Hong Kong and chair of 
the University Grants Committee. 

Committees: 

A

Ri  C

Appointed: May 2019. 

Prior to joining Standard Chartered, 
Amanda had been Group Secretary 
and head of corporate governance  
at Marks and Spencer Group plc 
since 2009, where she was also an 
executive member of the Operating 
Committee. From 2004-2009, she 
was head of investor relations at 

M&S, having been director of 
corporate relations at Arcadia  
Group plc. Prior to working in  
investor relations, Amanda worked  
in investment banking at James 
Capel and Robert Fleming.

Amanda is a non-executive director 
of Volution Group plc. She is a visiting 
professor of the Inter-Disciplinary 

Ethics Applied Centre at Leeds 
University. Amanda is a Fellow of the 
Institute of Chartered Secretaries.

71

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTManagement Team

Bill Winters, CBE (58) 
Group Chief Executive

Andy Halford (60)
Group Chief Financial Officer

Tracy Clarke (53) 
Regional CEO, Europe & Americas 
and CEO, Private Bank

Appointed: Tracy was appointed 
CEO, Europe and Americas in 
October 2015, and assumed her 
additional role of CEO Private Bank  
in March 2018. Tracy is a member  
of the Court of Standard Chartered 
Bank.

Career: Tracy joined Standard 
Chartered in 1985 and has held a 
number of roles in Retail, Commercial 
and Corporate Banking, in addition to 

Group functions, both in the UK and 
in Hong Kong. From 2013 to 2015, 
Tracy led a broad portfolio, including 
Legal and Compliance, Human 
Resources, Corporate Affairs and 
Brand and Marketing. In her role as 
CEO Europe and Americas, she is 
responsible for the Corporate & 
Institutional Banking, Private and 
Retail Banking businesses in the US, 
Latin America, UK, Jersey, Germany, 
France, Nordics and Turkey. 

Tracy was previously an independent 
non-executive director of Sky plc and 
stepped down as an independent 
non-executive director of Inmarsat 
plc in December 2019. 

External appointments: Tracy sits 
on the board of England Netball and 
is also a director of TheCityUK.

Simon Cooper (52)
CEO, Corporate, Commercial & 
Institutional Banking

Appointed: Simon joined the Group 
as CEO, Corporate & Institutional 
Banking in April 2016 and assumed 
the additional responsibility for 
Commercial Banking in March 2018. 

Career: Simon was previously group 
managing director and chief 
executive of Global Commercial 
Banking at HSBC. He has extensive 
experience across our markets and 

client segments. Simon joined HSBC 
in 1989 and held a number of senior 
roles there, including deputy 
chairman and chief executive officer, 
Middle East and North Africa; chief 
executive officer, Korea; and head of 
Corporate and Investment Banking, 
Singapore. He has significant 
experience in the areas of corporate 
finance, corporate banking and 
transaction banking.

External appointments: Simon is a 
member of the advisory board of the 
Lee Kong Chian School of Business 
and a trustee of the Standard 
Chartered Foundation.

Benjamin Hung (55)
Regional CEO, Greater China & 
North Asia and CEO Retail 
Banking and Wealth Management

Appointed: Ben was appointed 
Regional CEO, Greater China & North 
Asia, on 1 October 2015, and CEO, 
Retail Banking on 30 November 
2017. He assumed his additional role 
as CEO Wealth Management in 
March 2018.

Career: Ben was previously CEO for 
the Greater China Region. He joined 
Standard Chartered in 1992 and has 
held a number of senior management 
positions spanning corporate, 

commercial and retail banking in the 
UK and Hong Kong. During 2008 to 
2014, he was the CEO of Standard 
Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd. 
Ben was previously a board member 
of the Hong Kong Airport Authority, 
the Hong Kong Hospital Authority 
and a Council Member of the Hong 
Kong University.

External appointments: Ben 
currently sits on the board of the 
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing 

Ltd. He is a member of the Hong 
Kong Chief Executive’s Council of 
Advisers on Innovation and Strategic 
Development. He also sits on the 
Exchange Fund Advisory Committee, 
the General Committee of the  
Hong Kong General Chamber  
of Commerce, and the HKUST 
Business School Advisory Council.

72

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportManagement TeamJudy Hsu (56)
Regional CEO, ASEAN &  
South Asia

Sunil Kaushal (54) 
Regional CEO, Africa & 
Middle East

David Fein (59) 
Group General Counsel

Appointed: Judy was appointed 
Regional CEO, ASEAN & South Asia 
on 1 June 2018.

Career: Judy was the country CEO 
for Standard Chartered Singapore 
from 2015 to 2018. She joined 
Standard Chartered in December 
2009 as the Global Head of Wealth 
Management and led the strategic 
advancement of the Bank’s wealth 
management business. Prior to this, 
Judy spent 18 years at Citibank. 
where she held various leadership 

Appointed: Sunil was appointed 
Regional CEO, Africa & Middle East 
on 1 October 2015. 

Career: Sunil has over 30 years  
of banking experience in diverse 
markets and has been with Standard 
Chartered for over 21 years, holding 
senior roles across the Wholesale 
and Consumer Bank. Sunil has rich 
experience across the Group’s 
footprint, having served as the Head 
of Corporate Banking in UAE, Head 

roles in its Consumer Banking 
business in Asia. Her last role at 
Citibank was Regional Head of  
Retail Bank for Asia Pacific and 
Country Head for International 
Personal Banking, Singapore. 

External appointments: Judy is a 
member of the Institute of Banking 
and Finance Council and sits on  
the Statutory Board of Workforce 
Singapore and the Board of Urban 
Redevelopment Authority, Singapore.

of Originations and Client Coverage 
in Singapore, Global Head Small  
and Medium Enterprises and New 
Ventures in Singapore and Chief 
Executive Officer of Standard 
Chartered Bank (Taiwan) Ltd.  
Before joining Standard Chartered  
in 1998, Sunil held various banking 
positions at a number of leading 
international financial institutions.

External appointments: None.

Appointed: David joined the Group 
in September 2013 as Group General 
Counsel, advising the Board and  
the Court of the Bank on all material 
legal matters. He oversees Standard 
Chartered’s Legal function, Group 
Corporate Secretariat and Shared 
Investigative Services. 

Career: David has held various 
senior roles in the US Government, 
including as US Attorney for the 
District of Connecticut and as 
Associate Counsel to the President. 
He has extensive experience fighting 
financial crime and a track record  
of forming and supporting public- 
private partnerships.

Dr Michael Gorriz (60) 
Group Chief Information Officer

Appointed: Michael joined Standard 
Chartered as Group Chief Information 
Officer in July 2015.

within the Daimler group, and spent 
many years working across Standard 
Chartered’s footprint.

External appointments: None.

Career: An industry award winner, 
Michael joined from Daimler AG, 
where he was vice president and  
CIO with responsibility for the smooth 
operation of all Daimler systems  
and the management of IT projects 
globally. He held various CIO roles 

External appointments: David is 
Vice Chair of the United for Wildlife 
Financial Taskforce, a trustee of the 
Standard Chartered Foundation and 
a member of the board of directors  
of Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

73

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTManagement Team continued

Tanuj Kapilashrami (42)
Group Head, HR

Appointed: Tanuj joined the 
Management Team as Group Head, 
HR in November 2018. She joined 
the Bank in March 2017 as Group 
Head, Talent, Learning and Culture, 
and took on additional responsibility 
as Global Head HR, Corporate, 
Commercial and Institutional Banking 
in May 2018.

Career: Prior to joining the Group, 
Tanuj built her career at HSBC.  
She has worked across multiple HR 
disciplines in many of our footprint 
markets (Hong Kong, Singapore, 
Dubai, India and London).

External appointments: Tanuj is  
a member of the Asia House board  
of trustees, of which Standard 
Chartered is a founding stakeholder. 

Asia House is a London-based 
centre of expertise on trade, 
investment and public policy  
whose mission it is to drive political, 
economic and commercial 
engagement between Asia  
and Europe.

Tracey McDermott, CBE (50) 
Group Head, Corporate Affairs, 
Brand & Marketing, Conduct, 
Financial Crime and Compliance

Mark Smith (58)
Group Chief Risk Officer

David Whiteing (51)
Group Chief Operating Officer 

Appointed: Tracey joined as  
Group Head, Corporate, Public and 
Regulatory Affairs in March 2017.  
She has subsequently expanded  
her portfolio to take on Brand & 
Marketing and Conduct, Financial 
Crime and Compliance.

Career: Prior to joining Standard 
Chartered, Tracey served as Acting 
Chief Executive of the Financial 
Conduct Authority (FCA) from 
September 2015 to June 2016.  
She joined the then Financial 
Services Authority (FSA) in 2001, 

where she held a number of  
senior roles, including: Director of 
Supervision and Authorisations, and 
Director of Enforcement and Financial 
Crime. Tracey also served as a Board 
Member of the FSA from April 2013, 
as a member of the Financial Policy 
Committee of the Bank of England, 
and as non-executive director of the 
Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) 
from September 2015 to June 2016. 
Prior to joining the FCA, Tracey 
worked as a lawyer in private 
practice, having spent time in law 
firms in the UK, USA and Brussels.  

In 2016, Tracey received a CBE for 
her services to financial service 
consumers and markets.

External appointments: Tracey  
is a board member of UK Finance;  
a member of the International 
Regulatory Strategy Group (IRSG) 
Council; an Honorary Professor  
at the Centre for Commercial Law 
Studies, Queen Mary University  
of London; and a trustee of the 
Standard Chartered Foundation.

Appointed: Mark was appointed 
Group Chief Risk Officer in January 
2016. Mark is responsible for 
managing Credit, Market and 
Operational Risk across the Group, 
and ensuring the broader risk 
framework is effective. Mark is a 
member of the Court of Standard 
Chartered Bank.

Career: Before joining Standard 
Chartered, Mark was the chief risk 
officer Europe, Middle East and 
Africa and global head, Wholesale 
Credit and Traded Risk for HSBC.  
He had a long and successful career 
at HSBC, having joined Midland  
Bank as a graduate trainee prior to  
its acquisition by HSBC. Other roles 

at HSBC included chief operating 
officer, Global Corporate & 
Institutional Banking. He has  
worked in London and Hong Kong.

External appointments: Mark  
was appointed chair of the 
International Financial Risk  
Institute in January 2020.

Appointed: David joined Standard 
Chartered as Group Chief Operating 
Officer in September 2018.

Career: David joined Standard 
Chartered from the Commonwealth 
Bank of Australia, where he was the 
Group CIO, responsible for all of the 
technology and operations teams  
of the Group and for delivering the 
Group’s strategic pillar of ‘world 
leading application of operations  

and technology.’ He is a highly 
experienced executive with a  
track record of delivering cultural 
transformation in Australia and 
overseas. Prior to joining the CBA 
Group in 2013, David was Vice 
President of Enterprise Systems  
at BP in the UK. He is a former 
Accenture technology and  
operations partner with extensive 
transformation experience.

External appointments: David is 
an independent director of Silicon 
Quantum Computing Ltd.

74

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportManagement TeamCorporate governance

Composition of the Board and 
independence of Directors

The Chairman is committed to ensuring the 
overall effectiveness of the Board and that it 
achieves the appropriate composition and 
balance of directors. The Board comprises  
a majority of independent non-executive 
directors; the biographies for each director 
can be found on pages 69 to 71. Details  
of the Governance and Nomination 
Committee’s work on Board composition is 
set out on pages 101 to 104. In determining 
the independence of a non-executive 
director, the Board considers each  
individual against the criteria set out in the  

Board and committee structure

Standard Chartered PLC
The Board is collectively responsible for the 
long-term success of the Group and for ensuring 
leadership within a framework of effective 
controls. The Board sets the strategic direction  
of the Group, approves the strategy and takes  
the appropriate action to ensure that the Group  
is suitably resourced to achieve its strategic 
aspirations. The Board considers the impact of  
its decisions and its responsibilities to all of the 
Group’s stakeholders, including the Group’s 
employees, shareholders, regulators, clients, 
suppliers, the environment and the communities 
in which it operates.

UK Corporate Governance Code, the Hong 
Kong Listing Rules and also considers their 
contribution and conduct at Board meetings, 
including how they demonstrate objective 
judgement and independent thinking. 

The Board considers all of the non-executive 
directors to be independent of Standard 
Chartered, and has concluded that there  
are no relationships or circumstances likely  
to impair any individual non-executive 
director’s judgement.

Two of the more long-standing Board 
members stepped down on 23 February 
2019. Dr Han Seung-soo retired from the 

Board having served as an independent 
non-executive director for nine years and Om 
Bhatt after serving on the Board for six years. 

Two new independent non-executive 
directors, Carlson Tong and David Tang,  
both with significant experience of operating 
across the Greater China, North Asia region, 
were appointed to the Board on 21 February 
2019 and 12 June 2019 respectively. As is 
good practice, directors stand for (re)election 
by shareholders at the Group’s Annual 
General Meetings (AGM) with the support  
of the Board.

Audit Committee
Oversight and review of financial, audit, internal financial control and  
non-financial crime issues. 

Board Risk Committee
Oversight and review of principal risks, including credit, country, traded,  
capital and liquidity, operational, reputational, compliance, conduct,  
information and cyber security, financial crime and model risks.

Brand, Values and Conduct Committee
Oversight of the Group’s brand, culture, valued behaviours, conduct,  
government and regulatory relations, sustainability priorities and processes  
for managing reputational risk and workforce engagement. 

Governance and Nomination Committee
Oversight and review of the Board and executive succession, overall  
Board effectiveness and corporate governance issues. 

Board Financial Crime Risk Committee
Oversight and review of all financial crime compliance matters. 

Read more  
on page 86

Read more  
on page 92

Read more  
on page 98

Read more  
on page 101

Read more  
on page 105

Remuneration Committee
Oversight and review of remuneration, share plans and other incentives. 

Read more  
on page 108

Group Chief Executive
Responsible for the management of all aspects of 
the Group’s businesses, developing the strategy 
in conjunction with the Chairman and the Board, 
and leading its implementation.

Management Team
The Management Team comprises the Group Chief Executive and the 
Group Chief Financial Officer; four regional CEOs; client segment CEOs; 
and our global function heads. It has responsibility for executing the 
strategy. Details of the Group’s Management Team can be found on  
pages 72 to 74.

The full schedule of matters reserved for the Board’s decision, along with written  
terms of reference for the Board’s committees, can be viewed at sc.com/termsofreference

Board decisions, responsibilities 
and delegation of authorities 

The Board discharges some of its 
responsibilities directly and delegates certain 
other responsibilities to its committees  
to assist it in carrying out its function of 
ensuring effective independent oversight  
and stewardship. Details of the significant 
topics discussed and considered by the 
committees in 2019 can be found in this 
report. The Board also delegates authority for 
the operational management of the Group’s 
business to the Group Chief Executive  

for further delegation by him in respect of 
matters that are necessary for the effective 
day-to-day running and management of the 
business. The Board holds the Group Chief 
Executive accountable in discharging his 
delegated responsibilities.

A clear schedule of matters reserved for  
the Board and terms of reference for each  
of its committees are in place to provide 
clarity over where responsibility for decision-
making lies. These are reviewed annually 
against industry best practice and corporate 
governance provisions and guidance, 

including the Prudential Regulation  
Authority’s (PRA) Supervisory Statement  
on Board Responsibilities.

With the exception of the Governance and 
Nomination Committee (where the Group 
Chairman is its Chair) and the Board Financial 
Crime Risk Committee (where two external 
advisers are members) all of the Board 
committees are comprised of independent 
non-executive directors who bring a diversity 
of skills, experience and knowledge to the 
discussion, and play an important role in 
supporting the Board. 

75

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORT  Board composition, roles and attendance in 2019

Attendance

AGM

Scheduled Ad hoc

Responsibilities

Group Chairman
J Viñals

8/8

1/1

Deputy Chairman
N Kheraj 

8/8

1/1

Senior Independent Director*
C M Hodgson, CBE

8/8

1/1

Responsible for leading the Board, the development of the Group’s culture  
and ensuring the Board’s effectiveness in all aspects of its role. Promotes  
high standards of integrity and governance across the Group, and ensures  
effective communication between the Board, management, shareholders  
and wider stakeholders.

Provides support and guidance to the Chairman as required and, in coordination 
with the Chairman, acts as an ambassador for the Board and Group in its 
relationships with governments, regulators, employees, and clients. Deputises  
for the Chairman at Board, general shareholder, or other meetings when the 
Chairman is unable to attend.

Provides a sounding board for the Chairman and discusses concerns that are 
unable to be resolved through the normal channels or where such contact would 
be inappropriate with shareholders and other stakeholders. Chairs the Governance 
and Nomination Committee when considering succession of the Chairman.

Executive directors

Group Chief Executive
W T Winters, CBE

Group Chief Financial Officer
A N Halford

Independent non‑executive 
directors

L Cheung

D P Conner

B E Grote

G Huey Evans, OBE

N Okonjo-Iweala

D Tang (appointed to the Board on  
12 June 2019)

C Tong (appointed to the Board on  
21 February 2019)

J M Whitbread

O P Bhatt1 (stepped down from the Board  
on 23 February 2019)

n/a

8/8

1/1

Responsible for the management of all aspects of the Group’s businesses, 
developing the strategy in conjunction with the Chairman and the Board and 
leading its implementation.

8/8

1/1

Responsible for Finance, Corporate Treasury, Strategy, Group Corporate 
Development, Group Investor Relations, Property and Supply Chain 
Management functions.

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

4/4

n/a

8/8

1/1

8/8

1/1

0/1

n/a

Provides an independent perspective, constructive challenge and monitors the 
performance and delivery of the strategy within the risk appetite and controls set  
by the Board.

Dr Han Seung-soo, KBE (stepped  
down from the Board on 23 February 2019)

n/a

1/1

n/a

*  As Senior Independent Director, Christine Hodgson is available to shareholders if they have concerns for which the normal channels would be inappropriate. She may be contacted via 

the Group Company Secretary at 1 Basinghall Avenue, London EC2V 5DD

1  Om Bhatt was unable to attend the Board meeting held on 22 February 2019 due to other business commitments

In 2019, the Group held one general meeting, our Annual General Meeting, on 8 May, which was attended by all of the directors. All directors were proposed for annual (re)election and all 
were successfully (re)elected.

The roles of the Group Chairman and Group Chief Executive are adequately distinct from one another and are  
clearly defined in detailed role descriptions which can be viewed at sc.com/roledescriptions

76

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Board meetings – operations and focus

To enable the Board to use its time most 
effectively and efficiently, supported by the 
Group Company Secretary, it maintains a 
scheduled programme of meetings and a 
rolling agenda. There is sufficient flexibility  
in the programme for specific items to be 
added to any particular agenda to ensure  
that the Board can focus on the key matters 
at the appropriate time. The Board also 
schedules a number of informal sessions  
and interactions, which allows Board 
members to discuss areas of the business, 
strategy and the external environment with 
members of the Management Team and/or 
external advisers. 

Generally, members of the Management 
Team and other senior executives are  
invited to attend part of the meetings to 
ensure effective interaction with the Board. 
During the year, the Chairman met privately 
with the Senior Independent Director and  
the independent non-executive directors  
on a number of occasions to assess their 
views and discuss matters arising.

Performance against delivery of the agreed 
key financial priorities is reviewed at every 
meeting, with particular reference to the 
detailed Group management accounts.  
The Group Chief Executive and Group  
Chief Financial Officer comment on current 
trading, business performance, the market, 
employees and relevant stakeholders, and 
regulatory and external developments at 
each meeting, and present comparative data 
and client insight. In addition, the Group Chief 
Risk Officer periodically attends meetings to 
update the Board on key risks.

Sir Iain Lobban, who is engaged by the Board 
to act as an independent adviser to the 
Board and its committees on cyber security 
and cyber threat management, attended a 
number of Board and committee meetings to 
provide an independent and current view on 
the Group’s progress in this area. The Board 
continues to find Sir Iain’s input challenging 
and practical. In 2019, Sir Iain Lobban’s 
appointment was renewed for a further 
12-month term.

To the extent applicable, information required by paragraphs 13(2)(c), (d), (f), (h) and (i) of Schedule 7 of the  
Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 is available in  
Other disclosures on pages 138 to 144

Code compliance

The UK Corporate Governance Code 
2018 (the Code) and the Hong Kong 
Corporate Governance Code contained 
in Appendix 14 of the Hong Kong Listing 
Rules (the HK Code) are the standards 
against which we measured ourselves  
in 2019. 

The directors are pleased to confirm that 
Standard Chartered PLC (the Company) 
complied with all of the provisions set 
out in the Code and the HK Code for  
the year under review. 

Throughout this corporate governance 
report, we have provided insight into 
how governance operates within the 
Group and how we have applied the 
principles set out in the Code and the 
HK Code.

The Group confirms that it has  
adopted a code of conduct regarding 
directors’ securities transactions on 
terms no less exacting than required by 
Appendix 10 of the Hong Kong Listing 
Rules. Having made specific enquiry of 
all directors, the Group confirms that  
all directors have complied with the 
required standards of the adopted  
code of conduct.

Copies of the Code and the Hong Kong  
Corporate Governance Code can be found  
at frc.org.uk and hkex.com.hk respectively

Board activities during 2019

In 2019, the Board held eight scheduled meetings and one ad hoc meeting, three of which were held outside the UK in Shanghai, Frankfurt  
and Singapore.

S

H

A

N
G
H

AI

F

R

A

N

K
F
U

RT

February

March

April

May

June

2019

January

A

D

H
O
C

A
G
M

S

I

N

G

A
P
O

R

E

July

August

September

October

November

December

77

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORT 
Areas of Board discussion during 2019

 ¼ Discussed progress of the costs and 
investment initiatives and programmes

 ¼ Reviewed and scrutinised the strategic and 
operational performance of the business 
across client segments, product groups  
and regions, which included details of their 
priorities, progress and opportunities 
 ¼ Received an update on the Group’s 

three-year Information and Cyber Security 
strategy

 ¼ Approved the sale of the Group’s stake in an 

Indonesian Bank

 ¼ Received an update on progress in  
executing the strategy in the Africa &  
Middle East region, including key 
developments and strategic priorities
 ¼ Monitored the progress executing the 

Group’s Technology strategy 

 ¼ Reviewed potential scenarios and the 

Group’s strategic considerations in light  
of the US-China trade tensions 

 ¼ Received an update on the ASEAN and 

South Asia region, including a focus on the 
Singapore strategy

 ¼ Received the refreshed strategic priorities for 

the Private Bank 

 ¼ Discussed and approved the proposed 

end-state regional hub entity structure and 
revised governance arrangements 

 ¼ Monitored and assessed the strength of the 

Group’s capital and liquidity positions

Risk management 
 ¼ Received regular risk reports from the Group 

Chief Risk Officer 

 ¼ Approved material changes to the Enterprise 
Risk Management Framework arising from 
the 2019 review 

 ¼ Received an Information and Cyber Security 

risk and delivery status update

 ¼ Considered Management’s response to the 

FCA’s 2019 Firm Evaluation Letter 

 ¼ Assessed the findings of the 2018 Bank of 
England Intelligence-led stress testing and 
the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s 
Intelligence-led Cyber Attack Security  
Testing reports

 ¼ Received an update on the Group’s 

Information and Cyber Security risk profile 
and a progress update on the transformation 
and remediation programme 

 ¼ Approved the renewal of the Group’s 

insurance policies for 2019/20 

 ¼ Engaged with the PRA on the findings of the 

2018 Periodic Summary Meeting Letter
 ¼ Approved the risk appetite validation of the 

2020 Corporate Plan

Details of some of the Board’s key areas 
of focus through 2019 are set out below. 
Some of these items were considered 
at each meeting and others reviewed 
periodically throughout the year. The directors 
are mindful of their statutory duties and 
obligations as directors and receive training 
on their responsibilities as part of their 
induction and on an annual basis. 

The Board spends a significant amount of 
time engaging with its relevant stakeholders, 
including: employees; clients; investors; 
regulators; governments; and non-
governmental organisations, to better 
understand their views and perspectives.  
The directors recognise the benefit in having 
open dialogue with its stakeholders and  
the need to foster these stakeholder 
relationships. During the year, the Board’s 
discussions considered the impact on 
relevant stakeholders; some examples of 
how the Board considered their interests  
and the matters set out in section 172 of  
the Companies Act 2006, can be found in 
the Section 172 disclosure on page 43. 

The Board will continue to enhance the 
mechanism for ensuring that the Group’s 
stakeholders are given due regard and 
consideration as part of the Board’s 
decision making. 

Group strategy
 ¼ Reviewed and approved the five-year 

corporate plan, as a basis for preparation  
of the 2020 budget, receiving confirmation 
from the Group Chief Risk Officer that  
the plan is aligned to the Enterprise Risk 
Management Framework and the Group  
Risk Appetite Statement 

 ¼ Received regular corporate development 

updates 

 ¼ Received an update on the Greater China 
and North Asia region, including an update 
on its performance and priorities and the 
China strategy

 ¼ Received an update on the progress of the 
Operations strategy, including the focus on 
the client-led operations transformation 
 ¼ Received an update on progress against  

the Group’s Retail Banking strategy 
 ¼ Received an update on the Corporate & 
Institutional Banking and Commercial 
Banking businesses, including progress 
against the strategic priorities, revenue,  
risk and control structure 

 ¼ Received an update on the priorities and 

progress against the strategy and Corporate 
Plan in Europe and Americas, including a 
focus on the strategic opportunities and 
initiatives in Continental Europe 

 ¼ Monitored the progress made in executing 

the refreshed strategic priorities and financial 
commitments 

Budget and performance oversight 
 ¼ Approved the Group’s 2020 budget
 ¼ Monitored the Group’s financial performance
 ¼ Approved the full year and half year results, 

and considered the key internal and external 
factors in determining payment of a final and 
interim dividend

 ¼ Approved a formulaic interim dividend policy
 ¼ Discussed the Group’s excess capital  

return strategy

 ¼ Approved the launch of a $1 billion share  

buy-back programme 

 ¼ Approved the re-capitalisation of certain 

entities within the Principal Finance business 
 ¼ Received bi-annual updates on the Group’s 

investment portfolio for 2019 

 ¼ Monitored the Group’s Competitor and 

Market position and performance for the  
full year 2018

 ¼ Noted management’s presentations to the 
Bank of England in respect of the 2019 
Cyclical Scenario stress test submission

 ¼ Approved changes to the basis of the 
Group’s internal and external financial 
reporting from 2021 

People, culture and values
 ¼ Approved the Group’s 2018 Modern  

Slavery Statement

 ¼ Discussed the findings from the Group’s 
global employee engagement MyVoice 
survey 

 ¼ Received an update on Management Team 
succession planning and an overview of the 
refreshed People Strategy 

 ¼ Approved the share plan and principles for 

use within SC Ventures

 ¼ Received an update on productivity tracking, 
recent productivity performance and the 
strategic roadmap for improving productivity
 ¼ Received a report updating on the Group’s 

Speaking Up Programme 

 ¼ Discussed progress in delivering the Group’s 

Sustainability Strategy 

External environment
 ¼ Received an update on the macroeconomic 

headwinds and tailwinds in the global 
economy, including an assessment of their 
impact on the key drivers of the Group’s 
financial performance 

 ¼ Received an update on how the Group was 

responding to climate change and the 
physical and transition risks it presented 
across the Group’s footprint 

 ¼ Received internal and external briefings, 
training and input across a range of  
topics, including:
–  Discussion of the observations from  
the externally conducted Investor 
Perception Study 

–  Discussion with the Chair of the Group’s 

International Advisory Council 

–  Discussion of the key risks relating to the 
US-China trade tensions, Hong Kong 
social unrest and Brexit

–  Managing Risk from Climate Change 

training 

78

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governanceAreas of Board discussion during 2019 continued

Governance 
 ¼ Approved the appointments of Carlson Tong 
and David Tang on recommendation from the 
Governance and Nomination Committee 
 ¼ Received reports at each of the meetings 

from the Board Committee Chairs on each  
of their key areas of focus

 ¼ Reviewed and approved the Board Diversity 

Policy 

 ¼ Approved the re-appointment of Sir Iain 

Lobban as an independent external adviser 
on cyber security and cyber threat 
management

 ¼ Approved the appointment of a new Group 

Company Secretary 

 ¼ Approved changes to the Group Delegated 

Authorities Manual to support changes to the 
Group structure 

 ¼ Noted the observations and themes arising 

from the 2018 Board and Committee 
effectiveness review and approved the 
Board’s 2019 Action Plan

 ¼ Received an update on themes arising from 

its engagement with the workforce
 ¼ Commissioned an external Board 

effectiveness review (further details can be 
found on page 84)

 ¼ Held its second global subsidiary governance 

conference 

Shareholder and stakeholder 
engagement
 ¼ Approved the resolution of legacy sanctions 
compliance and financial crime controls 
investigations in the US and the UK

 ¼ Engaged with investors, held meetings with 
brokers, discussed the views of institutional 
shareholders and responded to retail 
shareholders’ questions at the 2019 Annual 
General Meeting 

 ¼ Engaged extensively with stakeholders, 

including clients, investors, regulators and 
employees following the 2019 AGM vote on 
the Remuneration Policy

 ¼ Commissioned an Independent Shareholder 

Perception Survey

 ¼ Received an overview of the Group’s 

three-year plan for developing the brand  
and the corporate narrative

 ¼ Participation by Board members in 

community engagement activities and 
projects

 ¼ Received bi-annual updates from Investor 

Relations, including share price and valuation 
analysis, market engagement and ownership 
analysis, and sell side sentiment

Considering stakeholder perspectives 

Our communities’ perspective 
and the environment 

 ¼ Positive social and economic 

contributions 

 ¼ Strong community outreach  
and sustainability programme

Our employees’ 
perspective

 ¼ Fair and competitive 

performance 
management and 
remuneration 

 ¼ Engaged and diverse 

workforce

Our suppliers’ perspective 

 ¼ Open, transparent and 

consistent tender process

 ¼ Willingness to adopt supplier 

driven innovations 

Driving 
commerce  
and prosperity 
through  
our unique 
diversity

 ¼ Received an update on the Group’s new 

global community initiative, Futuremakers  
by Standard Chartered, including the 
establishment of the Standard Chartered 
Foundation 

 ¼ Approved certain actions with respect to  
the Group’s Indian Depository Receipt 
programme

 ¼ Endorsed the statement setting out the views 

received from shareholders and actions 
taken in relation to executive remuneration

For a detailed overview of our strategy,  
see pages 19 to 21

Our clients’ perspective 

 ¼ Differentiated products,  

preferred bank

 ¼ Digitally enabled and  
positive experience

Our regulators’ 
perspective

 ¼ Robust capital base/

strong liquidity position

 ¼ Standards for conduct

Our shareholders’ 
perspective

 ¼ Strong performance 

 ¼ Increased income, profit 
and return on investment

Examples of how the Board considered stakeholder perspectives in some principal decisions during the year are provided on pages 43 to 49

79

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORT 
STAKEHOLDER  ENGAGEMENT

Engaging with our employees, 
clients, shareholders and 
regulators across our markets

Frankfurt, Germany 

The Board marked the opening of the 
Group’s new Frankfurt office with an event 
attended by clients, employees and other 
stakeholders. A number of engagement 
sessions also provided members of the 
Board with the opportunity to engage 
informally with employees. The Board 
also held discussions with the German 
Regulator, BaFin. 

The Board recognises the importance of visiting our markets to gain  
a deeper understanding of the opportunities and the risks facing the 
business, as well as testing the execution of the Group’s strategic 
priorities across our markets. It also provides the independent 
non-executive directors with opportunities to engage directly with  
a wide range of stakeholders. This on-the-ground access to, and 
dialogue with, clients, employees, investors and regulators continues 
to enhance the Board’s understanding of the changing nature of  
the business and the industry, and provides insight from a range  
of stakeholders across the Group’s diverse markets. 

In addition, our independent non-executive directors also made a 
significant number of visits to our markets independently, either as 
they travel through our footprint or by participating in more formal 
organised programmes, before or after overseas Board meetings. 
This range of visits enables the independent non-executive directors 
to reach more of the Group’s footprint and provide a deeper 
understanding of the business, our stakeholders and the market 
environment within which they operate. 

During 2019, the Group Chairman, our independent non-executive 
directors and the external adviser members to the Board Financial 
Crime Risk Committee collectively made 72 visits across our  
markets, which included three overseas Board meeting programmes, 
held in Shanghai, Frankfurt and Singapore. This map details  
the range of locations visited and some of the stakeholder 
engagement undertaken. 

Singapore 

The Board hosted a global 
subsidiary governance 
conference while in Singapore 
(more details on this can be 
found on page 82). Members of 
the Board received an interactive 
session on the client journey and 
collectively met with a range of 
local clients, employees and the 
Singapore Regulator, MAS.

Shanghai, China 

The Board met with a number of 
major clients and shareholders, and 
took the opportunity to meet with 
senior members of SCB China 
management. Members of the  
Board also engaged directly with 
some high-performing employees  
at a ‘Talent Townhall’. 

Europe & Americas  

Visits 

Africa & Middle East  

Visits 

Greater China & North Asia  Visits 

ASEAN & South Asia  

Visits 

Warsaw, Poland 

Washington DC, US 

New York, US 

Paris, France 

Frankfurt, Germany 

Dublin, Ireland 

 3

1

3

2

13

3

Dubai, UAE 

Abu Dhabi, UAE 

Nairobi, Kenya 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 

Cairo, Egypt 

Kampala, Uganda 

2

1

3

1 

1

1

Shanghai, China 

 11

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia  

Hong Kong 

Tokyo, Japan  

Tianjin, China 

Hangzhou, China 

Mumbai, India  

Singapore  

Bangalore, India 

2

 1

1

4

3 

1

14

1

80

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engaging with investors

Our approach 
We aim to deliver robust returns and 
long-term sustainable value for our 
shareholders. Trusted and open relationships 
with our investors are important to us, and  
we believe they are strengthened by ensuring 
we consistently and openly seek feedback. 

The Chairman and other Board directors 
maintain direct contact with investors and 
advisory voting bodies, and receive regular 
updates from the Investor Relations team, 
including reports on market and investor 
sentiment. 

During the year, we maintained a 
comprehensive programme of engagement 
with investors and other key stakeholders, 
including investor advisory bodies and credit 
rating agencies, and provided updates on 
progress made to transform our business for 
improved returns. 

José Viñals and other independent non-
executive directors engaged directly with 
shareholders, including at the 2019 Annual 
General Meeting (AGM), and José hosted an 
open forum that several large existing and 
potential shareholders attended. In addition, 
Christine Hodgson, Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee, continued to 
discuss with and collect feedback from 
shareholders on remuneration matters. 

The Board commissioned an external 
independent investor perception study  
which was delivered in the middle of the  
year. The study provided many useful and 
actionable insights from 23 of the Group’s 
largest shareholders, who collectively own  
or manage around 56 per cent of our issued 
share capital. 

Bill Winters and Andy Halford are the primary 
spokespeople for the Group. Throughout  
the year they engaged extensively with 
existing shareholders and potential new 
investors during individual or group  
meetings, and on roadshows and investor 
conferences. In addition, each member of the 
Management Team responsible for a client 
segment or a geographic region, as well as 

the Group Treasurer, met with investors  
to promote greater awareness and 
understanding of the strategy in their 
respective areas, as well as taking the 
opportunity to receive investor feedback  
first hand.

Institutional shareholders 
The Group maintains a diverse, high-quality 
and predominantly institutional shareholder 
base. The Investor Relations team has 
primary responsibility for managing day-to-
day communications with these shareholders 
and provides support to the Group 
Chairman, Group Chief Executive, Group 
Chief Financial Officer, other Board members 
and senior management in conducting a 
comprehensive engagement programme.

The Remuneration Committee Chair led 
detailed engagement with shareholders  
and other stakeholders following feedback 
received during the Remuneration policy 
engagement process and further to the 
guidance on executive pensions published  
by the Investment Association at the end  
of September 2019. The strength of 
stakeholders’ views on executive pensions 
was carefully considered and balanced with 
the principles applied to the wider workforce. 
Further detail on the decision and changes 
implemented can be found in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on page 108.

All presentation material and webcast transcripts are 
made available on the Group’s website and can be 
viewed at sc.com/investors

Retail shareholders 
The Group Company Secretary oversees 
communication with our retail shareholders. 
The AGM was held on 8 May 2019 and 
provided an opportunity for the Board to 
meet with our retail shareholders and 
representatives to listen to their views and 
respond to their questions. The meeting was 
well attended and all of the resolutions were 
passed with shareholder support, ranging 
from 63.8 to 100 per cent.

Following the result of the Remuneration 
Policy vote tabled at the 2019 AGM, which 
received shareholder dissent of more than  
20 per cent, the Company was included on 
the Investment Association’s Public Register. 
In response to shareholder concerns, the 
Company, led by the Remuneration 
Committee Chair, spent a significant amount 
of time engaging with shareholders, to  
further understand their views and concerns. 
The engagement was wide ranging and 
represented approximately 60 per cent of  
our issued share capital. The Investment 
Association, which represents over 250 UK 
investment management firms, were also 
approached as were other major shareholder 
advisory bodies; and other smaller 
shareholders who also provided feedback. 

Further details of the key concerns raised  
and the actions taken to address these are 
set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report 
on page 108.

The results of the voting on each resolution at the 
2019 AGM can be viewed at sc.com/investors

Debt investors 
Our Treasury team has primary responsibility 
for managing the Group’s relationships with 
debt investors and the three major rating 
agencies, with market chief executives and 
chief financial officers leading on most 
subsidiary ratings. In 2019, management met 
with debt investors across Europe, North 
America and Asia, and maintained a regular 
dialogue with rating agencies. It is important 
that the Group, as an active issuer of senior 
unsecured and non-equity capital, maintains 
regular contact with debt investors to ensure 
continued appetite for the Group’s credit.  
The Group’s credit ratings are a key part  
of the external perception of our financial 
strength and creditworthiness.

Further information can be viewed at  
sc.com/investors 

Engaging with Investors: what we did during 2019

February
2018  
Full year  
results

March
Conferences  
and 
roadshows

April
2019 First 
Quarter 
Results

May
AGM
Financial 
Markets 
investor 
seminar

A
G
M

June
Conferences  
and 
roadshows

August
2019  
Half year  
results

September
Conferences 
and 
roadshows

October
2019 Third 
Quarter 
Results

November
Africa & Middle 
East region 
investor 
seminar, 
roadshows

81

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTEngaging with employees

The Board values the opportunity to meet 
with employees and the wider workforce, and 
understands the importance of the business 
having a firm understanding of their views, 
ideas and concerns. The Board is also 
acutely aware of the role it has in maintaining 
a genuine and open two-way dialogue  
with employees. The Board took every 
opportunity to meet with employees, either 
collectively or individually when making 
market visits during 2019, helping to gain  
a genuine understanding of the issues on  
the ground. 

The Board agreed to adopt an alternate 
approach to the workforce engagement 
methods set out in the UK Corporate 
Governance Code. The primary reason for 
taking a different approach was that as a 
global organisation with more than 84,000 
employees across 59 diverse markets,  
it is vital that any Board engagement  
should gather unfiltered feedback which  
is representative of the whole workforce  
in order to be truly effective. 

A more formalised framework was put in 
place to supplement the channels which 
already exist, for the Board to understand  
the views of the workforce, which includes: 
the annual MyVoice Survey; the confidential 
Speak Up process; information reported from 
senior management on culture; disciplinaries 
and grievances data and themes; and direct 
engagement the Board has with employees 
as it travels around markets, collectively  
and individually. The key themes and action 
plans were reported to, and discussed by,  
the Brand, Values and Conduct Committee 
before being reported to the Board. 

In 2019, we experimented with the 
introduction of an additional method of direct 
engagement and two-way dialogue between 
the Board and our employees. In September, 
two interactive engagement sessions were 
held between employees and the Board.  
The first was a call, facilitated through 
interactive question and answer technology, 
allowing real time questions and comments 
to be posed and responded to. The second 
took the form of a ‘live online chat’ between 
our global workforce and the Board, using 
the Group’s intranet. Both sessions were  
well received by Board members and those 
employees who participated. Some of the 
themes explored in the sessions included:  
the future of banking; the Group’s strategy; 
change within the Group; cultural 
transformation; talent management;  
and diversity and inclusion. 

The Board was encouraged by the degree of 
interest employees had shown in engaging 
directly with Board members, and remains 
committed to evolving and refining this form 
of engagement to ensure they remain 
genuine interactions. The Governance and 
Nomination Committee conducted a review 
in early 2020 and agreed a number of 
proposals to further enhance our employee 
engagement programme and develop this  
for the year ahead.

Engaging with the Group’s 
subsidiaries 

The Board recognises the importance  
and benefit of creating and maintaining 
appropriate linkages with the Group’s 
subsidiaries. During the Board’s visit to 
Singapore in November, it held its second 
global subsidiary governance conference. 
This two-day event was attended by the 
Board and Management Team and the 
chairs and INEDs from across the Group’s 
diverse footprint. 

The conference presented the opportunity  
for the Board to strengthen its linkages with 
the Group’s subsidiary chairs and further 
enhance their understanding and delivery of 
the Group’s refreshed strategic priorities, as 
well as a range of other highly relevant topics. 
It also enabled the Board and Management 
Team to gain a better appreciation of some of 
the challenges and opportunities the Group 
faces across its subsidiary markets. Items 
discussed across the two days included: 

 ¼ Group strategy, financial performance  

and governance structure

 ¼ Regional CEOs strategy session

 ¼ Global developments in corporate 

governance

 ¼ Developments in fintech, new business 

models and capturing clients of the future

 ¼ Non-financial risks and outcomes of  

Group internal audits of information and 
cyber security

 ¼ Delivering a strong people and culture 

agenda in an international bank

 ¼ Embedding anti-money laundering 
standards in a dynamic market 
environment and the role of financial 
services in the illegal wildlife trade

In addition, the INEDs also spent time 
engaging with the subsidiaries on a range of 
matters through scheduled conference calls. 
The Audit Committee held a call hosted by 
the Audit Committee Chair and attended by 
the chairs of subsidiary audit committees. 
The Group Chairman, Group Head, Finance, 
Group Head of Internal Audit, Group Head, 
Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, 
Conduct, Financial Crime and Compliance, 
lead audit partner of the Group’s statutory 
auditor, and the Group Company Secretary 
also participated in the call.

In conjunction with the Chair of the Board 
Financial Crime Risk Committee, the Board 
Risk Committee Chair hosted its annual call 
with the chairs of the subsidiary Board risk 
committees and INEDs. The Group Chief 
Risk Officer, Group Head, Corporate Affairs, 
Brand & Marketing, Conduct, Financial Crime 
and Compliance, Co-Head of Financial Crime 
Compliance and the Group Company 
Secretary also participated in the call.

We are also introducing a number of formal 
reporting mechanisms to improve the 
linkages between Standard Chartered  
Bank Hong Kong, Standard Chartered  
Bank and the Standard Chartered PLC.

Global subsidiary governance conference attendees, Singapore

82

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governanceDirector induction 

Two new directors were appointed to the 
Board during 2019, Carlson Tong and David 
Tang. Both bring highly relevant skills and a 
breadth of knowledge relevant to the Board 
debate. David Tang has more than 25 years 
of international and Chinese operational 
experience in the technology and venture 
capital industries, and Carlson Tong has a 
significant accounting background along  
with a deep understanding and knowledge  
of operating in mainland China and  
within commercial and Hong Kong SAR 
statutory bodies.

On joining the Board, both Carlson Tong  
and David Tang undertook a wide-ranging 
and robust induction programme to ensure 
that they were well placed to make a  
positive contribution from the outset. While  
a proportion of the induction is relevant to  
all new Board members, the content of the 
programme is tailored to meet each director’s 
individual level of experience and expertise.  
In the case of both Carlson Tong and David 
Tang, a key element of the programme 
focused on ensuring they developed a 
detailed understanding of the UK regulatory 

and governance environment, including  
a comprehensive understanding of  
their statutory duties, obligations and 
responsibilities as directors of a commercial 
organisation in the UK, which included the 
Senior Managers Regime. 

The Group Corporate Secretariat is 
resourced to support the INEDs as they 
undertake their induction programmes.  
They are typically completed within the first 
six to nine months of an INED’s appointment. 

Ongoing development plans

Training and development of our directors  
is ongoing and does not end following their 
induction. Continuous development of our 
Board directors is crucial to maintaining a 
highly engaged, well-informed and effective 
Board. Mandatory learning and training are 
key elements of directors fit and proper 
assessments as mandated under the  
Senior Managers Regime. During the year,  
all directors received a combination of 
mandatory learning and training, internal and 
external briefings, presentations from guest 
speakers and papers on a range of topics to 
ensure the directors are well-informed and 

that the Board remains highly effective.  
The Committee members also received 
specific training relevant to the work of  
their Committee.

The directors’ formal ongoing training in 2019 
took the form of refresher training on statutory 
duties and responsibilities, with a particular 
focus on identifying and managing conflicts 
of interest; an update on regulatory and 
governance responsibilities and obligations; 
briefings on shareholders’ perception of the 
Board and its strategy; key risks relating to 
the US-China trade tensions, Hong Kong 
social unrest and Brexit; and training on 
managing the risks from climate change.  
The table below gives further detail on who 
received these briefings.

All of the directors have access to the advice 
of the Group Company Secretary, who 
provides support to the Board and is 
responsible for advising the Board on 
governance matters. Directors also have 
access to independent professional advice  
at the Group’s expense where they judge it 
necessary to discharge their responsibilities 
as directors. 

Directors’ induction and ongoing development during 2019

Directors’  
duties and 
regulatory 
updates

Visits to our 
markets and 
meetings  
with local 
management

Observations 
from the 
shareholder 
perception study2

Key risks relating 
to the US‑China 
trade tensions, 
Hong Kong  
social unrest  
and Brexit2

Managing Risk 
from Climate 
Change training2

Induction  
training1

J Viñals

W T Winters, CBE 

A N Halford

L Cheung

D P Conner

B E Grote

C M Hodgson, CBE

G Huey Evans, OBE

N Kheraj

N Okonjo-Iweala

D Tang

C Tong

J M Whitbread

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1  Applicable to directors who received induction training during 2019

2  These briefings took the form of a combination of presentations, Board dinners and discussions. Where a director was unable to attend a session, they received the update by the 

circulation of papers

	Director attended the session

	Director did not attend the session but received the accompanying material

83

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTBoard effectiveness

This year’s external evaluation of the Board 
was conducted in accordance with the 
UK Corporate Governance Code and the 
Prudential Regulation Authority’s (PRA) 
expectations. It was facilitated by Ffion Hague 
of Independent Board Evaluation (IBE). The 
Board’s six committees were also observed 
as part of the review. Neither Ffion Hague 
nor IBE has any other connection with the 
Company or any individual directors. This was 
the second external evaluation the Board has 
undertaken under the Chairmanship of José 
Viñals. In parallel to IBE’s review, the PRA also 
conducted its own effectiveness review of 
the Board and a number of committees, this 
took the form of: interviews with the Board, 
a selection of subsidiary Board members 
and members of the Management Team; 
observation of the September 2019 
meetings of the Board, Board Risk and 
Audit Committees and consideration of 
past Board papers and a review of the 
more static documentation provided. 

What were the key 
observations from the 
effectiveness review?

An insight into the key observations  
from IBE’s independent review are 
highlighted below:

 ¼ The Board has evolved considerably 
since the last external review in 2017, 
and there is a good level of diversity  
of thought and experience 

 ¼ Levels of commitment and engagement 
are high, with value being added by 
Board members. The culture of the 
Board is regarded as a strength

 ¼ The Board’s efforts to connect with 

high-potential employees, visiting key 
markets, and the level of engagement 
on issues such as fair pay, non-financial 
risk and purpose was well regarded 

Board effectiveness – external evaluation process, conducted by IBE

 ¼ While the Board is operating effectively, 

there remains scope for further 
improvement and recommendations 
were made in respect to Board planning 
of discussions; quality of papers to 
support Board challenge and better  
use of Board time; private sessions;  
and interaction with wider  
Management Team 

 ¼ The Board is regarded as well 

constructed and while the level of 
financial expertise is high, closer 
mapping of specific experience and skill 
sets through the succession planning 
process was also recommended

Jul/Sep/Nov 2019

Jul/Aug/Sep 2019

Oct/Nov 2019

Brief and Board observation

One‑to‑one interviews

Evaluation and report

A comprehensive brief was provided to the 
assessment team at IBE by the Chairman  
in July 2019 and the assessment team 
observed the Board and its committees in 
July, September and November. Access  
to Board and committee papers were 
provided under strict controls.

Detailed interviews were conducted with 
each Board member throughout July, 
August and September, as well as with  
a number of the Management Team, 
external advisers and the auditor. All 
participants were interviewed for 1.5 hours  
in accordance with a tailored agenda.

The report was compiled by the evaluation 
team in October and November, based  
on the information and views supplied by 
those interviewed and observations from  
the Board and committee meetings.

Dec 2019

Dec 2019

Feb 2020

Discussion with the Board and 
committee Chairs

The draft conclusions were discussed with 
the Chairman and subsequently with the 
wider Board in December 2019, at which 
Ffion Hague was present. Following the 
Board discussion, feedback was provided 
to each of the committee Chairs on the 
performance of each committee and the 
report on the Chairman’s performance was 
discussed with the Senior Independent 
Director. In addition, the Chairman received 
a report with feedback on each director. 

84

Shared findings with the PRA

Agreed action plans for 2020 

A summary of the findings was shared with 
the PRA.

The key observations were discussed by  
the Governance and Nomination Committee 
ahead of the Board and its committees 
finalising their 2020 action plans. 

The 2020 Board actions relate to the 
following areas:

Board papers; clarity of agendas between 
Standard Chartered PLC and its two hubs, 
Board challenge; and governance model 
and linkages between Standard Chartered 
PLC, its regional hubs and its subsidiaries.

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governanceGroup Chairman’s performance 

The Senior Independent Director, Christine 
Hodgson, spoke individually with and met the 
independent non-executive directors as a 
group privately without the Chairman present, 
to evaluate his performance, and consider 
the views of the executive directors. The 
feedback was collated, and consolidated 
feedback was discussed with José Viñals.

Directors’ performance 

Evaluation of individual director performance 
was carried out by the Chairman in 2019. 
For each of the independent non-executive 
directors, the discussion with José Viñals 
consisted of, among other things:

 ¼ Their performance against the core 

competencies 

 ¼ Their time commitment to the Group, 
including (where relevant) the potential 
impact of any outside interests

 ¼ Their ongoing development 

 ¼ The Board’s composition, taking into 
account when each independent 
non-executive director envisaged  
stepping down from the Board

 ¼ The current and future committee 

membership and structure

These performance reviews are used as  
the basis for recommending the re-election  
of directors by shareholders at the 2020  
AGM and to assist the Chairman with his 
assessment of the independent non-
executive directors’ competencies. In 
addition, the Chairman has responsibility for 
assessing on an annual basis, the fitness  
and propriety of the Company’s independent 
non-executive directors and the Group Chief 
Executive Officer under the Senior Managers 
Regime. These assessments were carried 
out in respect of each independent non-
executive director and the Group Chief 
Executive towards the end of 2019.

External directorships and other 
business interests

Board members hold external directorships 
and other outside business interests. We 
recognise the significant benefits that greater 
boardroom exposure provides for our 
directors. However, we closely monitor the 
nature and number of external directorships 
our directors hold, in order to satisfy 
ourselves that any additional appointments 
will not adversely 

impact their time commitment to and their 
role at Standard Chartered, and to ensure 
that all of our Board members remain 
compliant with the PRA directorship 
requirements, as well as the shareholder 
advisory groups’ individual guidance on 
‘over-boarding’. These requirements impose 
a limit on the number of directorships both 
executive and independent non-executive 
directors are permitted to hold. 

Our independent non-executive directors 
commit sufficient time in discharging their 
responsibilities as directors of Standard 
Chartered. In general, we estimate that each 
independent non-executive director spent 
approximately 35 to 70 days on Board-
related duties, and considerably more for 
those who chair or are members of multiple 
committees.

Details of the directors’ external directorships 
can be found in their biographies on pages 
69 to 71. Before committing to an additional 
appointment, directors confirm the existence 
of any potential or actual conflicts; that the 
role will not breach their limit as set out by the 
PRA; and provide the necessary assurance 
that the appointment will not adversely 
impact their ability to continue to fulfil their  
role as a director of the Group. 

During 2019, we strengthened our internal 
processes to ensure that directors do not 
undertake any new external appointments 
without first receiving formal approval of the 
Board. The Board has delegated authority to 
make such approvals to the Chairman, with 
the exception of his own appointments. Of 
those independent non-executive directors 
who took on new external directorships 
during the year, two were regarded as 
significant directorships (appointed to the 
boards of listed companies) and as such 
were announced to the market in line with  
the Listing Rules. Those positions related to:

 ¼ Jasmine Whitbread, who was appointed  
an independent non-executive director of 
WPP plc on 1 September 2019. Jasmine 
discussed the appointment with the 
Chairman in advance of accepting the 
position and provided assurance that the 
appointment would not impact her ability  
to devote sufficient time and focus to both  
her Board and committee responsibilities. 
Jasmine continues to hold below the 
maximum number of INED directorships 
permitted under the PRA rules. Jasmine 
also stepped down from the board of BT 
Group plc on 6 December 2019, ensuring 
that she is able to continue to devote 
sufficient time to Standard Chartered. 

 ¼ Christine Hodgson, who was appointed an 
independent non-executive director of 
Severn Trent Plc and chair designate on 1 
January 2020. Christine discussed the 
appointment with the Chairman in advance 
of accepting the position and provided 
assurance that the appointment would not 
impact her ability to devote sufficient time 
and focus to both her Board and 
committee responsibilities. Christine 
remains within the maximum number of 
INED directorships permitted under the 
PRA rules. Christine will step  
down from the board of Capgemini UK plc  
at the end of March 2020, ahead of being 
appointed chair of Severn Trent Plc in April 
2020, which will ensure she continues to  
have sufficient time to devote to Standard 
Chartered. 

The Board’s executive directors are permitted 
to hold only one non-executive directorship. 
Of our executive directors, Andy Halford is  
the Senior Independent Director and chair  
of the audit committee at Marks and  
Spencer Group plc, listed on the FTSE 250, 
and Bill Winters is a non-executive director  
of Novartis International AG, listed on SIX 
Swiss Exchange.

Board committees

The Board places significant reliance on  
its committees by delegating a broad  
range of responsibilities and issues to them.  
It therefore remains crucial that effective 
linkages are in place between the 
committees and the Board as a whole, not 
least as it is impracticable for all independent 
non-executive directors to be members of all 
of the committees. 

Mechanisms are in place to facilitate these 
linkages, including ensuring that there are no 
gaps or unnecessary duplications between 
the remit of each committee and overlapping 
membership between Board committees 
where necessary. Alongside interconnected 
committee membership, the Board receives 
a written summary of each of the committee’s 
meetings and verbal updates at the Board, 
where appropriate. 

Further details on each committee, including 
their oversight and focus during 2019, can  
be found in the Board committee sections 
starting on page 86.

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Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTAudit Committee

“ Linkages  between  the  Committee 
and  audit  committees  within 
the  Group’s  network  have  been 
strengthened  to  enable  useful 
interaction  and  alignment”

Committee composition

N Kheraj (Chair)
D P Conner
C M Hodgson, CBE
B E Grote
C Tong

Scheduled  
meetings
8/8
8/8
8/8
8/8
7/7

Ad hoc
1/1
1/1
1/1
1/1
0/0*

*Carlson Tong joined the Committee on 21 February 2019 

Other regular attendees at Committee 
meetings in 2019 included: Group Chairman; 
Group Chief Executive; Group Chief Financial Officer; 
Group Chief Risk Officer; Group Head of Internal 
Audit; Group General Counsel; Group Head, 
Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, Conduct, 
Financial Crime and Compliance; Group Statutory 
Auditors and Group Company Secretary.

EY attended four Committee meetings as an observer.

As part of, and in addition to, each scheduled 
Committee meeting, the Committee held private 
members-only meetings.

The Committee members have detailed and relevant 
experience and bring an independent mindset to 
 their role. The Board is satisfied that Naguib Kheraj 
has recent and relevant financial experience and that 
the other Committee members also have a depth  
of experience having managed complex balance 
sheets or having knowledge of financial reporting  
in international business.

Details of their experience can be found on pages 69 
to 71. All the Committee members are independent.

Main responsibilities of the Committee
The Committee’s role is to review, on behalf of the 
Board, the Group’s internal financial controls. It is also 
responsible for oversight and advice to the Board  
on matters relating to financial reporting and has 
exercised oversight of the work undertaken by Group 
Compliance, Group Internal Audit and the Group’s 
statutory auditor, KPMG. The Committee reports to 
the Board on its key areas of focus following each 
Committee meeting. 

The Committee has written terms of reference that 
can be viewed at sc.com/termsofreference

As Chair of the Audit Committee, I am pleased to present the Audit Committee’s report 
for the year ended 31 December 2019. 

In addition to the disclosure requirements relating to audit committees under the UK 
Corporate Governance Code 2018, the following report sets out the areas of significant 
and particular focus for the Committee and its activities over the course of the year.  
The report also covers the reviews undertaken on the effectiveness of the Group Internal 
Audit (GIA) function and the Group’s statutory auditor KPMG LLP (KPMG). Assurance 
has been sought and received by the Committee concerning the resourcing of the 
Group Finance, GIA and Compliance functions. 

Since April 2019, meetings have taken place as dual Committee meetings of Standard 
Chartered PLC and Standard Chartered Bank, under the governance structure put in 
place to reflect the Group’s corporate entity restructuring. Careful consideration has 
been given to agenda management and reporting to facilitate valuable discussions. 
Linkages between the Committee and audit committees within the Group’s network 
have been strengthened to enable useful interaction and alignment. 

This year, an External Quality Assurance Review was conducted by Grant Thornton on 
the GIA function and the Committee discussed the outputs of this, including suggestions 
for improvement, which were fed into GIA’s 2020 Plan.

The Committee has been kept abreast of relevant industry reviews and consultations,  
in particular, the Independent Review of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), and has 
supported the Group’s input into this important matter. The Committee also discussed 
the recommendations arising from the Report of the Independent Review into the Quality 
and Effectiveness of Audit by Sir Donald Brydon, and proposed actions and implications 
for the Group.

The Committee has exercised its authority delegated by the Board for ensuring the 
integrity of the Group’s published financial information by discussing and challenging  
the judgements made by management, and the assumptions and estimates on which 
they are based. The Committee has exercised judgement in deciding which of the issues 
it considered to be significant in the financial statements, and this report sets out the 
material matters that it has considered in these deliberations.

Focus has been placed on the auditor transition from KPMG to Ernst & Young (EY),  
to ensure a seamless and timely handover. EY has attended a number of Committee 
meetings to obtain insight into the Committee’s ways of working.

Management reporting to the Committee from across the business has provided the 
opportunity for the Committee to challenge, probe, discuss and seek assurance from 
management, enabling the Committee to provide an independent perspective.

As a result of the Committee’s work in 2019, assurance has been provided to the Board 
on the quality and appropriateness of the Group’s financial reporting, and on internal 
audit, compliance and regulatory matters, to continue to safeguard the interests of our 
broader stakeholders.

The following pages provide insight and context into the Committee’s work and activities 
during the year.

86

Naguib Kheraj
Chair of the Audit Committee

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governanceActivities during the year

Financial  
reporting

 ¼ Satisfied itself that the Group’s accounting policies and practices are appropriate

 ¼ Reviewed the clarity and completeness of the disclosures made within the published financial statements

 ¼ Considered any changes in disclosures arising from best practice in applying the UK Finance Code for Financial 

Reporting Disclosure and FRC publications on aspects of UK reporting

 ¼ Monitored the integrity of the Group’s published financial statements and formal announcements relating to the Group’s 

financial performance, reviewing the significant financial judgements and accounting issues

Significant accounting judgements considered during 2019 are shown below.

The Committee can confirm that the key judgements and significant issues reported are consistent with the disclosures  
of key estimation uncertainties and critical judgements as set out in Note 1 on page 262.

Key area

Action taken

Impairment of loans  
and advances

Reviewed and considered, on a quarterly basis, reports detailing the composition and credit 
quality of the loan book, concentrations of risk and provisioning levels

Goodwill impairment

In respect of high-risk credit grade exposures, the Committee was also briefed on business 
plans, including remedial actions and management assessment of the recoveries and 
collateral available. This analysis also included a post-implementation review of IFRS 9 and 
the operation and refinement of models and their impact on reported results

Reviewed management’s annual assessment of impairment covering key assumptions 
(including forecasts, discount rate, significant changes from the previous year), headroom 
availability and sensitivities to possible changes in key assumptions

Valuation of financial 
instruments held at  
fair value

Received reports and updates at each reporting period detailing the key processes 
undertaken to produce and validate valuations of financial instruments, including any 
changes in methodology from prior years and significant valuation judgements

Taxation

Reviewed and considered management’s judgements and assumptions with respect to  
tax exposure risks and ensured adequate disclosure in the financial statements has been 
made. This included coordination of the Group’s effective tax rate, the quantum and basis  
of recognition of deferred tax assets and the UK bank levy charge for the year

Provisions for legal and 
regulatory matters

Considered advice presented on the current status of significant legal and regulatory 
matters, and considered management’s judgements on the level of provisions and the 
adequacy of disclosure, as set out in Notes 24 and 26 on pages 330 and 332

Carrying value of 
investments in 
associates and joint 
arrangements

Reviewed and considered management’s carrying value assessments on the Group’s 
investments in PT Bank Permata, taking into consideration the conditional sale agreement 
entered into, and China Bohai Bank, covering key assumptions and potential sensitivity  
to changes

Recoverability of parent 
company’s investment 
in subsidiaries

Other areas of focus:

Impairment of aircraft 
and shipping assets

Discussed and received confirmation from management that it had adequately assessed the 
recoverability of investments in subsidiaries, together with any intercompany indebtedness

Reviewed and considered, on a quarterly basis, management’s assessments of impairment 
losses on aircraft and shipping operating lease assets, including the assumptions used to 
determine asset ViU and market valuations and management’s decision to exit the shipping 
leasing business

Accounting policies for 
interest and trading 
income

Reviewed management’s recommendation to change the Group’s accounting policies for 
net interest income and net interest trading income, including the quantitative impact of  
these changes on the income statement and the consequent effect on reporting net  
interest margin

Classification of assets 
as held for sale

Restructuring costs

Reviewed management’s assessment of whether assets or disposal groups should be 
reclassified as held for sale. This included reviewing the facts and circumstances for the 
proposed sale of aircraft and shipping assets, the Group’s investment in PT Bank Permata 
and Principal Finance investments

Reviewed and considered, on a quarterly basis, income statement charges classified as 
restructuring, including a cumulative assessment of how items classified by management as 
restructuring tracked against the expected total of $500 million over three years disclosed in 
the 2018 Annual Report

Capitalisation of 
software assets

Hedge accounting

Assessed the findings of management’s review of the Group’s software asset capitalisation 
processes, including recommendations for changes to controls and accounting adjustments 
resulting from revised estimates

Reviewed the ineffectiveness reported in operating income from hedge accounting and 
significant hedge terminations and the reasons for this

87

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTActivities during the year continued

Going concern  
and viability 
statements

 ¼ Reviewed management’s process, assessment and conclusions with respect to the Group’s viability statement, 

including principal and emerging risks and key assumptions. Ensured that the viability statement is consistent with  
the Group’s Strategic report and other risk disclosures. Further details can be found on page 65 

Fair, balanced 
and 
understandable

 ¼ The Committee considered, satisfied itself and recommended to the Board, that the processes and procedures  
in place ensure that the Annual Report, 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, 
and the business risks it faces. The statement is underpinned by the Committee’s, and the Board’s, belief that all 
important elements have been disclosed; and that the descriptions of the Group’s business as set out in the Strategic 
report, are consistent with those used for financial reporting in the Group’s financial statements 

Examples of 
deeper  
discussions into 
specific topics

 ¼ Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM): Discussed progress made and priorities for the TPRM Programme.  

The Group’s approach to ongoing TPRM for 2020 and beyond was also covered in this discussion 

 ¼ Independent review of FRC: Noted the Group’s response to the Independent Review of the FRC

 ¼ Modelling approach to IFRS 9 Expected Credit Losses: Discussed the Group’s rationale for adopting a Monte 
Carlo simulation approach to modelling provisions for IFRS 9 Expected Credit Loss, compared with alternatives used 
more widely in the industry

 ¼ Data Quality Risk: Discussed the work undertaken by the Group over the last three years in managing Data Quality 

Risk. As part of this, technology investments made to improve availability and quality of data were discussed

 ¼ MiFID II: Discussed the Group’s compliance with MiFID II, including current implementation and work underway to 

address gaps 

 ¼ Outsourcing strategy: Discussed an update on the Group’s Outsourcing Strategy, including the Group’s strategic 

direction and governance in place

 ¼ Major Disputes and Significant Cross-Border Orders: Received and discussed updates on major disputes and 

significant cross-border orders facing the Group

 ¼ IFRS 9 Models: Discussed updates on the Group’s use of the IFRS 9 Corporate Probability of Default model used to 

calculate the year-end Expected Credit Loss, issues that have been experienced with the model and actions underway 
by management to address these issues

 ¼ Privileged access management: Discussed the observations raised as part of the Group auditor’s 2018 
management letter and actions being taken by management to remediate the control deficiencies identified

 ¼ Compliance surveillance: Discussed the Group’s current position in relation to Compliance surveillance practices 
and capabilities, including further developments planned to enhance the Group’s overall surveillance capabilities

 ¼ Finance resourcing: Received and discussed a paper providing assurance that the accounting and financial 

reporting function is adequately resourced; the qualifications, experience and training of employees is appropriate;  
and the budget allocated is sufficient

 ¼ The Report of the Independent Review into the Quality and Effectiveness of Audit by Sir Donald Brydon: 

Discussed this report and proposed actions and implications for the Group

 ¼ Regulatory financial reporting: Discussed the Group’s regulatory financial reporting, in light of recent PRA  

public disclosures

 ¼ Liquidity systems strategy: Discussed the Group’s liquidity reporting systems, including the strategy to reach 

desired target-state

88

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governanceActivities during the year continued

Group Statutory 
Auditor

Provided oversight of the work undertaken by KPMG as the Group’s statutory auditor. In particular, the Committee:

 ¼ Reviewed and discussed the risks covered by KPMG’s audit planning, seeking and receiving assurance that these risks 

have been addressed properly in the audit strategy

 ¼ Satisfied itself that KPMG has allocated sufficient resources to address these risks

 ¼ Sought and received assurance that no undue pressure has been asserted on the level of audit fees, to ensure that 

there is no risk to audit work being conducted effectively and independently

 ¼ Conducted an annual performance and effectiveness review of KPMG. Input was received from Committee members, 
chairs of subsidiary audit committees, the Management Team, regional/country chief financial officers, members of the 
Group Finance Leadership Team and the GIA Management Team. The results of this input was discussed by the 
Committee. Overall, it was felt that KPMG is considered to be effective, objective and independent  
in its role as Group statutory auditor

 ¼ Received overviews from KPMG’s local regional partners from China, India, Singapore and the UAE. These provided 

insight into the challenges faced in the Group’s markets from a statutory audit perspective, and provided the Committee 
with the local audit partner’s assessment of the Group’s control systems in these markets, the quality of the Group’s 
management from a control perspective and a benchmark of the Group’s control environment against local and 
international peers. The overviews also provided insight into local regulatory developments and the Group’s standing 
and engagement with local regulators

 ¼ The Committee met privately with KPMG

 ¼ As Audit Committee Chair, Naguib met regularly with KPMG during the course of the year

The Company complies with the Statutory Audit services for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of 
Competitive Tender Process and Audit Committee responsibilities) Order 2014. KPMG has been the Group’s statutory 
auditor for more than 47 years. In accordance with the Audit Practices Board’s requirements, the lead audit engagement 
partner has held the role for less than five years (two years following appointment in 2018). The lead engagement partner 
has a background of auditing banks and understands the markets in which the Group operates. 

Following the 2017 Audit tender, EY will become the Group’s statutory auditor for the financial year ending  
31 December 2020. 

Audit transition

 ¼ Received and discussed updates on the status of the transition to EY as the Group’s auditor by 2020 and to meet 

independence requirements by 1 June 2019 

 ¼ Reviewed and discussed EY’s preliminary Audit Plan and sought and received assurance that EY’s handover with 

KPMG and transition as auditor to the Group is taking place effectively and seamlessly

 ¼ As Audit Committee Chair, Naguib met periodically with EY during the course of the year

Non-audit 
services

 ¼ Responsible for setting, reviewing and monitoring the appropriateness of the provision of non-audit services, applying 
the Group’s policy on the award of non-audit services to the external auditor, while taking into account the relevant 
ethical guidance

Internal 
controls

 ¼ In 2019, the Group spent $0.7 million on non-audit services provided by KPMG and $7.4 million on audit-related 

services such as quarterly and half year reviews and regulatory reporting

Further details on non-audit services provided by KPMG can be found in Note 38 on page 358 and the Group’s approach 
to non-audit services on page 144.

 ¼ Discussed reports from GIA that provide GIA’s view on the system of internal controls across all risk types, business  

and country functions, including summary highlights of the most significant matters being monitored by GIA and areas 
of thematic interest that have arisen as part of the audits and warrant the Committee’s attention. The Board Risk 
Committee, the Board Financial Crime Risk Committee and the Brand, Values and Conduct Committee discussed 
separate reports from the Group Head of Internal Audit on GIA’s appraisal of controls across key risks, subject to each 
Committee’s oversight. Collectively, the reports received by these Committees provided assurance that there are 
effective internal controls within the Group

 ¼ Discussed KPMG’s observations of Group’s controls arising from KPMG’s audit for the year ended 2018 (and items 

remaining open from 2016 and 2017) and management’s responses to the findings, together with proposed timelines 
for addressing the findings. The observations raised by KPMG did not suggest any fundamental concerns over the 
control framework or procedures

Further details on internal controls can be found on page 141.

89

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTActivities during the year continued

Group Internal 
Audit

In 2019, an external assessor, Grant Thornton (selected by the Committee from a competitive request for proposal 
process), conducted an external quality assurance review on the GIA function, which assessed the requirements of GIA 
against key professional and regulatory bodies governing the practice of internal audit. The Committee was assured to 
note that against the ratings prescribed by the Institute of Internal Auditors, GIA ‘generally conforms’ to the requirements  
of these standards. Some recommendations for improvement were made, which were discussed by the Committee,  
and these have been fed into GIA’s 2020 plan. 

GIA identified seven areas of critical risk to be covered in the 2019 audit plan. The objective was to ensure that there was 
sufficient audit coverage throughout the year for GIA to provide an opinion on each of these critical risk areas. Updates on 
these critical risks have been provided through GIA reporting to the Committee over the course of the year.

The seven areas of critical risk were:

 ¼ Information and cyber security

 ¼ Change delivery

 ¼ End-to-end processes, including Global Business Services

 ¼ Financial crime (sanctions and anti-money laundering)

 ¼ Models

 ¼ Completeness and reporting of management information relating to risks

 ¼ Data quality

In 2019, for the most significant matters being monitored by GIA, business and/or regional management were invited to 
attend meetings to provide updates on the steps being taken to enhance the control environment and address internal 
audit findings.

The Committee:

 ¼ Reviewed the adequacy of resourcing and proposed work plans for GIA and is satisfied that these are appropriate in 

light of proposed areas of focus, expertise and skills that are required

 ¼ Assessed the role and effectiveness of the GIA function, and reviewed and monitored GIA’s progress against its annual 
audit plan and the review and monitoring of post-audit actions. Changes to the audit plan and people changes were 
also discussed by the Committee

 ¼ Reviewed the refreshed GIA functional strategy and approved GIA’s 2020 audit plan

 ¼ Reviewed and approved the refreshed GIA charter

 ¼ Received reports from the Global Head, Audit Quality Assurance (QA) on the QA function’s view of the control 

environment in GIA

The Committee is satisfied with the independence of the GIA function. Throughout the year, Naguib met regularly with the 
Group Head of Internal Audit and the GIA Management Team.

Group 
compliance

Regular compliance reporting to the Committee sets out the work carried out the by Compliance function, significant 
compliance and regulatory risks facing the Group, and key actions being taken to address and mitigate these risks. 

In 2019, the Committee was updated on the following:

 ¼ Key supervisory areas of focus, the status of the Group’s core college regulatory relationships and enforcement matters 

 ¼ The function’s operating model, including an overview of the Conduct, Financial Crime and Compliance budget and 

organisational changes to simplify the leadership structure

 ¼ The Group’s compliance with MiFID II

 ¼ Trade and communications surveillance across the Group

 ¼ Compliance and Regulatory Risk within Private Banking

 ¼ Revisions to the Volcker Rule

The Committee reviewed a detailed update on compliance resourcing and confirmation was received from management 
that the function is adequately resourced.

The Committee also reviewed and discussed the 2020 Compliance Plan and priorities. 

As Committee Chair, Naguib met regularly throughout the year with the Group Head, Conduct, Financial Crime  
and Compliance.

The Board Financial Crime Risk Committee received reports on financial crime compliance related matters.

90

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governanceActivities during the year continued

Speaking Up

Speaking Up is the Group’s confidential and anonymous whistleblowing programme (the Programme).

The Programme has been designed to comply with the Group’s UK lead regulators, the PRA and the Financial Conduct 
Authority (FCA) Whistleblowing Rules. Our whistleblowing channels are available to anyone – colleagues, contractors, 
suppliers and members of the public – to raise concerns confidentially and anonymously.

Through the Compliance Regulatory Report, the Committee was provided with a regular update on the Programme. 

The Committee discussed an annual report on the operation and effectiveness of the Programme which was 
subsequently tabled to the Board. The report provided the Committee with assurance of the Group’s ongoing  
compliance with the Whistleblowing Rules. The Committee also discussed the focus of the Programme for 2020.

In 2019, Naguib regularly received Speak Up management information reports with details of Speak Up cases and 
themes. Naguib also met with the Head, Speaking Up.

Further details on Speaking Up may be found on page 54.

Interaction with 
regulators

Typically on an annual basis, the Committee meets with the PRA without members of management being present. The 
purpose of such meetings is to enable a discussion between the Committee and the PRA concerning areas of focus for 
both the Committee and the PRA. In 2019, the PRA also attended one of the Committee’s meetings as an observer.

As Committee Chair, Naguib attended a trilateral meeting with KPMG and the PRA, met with the PRA and FCA separately, 
and met with local regulators in countries visited during the year.

Linkages with 
subsidiary Audit 
Committees

There are strong linkages and interactions in place between the Committee, regional hub audit committees and banking 
subsidiary audit committees. In 2019, the Committee discussed a Group standard setting out principles for interaction, 
elevation should audit concerns arise, linkages between audit committee chairs and cascade of relevant information. 
Details of the annual call held with Naguib, as Audit Committee Chair, and the chairs of banking subsidiary audit 
committees can be found on page 82.

Committee effectiveness review

During 2019 an external Board effectiveness review was conducted by IBE, and separately, but in parallel, a review was also conducted by the 
PRA on the effectiveness of the Committee.

Key observations from the 2019 external effectiveness review 
The feedback on the Committee’s functioning and effectiveness was positive and it specifically highlighted that:

 ¼ The Committee is working well

 ¼ The Committee should continue to encourage Management to escalate potential issues in a timely manner

2020 Action Plan

 ¼ Continued oversight and focus on key areas of the Committee’s remit, such as IFRS 9 models and MiFID II compliance

 ¼ As with all Committees, keep under review the quality of papers to ensure clarity of purpose and alignment to the forward-looking agenda

91

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTBoard Risk Committee

“ The  Committee  remains  fully 
supportive  of  the  Enterprise  Risk 
Management  Framework’s  goal 
of  improving  the  Group’s  risk 
management  to  enable  a  risk 
culture  that  encourages  appropriate 
behaviours  and  outcomes” 

As Chair of the Board Risk Committee, I am pleased to present the Board Risk 
Committee’s report for the year ended 31 December 2019.

Throughout the year, focus has been placed on Information and Cyber Security (ICS) 
Risk and the Group’s Transformation and Remediation Programme (TRP), designed to 
manage the risks posed by rapidly evolving security threats and technology adoption. 
This remains an ongoing area of focus and priority for the Committee, to ensure that the 
Group’s information and technology assets are suitably safeguarded. 

The Committee has been reviewing how the Group’s approach to the management  
of Operational Risk is developing, recognising the significant financial and reputational 
losses that could result, should an Operational Risk failure occur. The Committee’s focus 
on this will continue in 2020.

Recognising that climate change remains one of the greatest challenges faced by  
the world today, Climate Risk management has been a key focus for the Committee. 
Discussions have been held on the Group’s approach to the management of climate 
risks, the roadmap to develop and implement a Climate Risk assessment framework, 
the Group’s response to supervisory expectations from the Prudential Regulation 
Authority (PRA) and overall progress being made. Needless to say, this will remain  
an important priority going forward.

The Committee was supportive of the elevation of Model Risk as a Principal Risk Type, 
and has invested time in reviewing management’s action plans to improve current 
capabilities in Model Risk Management (MRM).

Mindful of the risks associated with the transition from the London Interbank Offered 
Rate (LIBOR) to alternative risk-free rates, the Committee has sought and received 
assurance that the Group’s programme of work is managing all aspects of the transition, 
including the financial implications, legal risks and consequences for clients.

Given the ever changing external environment, the Committee continues to discuss key 
macroeconomic and geopolitical risks and challenges faced by the Group, and probe 
how these are being managed and mitigated by management.

Effective risk management is a critical component in providing consistent and 
sustainable performance for the Group’s broad range of stakeholders. With the launch  
of the Enterprise Risk Management Framework (ERMF) in January 2018, the Committee 
remains fully supportive of the ERMF’s goal of improving the Group’s risk management 
to enable a risk culture that encourages appropriate behaviours and outcomes. 

The following pages provide insight and context into the Committee’s work and activities 
during the year. 

David Conner
Chair of the Board Risk Committee

Committee composition

Scheduled  
meetings
8/8
8/8
8/8
8/8

Ad hoc
1/1
1/1
0/1*
0/1*

D P Conner (Chair)
N Kheraj
G Huey Evans, OBE 
C Tong
Carlson Tong joined the Committee on 21 February 2019.
Om Bhatt stepped down from the Committee on 23 
February 2019.
* Gay Huey Evans and Carlson Tong were absent from 
the December ad hoc Committee meeting due to prior 
business commitments. 

Other attendees at Committee meetings in 
2019 included: Group Chairman; Group Chief 
Executive; Group Chief Financial Officer; Group Chief 
Risk Officer; Group General Counsel; Treasurer; 
Group Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, 
Conduct, Financial Crime and Compliance; Group 
Head of Internal Audit; Group Statutory Auditors and 
Group Company Secretary.

Jasmine Whitbread and Christine Hodgson attended 
one Committee meeting in 2019 as part of their ongoing 
engagement programmes. Jasmine also attended part 
of a Committee meeting to discuss the Conduct Risk 
Appetite Statement, in her capacity as Chair to the 
Brand, Values and Conduct Committee. 
EY attended three Committee meetings as an observer.
As part of, and in addition to, each scheduled 
Committee meeting, the Committee held private 
members-only meetings.
The Committee’s membership comprises independent 
non-executive directors who have a deep and broad 
experience of banking and the risk factors affecting  
the Group. Details of their experience can be found on 
pages 69 to 71.

Main responsibilities of the Committee 
The Committee is responsible for exercising oversight  
of and reviewing prudential risk. It reviews the  
Group’s overall Risk Appetite Statement and makes 
recommendations to the Board. Its responsibilities also 
include reviewing the appropriateness and effectiveness 
of the Group’s risk management systems, considering 
the implications of material regulatory change 
proposals, reviewing reports on principal risks to the 
Group’s business and ensuring effective due diligence 
on material acquisitions and disposals. The Committee 
reports to the Board on its key areas of focus following 
each Committee meeting. Since April 2019, meetings 
have taken place as dual Committee meetings of 
Standard Chartered PLC and Standard Chartered 
Bank, under the governance structure put in place to 
reflect the Group’s corporate entity restructuring.

The Committee has written terms of reference that 
can be viewed at sc.com/termsofreference

92

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governanceActivities during the year

Risk Appetite

Reviewed and challenged the formulation of the Group’s Risk Appetite Statement, in order to assure that it is effective in 
setting appropriate boundaries in respect of each Principal Risk Type.

Considered and recommended the Group’s Risk Appetite to the Board for approval. 

As part of the 2019 interim review of Risk Appetite, changes were largely limited to refinements to existing metrics,  
although new metrics were proposed for Operational Risk and Model Risk, as well as a revision to the Conduct Risk 
Appetite Statement and related metrics. 

As part of the 2019 annual review of Risk Appetite, proposed changes were reviewed by the Committee for 
recommendation to the Board, which included:

 ¼ Climate Risk: a Risk Appetite Statement was introduced

 ¼ Credit Risk: new metrics were proposed to monitor the quality of originations via setting a threshold for Expected  

Credit Loss for year-to-date originations and for balance of payment financing to emerging market sovereign exposures

 ¼ Capital and Liquidity Risk: a new metric was proposed to monitor the Group’s capacity for recovery from stress

 ¼ Operational Risk: 13 new metrics were proposed to ensure comprehensive coverage across the sub-risk types.  

A new metric was proposed for Model Risk to cover material models that were not currently captured by the existing 
metrics. This addressed the Committee’s feedback to consider FM valuation models in the Model Risk Appetite metrics

 ¼ ICS Risk: three new metrics were proposed to provide a holistic view of security controls for Information and Access 
Management, to detect malicious activities in the Group’s network and to monitor non-compliance of cyber regulations

Monitored actual exposures relative to Risk Appetite limits using regular Risk Information Reports provided by 
management.

Tracked a broad range of risk metrics that are reported to the Committee periodically.

The Board Financial Crime Committee reviews the Risk Appetite Statement and metrics for Financial Crime Risk.

Further details of the Group’s Risk Appetite are set out on page 207.

The ERMF sets out the principles and standards for risk management across the branches and subsidiaries of the Group. 

The Committee:

 ¼ Reviewed proposed material changes to the ERMF, arising from the 2019 annual review, and recommended these 

changes to the Board for approval

 ¼ Discussed the approach and key outcomes of the 2019 annual effectiveness review of the ERMF. Affirmation was 
received from the Group Chief Risk Officer that the Group’s risk management and internal control framework is  
materially effective, and highlights risks and improvement areas for management attention

Enterprise Risk 
Management 
Framework

Principal Risk 
Types

The Group’s Principal Risk Types are reported on at each scheduled Committee meeting, through a Board Risk  
Information Report, which accompanies the Group Chief Risk Officer’s Report. In addition, the Committee had deeper 
discussions on the following topics:

 ¼ ICS Risk

ICS Risk is the potential for loss from a breach of confidentiality, integrity and availability of the Group’ information systems 
and assets through cyber-attack, insider activity, error or control failure. 

The Committee: 

 ¼ Discussed regular reports from management on the work underway to improve the Group’s defences and create 
stronger control frameworks, focusing on what has gone well and could have gone better throughout the year

 ¼ Discussed regular reports on the Group’s Transformation and Remediation Programme (TRP) and ICS Risk profile

 ¼ Reviewed the Group’s ICS three-year strategy and made a recommendation to the Board for approval

 ¼ Discussed the findings of the Group’s Cyber Security stress tests and the resulting management actions

 ¼ Regularly sought assurance that the first, second and third lines of defence are aligned in progressing the Group’s  

ICS priorities

Sir Iain Lobban, who is one of the external adviser members of the Board Financial Crime Risk Committee and an 
independent adviser to the PLC Board on cyber and security threats, joined the Committee meetings for these  
discussions, together with the Group Chief Operating Officer, Group Chief Information Officer and the Group Chief 
Information Security Risk Officer.

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Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTActivities during the year continued

Principal Risk 
Types continued

 ¼ Operational Risk

The Group defines Operational Risk as the potential for loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes and 
systems, human error, or from the impact of external events (including legal risks).

The Committee:

 ¼ Discussed the risk profile for non-Principal Risk Types under the Operational Risk Principal Risk Type. The Committee 

discussed how the Group’s management of Operational Risk is developing to reach desired end-state

 ¼ Discussed the Group’s approach to managing Operational Risk, including key performance indicators, resourcing  

and costs

 ¼ Model Risk

Model Risk is the potential loss that may occur as a consequence of decisions or the risk of mis-estimation that could  
be principally based on the output of models, due to errors in the development, implementation or use of such models. 
Model Risk was elevated as a Principal Risk Type in December 2019 (effective 2020).

The Committee:

 ¼ Reviewed management’s action plans to improve current capabilities in MRM

 ¼ Discussed MRM benchmarking undertaken by an external consultant

 ¼ Sought and received assurance on management’s interaction with the PRA on MRM

 ¼ Supported the elevation of Model Risk as a Principal Risk Type for the Group, due to increased regulatory requirements 

and enhancements to the Group’s approach to MRM

Committee members attended four training sessions on Model Risk in 2019 to deepen their knowledge. 

 ¼ Capital Risk and Liquidity Risk

Capital Risk is the potential for insufficient level, composition or distribution of capital to support the Group’s normal 
activities. Liquidity Risk is the risk that the Group may not have sufficient stable or diverse sources of funding to meet its 
obligations as they fall due. 

The Committee receives a Treasurer’s report which covers market developments, liquidity, capital, recovery and resolution 
planning, together with rating agency updates. 

During the year, the Committee considered and discussed the Group’s capital and liquidity position and the regulatory 
environment, including the approval of the Group’s Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process submission to the  
PRA and Bank of England Stress Test submissions (see section on stress testing for further details); in order to satisfy itself 
that the Group’s approach to capital planning is comprehensive, rigorous and consistent with both the current regulatory 
requirements and the likely anticipated outlook. 

The Committee also considered and discussed the Group’s Individual Liquidity Adequacy Assessment Process for 
submission to the PRA, which considers the Group’s liquidity position, its framework and whether sufficient liquidity 
resources are being maintained to meet liabilities as they fall due and Bank of England Stress Test submissions  
(see section on stress testing for further details).

Further details on Capital and Liquidity Risk are set out on page 217.

 ¼ Credit Risk

Credit Risk is the potential for loss due to failure of a counterparty to meet its agreed obligations to pay the Group. 

The Committee received and discussed updates in Credit Risk Taking Policies/Portfolio. These discussions were further 
enhanced through deep dives into various country and business/client segments. 

 ¼ Country Risk

Country Risk is the potential for losses due to political or economic events in a country.

The Committee:

 ¼ Discussed the social unrest in Hong Kong and the impacts for the Group

 ¼ Discussed how risks relating to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are being managed and US restrictions on  

Chinese companies

Further detail on the Group’s Principal Risk Types can be found on page 209.

94

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governanceActivities during the year continued

Stress testing

The objective of stress testing is to support the Group in assessing that it:

 ¼ Does not have a portfolio with excessive risk concentration that could produce unacceptably high losses under severe 

but plausible scenarios

 ¼ Has sufficient financial resources to withstand severe but plausible scenarios

 ¼ Has the financial flexibility to respond to extreme but plausible scenarios

 ¼ Understands the key business model risks and considers what kind of event might crystallise those risks – even if 
extreme with a low likelihood of occurring – and identifies, as required, actions to mitigate the likelihood or impact  
as required

The Committee provided oversight, challenge and approval for:

 ¼ The stress test results for the 2019 Bank of England Stress Test scenario (Annual Cyclical Scenario) which the Group, 

along with the other largest UK banks, was required to undertake

 ¼ The scenario (options, narrative and key variables) and stress test results for the 2019 Group Internal Capital Adequacy 

Assessment Process Stress Test, including the Reverse Stress Test

 ¼ The stress test results for the 2019 Group Recovery Plan Stress Test

 ¼ The stress test results for the 2019 Biennial Exploratory Scenario which the Group, along with the other largest UK 

banks, was required to undertake

Further details of stress testing are set out on page 208.

Internal  
controls

Discussed reports from the Group Head of Internal Audit which provided summaries of GIA’s appraisals of controls across 
key risks, subject to the Committee’s oversight, together with the key risk issues identified by GIA’s work and management 
actions put in place to address the findings.

The Audit Committee, Board Financial Crime Risk Committee and the Brand, Values and Conduct Committee discuss 
separate reports from the Group Head of Internal Audit on GIA’s appraisal of controls across key risk types, subject to each 
respective Committee’s oversight. Collectively, the reports received by these Committees provide assurance that there are 
effective internal controls within the Group.

Remuneration  
as a risk 
management  
tool

Considered advice provided by the Group Chief Risk Officer to the Remuneration Committee concerning the risk factors to 
be taken into account by the Remuneration Committee in determining incentives for the Group Chief Executive and other 
employees. Such advice assists the Remuneration Committee in its assessment as to whether the Group’s remuneration 
policy, practices and procedures are consistent with and promote sound and effective risk management, and do not 
encourage risk-taking that exceeds the level of tolerated risk of the Group.

Further details concerning the Group’s approach to using remuneration as a risk management tool are set out in the 
Directors’ remuneration report.

Regulatory

 ¼ BCBS 239 Principles

The Committee approved updated internal conditions for compliance with BCBS 239 Principles. 

The Committee noted the Group’s level of compliance with the BCBS 239 Principles (as at 31 December 2018) which was 
submitted to the PRA. The outcome of this self-assessment confirmed that the Group was materially compliant with nine 
Principles and fully compliant with two Principles. 

The Committee will receive an update on the level of compliance (as at 31 December 2019), once the outcome of the 
self-assessment is available on 28 February 2020.

The Committee discussed key communications from the PRA and FCA, where risk was the main theme.

The Committee received a briefing on the main components of the Group’s Recovery Plan, ahead of discussion and 
subsequent approval of the submission to the PRA of the Group’s Recovery Plan, further details of which can be found  
on page 217.

 ¼ Intra-group funding limits and controls: Discussed the Group’s intra-group funding limits and controls, including  

an overview of key revisions made to the Group’s Intra-group Limit Application Policy

 ¼ Industry Portfolio Mandates (IPMs): Discussed the Group’s approach to developing and rolling out the Group’s 

IPMs, which had been developed to simplify processes and procedures and to increase focus on clients

 ¼ Enterprise Risk Review (ERR) function: Discussed reviews undertaken by the ERR Credit Risk Review team and  
the ERR Liquidity Risk Review team, including how coverage of ERR has been expanded. Feedback was provided on 
the structure and content of the forward-looking plan

Group regulator 
communications

Recovery plan

Examples  
of deeper 
discussions  
into specific 
topics

95

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTActivities during the year continued

Examples  
of deeper 
discussions  
into specific 
topics continued

 ¼ Climate Risk management : Discussed the Group’s approach to the management of risks arising from climate 

change (climate risks), the roadmap to develop and implement a Climate Risk assessment framework, and the Group’s 
response to supervisory expectations from the PRA. Later in the year, progress made was discussed by the Committee 
and it was recognised that Climate Risk is a material cross-cutting risk manifested through other Principal Risk Types. 
The Committee and members of the Board received training on Climate Risk in 2019. Further detail on Climate Risk can 
be found on page 231

 ¼ Corporate & Institutional Banking Risk Review: Discussed the key business risks and challenges faced by the 

Corporate & Institutional Banking business

 ¼ Macro-economic and geopolitical risks: Discussed the key macroeconomic and political risks faced by the Group 

over the next two years

 ¼ Technology obsolescence: Discussed the remediation of technology obsolescence including timelines and  

funding allocated

 ¼ Operational resilience: Following emerging regulatory requirements pertaining to the management of operational 

resilience, the Committee discussed the preparations underway by the Group

 ¼ Internal ratings-based (IRB) models performance and initiatives: Received and discussed an update on the 

Credit IRB models, used for calculation of Pillar 1 Risk-Weighted Assets (RWAs), including the IRB model’s performance 
as at December 2018 and key 2019 IRB model initiatives. Sought and received assurance that the IRB models continue 
to perform adequately and that the validation process remains robust

 ¼ RWAs strategic review: Discussed and provided feedback on the RWA strategic review, launched to ensure the 

accuracy of the Group’s end-to-end RWA management processes and calculations

 ¼ Transition from LIBOR to risk-free rates: In July 2017, the FCA announced that it would no longer support the 
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The Committee received updates during the course of the year from an  
industry and Group perspective on the transition from LIBOR to alternative risk-free rates. The programme of work  
to manage this transition was discussed, including the work undertaken to manage the risks associated with this 
transition, in particular, the financial implications, legal risks and consequences for clients

 ¼ Retail Banking (RB) Risk Review: Discussed the key risks and challenges faced by RB and the actions taken and 

planned by management to mitigate these risks

 ¼ Technology Risk: Discussed the activities underway to manage and reduce technology risk 

 ¼ SC Ventures business ventures: SC Ventures is the Group’s financial technology investment entity, created to 

facilitate innovation and culture change, invest in external fintech capabilities and build alternative business models. 
Following on from a discussion on SC Ventures governance at the end of 2018, the Committee discussed the  
Innovation Investment Fund, established to invest up to $100m in financial technology companies, supporting the 
Group’s innovation strategies and initiatives, in line with the Group’s Risk Appetite

Committee effectiveness review

As part of the 2019 external Board effectiveness review conducted by IBE and separately, but in parallel, a review was also conducted by the 
PRA on the effectiveness of the Committee.

Key observations from the 2019 external effectiveness review
The feedback on the Committee’s functioning and effectiveness was positive and it specifically highlighted that:

 ¼ The Committee is engaged and diligent

 ¼ Committee papers are lengthy, and certain papers could highlight to a greater degree areas for improvement

 ¼ The Committee might benefit from a ‘big picture’ horizon scanning session

2020 Action Plan

 ¼ As with all Committees, keep under review the quality of papers to ensure clarity of purpose and alignment to the forward-looking agenda

 ¼ Review the forward-looking agenda to create dedicated space for a strategic ‘horizon-scanning’ discussion

 ¼ Representatives from the first, second and third lines of defence to provide perspective and assurance on key areas of the Committee’s remit, 

for example, ICS

 ¼ Coordinate with the Group Chairman to ensure the review of ICS Risks by the Committee versus the Board is effective, with the Committee 

focused on more detail and the Board focused on higher level strategic issues

96

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governanceRisk information provided to  
the Committee

The Committee is authorised to investigate  
or seek any information relating to an activity 
within its Terms of Reference, receives regular 
reports on risk management, and tracks a 
wide range of risk metrics through a Board 
Risk Information Report. This report provides 
an overview of the Group’s risk profile against 
the Group’s Risk Appetite Statement. The 
Group Chief Risk Officer’s report covers the 
macroeconomic environment, geopolitical 
outlook, material disclosures and ongoing 
risks. Coverage of Principal Risk Types and 
regulatory matters are also included in this 
report. By way of example, regular updates 
on US-China trade tensions and Brexit have 
been reported on and discussed throughout 
the year.

The Committee has the authority to request 
and receive relevant information consistent 
with the requirements of BCBS 239 that will 
allow the Committee to fulfil its governance 
mandate relating to risks to which the  
Group is exposed, and alert senior 
management when risk reports do not  
meet its requirements.

Risk management disclosures

The Committee has reviewed the risk 
disclosures in the Annual Report and the  
Half Year Report, and has also reviewed  
the disclosures regarding the work of  
the Committee.

Interaction with the Group  
Chief Risk Officer

David Conner meets individually with the 
Group Chief Risk Officer regularly between 
formal Committee meetings. These meetings 
allow open discussion of any matters relating 
to issues arising from the Committee’s  
formal discussions and inform the forward-
looking agenda. 

Interaction with management 

The Committee is mindful of the need to hold 
management directly accountable when 
issues have arisen and have been reported 
by the Group Chief Risk Officer. Senior 
management has attended Committee 
meetings for deeper discussions in such 
instances. David Conner also meets 
individually with senior leaders of the  
risk function. 

Interaction with regulators 

As Committee Chair, David Conner meets 
periodically with the Group’s UK lead 
regulators, the PRA, as well as the FCA.  
In addition, and on an annual basis, the 
Committee meets with the PRA without 
members of management being present.  
The purpose of these meetings is to enable a 
discussion between the Committee and the 
PRA concerning prudential focused topics.  
In 2019, the PRA also attended one of the 
Committee’s meetings as an observer. 

Interaction between Board 
committees on risk-related 
issues

In the few instances where it does not have 
primary oversight for a given type of risk, the 
Committee interacts closely with other Board 
Committees where the remit of these other 
Committees clearly covers risk-related 
matters. For example, the Audit Committee 
has oversight of the Group’s internal financial 
controls and regulatory compliance; the 
Board Financial Crime Risk Committee has 
oversight of the responsibilities in relation to 
financial crime compliance matters; and the 
Brand, Values and Conduct Committee  
has oversight of the mechanisms by which 
Reputational Risk is managed. The 
interaction assists the Committee in ensuring 
that it is well informed on discussions held, 
and the close collaboration of the committee 
chairs helps to ensure that there are no gaps 
and any potential for unnecessary duplication 
is avoided. 

Risk function resourcing

The Committee has sought and received 
assurance that the risk function is adequately 
resourced to perform its function effectively. 
The Committee’s discussions included an 
overview of the changes to the Risk function 
in 2019 and management’s forward-looking 
view of the Risk function.

Linkages with subsidiary Board 
risk committees

In conjunction with the Chair of the Board 
Financial Crime Risk Committee, David 
Conner co-hosted an annual call with the 
chairs of subsidiary board risk committees. 
Details of this call can be found on page 82. 

97

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTBrand, Values and Conduct Committee

Committee composition

J M Whitbread (Chair) 
C M Hodgson, CBE
N Okonjo-Iweala
D Tang*
*  David Tang was appointed to the Committee on  

Scheduled  
meetings
4/4
4/4
4/4
3/3

12 June 2019. 

Dr Han Seung-soo and Om Bhatt stepped down from the 
Committee on 23 February 2019.

Other attendees at Committee meetings in 
2019 included: Group Chairman; Group Chief 
Executive; Group Head, Human Resources, the 
Group Head Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, 
Conduct, Financial Crime and Compliance and 
Group Company Secretary.

Details of the Committee members experience can 
be found on pages 69 to 71.

Main responsibilities of the Committee 
The Committee has responsibility for reviewing the 
Group’s brand, culture, valued behaviours and 
conduct, as well as the processes by which the Group 
identifies and manages workforce engagement, 
Reputational Risk, sustainability priorities and the 
approach to main government and regulatory 
relationships.

The Committee reports to the Board on its key areas 
of focus following each Committee meeting.

The Committee has written terms of reference that 
can be viewed at sc.com/termsofreference

“ Listening  to  the  views,  opinions 
and  expectations  of  our  people 
has  always  been  central  to 
the  work  of  this  Committee”

Listening to the views, opinions and expectations of our people has always been central 
to the work of this Committee. This year, prompted by the new workforce engagement 
provisions brought in by the  UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, the Board asked 
the Committee to take on the responsibility to review the Group’s framework facilitating 
meaningful and direct engagement between the Board and the workforce.  In light of 
this, the Group’s established framework for employee engagement was enhanced 
during the year with two additional interactive sessions between Board members and 
employees, supported by online chat technology. This provided the opportunity for 
members of the Board to connect directly with thousands more employees globally. 
The Committee was encouraged by the level of workforce engagement and the 
feedback received. We discussed the key themes arising and asked management 
to develop a programmatic approach pulling together all sources of inputs and closing 
the feedback loop to strengthen our accountability to the workforce.

Sustainability remained high on our agenda. Having articulated our Sustainability 
Philosophy for the first time in 2018, the Committee oversaw the steps taken by 
Management this year to integrate our sustainability position statements and aspirations 
into business decision-making. These include strengthening our sustainable finance 
position for clients, with the complete withdrawal from new coal-fired power stations and 
the launch of sustainable finance products, including the world’s first sustainable deposit.

The Committee continued its focus on culture and conduct. The Group’s Culture 
Dashboard is now well established, providing a view of progress being made in 
embedding our valued behaviours. The Group’s Conduct Dashboard is a work in 
progress this year, as the Committee urged management to simplify and deliver by 
year end. Nonetheless, the Committee was provided with assurance of how Conduct 
was being embedded throughout the Group across the three lines of defence.

Two of the Committee meetings were held overseas this year, in China and Germany, 
where the Committee took the opportunity to hold engagement sessions with local 
teams to seek greater insight at a local level on culture, conduct, brand and reputational 
matters, providing a valuable touch point with teams in our key markets.

The Committee regularly reviewed how Reputational Risk is being managed by the 
Group, taking a thematic approach to these reviews to help focus discussions on the 
impact of Reputational Risk.

Progress on the Brand refresh campaign launched in 2018 was reviewed by the 
Committee. The continued strength of the ‘Here for good’ brand promise was 
discussed, with clear brand metrics enabling the Committee to review the headway 
being made in the Group’s approach.

Group Internal Audit reported regularly to the Committee with helpful insights gleaned 
from audits throughout the Group, highlighting where support is needed and how this 
support can best be delivered considering the specifics of the region or issue.

All these elements across the Committee’s terms of reference, will be taken forward in 
2020, with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) providing particular 
impetus for our sustainability agenda. We are pleased to have started 2020 with our 
Opportunity2030 report, highlighting the private sector investment opportunity in 
delivering the Sustainable Development Goals, and will continue to encourage the 
Group to take a leadership position in this field.

98

Jasmine Whitbread
Chair of the Brand, Values and Conduct Committee

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governanceActivities during the year

Workforce 
engagement 
framework

To satisfy the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the Code) requirements, the Board first considered the three 
engagement provisions set out in the Code and elected to take the fourth approach, developing our own framework for 
meaningful and direct engagement. This method was chosen to ensure the representative views from across our diverse 
markets and employee base were captured, which the Board felt would not be satisfied with any of the three provisions  
set out in the Code. 

The Committee took on responsibility to ensure workforce policies and practices were consistent with the Group’s valued 
behaviours, as well as ensuring effective levels of workforce engagement. 

To address this principle and supporting provisions in the Code the Committee’s oversight included:

 ¼ Reviewing the newly established Workforce Engagement Framework, a structured framework of employee insights  
and data reported to the Committee, supplemented by the Board’s direct engagement through their overseas Board 
programme and new interactive online sessions

 ¼ Discussed the new global interactive online sessions between Board members and employees, and the openness of 

employee questions, ranging from talent management to the organisational structure chart

 ¼ Discussed the extension of the existing engagement survey, MyVoice, to include 3,000 non-employed workers for the  

first time, as well as over 71,000 employees

 ¼ Discussed the importance of ensuring the workforce were able to raise matters of concern to the Board

 ¼ Asked management to develop an approach to close the feedback loop and strengthen our accountability to the 

workforce

 ¼ Reviewed the approach to reporting on the Group’s policies and practices with consideration to the Group’s culture  

and valued behaviours

Workforce engagement framework: how we engaged during 2019

?

My Voice  
employee 
engagement 
survey

Question and 
answer call with 
Board members

Culture  
Dashboard

Online chat  
with Board 
members

Disciplinary  
and grievance 
reports

Speak Up data

Engagement 
during overseas 
boards, including 
town halls and 
engagement 
sessions

Culture and 
valued 
behaviours

 ¼ An engagement session was held in China with the Management Team, which focused on their journey to building a 
culture of innovation and how the Group could best respond to cultural and conduct matters. This session helped to  
bring to life matters of culture, brand and conduct from a country perspective by using data and anecdotes to illustrate 
their stories

 ¼ Reviewed the Group’s approach to Diversity and Inclusion and discussed the proposed 2019 programme of work in light 

of the Group’s unique footprint

 ¼ Discussed the results of the employee MyVoice survey, assessing and monitoring the Group’s culture and valued 

behaviours. One area of focus in an overall positive story fed back by the MyVoice survey was the perceived lack of  
opportunities in the Group for career progression. The corrective actions being taken by management to address this 
item were also discussed

 ¼ Discussed Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, the global initiative to tackle inequality and promote greater economic 

inclusion for young people in the Group’s communities and empower the next generation to learn, earn and grow

Brand

 ¼ Received a report on the brand metrics and discussed the learnings and insights from them

 ¼ Discussed steps the Group is taking in respect of raising the profile of the Group’s Corporate Narrative

 ¼ Discussed the Group’s Brand Refresh campaign, focusing on where investment can best enhance the brand’s impact

 ¼ In Germany, an engagement session was held with the Management Team on culture, conduct, brand and reputational 

matters. One area of focus was the branding journey of the Frankfurt office

99

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTActivities during the year continued

Conduct 

 ¼ Discussed the steps being taken by management to embed conduct into the three lines of defence

 ¼ Regular progress updates on the development of the Conduct Dashboard

Reputational  
Risk 
Management

 ¼ Reviewed the enhanced Reputational Risk reporting, broadening the Committee’s insights into Reputational Risk and  

key environmental, social and governance issues

 ¼ Discussed the work being undertaken by the Group to understand positive and negative reputational risk drivers across 

its markets, drawing together insights from Reputational Risk and Corporate Affairs

 ¼ Received an update on the key Reputational Risk insights and themes being tracked across the Group

 ¼ Discussed enhancements to the Reputational Risk reporting following the launch of the Reputational Risk Dashboard

 ¼ Sought and received assurance on how the Group’s Position Statements are aligned to the Group’s Risk Appetite 

Sustainability

 ¼ Discussed the progress in delivering the Group’s sustainability strategy, framed by the Group’s sustainability philosophy 

 ¼ Received progress updates from the Sustainable Finance team on sustainable deposits and embedding sustainable 

deposits in the mainstream market 

 ¼ Discussed industry-wide metrics and indices in sustainability 

 ¼ Discussed growth opportunities in sustainable finance

 ¼ Provided with insight into how stakeholder engagement is being used to promote the Group’s message particularly in  

the area of sustainability

Government  
and regulatory 
relationships

 ¼ Reviewed the Group’s approach to its main government and regulatory relationships across its key markets, with a view  

to improve the quality of these relationships 

 ¼ Provided input on the areas of priority for the Group, including regulatory reform, Brexit, Belt & Road initiative, climate 

change, Fintech and innovation, and country/regional specific issues

Committee effectiveness review

As part of the 2019 external Board effectiveness review conducted by IBE, a review of the Committee was conducted. The feedback from IBE 
was positive and there was an overall feeling that the Committee was continuing to function diligently and thoroughly. The Committee was 
encouraged to keep the Board informed and connected on their work, especially in relation to people-related issues and the corporate social 
responsibility agenda.

2020 Action Plan

The 2020 Action Plan for the Committee reflects the feedback from the review along with the good practice suggestions from the external  
Board report:

 ¼ Review and recommend the plans for Board engagement with the workforce and ensure good communications on its progress to the Board

 ¼ Continue to drive the implementation of the Conduct Dashboard

 ¼ Ensure regular review of the Group’s progress against its sustainability priorities and external commitments

 ¼ Develop closer ways of working with the Remuneration Committee on common topics around culture, values and brand

100

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governanceGovernance and Nomination Committee

Committee composition

Scheduled  
meetings
4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4

J Viñals (Chair) 
D P Conner
C M Hodgson, CBE
N Kheraj
J Whitbread 
Other attendees at Committee meetings in 
2019 included: Group Chief Executive; Group 
Head, HR; Group Company Secretary

Ad Hoc
1/1
1/1
1/1
1/1
1/1

Biographical details of the committee members can 
be viewed on pages 69 to 71.

Main responsibilities of the Committee 
The Committee has responsibility for keeping the  
size, structure and composition of the Board and its 
committees under review. As part of the Committee’s 
succession planning for the Board, it takes into 
account the Group’s strategy and challenges, and 
makes recommendations to the Board in respect 
of any adjustments to the Board’s composition.

The Committee also: keeps under review the 
leadership needs of, and succession plans for, the 
Group in relation to both executive directors and other 
senior executives; has oversight of the process by 
which the Board, its committees and individual 
directors assess their effectiveness; keeps the 
diversity of the Board under review and monitors 
progress towards achieving its objectives in this area; 
considers any potential situational conflicts of interest 
declared by Board members; considers the impact of 
material changes to corporate governance regulation 
and legislation affecting the Group, and has oversight 
of the Group’s approach to subsidiary corporate 
governance. 

The Committee reports to the Board on its key areas 
of focus following each committee meeting. 

The Committee has written terms of reference that 
can be viewed at sc.com/termsofreference

“ We  recognise  the  critical  role  we 
have  in  ensuring  robust  succession 
planning  is  in  place  and  that  the 
composition  of  the  Board  and  its 
committees  continue  to  evolve”

As a Committee, we recognise the critical role we have in ensuring robust succession 
planning is in place and that the composition of the Board and its committees continue 
to evolve, providing effective oversight of the Group’s strategy. Ensuring we have a truly 
diverse Board comprising individuals with a range of skills, backgrounds, experience  
and perspectives remains key to the Board’s continuing effectiveness. The Board’s 
Diversity Policy sets out the approach we take to ensure that the Board continues to 
make progress in this area. 

Over the course of 2019, the Committee spent a significant amount of its time, with the 
assistance of external search firms, identifying key criteria to strengthen the pipeline of 
future Board candidates, which included: banking, finance, risk, accounting experience,  
geographical representation and diversity, in its broadest sense. 

The Board’s composition and that of some of its committees changed in the early part  
of 2019, with the retirement of two of our longer standing Board members and the 
appointment of Carlson Tong, which were highlighted in last year’s report. In June  
2019, the Committee recommended that David Tang be appointed to the Board.  
David’s appointment added further market representation and valuable insight of the 
tech sector to the Board discussions. David is based in Beijing, China and has more  
than 30 years of international and Chinese operational experience in the tech and 
venture capital industries. 

The focus on succession planning continues to be broader than the Board and its 
committees. We also focused in detail on succession readiness and plans for the 
executive directors, the Management Team and other senior executives to assure 
ourselves that key roles have credible plans with suitable flexibility for the immediate  
to longer term. 

As part of its governance oversight role, the Committee received updates from the four 
Regional CEOs who each have responsibility for the subsidiary governance processes 
across their regions, to provide a holistic view of the governance challenges faced  
across the Group’s footprint. The Committee also reviewed the changes to the Group’s 
corporate governance arrangements, to reflect the new corporate entity structure 
following the establishment of the Hong Kong regional hub, and to ensure robust 
oversight and linkages between Standard Chartered Bank and Standard Chartered 
Bank Hong Kong and their subsidiaries.

The Committee paid significant attention to enhancing the effectiveness of the  
Board and its committees. An externally facilitated Board effectiveness review was 
commissioned in the middle of the year which concluded that the Board continues  
to operate effectively while also signalling several areas for improvement. Separately,  
but in parallel, the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) undertook their own Board 
effectiveness review. More details can be found on page 84. 

The Committee also provided oversight and recommendations on how the Board 
should best meet the new requirement to formalise its approach to engage directly  
with the workforce – details of which are set out on page 82. 

Finally, the International Advisory Council (IAC) held meetings in London and Nairobi. 
Discussions centred around the main long term drivers shaping the world and their 
strategic implications for the Group.

José Viñals
Chair of the Governance and Nomination Committee 

101

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTBoard composition as at 31 December 2019

Gender diversity

Board

Female

4

Male

9

Executive

INED (including Chair)

31%

(2018: 31%)

Female

0

Male

2

0%

(2018: 0%)

Female

4

Male

7

36%

(2018: 36%)

Activities during the year

Board and  
senior talent 
succession 
planning

 ¼ Discussed the composition of the Board at each meeting of the Committee, and considered the orderly succession of 
current INEDs as well as the skills, knowledge, experience, diversity (in the broadest sense) and attributes required of 
future INEDs, both immediately and in the medium to longer term. In considering the Board’s succession, the Committee 
take into account the length of tenure of the INEDs, and the importance of regularly refreshing the Board membership 

 ¼ Systematically reviewed a number of independent non-executive director long and short lists throughout the year to 
identify potential candidates with a diverse range of skills, capabilities, experience, knowledge and perspectives

 ¼ Engaged the executive search firms Egon Zehnder* and Heidrick & Struggles*, to conduct a number of rigorous and 

transparent reviews of the market to support the Board succession plan, both in the short and medium term. The range 
of experience and skills sought in line with the objective of securing a truly diverse Board, included: banking; risk; 
accounting; geographical; tech; and retail 

 ¼ David Tang emerged as a highly regarded candidate from one of the search processes, with extensive business 
experience across the GCNA region, particularly China and with significant knowledge of emerging technologies

 ¼ Discussed David Tang’s candidacy against objective criteria and in the context of other candidates, and recommended 

him to the Board for appointment as an INED

 ¼ Provided oversight of detailed executive and senior management succession plans, including considering the diversity  

of these plans

 ¼ Reviewed succession plans for the committee chair roles, identifying appropriate individuals with the necessary skills  

and attributes to provide emergency cover as required, as well as on a longer-term basis, including acknowledging and 
addressing where gaps exist

*  Egon Zehnder and Heidrick & Struggles are signatories to the voluntary code of conduct for executive search firms. Egon Zehnder and Heidrick & 

Struggles both also supply senior resourcing to the Group

Board and 
committee 
effectiveness 
review

 ¼ Discussed the PRA’s plans to undertake their own Board effectiveness review during 2019

 ¼ Provided oversight of the process for the independent, externally conducted effectiveness review of the Board and its 

committees, including the selection process, which resulted in Ffion Hague of Independent Board Evaluation (IBE) being 
commissioned to facilitate the review

 ¼ Noted the feedback, observations and recommendations from both IBE’s and the PRA’s effectiveness review of the 

Board and agreed that the 2020 Action Plan would be discussed and finalised by the Board as a whole

 ¼ Discussed the feedback, observations and recommendations from both IBE’s and the PRA’s effectiveness review of the 

Committee, and agreed the content of the 2020 Action Plan 

Details of this year’s externally conducted Board and committee effectiveness review, including the process which we followed and the observations  
from the review, can be found on page 84

Board Diversity 
Policy

 ¼ Reviewed progress made in 2019 against the agreed objectives set out in the Board Diversity Policy, including how the 

Board has performed in achieving its stated aim to have 33 per cent female representation on the Board. Discussed the 
role of the Board Diversity Policy in advancing the composition and effectiveness of the Board 

Further details of progress the Board has made against the key objectives of the Board Diversity Policy are set out on page 104

102

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governanceExperience

International 
experience

Representation 
from key markets

Banking, risk, finance, 
accounting experience 
amongst INEDs 

69%

(2018: 69%)

31%

(2018: 31%)

70%

(2018: 70%)

INED tenure

2

0–1 years 18%

2

1–3 years 18%

5

3–6 years 46%

2

6–9 years 18%

Nationality: The nationality of our directors does not in itself demonstrate the diversity of 
the Board’s composition. Between them, the directors have significant experience of either 
living, working or managing operations across the markets in which we operate 

Activities during the year continued

Subsidiary 
governance

 ¼ Received updates from the four Regional CEOs on the Group’s approach to subsidiary governance. Received  

assurance of effective oversight and compliance with the Group’s Subsidiary Governance Policy 

 ¼ Discussed linkages between banking subsidiaries and the Group, and the process for escalation of key risks

 ¼ Considered the interim corporate governance arrangements following the changes to the Group’s hub entity structure, 
resulting from the establishment of the Hong Kong regional hub (comprising Hong Kong, China, Korea and Taiwan), 
including the Board structure and composition of the Court of Standard Chartered Bank

International 
Advisory  
Council

 ¼ Continued to provide oversight of the development of an IAC to support the Group in its strategic thinking

 ¼ Provided comments on the initial IAC membership and provided input on the composition, ensuring diversity of expertise 

and representation from a range of sectors and geographies

 ¼ The IAC met twice, in London and Nairobi, and focused on the impact of the key global economic, social, political and 

technological trends on the Group’s strategy over the medium and longer term

Conflicts of 
interest

 ¼ Conducted an annual review on the directors’ existing and previously authorised potential situational conflicts of interest, 

and considered whether any circumstances would necessitate the authorisation being revoked or amended. Also  
noted directors’ other directorships and business interests, taken during the year in the context of time commitment, 
overboarding and regulatory requirements in this area

Assessment  
of the non-
executive 
directors’ 
independence 

Terms of 
reference

 ¼ Considered the independence of each of the non-executive directors, taking into account any circumstances likely to 

impair, or which could impair, their independence

 ¼ Noted the thorough process undertaken to assess individual director performance and effectiveness, taking these 

reviews into account along with tenure and succession plans in making its recommendation to appoint the independent 
non-executive directors for a further year

 ¼ Conducted a review of the Committee’s Terms of Reference during the year, taking into account the responsibilities, 

obligations and best practice principles it has in the UK and Hong Kong

Implementation of the Board 
Diversity Policy 

The Board Diversity Policy (the Policy) sets 
out the approach the Board takes to ensuring 
that diversity, in its broadest sense, remains  
a central feature of the Board. The Policy 
acknowledges that we have a distinctive 
global footprint and international outlook, and 
a long history of diverse Board membership. 

We strive to maintain this diversity, 
recognising that it brings a richness of 
perspective to the Board discussion and 
significant benefits to its overall effectiveness. 
The Policy focuses the Committee as it 
considers Board succession planning, 
ensuring that the Board’s composition 
continues to evolve while promoting a diverse 

range of individuals from: different social and 
ethnic backgrounds; gender; experience; 
knowledge; skill sets; personal strengths  
and attributes; with a geographic and sector 
perspective. Aligned to the Policy’s broad 
ambition, it has five specific objectives which 
the Board remains committed to in order to 
further enhance progress in this area:

 ¼ Increasing the representation of women on 
the Board, with an aim to have a minimum 
of 33 per cent female representation

 ¼ Ensuring that our Board reflects the diverse 

markets in which we operate 

 ¼ Ensuring that the Board comprises a good 
balance of skills, experience, knowledge, 
perspective and varied backgrounds 

 ¼ Only engaging search firms who are 
signed up to the Voluntary Code of 
Conduct for Executive Search firms 

 ¼ Reporting annually on the diversity of the 

executive pipeline as well as the diversity of 
the Board, including progress being made 
on reaching the Board’s gender target

The Committee conducted an annual review 
of the Policy during 2019, to ensure that it 
continues to promote and drive diversity in  
its broadest sense, while continuing to take 
account of best practice initiatives, including 
the Parker Report into ethnic diversity, the 
Hampton-Alexander Review on women  
in leadership positions and the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018. 

103

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTThe Policy is implemented through the Committee, which considers its objectives as part of overall succession planning discussions alongside 
its selection and recommendation of individual candidates. 

Details of the Board’s diverse composition are set out on pages 69 to 71 of this report, and that of the Management Team can be found on 
pages 72 to 74. 

Details of the Group’s wider policy on diversity and inclusion, including gender balance across the Group can be found on page 49 of this report. 

A copy of the full Board Diversity Policy can be viewed at sc.com/boarddiversitypolicy and further details  
on the Group’s approach to diversity and inclusion can be viewed at sc.com/diversity-and-inclusion

Progress against the key objectives set out in the Board Diversity Policy are set out below: 

Board Diversity Policy objectives

Progress update

Increasing the representation of women on 
the Board with an aim to have a minimum 
of 33 per cent female representation

Ensuring that our Board reflects the 
diverse markets in which we operate 

Ensuring that the Board is comprised  
of a good balance of skills, experience, 
knowledge, perspective and varied 
backgrounds

Only engaging search firms who are 
signed up to the Voluntary Code of 
Conduct for Executive Search Firms

 ¼ Increasing gender representation on the Board remains a key focus for the Committee as it 

considers Board succession planning, ensuring that female candidates are fairly represented on 
long and short lists; this can be more challenging depending on the criteria and geographical 
representation being sought. Although two male INEDs were appointed during 2019, the 
proportion of female directors remained unchanged at 31 per cent, as two male INEDs retired. 
The representation of women on the Board continues to trend upwards, increasing from  
10 per cent in 2014 to 31 per cent today 

 ¼ What sets Standard Chartered apart is our diversity of people, cultures and networks. The Board 
reflects many of the regions in which we operate, including the UK, North America, Asia and 
Africa. Many of the INEDs have additional experience of having worked, lived and managed 
operations across many of the Group’s markets. As part of the Committee’s work during 2019 on 
succession planning, it has considered a significant number of potential future INED candidates 
who are representative of some of our key regions and markets, resulting in the appointment of 
Carlson Tong, based in Hong Kong and David Tang, based in Beijing

 ¼ Throughout 2019, the Committee has focused on identifying the skills and expertise required 
more immediately, as well as those required in the medium to longer term. The Committee 
systematically reviewed candidate longlists to identify potentially suitable INED candidates.  
Areas of particular focus in 2019 included significant accounting, risk, banking and finance 
experience, retail and expertise in tech and cyber, as well as deep experience and knowledge 
of operating across the Greater China, North Asia Region

 ¼ During 2019, we only engaged search firms signed up to the Voluntary Code of Conduct.  

The Committee engaged Egon Zehnder and Heidrick & Struggles to assist it in identifying and 
building a pipeline of high-quality potential INED candidates. Egon Zehnder and Heidrick & 
Struggles are both signed up to the Voluntary Code of Conduct and remain committed to 
supporting our ambitions to widen all aspects of diversity on the Board

Reporting annually on the executive 
pipeline as well as the diversity of the 
Board, including progress being made  
on reaching the Board’s gender target

 ¼ The Committee takes an active role in reviewing the succession planning for the executive 

directors, the Management Team and senior management below the Management Team. In 
recent years, we have improved our reporting of Board and senior talent succession planning,  
as well as reporting on the value and importance of continuing to widen the diversity of the Board

Committee effectiveness review

As part of the 2019 external Board effectiveness review conducted by IBE, a review of the Committee was conducted and separately, but in 
parallel, a review was also conducted by the PRA on the effectiveness of the Committee. 

Key observations from the 2019 external effectiveness review 
The feedback on the Committee’s functioning and effectiveness was positive and it specifically highlighted that:

 ¼ The Committee functions well, with regular reviews of Board member tenure dates and appropriate discussions in respect to succession 

planning and for Board roles. These are reported back to the Board by the Committee Chairman in comprehensive reports 

 ¼ The succession and INED selection processes are regarded as very inclusive and transparent but can also be very lengthy. However, this 

does not impact the quality of the successful candidates

 ¼ There is a general feeling that the succession process has improved, and the Committee has better information and visibility of high-potential 

individuals within the business

2020 Action Plan

The 2020 Action Plan for the Committee reflects a combination of good practice suggestions from the external report, along with others 
highlighted by a combination of IBE and the PRA:

 ¼ Develop a Board manual, involving Board and Governance and Nomination Committee input, with clear guidelines for the appointment 

processes and for the associated succession plans

 ¼ Introduce a formal template of Board skills and a matrix that tracks existing skills, knowledge, diversity and experience to support the 

Committee’s appointments and succession planning processes

 ¼ Review the Board induction programme and insight opportunities to create a more tailored programme for new Board and committee 

members

 ¼ Continue to ensure sufficient time is allocated in the annual calendar for the Committee to have more contact with high-potential employees

104

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governanceBoard Financial Crime Risk Committee

“ We  continue  to  strive   
to  position  ourselves   
as  a  leader  in  the  war 
on  financial  crime”

Committee composition

G Huey Evans, OBE (Chair) 
D P Conner
C M Hodgson, CBE
N Kheraj
C Tong*
External adviser members
B H Khoo
Sir Iain Lobban
F Townsend**
*   Carlson Tong joined the Committee on  

21 February 2019. 

Scheduled  
meetings
4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4

4/4
4/4
4/4

**   Fran Townsend stepped down from the 

Committee on 31 December 2019.

Other attendees at Committee meetings in 
2019 included: Group Chairman; Group Chief 
Executive; Group Chief Risk Officer; Group General 
Counsel, Global Co-Heads, Financial Crime 
Compliance; Group Head of Internal Audit; Group 
Head, Conduct, Financial Crime and Compliance 
and Group Company Secretary.

Byron Grote attended one Committee meeting in 2019 
as part of his ongoing engagement programme. 

As part of, and in addition to, each scheduled 
Committee meeting, the Committee held private 
members-only meetings.

The Committee’s membership is currently comprised 
of five independent non-executive directors and two 
independent external adviser members who are 
neither directors nor employees of the Group, but  
who provide a valuable external perspective and  
have extensive experience in counter-terrorism,  
cyber security and international security. Details on  
the independent non-executive directors can be  
found in their biographies on pages 69 to 71.

Main responsibilities of the Committee 
The Committee provides oversight of the effectiveness 
of the Group’s policies, procedures, systems, controls 
and assurance arrangements designed to identify, 
assess, manage, monitor and prevent and/or detect 
money laundering, non-compliance with sanctions, 
bribery, corruption and tax crime by third parties.

The Committee reports to the Board on its key areas 
of focus following each Committee meeting.

The Committee has written terms of reference that 
can be viewed at sc.com/termsofreference

As Chair of the Board Financial Crime Risk Committee, I am pleased to present the 
Board Financial Crime Risk Committee’s report for the year ended 31 December 2019.

2019 was a year of significant milestones, with the resolution of legacy sanctions 
compliance and financial crime controls investigations in the US and UK in April, and  
the termination of the compliance monitorship by the US Department of Justice on  
31 March. The end of 2019 marked a further milestone, when the term of the 
Independent Consultant appointed by the New York State Department of Financial 
Services (NY DFS) ceased and the business restrictions, previously imposed by the NY 
DFS, ceased to be in effect as of 31 December 2019. The Group remains committed to 
its mission of ‘partnering to lead in the fight against financial crime’ and is delivering on 
the remediation actions arising from the 2019 resolutions.

The Committee has overseen the significant effort and investment placed on the Group’s 
mission and recognises that an effective compliance programme has been developed 
to make the Group both safer and stronger. We continue to strive to position ourselves 
as a leader in the war on financial crime. 

The Committee is fully supportive of the Group’s input and participation into FCC 
information sharing initiatives. Regular reporting has enabled the Committee to 
understand how the Group is playing a leading role and has encouraged further 
development of this important contribution, an example of which is the Group’s feature 
on money laundering linked with the illegal wildlife trade in its brand campaign, a key 
theme of the Group’s Here for good brand promise.

It was pleasing to note that Standard Chartered had been recognised by the US 
Treasury’s Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCEN) for its contribution, through 
Bank Secrecy Act reporting, to three of the significant criminal cases nominated for 
award consideration, as part of the Law Enforcement Awards Programme.

The Committee receives periodic updates on initiatives the Group is leading, including 
delivery of the Correspondent Banking ‘De-risking Through Education’ Academy 
programme. It was good to see that the Financial Stability Board’s May 2019 report on 
progress against de-risking cited Standard Chartered’s Academy programme as a force 
to contribute to greater financial inclusion.

The Group made progress on its investments to enhance its financial crime technology, 
deploying machine learning from Silent 8 in support of its anti-money laundering and 
sanctions screening software, launching a tool with Quantexa to enable searches  
across c. seven billion historical transactions rapidly, and continuing to deploy its  
Mantas Transaction Monitoring platform. A key objective in 2020 is to complete the roll 
out of Mantas and to make greater use of the analytics features now in production.

Outside of Committee meetings and on a more informal basis, during an overseas Board 
visit to Germany, the Committee attended a roundtable discussion with FCC senior 
leaders to discuss a number of key priorities. A topic-focused discussion was also held 
with a representative from the National Crime Agency on UK efforts in fighting financial 
crime. These discussions provided useful opportunities to hear from the workforce and 
externally on financial crime-related matters.

The following pages provide insight and context into the Committee’s work and activities 
during the year.

Gay Huey Evans 
Chair of the Board Financial Crime Risk Committee 

105

DIRECTORS’ REPORT56 Chairman’s letter57 Board of Directors60 Management Team63 Corporate governance91 Directors’ remuneration report108 Directors’ remuneration policy118 Additional remuneration disclosures126 Other disclosures133 Statement of directors’ responsibilitiesRisk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTActivities during the year

US supervisory 
remediation 
programme

 ¼ Exercised oversight of the activity required to comply with the requirements of the various financial crime compliance 
related Consent Agreements, Cease and Desist Orders and Deferred Prosecution Agreements with the US and  
UK authorities

Assessment of 
financial crime 
risks

Financial crime 
risk control 
environment

 ¼ More information about these Orders and Agreements can be found in Note 26 on page 332 

 ¼ Discussed reports on the financial crime risks faced by the Group across a number of the Group’s client segments  

and geographies

 ¼ Assurance was sought and received on the actions underway to strengthen controls in relation to these risks 

 ¼ Reviewed Group Internal Audit’s view on the Group’s control environment relating to Financial Crime Risk. Discussions 

included the grading of audit reports across FCC risk themes, gaps and deficiencies that have been identified.  
Assurance was sought and received concerning management’s response and resulting management actions

 ¼ Discussed an annual report from the Money Laundering Reporting Officer covering: responsibilities across the Group  
for anti-money laundering systems and controls and the structure within which they operate; an overall assessment of  
the FCC programme; an assessment on the operation of systems and controls; a summary of business issues; 
recommendations for action and a report from the Nominated Officer

 ¼ Received regular reports from the Global Co-Heads, FCC setting out status updates on the financial crime objectives  
and key risks involved. In particular, progress being made to embed the Group’s Effective and Sustainable standards  
was discussed. The Committee noted that the Group ended the year with Effective FCC programmes in all but one of  
its markets, but with further work to do in 2020 to support a conclusion that its FCC programmes are Sustainable

 ¼ Discussed the action plans in place for data quality management relating to Financial Crime Risk in Transaction Banking 

and Retail Banking

 ¼ Discussed an update on the risks and impacts of potential US secondary sanctions

 ¼ Received an update on the future strategy for Transaction Monitoring capabilities across the Group’s people, processes 

and technology

Financial crime 
future threats

 ¼ The Group has a Financial Crime Compliance Global Threat Assessment that looks at trends emerging from significant 
investigations and external events, to identify and evaluate the most significant financial crime threats faced by Standard 
Chartered, and to develop a set of key recommendations in response to these threats 

 ¼ In 2019, the Committee discussed thematic areas of exposure including: transnational money laundering operations; 
sanctions exposure and terrorist financing; bribery and corruption; illegal wildlife trade, and; cyber enabled fraud. 
The Committee probed into the actions in place to manage these risks

 ¼ Reviewed and recommended to the Board the Group’s Risk Appetite Statement, metrics and thresholds in relation to 

Financial Crime Risk 

 ¼ Regularly reviewed metrics measuring against Financial Crime Risk Appetite

 ¼ Discussed a report from the Global Head, Conduct and Financial Crime Compliance Assurance on the function, taking 

into account the current operating model and feedback from key stakeholders

 ¼ Regularly discussed the engagement of people and the impacts of the Conduct, Financial Crime and Compliance 

Transformation Programme and actions to manage the risks

 ¼ Received and discussed updates on significant FCC-related matters

Group Risk 
Appetite 
Statement in 
relation to 
financial crime

Financial Crime 
Compliance 
function

Financial crime 
compliance-
related matters

106

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportCorporate governanceActivities during the year continued

Financial crime 
compliance 
information 
sharing initiatives

 ¼ Discussed reports on FCC information sharing initiatives to which the Group contributes, in order to protect the  

integrity of the global financial system and improve the effectiveness of the contributions of financial institutions in  
fighting financial crime

 ¼ Discussed how the Group contributes to industry thinking on reform and information sharing partnerships in a number  

of markets, as well as working with international fora such as the Wolfsberg Group

 ¼ Discussed the Group’s role in partnering with industry peers, non-governmental organisations and government officials, 
to engage in coordinated efforts to combat some of the world’s most pernicious crimes, including human trafficking, 
terrorism, illegal wildlife trafficking and transnational organised money laundering networks

Committee 
meeting held 
overseas

 ¼ One of the four Committee meetings in 2019 was held as part of the overseas Board visit to Germany. During this visit, 

the Committee attended a roundtable discussion with FCC senior leaders to discuss the newly formed team, the 
regulatory environment in Germany, and in particular, implications for the Group’s processes around Transaction 
Monitoring

 ¼ At the end of the year, a topic-focused discussion was held with a representative from the National Crime Agency, as a 

guest speaker. An interactive discussion was held on UK efforts in fighting financial crime

Committee effectiveness review

As part of the 2019 external effectiveness review, a review of the Committee was conducted by IBE.

Key observations from the 2019 external effectiveness review 
The feedback on the Committee’s functioning and effectiveness was positive and it specifically highlighted that:

 ¼ The Chair takes the Committee’s work seriously and her commitment is appreciated by the rest of the Board

 ¼ There is some duplication between the Committee, the Board Risk Committee and the Brand, Values and Conduct Committee

2020 Action Plan

 ¼ Keep under review the Committee’s role and composition

 ¼ Ensure papers support constructive discussion and are clearly aligned to the Committee’s remit on FCC and the forward-looking agenda

107

DIRECTORS’ REPORT56 Chairman’s letter57 Board of Directors60 Management Team63 Corporate governance91 Directors’ remuneration report108 Directors’ remuneration policy118 Additional remuneration disclosures126 Other disclosures133 Statement of directors’ responsibilitiesRisk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTDirectors’ remuneration report

“ Listening  to  stakeholder  feedback 
to  improve  the  clarity  of  disclosure 
and  strengthen  alignment  with 
shareholders  and  the  wider  workforce”

Introduction
On behalf of the Remuneration Committee, I am pleased to present the directors’ 
remuneration report for the year ended 31 December 2019. This report provides an 
overview of the Committee’s work in the year both in relation to executive director and 
wider workforce remuneration.

Our Fair Pay Charter
Our Fair Pay Charter, introduced in 2018, sets out the principles we use to make 
remuneration decisions across the Group that are fair, transparent and competitive in 
order to support us in embedding a performance-oriented, inclusive and innovative 
culture and in delivering a differentiated employee experience. We have strengthened 
alignment to our principles in 2019 and are delighted to confirm that our first step in our 
living wages commitment has been met in all 59 markets where we have employees.  
We have further work to do against the stretching objectives the Committee has set.

On page 116 we set out our Fair Pay Charter principles and a summary of our progress 
implementing these across the Group. We will be publishing our first external Fair  
Pay Report in 2020 which sets out more detail around the work we are doing for 
employees globally.

Engagement with stakeholders to understand views on the 
directors’ remuneration policy
In 2018 and early 2019 we conducted an extensive consultation exercise with 
shareholders to understand their views on our proposed directors’ remuneration  
policy and our final policy took into account feedback received.

At the AGM, our new directors’ remuneration policy received the support of only  
64 per cent of shareholders. Following the meeting, we acknowledged that more needed 
to be done to understand and address the concerns raised by some shareholders on 
specific areas of the policy in the lead up to the AGM, particularly in respect of pensions. 

We re-engaged with shareholders who represent approximately 60 per cent of our issued 
share capital, with the Investment Association who represents over 250 UK investment 
management firms, with other major shareholder advisory bodies and with other small 
shareholders who provided feedback to us. 

 ¼ The majority of shareholders we engaged with supported the existing overall  

quantum and structure of total remuneration offered to the current executive directors  
in absolute terms and relative to peers. Notwithstanding this, they wished to see the 
concerns of some shareholders in relation to pension allowances resolved, while 
keeping the executive directors engaged and focused on the delivery of the strategy

 ¼ Where shareholders had concerns, these primarily related to the lack of alignment 
between pension arrangements for our current executive directors and the wider 
workforce. However, shareholders appreciated our commitment to move to a pension 
of 10 per cent of salary for new executive directors in the new policy

 ¼ Notwithstanding the executive directors’ contractual entitlements, a number of 
shareholders expected a reduction in pension for our current executive directors

 ¼ Some shareholders expressed concerns that we had not explained as clearly as we 
could the structure of salary and pension arrangements and how they align with the 
wider workforce and the UK Corporate Governance Code

 ¼ A small number of shareholders had concerns over the introduction of the flexibility  
for the Committee to disapply proration for time on the vesting of long-term incentive 
plan (LTIP) awards in specific retirement circumstances. While the Committee  
did expect some concerns on this aspect of the policy, we consulted widely with  
major shareholders to explain the rationale and included additional clarity on the 

Committee composition

C M Hodgson, CBE (Chair)

L Cheung

B E Grote

N Kheraj

J M Whitbread

Scheduled 
meetings

Ad hoc

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

Other attendees for relevant parts of 
Committee meetings in 2019 included: Group 
Chairman; Group Chief Executive; Group Head, HR; 
Global Head, Performance, Reward and Employee 
Relations; Group Chief Financial Officer; Group Chief 
Risk Officer; Group General Counsel; Group Head, 
Conduct, Financial Crime and Compliance; Group 
Company Secretary.

The Committee has written terms of reference that 
can be viewed at sc.com/termsofreference

Main responsibilities of the Committee
The Committee is responsible for setting the 
governance framework for remuneration for all 
employees. The Committee is well positioned against 
the requirements of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code to oversee workforce reward and related policies 
and ensure the alignment of reward and incentives with 
our culture. In particular, the Committee:
 ¼ Reviews and approves the Group’s Fair Pay Charter 
which includes oversight of the development and 
implementation of workforce remuneration policies 
and practices, ensuring they are consistent with 
sound and effective risk management, the Group’s 
culture and valued behaviours and long-term 
sustainable success

 ¼ Approves Group discretionary incentives, including 

adjustment for current and future risks
 ¼ Determines and agrees with the Board the 

remuneration framework and policies for the Group 
Chairman, executive directors and other senior 
executives, using the Fair Pay Charter principles and 
taking into account workforce remuneration and the 
alignment of incentives and reward with culture
 ¼ Oversees the identification of material risk takers  
and ensures their incentives are structured in 
accordance with the requirements of the prevailing 
remuneration rules

Directors’ remuneration report
Page 111  Remuneration alignment
Page 114  The Remuneration Committee
Page 116  Group-wide remuneration in 2019
Page 119  Directors’ remuneration in 2019
Page 128  2020 policy implementation for directors
Page 131   Summary of the directors’ remuneration 

policy

Page 133  Additional remuneration disclosures

108

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportDirectors’ remuneration reportcircumstances in which this flexibility might be used based on their 
feedback. The Committee is also committed to providing clear and 
detailed disclosure in the event that it is used

The views of the workforce were also considered. For further 
information see page 112.

The structure of variable remuneration in 2020 continues to be set by 
the directors’ remuneration policy approved at the May 2019 AGM, 
which is summarised on pages 131 to 132. Further information on the 
alignment of executive director pay with the wider workforce is set out 
on pages 112 to 113.

Executive director pensions and salary in 2020

We considered carefully the feedback received during the engagement 
process, and the guidance on pensions published by the Investment 
Association in September 2019. The Committee reflected on the 
strength of stakeholders’ views on executive pensions, balanced with 
the principles applied to the wider workforce in similar circumstances. 
Taking all of this into consideration, the Committee concluded that we 
should implement a change to resolve concerns as swiftly as possible. 

In November 2019, the Committee announced that the pension 
allowance for Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive (CEO), and Andy 
Halford, Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), would be reduced from 
20 per cent of salary to 10 per cent of salary with effect from 1 January 
2020, a reduction of 8 per cent in fixed pay. Our remuneration policy 
defines variable pay levels as a multiple of fixed pay, therefore this 
change also resulted in a reduction in the maximum variable pay 
opportunity of 8 per cent. This change aligned the executive directors’ 
pension arrangement with all UK employees of Standard Chartered 
from the start of 2020. The Board agreed with this approach and is 
grateful to Bill and Andy for their willingness to accept the decision. 

The pension allowance is set as a percentage of salary, both the cash 
and shares components. This is key to the alignment of the current 
executive directors’ remuneration to other UK employees. Pension 
allowances as a percentage of only the cash part of salary would  
not be aligned to the wider workforce. In line with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, only salary is pensionable. 

Salary for executive directors is set in the same way as for all 
employees being contractually fixed, based on the role, the skills and 
experience of the individual, and reviewed annually with reference to 
relevant market benchmarks. The approach to setting salary levels for 
the executive directors conforms with the Investment Association’s 
principle on base pay. The only difference in the way salary is operated 
between executive directors and other employees is that executive 
directors receive part of their salary in shares to increase alignment  
with shareholders.

The Committee decided, following its annual review of salary, that  
there should be no change to Bill’s salary for 2020. The Committee 
awarded a salary increase of 3 per cent to Andy, from £1,471,000 to 
£1,515,000, with effect from 1 April 2020. In making this decision the 
Committee took into account Andy’s development in role, including his 
responsibility for the finance, treasury, corporate development, strategy, 
investor relations, property and supply chain management functions, 
benchmarking against other FTSE and banking CFOs, and the fact 
that his last increase in April 2018 was his only one since appointment 
in 2014. 

The Committee also considered the increases awarded to all 
employees in the UK as part of the 2019 review process which,  
on average, were 3.2 per cent. The salary increase for Andy is not 
compensation for the reduction in his pension allowance. 

Fixed pay for Bill and Andy from 1 April 2019 and 1 April 2020 is 
illustrated below:

Fixed pay £000

8% decrease for Bill Winters in 2020
6% decrease for Andy Halford in 2020

Bill Winters

2020

2019

Andy Halford

50% (cash)

50% (shares)

10%

50% (cash)

50% (shares)

20%

2020

2019

67% (cash)

33% (shares)

10%

67% (cash)

33% (shares)

20%

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

Salary

Pension

Our performance in 2019

In February 2019, we announced our refreshed strategic priorities, 
building on our strengthened foundations to generate significantly  
and sustainably higher returns in the medium term. We will invest to 
accelerate growth in our differentiated international network and 
affluent client businesses, eliminate residual drags by optimising  
our low-returning markets, streamline operations to enhance client 
satisfaction and drive productivity, and embrace digitisation and 
partnerships to reinforce our competitive advantage. The execution  
of these priorities is underpinned by an inclusive, innovative, 
performance culture that emphasises sustainability and conduct. 

These priorities were incorporated into the 2019 annual incentive 
scorecard and into the performance measures of LTIP awards to 
incentivise the delivery of the refreshed strategy over the short and long 
term. When determining 2019 remuneration outcomes, the Committee 
evaluated performance against the Group’s scorecard and considered:

 ¼ The improved financial performance of the Group, despite ongoing 
geopolitical and macroeconomic headwinds in the market: income 
growth of 2 per cent year-on-year or 4 per cent at constant currency, 
operating profit growth of 9 per cent year-on-year, and increased 
return on tangible equity (RoTE) (up 130 bps to 6.4 per cent)

 ¼ Strategic achievements including improved productivity, 

achievement of data analytics targets, out-performance of  
system stability targets and growth in our affluent business  
income (6 per cent year-on-year) 

 ¼ Other achievements including the corporate entity reorganisation, 

which will lower costs of funding

 ¼ The share price performance in 2019

 ¼ The resolution of legacy sanctions compliance and financial crime 

controls investigations in the US and UK, and the historical 
remuneration adjustments made in respect of these matters

 ¼ The current and future risks identified by the Group’s Principal Risk 

Type framework

Income $bn

+2%

Operating profit $bn

2019

2018

15.3

15.0

2019

2018

+9%

4.2

3.9

Return on tangible 
equity %

+130bps

Share price p

+19%

2019

2018

6.4

2019

2018

5.1

692

583

The Group scorecard assessment was 59 per cent. In reviewing  
the scorecard outcome, the Committee considered the underlying 
business performance, current and future risks identified by the 
Group’s Principal Risk Type framework, performance against the 
Board approved risk appetite, absolute levels of performance and the 
broader macroeconomic environment. The Committee considered 
carefully the balance between rewarding colleagues for stronger 
performance and delivering sustainable growth for shareholders. 
Considering performance and the overall competitiveness of total 
compensation across the Group, the Committee applied judgement  
to award incentives at a lower level, at a scorecard outcome of 55 per 
cent. This results in discretionary incentives in 2019 of $1,278 million, 
representing an increase of 8 per cent on 2018 compared with a  
9 per cent increase in underlying operating profit and no change to  
the ratio of variable compensation to pre-variable compensation profit 
before tax of 24 per cent.

109

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORT2019 annual incentive awards for executive directors  
(further information on pages 120 to 122)
In combination with the Group performance outlined on page 109 the 
Committee considered individual performance to determine annual 
incentive outcomes. The Committee determined that Bill and Andy 
should receive annual incentives of 55 per cent of the maximum based 
on Group and individual performance (compared with 63 per cent and 
60 per cent respectively in 2018). This results in an annual incentive 
award of 44 per cent of fixed pay for both Bill and Andy (compared  
with 50 and 48 per cent of fixed pay respectively in 2018). 

A significant portion of Bill and Andy’s total remuneration is delivered in 
shares which will be released over the next eight years. The deferral, 
retention and recovery provisions reinforce continued alignment with 
shareholder interests and the Group’s long-term performance. As at  
31 December 2019, both Bill and Andy had significantly exceeded  
their shareholding requirement as outlined below. Shares purchased 
voluntarily from their own funds are equivalent to 93 and 69 per cent  
of salary for Bill and Andy respectively.

Director shareholdings

Number of shares

2019 annual incentive 
outcome %

Deliver the financial framework and 
optimise low returning markets

Deliver our network and grow 
our affluent business

Transform and disrupt with digital

Improve productivity

Purpose and people

Overall 2019 scorecard outcome 
adjusted down by 4 percentage 
points – see page 121 for details

55% of maximum for Bill Winters: £1,251,000
55% of maximum for Andy Halford: £777,000

62

67

60

40

47

55

2017–19 LTIP awards vesting in March 2020  
(further information on pages 123 to 124)
The 2017–19 LTIP awards are due to vest in March 2020 subject to 
performance over three years from 2017 to 2019. The chart below 
shows the level of vesting expected following an assessment of the 
performance conditions. This reflects total shareholder return (TSR) 
performance below median, an achievement of return on equity (RoE) 
of 5.6 per cent and improved performance against our strategic 
priorities, underpinning our progress towards our target to deliver 
higher returns in the medium term.

2017-19 LTIP outcome %

38.0% vesting for Bill Winters £1,627,000
38.0% vesting for Andy Halford £1,007,000

Relative TSR (one third)

0

Return on Equity (one third)

13.3

Strategic measures (one third)

Overall 2017-19 LTIP outcome

0

0

11

38.0

24.7

22

33

20

40

60

80

100

Single total figure of remuneration for 2019  
(further information on page 119)
The 2019 annual incentive and expected 2017-19 LTIP vesting results in 
a 2019 single figure for Bill of £5,932,000 and for Andy of £3,636,000. 
This represents a year-on-year decrease for both of 6 per cent.

2019 single total figure of 
remuneration £000

6% decrease for Bill Winters in 2019
6% decrease for Andy Halford in 2019

Bill Winters

2019

2018

Andy Halford

2019

2018

5,932

6,287

3,636

3,847

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

Salary (cash and shares)

Pension

Benefits

Annual incentive

LTIP

110

1,637,940

1,799,969

645,687

1,127,966

Bill Winters 
(requirement = 
250% of salary)

Andy Halford 
(requirement = 
200% of salary)

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

% of salary

Shareholding requirement

Shares purchased voluntarily from own funds

Additional vested shares held beneficially

Unvested shares subject to performance measures

2020–22 LTIP awards to be granted in March 2020  
(further information on pages 122 to 123)
In accordance with UK banking regulations, the Committee considered 
performance in 2019 in order to determine the face value of the 
2020–22 LTIP awards to be granted in March 2020. These will be  
120 per cent of fixed pay at 31 December 2019 for both Bill and Andy. 
Depending on performance over the next three years, awards will vest 
and be deferred over seven years and an additional one-year retention 
period will apply post-vesting. Performance will be assessed based on 
RoTE with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) underpin, TSR relative to a 
peer group, and the achievement of measures that are aligned to the 
Group’s refreshed strategic priorities.

RoTE is one of the financial KPIs used to measure progress against  
our strategy (see page 111). The Committee considers target setting 
carefully before each grant and is committed to setting targets that are 
challenging and act as an effective incentive for executive directors to 
execute the strategy. The RoTE target range for 2020–22 LTIP awards 
is 8.5 to 11.0 per cent, which has been set considering the Group’s 
current financial position and plan, and the market environment and 
outlook. This represents a continued increase in the stretch in threshold 
performance over recent years, most recently from an RoTE target 
range of 8.0 to 11.0 per cent for the 2019–21 LTIP. 

The relative position of TSR compared with the peer group must be  
at least median for any amount to vest, and at upper quartile for  
full vesting.

For a number of years we have supported the use of environmental, 
social and governance (ESG) metrics by including them in the ‘Purpose 
and People’ component of the strategic measures. This year we are 
increasing our focus on sustainability metrics, in support of our 
commitment to the UN’s sustainable development goals and the  
Paris climate agreement. Both the 2020 annual incentive scorecard 
and the 2020-22 LTIP will include metrics that embed sustainable  
and responsible practices into our business operations in relation to 
climate, infrastructure, environment and community engagement.

In the rest of this report we present the disclosures required by 
regulations, as well as additional information to explain how our 
executive remuneration aligns with our strategy, with shareholder 
interests, and with wider workforce pay.

I would like to thank all stakeholders who have provided their valuable 
input during 2019 and look forward to further engagement in 2020.

Christine Hodgson
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

All disclosures in the Directors’ 
remuneration report are 
unaudited unless otherwise 
stated. Disclosures marked as 
audited should be considered 
audited in the context of the 
financial statements as a whole.

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportDirectors’ remuneration reportRemuneration alignment

During our consultation in 2019, a number of shareholders asked for greater clarity over the structure of remuneration, particularly fixed 
remuneration, for our executive directors. The remuneration decisions made by the Committee align with our strategy, our shareholders’ interests 
to deliver long-term sustainable value and with the wider workforce in line with the principles set out in our Fair Pay Charter as illustrated below.

How does our executive remuneration align to our strategy?

Our strategy is focused on capturing the existing growth opportunities in our footprint, by developing deep, long-term relationships with our 
clients and helping them connect across our markets. The diagram below sets out how we align our strategy with the measures that determine 
variable remuneration for executive directors and the wider workforce.

In February 2019 we announced our six refreshed strategic priorities:

How we align  
our strategy and  
remuneration 
measures

Annual incentive 
and LTIP 
performance 
measures sit 
under each 
priority…

…to drive 
shareholder 
returns…

…within our risk 
and control 
framework

Deliver our  
network

Grow our affluent 
business

Optimise low-
returning markets

Improve  
productivity

Transform  
and disrupt  
with digital

Purpose and  
people

The performance measures for our incentive scorecards are set across each of the strategic priorities…

 ¼ Client satisfaction
 ¼ Network income growth
 ¼ Affluent business growth

 ¼ Income
 ¼ Costs
 ¼ Growth of high 
quality liabilities

 ¼ Working profit  

 ¼ Delivery of digital 

per FTE

platforms/ 
partnerships

 ¼ Cash transactions 
digitally initiated

 ¼ Improve data 
analytics

 ¼ Diversity
 ¼ Inclusion
 ¼ Sustainability
 ¼ Employee 

engagement

The combination of these metrics help us to deliver shareholder returns…

 ¼ Operating profit
 ¼ Total shareholder return
 ¼ Return on tangible equity

And additional risk and control measures embedded in the annual incentive and LTIP support the  
sustainability of our business through good management of risk…

 ¼ Manage elevated residual risks
 ¼ Audit performance
 ¼ Maintain risk profile within risk appetite
 ¼ Risk and conduct management

How does our executive remuneration align with shareholder interests?

The diagram below shows how a portion of fixed pay, annual incentive and long-term incentive is paid in shares which are released up to eight 
years following grant, so that the final component of pay granted in 2020 is released in 2028.

This creates strong alignment between the interests of executives and shareholders to create long-term value. On a maximum opportunity basis, 
Bill Winters’ total remuneration is delivered 68 per cent in shares (including those subject to performance conditions) and 32 per cent in cash. 

LTIP  
(up to 120%  
of fixed pay)

Vesting based on performance  
measured over three years

LTIP shares  
vest pro rata  
over years 3 to 7 
with additional  
retention period 
of 12 months

20%

20%

20%

20%

20%

Annual 
incentive  
(up to 80%  
of fixed 
pay)

 Benefits

Fixed pay =  
salary + 
pension

Shares  
(up to 40% of  
fixed pay)

Cash  
(up to 40% of  
fixed pay)

Benefits

Pension

Salary  
shares

Salary cash

100%

20%

20%

20%

20%

20%

Salary shares  
released pro rata  
over 5 years

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

Annual 
incentive and 
LTIP shares  
are also subject 
to clawback for  
up to 10 years 
from grant

111

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORT 
How does our executive remuneration align with the workforce?
The Group’s approach to remuneration is consistent for all employees and is designed to help ensure pay is fair and competitive in line with our 
Fair Pay Charter principles which apply globally. As we say in Principle 6 of the Charter, pay structure varies according to location. The diagram 
below shows how our executive director remuneration aligns with our UK workforce, being the most relevant market, as this is where they  
are based. 

Salary

All UK employees 

Pension:  
10% of salary for all  
UK employees

Executive directors and 
the Management Team

Executive directors only

Annual incentive

LTIP

Shareholding  
requirement

 ¼ Salary is the contractually 
fixed amount paid and 
set based on role, skills 
and experience

 ¼ It is set and reviewed 

annually against relevant 
market benchmarks for 
all employees

 ¼ Executive director salary 

is paid in a combination of 
cash and shares to align 
with shareholder interests

 ¼ For other employees, 
salary is paid 100% in 
cash in line with market 
norms

 ¼ Pension is set as a 

percentage of salary  
for all employees (both 
the cash and shares 
components) 
 ¼ In line with the UK 

Corporate Governance 
Code, only salary is 
pensionable

 ¼ The pension level of 10% 
of salary is the same 
across the UK workforce, 
aligned to the provisions 
of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code

 ¼ All UK employees 
participate in the  
annual incentive
 ¼ The same Group 

scorecard is used to 
determine incentives for 
executive directors and 
other UK employees

 ¼ Annual incentives  
are subject to risk 
adjustment provisions

Benefits

Sharesave

 ¼ LTIP awards are granted 
to senior executives who 
have clear line of sight  
to influence the targets 
linked to the long-term 
performance of the 
Group

 ¼ The grant of awards  
is dependent on 
performance in the  
year and the vesting of 
awards is dependent  
on performance over  
a three-year post  
grant period
 ¼ LTIP awards are  
subject to risk  
adjustment provisions

 ¼ Executive directors  
have a shareholding 
requirement of 250%  
of salary for the CEO  
and 200% for the CFO

 ¼ A post employment 

shareholding requirement 
equal to the full 
shareholding requirement 
for one year and 50% for 
an additional year applies 
to the executive directors

 ¼ All UK employees are 
eligible to participate in 
the Sharesave plan, 
which enables employees 
to share in the success  
of the Group at a 
discounted share price

 ¼ The core benefits offered to executive directors and 
other employees are the same: private medical 
insurance, life assurance, income protection,  
accidental death and disability insurance and a  
cash benefits allowance

 ¼ Executive directors receive a lower cash benefits 

allowance than other UK employees as a percentage  
of their salary

 ¼ Executive directors have a role based provision of the 
use of a company vehicle and driver on account of the 
security and privacy requirements of the role

 ¼ The CEO is entitled to a contribution to the preparation 
of his annual tax returns owing to the complexity of  
his tax affairs, in part due to his extensive travel on 
Group business

 ¼ Employees are eligible for tax return preparation in  
the year of an international relocation owing to the 
complexity of their returns in those years

How do we understand the views of our workforce?
The key components of the directors’ remuneration policy were explained to the workforce through the Fair Pay Report published in 2019. 
Employees were encouraged to provide feedback on the report and how we are delivering on their expectations through our engagement 
surveys and directly using the Group’s intranet where there is a Fair Pay Charter page.

In response to the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have reviewed how the Board engages directly with the workforce, experimenting with 
two interactive online sessions, details of which are set on page 48. These supplement the wide range of existing mechanisms that the Group 
uses to seek feedback from colleagues on remuneration as well as on other workforce policies and practices. In line with our commitment under 
our Fair Pay Charter to deliver fair and competitive reward to all colleagues, in 2019 our engagement survey included for the first time 3,000 
non-employed workers as well as over 71,000 employees. The survey asked colleagues how they feel about different areas of reward, to help  
us understand the impact of our Fair Pay Charter:

 ¼ Their overall satisfaction with reward

 ¼ The Bank’s support for their wellbeing and whether colleagues feel supported to work flexibly by their People Leader 

 ¼ Their experience of giving and receiving constructive feedback about work performance 

 ¼ The culture of inclusion and respect at work regardless of who they are (including seniority, age, gender, and physical capabilities) 

We also conduct a survey that asks employees about their experience of the performance and pay review process, including whether they 
understand variable pay, whether they believe variable pay is fair, and whether they understand and have made decisions in line with the 
principles of our Fair Pay Charter. The results from both of these engagement surveys are analysed by various demographics, and summary 
trends and key findings on year-on-year movements in sentiment are presented to the Remuneration Committee for discussion. Results are also 
shared with the workforce along with relevant commentary on action being taken based on findings in our Fair Pay Reports. Further information 
on our workforce engagement framework is included in our Brand, Values and Conduct Committee report on pages 98 to 100.

112

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportDirectors’ remuneration reportHow is the executive directors’ salary and pension structure aligned with the wider workforce?

During our stakeholder engagement process we committed to provide further clarity on the structure of salary and pension, and how it aligns 
with other employees and complies with the UK Corporate Governance Code and other investor guidance.

Salary is set in the same way for all employees. The changes we made to salary in our remuneration policy in 2019 were in line with the 
approach taken for other employees in 2016 when allowances and cash salary were combined. The only difference between the executive 
directors and the wider workforce is that part of their salary is delivered in shares, reinforcing alignment with shareholder interests. The diagram 
below illustrates the changes made since 2014 and how the approach for executive directors is aligned with the wider workforce. 

Following the introduction of the maximum ratio between fixed and variable remuneration in 2014, in common with other banks we introduced 
fixed pay allowances as a new element of pay to ensure that total remuneration could remain competitive while complying with regulation. 
Following further guidance from the European Banking Authority (EBA) in 2015, it became clear that legally the fixed pay allowances needed to 
have equal contractual rights to salary, and as such were substantially indistinguishable from salary. To simplify pay and increase transparency, 
in 2016 we consolidated these allowances into salary for employees across the Group. In 2019, we aligned pension contributions at 10 per cent 
of salary for all UK employees, compensating employees where necessary if pension contributions were reduced so that their total fixed 
remuneration remained unchanged. Following this change, the executive directors were the only employees still receiving separate cash salary 
and share allowances, and our remuneration policy was changed to align the approach for executive directors with the wider workforce in 2019.

Following the reduction in executive director pension contributions, the way salary and pensions are operated across the Group is identical with 
two exceptions. Firstly, executive directors receive part of their salary in shares to increase alignment with shareholders. Secondly, unlike all other 
employees, executive directors have not been compensated for the reduction in their pension allowance and as a consequence have also seen 
a reduction in their variable pay opportunity.

2016

2019

2020

Salary
Delivered in cash

2014

Salary
Delivered in cash

Fixed pay allowance
Delivered in cash and  
shares depending on the 
role and the quantum

Pension
10% – 20% of salary

Salary
Delivered in cash 

Fixed pay allowance
Delivered in shares 

Pension
40% of cash salary

UK employees

Executive 
directors

EU regulations, Capital 
Requirements Directive IV 
(CRD IV), were introduced 
with a limit on variable pay 
of 200 per cent of fixed pay. 
Fixed pay allowances were 
introduced for specific 
roles. The allowances were 
subject to forfeiture and 
adjustment, making them 
different to salary.

The EBA guidance  
clarified that forfeiture and 
adjustment should not 
apply to allowances; they 
should be treated the  
same as salary. Fixed pay 
allowances therefore 
became part of salary for  
all employees except the 
executive directors who 
were subject to the 
directors’ remuneration 
policy in place.

Pension
10% of salary 

Salary
Delivered in cash  
and shares

Pension
10% of salary for  
new directors
20% of salary for  
current directors

Pension for UK employees 
was aligned to 10 per cent 
of salary. For employees 
who previously received 
more, their contractually 
committed level of fixed pay 
was maintained through a 
salary or benefits allowance 
increase. Fixed pay 
components changed to 
align the structure of salary 
for executive directors with 
other employees, with  
part of salary delivered  
in shares for executive 
directors to maintain 
shareholder alignment.

Pension
10% of salary for current 
and new directors

Pension for current 
executive directors was  
aligned to 10 per cent of 
salary with no offsetting 
changes to other  
elements of pay.

113

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTThe Remuneration Committee

The Committee is responsible for overseeing the remuneration of all 
colleagues, which includes determining the framework and policies for 
the remuneration of the Group Chairman, the executive directors and 
other senior management, and overseeing workforce remuneration, 
for alignment of reward, incentives and culture.

The Committee has written terms of reference that 
can be viewed at sc.com/termsofreference

Shareholder voting and shareholder engagement
The table below shows the votes cast1 at the AGM in May 2019 on 
remuneration-related matters. 

For

Against

Withheld

Advisory vote on the 2018 
remuneration report

583,988,637  
(89.24%)

70,448,005  
(10.76%)

4,932,769 

Binding vote to approve 
the 2019 directors’ 
remuneration policy

410,304,458  
(63.80%)

232,788,744  
(36.20%)

15,950,874 

1  Number of votes is equal to number of shares held

As explained on page 108, during 2019 the Committee engaged 
extensively with shareholders on the development of the directors’ 
remuneration policy, on the final policy proposals and after the AGM  
to listen to the concerns which influenced the voting results above. We 
sought feedback to understand the concerns, in particular in relation 
to the pension arrangements for our current executive directors. Some 
shareholders had concerns over the introduction of the flexibility for 
the Committee to disapply proration for time on the vesting of LTIP 
awards in specific retirement circumstances. The Committee took 
account of the feedback and introduced a set of criteria to be met first, 
before then making the decision on a case-by-case basis. The vesting 
of LTIP awards would not be accelerated.

Advice to the Committee
The Committee was assisted in its considerations by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) who were formally re-appointed 
by the Committee as its remuneration adviser in 2017. It is the 
Committee’s practice to undertake a detailed review of potential 
advisers every three to four years.

PwC is a signatory to the voluntary Code of Conduct in relation to 
remuneration consulting in the UK. PwC also provides professional 
services to the Group in the ordinary course of business including 
assurance, advisory, tax advice and certain services relating to 
Human Resources. The Committee considered PwC’s role as an 
adviser to the Group and determined that there was no conflict or 
potential conflict arising. The Committee is satisfied that the advice  
the Committee receives is objective and independent. The total fee 
paid to PwC (on an agreed per diem fee basis) was £100,000 which 
includes advice to the Committee relating to executive directors’ 
remuneration and regulatory matters. Management’s advice to the 
Committee was also supported by the provision of market data from 
PwC and from Willis Towers Watson.

The CFO and Group Chief Risk Officer provided the Committee  
with regular updates on finance and risk matters respectively.  
The Committee recognises and manages any conflicts of interest 
when receiving views from executive directors or senior management 
on executive remuneration proposals and no individual is involved in 
deciding their own remuneration.

15 January 31 January 25 February

25 July

30 September 28 November

Committee activities in the year
Consideration of risk, control and conduct matters
Summary of engagement with shareholders and regulators, and consideration 
of feedback, and regulatory, investor, political and governance developments
Executive directors’ remuneration
Review of the directors’ remuneration policy and implementation approach
Review of fixed and variable remuneration
Annual and long-term incentive performance measures, targets and outcomes
Senior management remuneration
Review of remuneration proposals on recruitment and on termination of senior 
executives 
Review of fixed and variable remuneration for senior management
Identification of material risk takers 
Annual and long-term incentive performance measures, targets and outcomes 
All employee remuneration
Group-wide discretionary incentives
Outcomes from the annual performance and reward review
Annual and long-term incentive performance measures, targets and outcomes 
Group-wide reward strategy, the Fair Pay Charter and the gender pay gap
Review and consolidation of Group-wide remuneration policies

The Committee held an additional meeting in 2019 to discuss strategic matters relating to the Group’s approach to fair pay, wellbeing and the 
implications of the changing nature of work on remuneration. The Committee also held one additional meeting as a conference call.

The Committee dealt with certain less material matters on an ad hoc basis through email circulation.

114

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportDirectors’ remuneration report 
Committee effectiveness review
As part of the 2019 external Board effectiveness review conducted  
by Independent Board Evaluation (IBE) and separately but in parallel, 
the PRA, a review was also conducted on the effectiveness of the 
Remuneration Committee. 

The review highlighted that:

 ¼ The Committee is well organised. Meetings are run with clear focus, 
Committee processes are well structured, and members are well 
supported by the Group reward team

 ¼ Board members recognised the considerable work and time 

required by Committee members and the extensive engagement 
undertaken over the past year

 ¼ Board members appreciate the full and frequent briefings from 

the Committee on its activities

The 2020 action plan for the Committee reflects the feedback from 
the review and will focus on continuing to:

 ¼ enhance the clarity of disclosures

 ¼ ensure regular engagement with shareholders

 ¼ work closely with the Brand, Values and Conduct Committee 

on common topics around culture, values and brand

Priorities for the Committee in 2020
Specific priorities for the Committee in 2020, in addition to its usual 
scheduled activities, will be to:

 ¼ Review and approve the Group’s share plan ahead of the 

shareholder vote at the 2021 AGM 

 ¼ Continue to review the implementation of the Fair Pay Charter and 
the alignment of workforce policies and practices with its principles

 ¼ Monitor market trends to ensure the Group’s remuneration  

remains competitive, in the context of improving performance  
and productivity

 ¼ Continue to assess the alignment between Group incentives  
and the delivery of the strategy and our desired performance-
oriented, innovative, inclusive culture underpinned by conduct  
and sustainability

 ¼ Prepare to comply with the European Capital Requirements 

Directive V

How does our directors’ remuneration policy 
address the key factors set out in the UK 
Corporate Governance Code?

Risk
 ¼ The Committee considers risk adjustment in respect of the  

Group scorecard and has a track record of applying discretion 
appropriately. Information on the 2019 adjustment is set out on 
page 121

 ¼ The rules of the LTIP give the Committee the necessary discretion 
to adjust vesting outcomes if it considers that they are inconsistent 
with underlying business performance

 ¼ Malus and clawback operate in respect of our annual incentive  

and LTIP

 ¼ The variable remuneration of employees in the audit, risk and 
compliance functions is set independently of the business 
they oversee

Alignment to culture
 ¼ As set out on page 111, the performance metrics used to determine 

variable pay outcomes directly align with our business strategy

 ¼ In line with our Fair Pay Charter, our incentive plans support us  
in embedding a performance-oriented culture and our principle  
that colleagues should share in the success of the Group.  
Our scorecard includes financial and strategic measures and  
all employees’ performance is assessed by what is achieved  
and how it is achieved in line with our valued behaviours

 ¼ In combination with our risk procedures, our remuneration structure 
ensures that our valued behaviours are appropriately recognised 
and rewarded

Proportionality
 ¼ In line with our commitment to pay for performance, a significant 
proportion of executive director pay is delivered through variable 
remuneration based on performance metrics aligned to our strategy

 ¼ Executive directors are further aligned to long-term shareholder 

interests through the deferred release of salary, annual incentive and 
LTIP share awards over a period of 1-8 years with incentive awards 
also being subject to clawback for up to 10 years from grant

 ¼ Additional shareholding requirements are in place for executive 
directors to build and maintain a significant shareholding in 
company shares whilst in employment and post-employment for 
two years. Both executive directors currently significantly exceed 
the shareholding requirements

Predictability
 ¼ The range of possible rewards to individual executive directors is set 
out in the scenario charts on page 128 where we also demonstrate 
the impact of a 50 per cent share price appreciation over the 
three-year performance period of the LTIP

 ¼ Maximum award levels under all incentives are capped at  

twice fixed pay. Other than vesting levels which are driven by 
performance outcomes, the only source of variation in final payouts 
is the fact that a significant part of the variable remuneration is 
awarded in shares and so linked to the share price

Simplicity and clarity
 ¼ Simplicity is a key driver for the structure of our executive pay as  
far as possible, notwithstanding the complexity of operating as a 
European regulated bank

 ¼ In 2019, we received feedback from shareholders that our 

disclosure of the alignment of executive and wider workforce pay 
could be clearer, particularly with respect to salary and pension

 ¼ We have therefore set out additional information on the alignment of 
executive and wider workforce pay on pages 112 to 113 in support 
of our commitment to clarity

115

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTGroup-wide remuneration in 2019

Our Fair Pay Charter

Our Fair Pay Charter sets out the principles we use to guide 
performance and reward decision-making globally, in support of our 
commitment to deliver fair and competitive reward to all colleagues. 

We have made further progress in implementing the principles of our 
Charter during 2019, with a focus on activities to increase alignment 
within employee populations, and to increase transparency for People 
Leaders and colleagues, including:

 ¼ Introducing salary ranges in several markets, including Brunei, 

China, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Taiwan and Vietnam, to increase 
clarity for People Leaders, to enable greater consistency in 
decision-making, and to help mitigate the potential for bias in hiring 
decisions. Learning from the pilot roll-out in 2019 we will extend the 
practice to further markets in 2020

 ¼ Global implementation of living wages for employees, with work 

underway to assess the potential to extend the Group’s living wage 
commitment to non-employed workers and other third parties 

 ¼ Continuing the redesign of our benefits offering in a phased 

approach by location, to bring consistency to what we offer to 

employees regardless of their seniority or tenure. During 2019, this 
included the introduction in Singapore and the UK of mybenefits,  
a flexible benefits offering which enables colleagues to choose the 
combination and level of benefits which best suit their individual 
needs, and the removal of seniority-based pension benefits for our 
most senior employees globally, to create greater alignment with the 
wider employee population

In March 2019 we published our first Fair Pay Report internally to all 
colleagues to explain how our performance and reward approach 
meets the principles of the Charter, and to provide an update on  
areas where we are working to enhance our approach. In addition to 
responses to engagement surveys, colleague feedback on the Fair 
Pay Report has helped to identify areas of focus for the Committee 
and HR as we work to embed further the Charter principles.

The second annual Fair Pay Report will be published internally in 
February 2020 alongside, for the first time, an external Fair Pay  
Report where you can read further details on our progress.  
Our Strategic report contains further information on colleagues, 
including a summary of our gender pay gap on page 49. Our full 
gender pay gap report is also available on our website.

1

2

3

4

5

Fair Pay Charter principle
We commit to pay a living wage in all our markets by 2020 and  
seek to go beyond compliance with minimum wage requirements

We provide an appropriate mix of fixed and variable pay and a core 
level of benefits to ensure a minimum level of earnings and security  
to colleagues and to reflect the Group’s commitment to wellbeing
We support colleagues in working flexibly, in ways that balance both 
business needs and their personal circumstances, and provide 
colleagues with the opportunity to select the combination and level  
of benefits that is right for them
Pay is well administered with colleagues paid accurately, on time and 
in a way that is convenient for them

6

7

8

9

Fair Pay Charter principle
The structure of pay and benefits is consistent for colleagues 
based on their location and role, with a clear rationale  
for exceptions
We are committed to rewarding colleagues in a way that is free 
from discrimination on the basis of diversity, as set out in our 
Group Code of Conduct
We ensure pay decisions reflect the performance of the 
individual, the business they work in and the Group, and 
recognise the potential, conduct, behaviours and values 
demonstrated by each individual
We set clear expectations for how colleagues are rewarded 
and the principles guiding decisions, including clear personal 
objectives and feedback

We provide a competitive total fixed and variable pay opportunity that 
enables us to attract, motivate and retain colleagues based on market 
rates for their role, location, performance, skills and experience

10 We provide clear communication of pay and performance 
decisions, and seek feedback and input from colleagues  
on our pay structures and outcomes

Determining Group-wide 2019 discretionary incentives

In determining 2019 incentives, the Committee considered:

 ¼ 2019 performance measured against the Group and business 

scorecards, and whether any risk-taking exceeded the Group’s  
risk appetite

 ¼ Strategic achievements including improved productivity, data 

analytics targets met, out-performance of system stability targets  
and growth in affluent business income

 ¼ The need to position remuneration in the Group to pay good 

performers competitively and recognising the demonstration of 
valued behaviours

 ¼ Continued focus on competitive levels of pay and of taking a global 
approach to remuneration, considering wage inflation pressures in 
many of the emerging markets in which the Group operates

 ¼ The Group’s capital position and current and future risks identified by 

the Group’s Principal Risk framework

 ¼ The resolution of legacy sanctions compliance and financial crime 

controls investigations in the US and UK, and the historical 
remuneration adjustments made in respect of these matters

The Committee used its judgement to establish the right balance 
between total incentives that reflect the performance of the Group  
and its ability to attract, retain and reward colleagues that will drive  

the delivery of the Group’s strategy and sustainable growth for 
shareholders. 

To determine risk adjustment to Group-wide discretionary incentives, 
the Committee reviews material events, historical events, risk appetite 
breaches and emerging areas of risk at each meeting. In 2019, the 
Committee assessed the operation and management of the principal 
risks and determined that risk adjustment to 2019 total discretionary 
incentives was appropriate to reflect the improvements that are required 
in 2020. 

The Committee determined that total discretionary incentives in 2019, 
post the application of risk adjustment, should be $1,278 million. This 
represents an increase of 8 per cent on 2018 and no change to the ratio 
of variable compensation to pre-variable compensation profit before  
tax of 24 per cent. The Committee believes that the total discretionary 
incentives for 2019 demonstrate a disciplined approach to pay in the 
context of the improved financial performance delivered and strong 
progress against our strategic priorities.

The total incentives figure for 2019 includes i) LTIP awards, the value of 
which will be determined by Group performance over the period 2020 
to 2022 and ii) incentive awards made to individuals who left the Group 
during 2019 as part of restructuring, who were in service for at least nine 
months of the year.

116

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportDirectors’ remuneration reportThe relationship between the remuneration of the Group Chief Executive (CEO) and all employees

The Group’s approach to remuneration is consistent for all employees 
and is designed to help ensure pay is fair and competitive in line with 
our Fair Pay Charter. For the CEO and all colleagues:

 ¼ Each individual’s performance, including conduct and achievement 
against personal objectives, is assessed at least annually and drives 
incentive decisions

 ¼ Externally sourced market data is used to help guide pay decisions

 ¼ Our incentive plans have a clear link to Group and business 

performance, through published scorecards

 ¼ The same Group scorecard is used to determine incentives for 

colleagues including the CEO

 ¼ LTIP awards are granted to senior executives who have clear line of 
sight to influence the targets linked to the long-term performance of 
the Group

Further details on the alignment of executive director and wider 
workforce remuneration is set out on pages 112 to 113.

Ratio of the total remuneration of the CEO to that of the UK lower quartile, median and upper quartile employees

Year
2019
2018
2017

Method
A
A
A

CEO 
£000
5,932
6,287
4,683

Pay ratio

25th percentile
72:1
80:1
61:1

50th percentile (median)
46:1
51:1
39:1

75th percentile
28:1
30:1
23:1

Additional ratios of pay based on salary and salary plus annual incentive

Salary

2019
2018
2017

Salary plus annual incentive

2019
2018

2017

CEO 
£000

2,353
2,300
2,300

3,604
3,691

3,978

25th percentile

50th percentile (median)

75th percentile

Pay ratio

36:1
39:1
42:1

49:1
52:1

58:1

26:1
27:1
28:1

33:1
35:1

39:1

18:1
16:1
19:1

19:1
20:1

22:1

 ¼ The pay ratios are calculated in line with the published 

 ¼ The Committee has considered the pay data for the three 

methodology, using Option A to identify the UK lower quartile, 
median and upper quartile employees, in line with investor guidance 
stating a preference for this option

 ¼ Employee pay data is based on full-time equivalent pay for UK 

employees as at 31 December of the relevant year

 ¼ For each employee, total pay is calculated in line with the single 
figure methodology (i.e. fixed remuneration accrued during the 
financial year and the value of performance-based incentive awards 
vesting in relation to the performance year)

 ¼ Employee pay data excludes leavers, joiners and employee 

transfers in or out of the UK during the year, to help ensure data is 
on a like-for-like basis, and data for life assurance and long-term 
illness cover are based on the value of notional premia. 2019 
salaries are reported excluding cash allowances following 
improvements to reporting capabilities as the result of the 
introduction of mybenefits in the year. The salaries and associated 
ratios for 2017 and 2018 have been re-calculated on this basis for 
consistency. No other calculation adjustments or assumptions  
have been made

 ¼ CEO pay is as per the single total figure of remuneration for 2019 
and restated for 2018 to take account of the actual LTIP vesting in 
2019. Further information on the single total figure is on page 119

 ¼ The 2019 ratio will be restated in the 2020 directors’ remuneration 
report to take account of the final LTIP vesting data for eligible 
employees and for the CEO

individuals identified for 2019 and believes that it is a fair reflection of 
pay at the relevant quartiles among the UK employee population. 
Each of the individuals identified was a full-time employee during the 
year and received remuneration in line with the Group remuneration 
policy, and none received exceptional pay

 ¼ Our LTIP is intended to link total remuneration to the achievement of 
the Group’s long-term strategy and to reinforce alignment between 
executive remuneration and shareholder interests

 ¼ As set out on page 112, participation is therefore typically senior 

employees who have line of sight to influence directly the 
performance targets on the awards. The lower quartile, median and 
upper quartile employees identified this year are not participants in 
the LTIP

 ¼ The year-on-year decrease in the total remuneration pay ratio is 
primarily due to the CEO’s lower LTIP vesting value reported in  
2019 compared with 2018. This is due to the lower grant value of 
the 2017-19 LTIP award compared with the 2016-18 LTIP award 
(160 and 200 per cent of fixed pay respectively) and the decrease  
in share price over the vesting period of the 2017-19 award

 ¼ It is expected that the ratio will depend materially on long-term 
incentive outcomes each year, and accordingly may fluctuate. 
Therefore, the Committee also discloses the median pay ratios 
covering salary and salary plus annual incentive, as UK employees 
are eligible to be considered for an annual incentive based on 
Group, business and individual performance. These show a more 
consistent ratio over time

Salary and total remuneration used to calculate the ratio of pay
To provide further context, the table below shows the CEO and the employee percentile pay used to determine the 2019 pay ratios. 

Salary
Salary plus annual incentive
Total remuneration (single figure)

CEO 
£000
2,353
3,604
5,932

25th percentile 
£000
65
73
83

50th percentile (median) 
£000
90
109
128

75th percentile 
£000
128
187
212

117

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTGroup performance versus the CEO’s remuneration
The graph below shows the Group’s TSR performance on a cumulative basis over the past 10 years alongside that of the FTSE 100 and peer 
banks, and the table below shows the historical levels of remuneration of the CEO as well as the pay ratios described on the previous page.  
The FTSE 100 provides a broad comparison group against which shareholders may measure their relative returns.

Total shareholder returns since 2010

Standard Chartered

FTSE 100

Comparator median

250

200

150

100

50

0

Jan 2010

Jan 2011

Jan 2012

Jan 2013

Jan 2014

Jan 2015

Jan 2016

Jan 2017

Jan 2018

Jan 2019

Jan 2020

The table below shows the single figure of total remuneration for the CEO since 2010 and the variable remuneration delivered as a percentage  
of maximum opportunity.

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Single figure of total remuneration £000

Peter Sands (CEO until 10 June 2015)

7,970

7,779

6,951

4,378

3,093

1,290

–

–

–

–

Bill Winters (appointed CEO on 10 June 2015)

–

–

–

–

–

8,3991

3,392

4,683

6,2872

5,932

Annual incentive as a percentage of maximum opportunity

Peter Sands

Bill Winters

70%

70%

63%

50%

–

–

–

–

0%

–

Vesting of LTIP awards as a percentage of maximum

Peter Sands

Bill Winters

90%

90%

77%

33%

10%

–

–

–

–

–

0%

0%

0%

–

–

–

–

–

45%

76%

63%

55%

0%

–

–

–

–

–

27%

38%

1   Bill’s single figure of total remuneration in 2015 includes his buyout award of £6.5 million to compensate for the forfeiture of share interests on joining from his previous employment

2   The 2018 single figure for Bill has been restated based on the actual vesting and share price when the 2016-18 LTIP awards vested in May 2019

CEO and all employee percentage change in remuneration 2018 to 2019
The chart below shows the percentage change in remuneration between the 2018 and 2019 performance years for the CEO and the wider 
employee population.

Salary

2.3%

3.3%

Taxable benefits

2.0%

Annual 
incentive

-10.1%

CEO

All employees

For the ‘all employee’ group, the percentage change in salary 
represents the Group’s aggregate salary increase for the global 
employee population.

10.0%

The taxable benefits comparison is based on UK employees as it is 
deemed the most appropriate comparison for the CEO given the 
varied requirements in the provision and tax treatment of benefits 
across different jurisdictions.

8.0%

The reason for the increase in the taxable benefits for the CEO is set 
out in the notes to the single figure table on page 120.

The annual incentive data is based on the global employee population 
who are eligible to receive annual incentives.

118

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportDirectors’ remuneration reportDirectors’ remuneration in 2019

This section sets out how remuneration was delivered to the executive 
directors under the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 
2016 and, from May 2019, under the remuneration policy approved  
by shareholders at the 2019 AGM. It also sets out the 2019 fees paid 
to the Group Chairman and the independent non-executive directors 
(INEDs). Notwithstanding the change to executive director pensions 
effective 1 January 2020, the Committee was satisfied that the policy 
operated as intended in 2019 in terms of Group performance  
and quantum.

Single total figure of remuneration for 2019 (audited)

This section is subject to an advisory shareholder vote at the  
2020 AGM.

Standard Chartered’s remuneration policy was approved at the AGM 
held on 8 May 2019 and applies to the executive directors, the Group 
Chairman and INEDs for three years from that date. A summary is set 
out on pages 131 to 132. The full policy can be found on pages 108  
to 115 of the 2018 Annual Report and on the Group’s website.

The following table sets out the single total figure of remuneration for 2019 for the CEO and the CFO. The single figure consists of salary, 
pension, benefits and annual incentives receivable in respect of 2019 and the estimated values of 2017–19 LTIP awards vesting. All figures  
are in £000s. The diagram below shows the value of each element of Bill’s single figure of remuneration and the relevant year of release. 

Bill Winters

Andy Halford

Salary
Pension
Benefits1
Total fixed remuneration
Annual incentive award2
Vesting of LTIP award3

Value of vesting awards based on performance4
Value of vesting awards based on share price growth5,6

Total variable remuneration
Single total figure of remuneration

Notes to the single figure table:

1  The benefits figures refer to UK tax years 2018/19 and 2017/18 respectively

2  Executive directors’ annual incentive awards in respect of 2019 are delivered  

50 per cent in cash paid in March 2020 and 50 per cent in shares subject to a minimum 
12-month retention period. The detail of how directors’ annual incentive awards are 
determined is set out on pages 120 to 122. Awards are subject to clawback for up to  
10 years

3  The LTIP awards granted in March 2017 are due to vest in March 2020, based on 
performance over the years 2017 to 2019. Following an estimated assessment of  
the performance measures (RoE with CET1 underpin, relative TSR and strategic 
measures), 38 per cent of these awards are expected to vest. The final assessment of 
relative TSR performance will be conducted in March 2020, the end of the three-year 
performance period. Based on a share price of £6.92, the three-month average to  
31 December 2019, the estimated value to be delivered is £1,627,000 to Bill and 
£1,007,000 to Andy

2019

2,353
470
231
3,054
1,251

1,627
–
2,878
5,932

2018

2,300
460
210
2,970
1,391

1,546
380
3,317
6,287

2019

1,450
315
87
1,852
777

1,007
–
1,784
3,636

2018

1,399
352
96
1,847
850

923
227
2,000
3,847

  The final value will be restated in the 2020 directors’ remuneration report based on  
final TSR performance and the share price at vesting. Awards are subject to malus  
and clawback for up to 10 years from grant. Further details are provided on pages  
123 to 124

4  The values of vesting awards for 2018 have been restated based on the actual share 

price of £6.91 when the awards vested in May 2019

5  The share price used to estimate the value of vesting of the 2017-19 LTIP awards  
is lower than the share price on the award date of £7.45 and therefore the value 
attributable to share price growth is nil. The value of the awards vesting is reduced  
by £119,000 and £74,000 for Bill and Andy respectively when compared to the value  
at grant

6  The estimated amount of the LTIP award attributable to share price appreciation in 
2018 is calculated based on the total value of the award minus dividend equivalents 
minus the face value of the award at the time of grant multiplied by the percentage of 
the award that vested

n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r
e
b
a
i
r
a
V

l

n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r
d
e
x
F

i

2017-19 LTIP 
1,627

2019 Annual 
incentive  
1,251

Benefits 231

Pension 470

Salary  
2,353

Bill Winters’ 2019 single total figure of remuneration

325.4

325.4

325.4

325.4

LTIP shares vest pro rata over  
years 3 to 7 with additional  
retention period of 12 months

325.4

625.5

625.5

235.3

235.3

231

470

1,176.5

235.3

235.3

235.3

Salary shares released pro rata  
over 5 years

Annual 
incentive and 
LTIP shares  
are also 
subject to 
clawback for  
up to 10 years 
from grant

LTIP 
shares

Annual 
incentive 
shares
Annual 
incentive 
cash
Salary 
shares
Salary 
cash

Total: 5,932

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

£000

119

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORT 
 
Salary

Pension

Fixed pay

Benefits

Salary is the contractually fixed amount paid and set based on the role, and the skills and experience of the individual. It is set and 
reviewed annually against relevant market benchmarks. The same approach is used for all employees.
For executive directors part of salary is paid in cash and part is paid in shares, to align with shareholder interests, which are subject 
to a retention period of five years with 20 per cent released annually. The number of shares allocated is determined by the monetary 
value and the prevailing market price of the Group’s shares on the date of allocation. Bill’s salary is paid 50 per cent in cash and  
50 per cent in shares and Andy’s salary is paid 67 per cent in cash and 33 per cent in shares.
Bill’s salary was increased 3 per cent effective 1 April 2019.

Pension is set as a percentage of salary and can be delivered as a contribution to the UK pension fund or paid as a cash allowance. 
Pension for Bill is delivered as a cash allowance and a £10,000 contribution to the UK pension fund. For Andy, the pension is 
delivered as a cash allowance. In line with the UK Corporate Governance Code, only salary is pensionable. 

Fixed pay, on which executive directors’ variable remuneration is based, is the total of salary and pension.

The core benefits provided to executive directors and other UK employees are the same: private medical insurance, life assurance, 
income protection, accidental death and disability insurance and a cash benefits allowance. Executive directors receive a lower 
cash benefits allowance than other UK employees as a percentage of their salary. 
In addition, the executive directors have the use of a company vehicle and driver. In line with Principle 6 of our Fair Pay Charter, this 
is a role-based provision given their executive role and the associated security and privacy requirements. The increase in Bill’s 
benefits in 2019 was due to an increase in the value of the car benefit. In 2020, the value of the car benefit is expected to reduce 
through the transition to an electric vehicle, in line with our commitments to sustainability.
Executive directors occasionally use a Group car service for travelling and their partners may travel to accompany attendance at 
Board or other similar events. The Group covers any tax liability that arises on these benefits.
Bill is entitled to a contribution to the preparation of his annual tax returns owing to the complexity of his tax affairs, in part due to  
his extensive travel on Group business.

Fixed 
remuneration

Fixed remuneration is the total of fixed pay and benefits.

Total variable remuneration awarded to directors in respect of 2019 (audited)

Annual incentive (£000)
Annual incentive as a percentage of fixed pay
LTIP award (value of shares subject to performance conditions) (£000)
LTIP award as a percentage of fixed pay1
Total variable remuneration as a percentage of fixed pay
Total variable remuneration (£000)

Bill Winters

Andy Halford

2019
1,251
44%
3,413
120%
164%
4,664

2018
1,391
50%
3,312
120%
170%
4,703

2019
777
44%
2,118
120%
164%
2,895

2018
850
48%
2,118
120%
168%
2,968

1  LTIP awards for the 2019 performance year will be granted to executive directors in March 2020 and are based on their 2019 fixed pay (as at December 2019)

Annual incentive awards for the executive directors (audited)
Annual incentive awards for executive directors are based on the assessment of the Group scorecard and an assessment of individual 
performance. The same Group scorecard is used for the executive directors and other employees.

For Bill and Andy, the Committee considered Group performance, their individual performance, and risk, control and conduct-related matters 
(with input from Risk and other control functions). The Committee followed a three-step process for determining annual incentive awards.

1. 

2. 

 Consider eligibility: The Committee considered that each director had exhibited an appropriate level of conduct against targets set and was 
deemed to have met the gateway requirement to be eligible for an incentive.

 Evaluate performance against the Group’s scorecard: The Group reported improved financial performance in 2019 despite the 
particularly challenging geopolitical and macroeconomic headwinds in the market. The impact of international trade tensions, low interest rates 
and social unrest in Hong Kong in the medium-term outlook were unanticipated at the time targets were set. Despite this, income, underlying 
profit before tax and RoTE all showed promising growth while cost discipline was maintained. Specific strategic achievements included 
improved client satisfaction, the performance against our digital transformation targets and the productivity benefits delivered through our 
corporate re-organisation. Over-and-above the scorecard outcome, we were pleased to return $1 billion to shareholders through our share 
buy-back programme and to register share price growth during the year. Furthermore, the agreement to sell Permata Bank will release capital 
for reinvestment or further returns to shareholders.

120

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportDirectors’ remuneration reportAssessment of the 2019 Group scorecard (audited)

Financial measures

Weighting

Threshold  
(0%)

Mid-point of 
target range

Maximum  
(100%)

Achievement

Outcome

Income1

Costs

Operating profit1

RoTE plus CET1 underpin2

7%

7%

10%

20%

$15.0bn

$10.4bn

$3.9bn

5.2%

Funding optimisation3

6%

1.6bp

$15.6bn

$10.1bn

$4.3bn

5.8%

2.0bp

$16.3bn

$15.3bn

$9.8bn

$10.1bn

$4.7bn

$4.2bn

6.4%

6.4%

2.4bp

-16.8bps

2%

4%

5%

20%

0%

The funding optimisation targets were not met, primarily due to 
market conditions not foreseen when targets were set. In spite  
of this, the Group did deliver strong liability growth, enabling the 
realisation of normal levels of asset margins despite a number of 
macroeconomic liquidity challenges in the year.

Other 
strategic 
measures
Deliver our 
network 
and grow 
our affluent 
business

Transform 
and disrupt 
with digital

Improve 
productivity

Purpose 
and people

Weighting Target4,5

15%

 ¼ Improve client satisfaction rating
 ¼ Deliver client growth in target segments
 ¼ Capitalise on China opportunities including through 

RMB and mainland wealth growth

 ¼ Develop Africa through digital growth, client growth 

and improved client satisfaction

 ¼ Ensure credit quality

15%

 ¼ Develop ventures beyond ‘traditional’ business model 

Assessment of achievement
 ¼ Client satisfaction improved, exceeding targets set. 
Further progress required in client growth despite  
strong performance in Retail and Private Banking

 ¼ China performance on target illustrated by key industry 
awards for RMB and Belt & Road Initiatives and positive 
Greater China Qualified Priority Banking client growth
 ¼  Exceeded targets for Africa, with significant client and 
digital growth; number one ranked bank for Debt  
Capital Markets and Transaction Banking as judged  
by external agencies

 ¼  Exceeded targeted improvements on credit quality: 
asset quality improved with no new areas of stress
 ¼ Progress on new ventures development marginally 

Outcome
10%

9%

and products

behind target 

 ¼ Deliver client-facing system stability and availability 

targets

 ¼ Use partnerships, platforms, and technologies to 

improve client experience

 ¼ Deliver growth in digital volumes
 ¼ Improve data analytics to develop new products  

and attract new clients

 ¼  Exceeded system stability and availability targets
 ¼  Client experience targets exceeded, development of 

over 60 emerging technology applications that reached 
the proof of concept stage

 ¼  Successful online adoption growth and digital sourcing 

initiatives in Retail Banking, however overall digital 
volume growth marginally behind target

5%

 ¼ Successfully deliver key milestones to create a  

 ¼  Targeted improvements in use of data analytics achieved
 ¼ Programme to create Hong Kong entity delivered 

2%

Hong Kong hub entity structure

milestones ahead of target

 ¼ Execute organisation design and strategic people 

 ¼ Progress on organisational design and strategic  

initiatives

people initiatives

15%

 ¼ Maintain effective compliance and financial crime 

 ¼ Exceeded target on compliance and achieved target  

7%

compliance controls

for financial crime control

 ¼ Successfully deliver cyber risk management plan 

 ¼  Slightly behind target in delivery on milestones within 

milestones

cyber risk management plan

 ¼ Develop human capital by improving diversity, 
employee engagement and culture of inclusion 
metrics and by delivering conduct plans

 ¼  Diversity targets met, slightly behind on employee net 

promoter score target, culture of inclusion and conduct 
targets exceeded

100%

Total
In reviewing the scorecard outcome, the Committee considered the underlying business performance, current and future  
risks identified by the Group’s Principal Risk Type framework and against the Board approved risk appetite, absolute levels of 
performance and the broader macroeconomic environment. The Committee considered carefully the balance between rewarding 
colleagues for stronger performance and delivering sustainable growth for shareholders. Considering performance and the overall 
competitiveness of total compensation across the Group, the Committee applied judgement to award incentives at a lower level,  
at a scorecard outcome of 55 per cent.
Total scorecard outcome for the executive directors and other employees 

Total scorecard assessment 

55%

59%

1  Total income and operating profit are on an underlying basis. Certain items are presented as restructuring and other items that are excluded from the underlying results of the Group. 

These are income, costs and impairment and resulting operating profit relating to identifiable business units, products or portfolios from the relevant dates that they have been 
approved for restructuring, disposal, wind down or redundancy. This includes realised and unrealised gains and losses from management’s decisions to dispose of assets as well  
as residual income, direct costs and impairment of related legacy assets of those identifiable business units, products or portfolios. See Note 2 page 265

2  Normalised RoTE represents the ratio of the current year’s profit available for distribution to ordinary shareholders, to the weighted average ordinary shareholders’ equity less the 

average goodwill and intangibles for the reporting period. The CET1 underpin was set at the higher of 13 per cent or the minimum regulatory level as at 31 December 2019 (taking  
into account any transition rules or material changes in regulatory rules). Unaudited

3  Funding optimisation was an initiative that targets an efficient level and mix of funding (liabilities) to support the Group’s growth aspirations. Measured in basis points reduction in 
funding costs relative to a normalised benchmark, which excludes the impact of interest rate movement, but requires a minimum level of growth in quality funding. Unaudited

4  A maximum/minimum performance threshold was set for each performance measure. For strategic measures, the Committee used its judgement to determine scorecard outcomes 

within this range (with a higher than 50 per cent outcome for performance above target and a lower than 50 per cent outcome for below target performance)

5  Strategic targets are aligned to internal scorecards measuring in-year progress on multi-year initiatives. Unaudited

121

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORT3. Assess personal performance and finalise awards: As outlined in the policy, the Committee can make an upwards or downwards 
adjustment to the scorecard outcome for personal performance, consistent with the approach for other employees who are eligible to be 
considered for discretionary incentives. When considering whether such an adjustment is appropriate, the Committee considers the particular 
areas of responsibility of the executive director together with the objectives that they were asked to prioritise for the year and their personal 
contribution to the scorecard outcome. The adjustment will usually be in the range of +/- 10 percentage points to the scorecard outcome.

Bill Winters 
A summary of some of Bill’s 2019 achievements against his key personal objectives are set out below:

 ¼ Bill has delivered improved performance despite the significant macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds that the business has faced in 

2019 which is testament to the actions he has taken since appointment to create a stronger and more resilient bank

 ¼ This improved performance has been achieved under a continued focus on further enhancements to our risk and control framework, 

including the resolution of legacy sanctions compliance and financial crime controls investigations in the US and UK

 ¼ Bill has instilled discipline and a higher performance culture through the articulation of the refreshed people strategy

The Committee noted Bill’s performance across each of his key objectives in 2019. Taking into account areas for further improvement, the 
Committee determined that neither an upwards nor downwards adjustment to the overall Group scorecard outcome was appropriate for 2019. 
Bill’s annual incentive for 2019 was 55 per cent of the maximum opportunity. This equates to 44 per cent of fixed pay (50 per cent in 2018).

Andy Halford 
A summary of some of Andy’s 2019 achievements against his key personal objectives are set out below:

 ¼ Andy has built on the stronger foundations laid over the last two years and shown a tireless commitment to delivering the improvements to 

efficiency that are now flowing through to financial results

 ¼ Andy has led the drive to restructure the Group’s legal entities, bringing about material financial benefits. This required substantial oversight of 

complex restructuring and careful management of key stakeholders including regulators, clients and investors

 ¼ Andy has strengthened his management team with key hires who bring both experience and additional diversity to his functions

The Committee noted Andy’s performance against his key objectives in 2019. Taking into account areas for further improvement, the Committee 
determined that on balance neither an upwards nor downwards adjustment to the overall Group scorecard outcome was appropriate for 2019. 
Andy’s annual incentive was 55 per cent of the maximum opportunity. This equates to 44 per cent of fixed pay (48 per cent in 2018).

LTIP awards for the executive directors to be granted in 2020 (unaudited)

The size of the award has been determined based on Group and individual performance during the year. LTIP awards for the 2019 performance 
year will be granted to Bill and Andy in March 2020 with a value of 120 per cent of fixed pay (£3.4 million and £2.1 million respectively). This is  
the maximum amount receivable, unless the share price appreciates. The amount that the executive directors will receive is dependent on the 
extent to which the performance conditions are met and the future share price. 

Remuneration regulations for European banks mean that dividend equivalent shares are not permitted to be awarded on vesting. The number  
of shares awarded in respect of the LTIP will take into account the lack of dividend equivalents (calculated by reference to market consensus 
dividend yield) such that the overall market value of the award is maintained. 

These awards will vest in five annual tranches beginning after the third anniversary of the grant (i.e. March 2023 to March 2027) subject to 
meeting the performance measures set out below at the end of 2022. All vested shares are subject to a 12-month retention period.

The performance measures for the 2020-22 LTIP awards are set out in the table on the next page and will be the same as the previous cycle.

The RoTE target range for 2020-22 LTIP awards is 8.5 to 11.0 per cent, which has been set considering the Group’s current financial position 
and plan, and the market environment and outlook. This represents a continued increase in the stretch in threshold performance over recent 
years, most recently from an RoTE target range of 8.0 to 11.0 per cent for the 2019-21 LTIP.

The criteria used to select the peer group for the calculation of the relative TSR performance measure are companies with generally  
comparable business activities, size or geographic spread to Standard Chartered or companies with which the Group competes for investor 
funds and talent. In aggregate, the peer group is intended to be representative of the Group’s geographic presence and business operations. 
The constituents of the comparator group are reviewed annually, prior to each new LTIP grant.

The TSR comparator group for 2020-22 LTIP awards will be the same as for the 2019-21 LTIP and is detailed on the next page. TSR is 
measured in sterling for each company and the TSR data averaged over a month at the start and end of the three-year measurement period 
which starts from the date of grant.

122

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportDirectors’ remuneration reportPerformance measures for 2020-22 LTIP awards

Measure
1. RoTE1,2 in 2022 plus 
CET13 underpin of the 
higher of 13% or the 
minimum regulatory 
requirement 
2. Relative TSR4 
against the peer group

Amount vesting  
(as a % of total award)
Weighting
One-third Maximum – 33.3% 

Threshold  
performance target
8.5%

Maximum  
performance target
11.0%

Threshold – 8.3% 
Below threshold – 0%

One-third Maximum – 33.3% 

Median

Upper quartile

Threshold – 8.3% 
Below threshold – 0%

3. Strategic measures

One-third Maximum – 33.3% 

Deliver our network and grow our affluent business

Minimum – 0%

Transform and disrupt with digital

Improve productivity
Purpose and people

Risk and controls

Performance against each component of the scorecard will be assessed by the 
Committee using proof points to determine the percentage of the award that may vest
 ¼ Improve client satisfaction rating
 ¼ Deliver network growth in target segments
 ¼ Deliver affluent growth in target markets
 ¼ Successfully deliver key digital partnerships, platforms and technologies
 ¼ Improve data analytics to develop new products and attract new clients
 ¼ Improve working profit per FTE
 ¼ Improve diversity, employee engagement and culture of inclusion
 ¼ Successfully embed sustainable and responsible practices in relation to climate, 

infrastructure, environment and community engagements

 ¼ Successfully deliver milestones within the risk management plan
 ¼ Enhance compliance control effectiveness
 ¼ Maintain risk profile within Group’s risk appetite

1   Normalised RoTE represents the ratio of the current year’s profit available for distribution to ordinary shareholders, to the weighted average ordinary shareholders’ equity less the 

average goodwill and intangibles for the reporting period. Normalised RoTE normally excludes regulatory fines but, for remuneration purposes, this would be subject to review by the 
Remuneration Committee

2   If RoTE reaches 8.5 per cent then 8.3 per cent of the award vests. If RoTE reaches 11 per cent then 33.3 per cent of the award vests. If RoTE is between the threshold and maximum, 

vesting is calculated on a straight-line basis between these two points

3  The CET1 underpin will be dynamically set at the higher of 13 per cent or the minimum regulatory level as at 31 December 2022 (taking into account any transition rules or material 

changes in regulatory rules). In addition, the Committee has the discretion to take into account at the end of the performance period any changes in regulatory capital and 
risk-weighted asset requirements that might have been announced and implemented after the start of the performance period, for example, in relation to Basel IV

4   Relative TSR is measured against a comparator group. If the Group’s TSR performance is at least equivalent to the median ranked company then 8.3 per cent of the award vests.  
If the Group’s TSR performance is at least equal to the upper quartile ranked company then 33.3 per cent of the award vests. Between these points, the Group’s TSR is compared 
with that of the comparators positioned immediately above and below it and straight-line vesting applies

5   An example of sustainability metrics is set out on page 129

The peer group for the TSR measure in the 2020-22 LTIP is unchanged from the 2019-21 award and is set out below:

Banco Santander
Bank of America
Bank of China
Bank of East Asia
Barclays
BNP Paribas
Citigroup

Credit Suisse
DBS Group
Deutsche Bank
HSBC
ICBC
ICICI
JPMorgan Chase

KB Financial Group
Oversea Chinese Banking Corporation
Société Générale
Standard Bank
State Bank of India
UBS
United Overseas Bank

Performance outcomes for 2017–19 LTIP awards (audited)

The single total figure of remuneration table shows that LTIP awards will vest in March 2020 with an estimated value of £1,627,000 and 
£1,007,000 for Bill and Andy respectively. Based on European regulations, the grant of LTIP awards takes into consideration performance during 
the year and forms part of variable remuneration for the year, as well as being subject to performance over the next three years. These LTIP 
awards were granted to Bill and Andy in 2017 with a face value of 160 per cent of fixed pay, to incentivise the continued execution of the strategy 
over the three-year period 2017 to 2019. 

The awards were share-based and subject to the satisfaction of stretching performance measures over three years. The conduct gateway 
requirement must be met before any awards would vest. The awards were then subject to RoE and relative TSR targets and a qualitative and 
quantitative assessment of the strategic measures.

The Committee concluded that Bill and Andy exhibited appropriate conduct during the performance period and therefore the conduct gateway 
was met. The table below sets out the performance required, the 2017-19 performance achieved and the LTIP vesting outcome.

Weighting
One-third

Performance for  
minimum vesting (25%)
5.0%

Performance for  
maximum vesting (100%)
8.0%

Assessment of achievement
RoE 5.6% and CET1 13.8%

Measure
1. RoE1 in 2019 plus CET1 
underpin of the higher  
of 12% or the minimum 
regulatory requirement
2. Relative TSR against the  
peer group

3. Strategic measures

One-third

Total 2017-19 LTIP awards vesting outcome

One-third

Median

Upper quartile

Performance currently estimated 
below median. TSR performance will 
be measured in March 2020
Improved performance against our 
strategic priorities

Vesting 
outcome
13.3%

0.0%

24.7%

38.0%

123

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTStrategic measure

Proof point

Assessment

Strengthen 
foundations in  
risk and control 
including financial 
crime remediation

 ¼ Successfully execute the 

Group’s financial crime risk, 
remediation, and unified 
conduct and culture 
programmes

 ¼ The Group has made significant progress in successfully executing against the Financial 
Crime Risk and other conduct-related mitigation and remediation programmes. Historical 
conduct and control issues were settled in early 2019. The Bank has taken further steps to 
satisfy the various requirements of the Settlement Agreement, demonstrating our Sanctions 
Compliance controls across the Group

 ¼ Liquidate and exit identified 

 ¼ The Group exited $25bn of the liquidation portfolio during the performance period. 

non-strategic assets

Focus on clients 
and growth, and 
drive cross-bank 
collaboration

 ¼ Grow Private Banking net 
new money and new to 
wealth clients in Retail 
Banking

 ¼ Maintain leadership position 
on the internationalisation  
of renminbi

Significant progress is being made towards optimising RWA efficiency through various 
divestment and optimisation initiatives. In 2019, the Bank successfully entered into an 
agreement to sell off its stake in the Indonesian Bank Permata

 ¼ Improved growth in new to wealth (Priority) clients in Retail Banking, from 55,500 clients  
in 2016 to 74,000 clients in 2019. Private Banking delivered positive inflows for three 
consecutive years over 2017 to 2019 totalling $5.5bn of net new money. The 2019 net new 
money performance was impacted by an outflow of $0.8bn due to the business decision  
to exit the wealth intermediary business in 2019

 ¼ Enhanced leadership on the internationalisation of renminbi, demonstrated by winning key 
industry awards including “Best RMB Bank” overall and in eight key markets in 2019, “Best 
Overall International Bank for the Belt & Road Initiative” in 2018 and “Best International Bank 
in the Region for Belt and Road Initiative” in 2019

 ¼ China’s management income has grown significantly over the performance period from 

$0.7bn to $0.9bn reflecting a +8% annual growth rate. Good progress has also been made 
on Greater China Qualified Priority Banking client growth

 ¼ Retail Banking: achieve  

 ¼ Continued improvement in income generated from Retail Priority clients, from 40% at 2016 

over 40% of income from 
Priority clients

 ¼ Deliver market share gains 

across Africa region

year-end to 48% in 2019, significantly above the 40% target

 ¼ Some progress in market share growth and strength of brand demonstrated by winning  
key industry awards including “Best Retail Bank Africa, Global Retail Banking Innovations 
Awards” and “Best Consumer Digital Bank, Global Finance Awards” in eight key African 
markets, laying the foundations for further growth

Improve efficiency, 
productivity, and 
service quality

 ¼ Improve client satisfaction 

 ¼ Client satisfaction has improved over the performance period. CIB client engagement  

rating

survey scores have exceeded the targets set in each year, and progress has been achieved 
in Retail, Commercial and Private Banking against targets set

 ¼ Cost discipline: deliver gross 

 ¼ $3.2bn of gross efficiency savings were delivered during the performance period, exceeding 

efficiency target

targets set. The 2019 operating costs are in line to meet the target set for the year

 ¼ Retail: progress towards 

 ¼ The Retail cost to income ratio has not achieved the target of 55%. The focus of the Retail 

achieving a cost income ratio 
of c.55% by 2020

strategy shifted during 2018, to target higher returns from growth in the affluent client base. 
Return on RWA in Retail improved by 74bps between 2016 and the end of 2019, meeting 
targeted returns from the revised strategic focus

Embed innovation, 
digitisation, and 
analytics

 ¼ Drive innovation through  
new products, solutions  
and services for clients

 ¼ Significant progress made in driving innovation to improve the client experience. 

Performance measured with reference to an Innovation Index which has exceeded the 
targets set in each performance year

 ¼ Grow percentage of Retail 
Banking clients with online/
mobile adoption

 ¼ Improve net promoter score 
within Group’s employees

Invest in people, 
strengthen culture 
and conduct

 ¼ Continued growth in Retail Banking clients adopting online and mobile platforms from 40% 

at 2016 year-end to 54% at 2019 year-end

 ¼ Material improvement in employee net promoter score from +2.4 in 2016 to +11.5 in  
2019 reflecting the progress made in our cultural transformation and improving the  
employee experience

 ¼ Strengthen leadership 

 ¼ Gender diversity and African and China talent metrics improved over the performance 

succession and improve 
diversity as a percentage of 
the management population

period. Succession plans are in place for all critical roles

1  RoE was based on profit attributed to ordinary shareholders, adjusted, on a tax-effected basis, for profits or losses of a capital nature, restructuring charges, amounts consequent to 
investment transactions driven by strategic intent and infrequent/exceptional transactions that are significant or material in the context of the Group’s normal business earnings for the 
period. The CET1 underpin was set at the higher of 12 per cent or the minimum regulatory level as at 31 December 2019 (taking into account any transition rules or material changes in 
regulatory rules). (unaudited)

The Committee recognises that the performance has not yet translated into shareholder returns above median, and on this basis the Committee 
determined that the overall vesting of the LTIP would be 38 per cent. No discretion has been applied to the vesting outcome of the LTIP in 
respect of performance targets or share price movement.

The awards will vest pro rata over 2020 to 2024 and shares will be subject to a six-month retention period post-vesting. Malus and clawback 
provisions apply.

The Committee considered the performance against the ESG metrics within the people and purpose element of the annual incentive scorecard 
and 2017-19 LTIP strategic measures, as well as the Group’s wider progress on ESG metrics (further details on pages 43 to 56), and determined 
that the outcomes were appropriate and that the incentive structures do not raise ESG risks by motivating irresponsible behaviour.

124

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportDirectors’ remuneration reportHistorical LTIP awards

The current position on vesting for all unvested LTIP awards from the 2017 and 2018 performance years based on current performance and 
share price as at 31 December 2019 is set out in the tables below. The TSR peer group for both awards is as set out on page 123.

Current position on the 2018–20 LTIP award: projected partial vesting

Measure

Weighting

Performance for  
minimum vesting (25%)

Performance for  
maximum vesting (100%)

2018-20 LTIP assessment

RoE in 2020 with CET1 underpin

One-third

6.0%

9.0%

Relative TSR performance against 
comparator group

One-third

Median

Upper quartile

Strategic measures

One-third

Targets set for strategic measures linked to the 
business strategy

RoE currently below threshold therefore 
indicative 0% vesting

Currently positioned above median 
therefore indicative partial vesting based on 
TSR performance as at 31 December 2019

Currently tracking above target 
performance therefore indicative  
partial vesting

Current position on the 2019–21 LTIP award: projected partial vesting

Measure

RoTE in 2021 plus CET1 underpin 
of the higher of 13% or the 
minimum regulatory requirement

Relative TSR performance against 
comparator group

Weighting

One-third

Performance for  
minimum vesting (25%)

Performance for  
maximum vesting (100%)

2019-21 LTIP assessment

8.0%

11.0%

RoTE currently below threshold therefore 
indicative 0% vesting

One-third

Median

Upper quartile

Strategic measures

One-third

Targets set for strategic measures linked to the 
business strategy

Currently positioned above median 
therefore indicative partial vesting based on 
TSR performance as at 31 December 2019

Currently tracking above target 
performance therefore indicative  
partial vesting

Executive directors’ shareholdings and share interests including share awards (audited)

Executive directors are required to hold a specified level of shares, to be built up over a reasonable time frame from the date of appointment  
as an executive director (or, if later, from the date of any change to the terms of the shareholding requirement). Shares that count towards the 
requirements are beneficially owned shares, including any vested share awards subject only to a retention period, and unvested share awards 
for which performance conditions have been satisfied (on a net-of-tax basis). The shareholding requirement for 2019 was expressed as a 
percentage of salary, set as 250 per cent of salary for the CEO and 200 per cent of salary for the CFO. As at 31 December 2019, both Bill  
and Andy had significantly exceeded their shareholding requirement as outlined below. Shares purchased voluntarily from their own funds are 
equivalent to 93 and 69 per cent of salary for Bill and Andy respectively. The following chart summarises the executive directors’ shareholdings 
and share interests1:

Bill Winters 
(requirement = 
250% of salary)

Andy Halford 
(requirement = 
200% of salary)

1,566,907

71,033

601,463

44,224

Number of shares

1,799,969

£24.5m

1,127,966

£12.6m

0

200

400

600
% of salary

800

1,000

1,200

Shareholding requirement

Additional vested shares held beneficially

Shares purchased voluntarily 
from own funds

Unvested share awards not 
subject to performance measures

Unvested share awards subject 
to performance measures

1  Bill Winters: shares held beneficially 1,566,907; unvested share awards not subject to performance measures (net of tax) 71,033; unvested share awards subject to performance 

measures 1,799,969. Andy Halford: shares held beneficially 601,463; unvested share awards not subject to performance measures (net of tax) 44,224; unvested share awards subject 
to performance measures 1,127,966

2  All figures are as at 31 December 2019 unless stated otherwise. There were no changes to any executive directors’ interests in ordinary shares between 31 December 2019 and  
27 February 2020. No director had either (i) an interest in Standard Chartered PLC’s preference shares or loan stocks of any subsidiary or associated undertaking of the Group or  
(ii) any corporate interests in Standard Chartered PLC’s ordinary shares. The closing share price on 31 December 2019 was £7.124

3  The beneficial interests of directors and connected persons in the ordinary shares of the Company are set out above. The executive directors do not have any non-beneficial interests 

in the Company’s shares. None of the executive directors used ordinary shares as collateral for any loans

4  The shares held beneficially include shares awarded to deliver the executive directors’ salaries

5  As Bill and Andy are both UK taxpayers, tax on Sharesave is assumed at 0 per cent and marginal combined PAYE rate of income tax at 45 per cent and employee National Insurance 

contributions at 2 per cent (total 47 per cent) is assumed to apply to other unvested share awards – rates may change

125

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTScheme interests awarded, exercised and lapsed during the year (audited)

The following table shows the changes in share interests. Employees, including executive directors, are not permitted to engage in  
any personal investment strategies with regards to their Standard Chartered PLC shares, including hedging against the share price of  
Standard Chartered PLC shares.

Changes in interests during the period 1 January to 31 December 2019

As at 
1 January

Awarded1

Dividends 
awarded2

Exercised3

Lapsed

As at 
31 December6

Performance  
period end

Vesting date

Bill Winters4
Restricted shares (buy-out)
LTIP 2016-18

LTIP 2017-19

LTIP 2018-20

LTIP 2019-21

Andy Halford5
LTIP 2016-18

LTIP 2017-19

LTIP 2018-20

LTIP 2019-21

Sharesave
Sharesave

314,916 
496,390
124,097
124,097
124,097
124,100
118,550
118,550
118,550
118,550
118,551
108,378
108,378
108,378
108,378
108,379
–
–
–
–
–

296,417
74,104
74,104
74,104
74,105
73,390
73,390
73,390
73,390
73,394
67,108
67,108
67,108
67,108
67,108
–
–
–
–
–
1,612
1,807

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
133,065
133,065
133,065
133,065
133,067

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
85,094
85,094
85,094
85,094
85,096
–
-

17,226
4,710
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2,812
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
-

332,142
138,735
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

82,844
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,612
-

–
362,365
90,591
90,591
90,591
90,593
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

216,385
54,096
54,096
54,096
54,096
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
-

-
–
33,506
33,506
33,506
33,507
118,550
118,550
118,550
118,550
118,551
108,378
108,378
108,378
108,378
108,379
133,065
133,065
133,065
133,065
133,067

–
20,008
20,008
20,008
20,009
73,390
73,390
73,390
73,390
73,394
67,108
67,108
67,108
67,108
67,108
85,094
85,094
85,094
85,094
85,096
–
1,807

–
11 Mar 2019
11 Mar 2019
11 Mar 2019
11 Mar 2019
11 Mar 2019
13 Mar 2020
13 Mar 2020
13 Mar 2020
13 Mar 2020
13 Mar 2020
9 Mar 2021
9 Mar 2021
9 Mar 2021
9 Mar 2021
9 Mar 2021
11 Mar 2022
11 Mar 2022
11 Mar 2022
11 Mar 2022
11 Mar 2022

11 Mar 2019
11 Mar 2019
11 Mar 2019
11 Mar 2019
11 Mar 2019
13 Mar 2020
13 Mar 2020
13 Mar 2020
13 Mar 2020
13 Mar 2020
9 Mar 2021
9 Mar 2021
9 Mar 2021
9 Mar 2021
9 Mar 2021
11 Mar 2022
11 Mar 2022
11 Mar 2022
11 Mar 2022
11 Mar 2022
–
-

22 Sep 2019
4 May 2019
4 May 2020
4 May 2021
4 May 2022
4 May 2023
13 Mar 2020
13 Mar 2021
13 Mar 2022
13 Mar 2023
13 Mar 2024
9 Mar 2021
9 Mar 2022
9 Mar 2023
9 Mar 2024
9 Mar 2025
11 Mar 2022
11 Mar 2023
11 Mar 2024
11 Mar 2025
11 Mar 2026

4 May 2019
4 May 2020
4 May 2021
4 May 2022
4 May 2023
13 Mar 2020
13 Mar 2021
13 Mar 2022
13 Mar 2023
13 Mar 2024
9 Mar 2021
9 Mar 2022
9 Mar 2023
9 Mar 2024
9 Mar 2025
11 Mar 2022
11 Mar 2023
11 Mar 2024
11 Mar 2025
11 Mar 2026
1 Dec 2018
1 Dec 2022

1  For the LTIP 2019-21 awards granted to Bill Winters and Andy Halford on 11 March 2019, the values granted were: Bill Winters: £3.3 million; Andy Halford: £2.1 million. The number  

of shares awarded in respect of the LTIP took into account the lack of dividend equivalents (calculated by reference to market consensus dividend yield) such that the overall value of 
the award was maintained. Performance measures apply to 2019-21 LTIP awards. The share price at grant was the closing price on the day before the grant date (further details are 
included in Note 31, Share-based payments, on pages 345 to 349) 

2  Dividend equivalent shares may be awarded on vesting for awards granted prior to 1 January 2018

3  On 1 March 2019, Andy Halford exercised a Sharesave option under the 2013 Sharesave Plan at an exercise price of £5.5776 per share. The closing share price on the day before 
exercise was £6.016. No shares were sold following this exercise and therefore no gain was realised. On 7 May 2019, Bill Winters exercised the 2016-18 LTIP award over a total of 
138,735 shares and Andy Halford exercised the 2016-18 LTIP award over a total of 82,844 shares. The closing share price on the day before exercise was £7.104. On 23 September 
2019, restricted share awards vested to Bill over a total of 332,142 shares. The closing share price on the day before exercise was £6.882

4  The unvested share awards held by Bill Winters are conditional rights under the 2011 Plan. Bill does not have to pay towards these awards

5  The unvested share awards held by Andy Halford are conditional rights under the 2011 Plan. Andy does not have to pay towards these awards

6  There were no changes to any executive director’s scheme interests in ordinary shares between 31 December 2019 and 27 February 2020. 

126

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportDirectors’ remuneration reportService contracts for executive directors

Copies of the executive directors’ service contracts are available for inspection at the Group’s registered office. These contracts have rolling 
12-month notice periods and the dates of the executive directors’ current service contracts are shown below. Their contracts were updated 
effective 1 January 2020 to amend their pension allowance. Executive directors are permitted to hold non-executive directorship positions  
in other organisations (but no more than one position with a FTSE 100 company). Where such appointments are agreed with the Board,  
the executive directors may retain any fees payable for their services. Both executive directors served as non-executive directors elsewhere  
and received fees for the period covered by this report.

Date of Standard Chartered  
employment contract

Details of any non-executive directorship

Fees retained for any non-executive 
directorship (local currency)

Bill Winters

1 January 2020

Andy Halford

1 January 2020

Novartis International AG

Marks and Spencer Group plc

CHF353,333

£101,250

Shareholder dilution

All awards vesting under the Group’s share plans are satisfied by the transfer of existing shares or, where appropriate, the issuance of new 
shares. The Group’s share plans contain monitored limits that govern both the aggregate amount of awards that may be granted and the 
amount of shares that may be issued to satisfy any subsequent exercise of awards. These limits are in line with those stated in the Investment 
Association’s Principles of Remuneration and the terms of our listing on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

The Group has two employee benefit trusts that are administered by independent trustees and which hold ordinary shares to meet various 
obligations under the Group’s share plans. As each executive director is within the class of beneficiary of these trusts, they are deemed, for the 
purposes of the Companies Act 2006, to have an interest in the trusts’ shares. 

Details of the trusts’ shareholdings are set out in Note 28 to the financial statements on page 337

Single figure of remuneration for the Chairman and INEDs (audited)

The Chairman and INEDs were paid in monthly instalments during the year. The INEDs are required to hold shares with a nominal value of 
$1,000.

The table below shows the fees and benefits received by the Chairman and INEDs in 2019 and 2018.

Group Chairman

J Viñals1

Current INEDs

O P Bhatt2

L Cheung

D P Conner3

B E Grote

C M Hodgson, CBE

G Huey Evans, OBE

N Kheraj

N Okonjo-Iweala

Dr Han Seung-soo, KBE4

D Tang5

C Tong6

J M Whitbread

Fees £000

20197

Benefits £0008

Total £000

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

Shares 
beneficially 
held as at 
31 December 
20199

1,250

1,250

26

135

275

170

325

200

360

135

20

75

176

210

160

130

265

160

302

190

353

130

130

–

–

205

49

21

9

2

–

2

2

4

4

69

–

1

2

73

32

5

1

–

2

2

4

4

69

–

–

1

1,299

1,323

18,500

46

144

277

170

327

202

364

139

89

75

177

212

192

135

266

160

304

192

357

134

199

–

–

206

–

2,571

10,000

60,041

2,571

2,615

40,571

2,034

–

2,000

2,000

3,615

1   The decrease in José Viñals’ benefits from 2018 to 2019 is due to the removal of his tax return costs which the Group agreed to pay for two years (2017 and 2018)

2  Mr Om Bhatt stepped down from the Board on 23 February 2019. His reported fee for 2019 of £26,000 is in respect of the period 1 January 2019 to 23 February 2019. His benefits for 
2019 of £21,000 are in respect of the period from 6 April 2018 to 23 February 2019, in line with the approach to disclose INED benefits in respect of the relevant tax year (see note 8)

3  Mr David Conner’s fee includes his role on the Combined US Operations Risk Committee

4  Dr Han Seung-soo retired from the Board on 23 February 2019. His reported fee for 2019 of £20,000 is in respect of the period 1 January 2019 to 23 February 2019. His benefits for 
2019 of £69,000 are in respect of the period from 6 April 2018 to 23 February 2019, in line with the approach to disclose INED benefits in respect of the relevant tax year (see note 8)

5  Mr David Tang was appointed to the Board on 12 June 2019

6  Mr Carlson Tong was appointed to the Board on 21 February 2019

7  The fees for all INEDS increased from £100,000 to £105,000 per annum effective 1 January 2019

8  The INEDs’ 2019 benefits figures are in respect of the 2018/19 tax year to provide consistency with the reporting of similar benefits in previous years and with those received by 
executive directors. The costs of benefits (and any associated tax costs) are paid by the Group. The benefits reported for 2019 were delivered under the previous directors’ 
remuneration policy and primarily consisted of travel and subsistence costs in relation to Board and Committee meetings and other Board-related events which are taxable  
in the UK. Partners were also able to accompany the directors to meetings. Under the new directors’ remuneration policy approved on 8 May 2019, this benefit is limited to  
exceptional circumstances

9  The beneficial interests of directors and connected persons in the ordinary shares of the Company are set out above. The directors do not have any non-beneficial interests in the 

Company’s shares. None of the directors used ordinary shares as collateral for any loans. No director had either i) an interest in the Company’s preference shares or loan stocks of  
any subsidiary or associated undertaking of the Group or ii) any corporate interests in the Company’s ordinary shares. All figures are as at 31 December 2019 or on the retirement  
of a director unless otherwise stated

127

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORT2020 policy implementation for directors

Remuneration for the executive directors in 2020 will be in line with  
the directors’ remuneration policy as summarised on pages 131  
to 132 of this report and set out in full on pages 108 to 115 of the  
2018 Annual Report with the exception of the implementation of the 
pension provision. 

The policy is also set out on the Group’s website: sc.com

The key elements of remuneration for 2020 include salary (delivered in 
cash and shares), pension, benefits, an annual incentive award and an 
LTIP award.

Following the approval of the directors’ remuneration policy at the  
AGM in May 2019 and the subsequent shareholder engagement 
carried out in 2019, the Committee has determined to make a  
change to the implementation of the policy in 2020. This has been  
done following consideration of the feedback received to address 
shareholder concerns on the pension element of the policy. Full details 
of the engagement process and outcome are set out on pages 108  
to 109 and our announcement of the changes made can be found  
on our website.

The contractual terms and conditions for Bill and Andy have changed 
and their pension allowance reduced from 20 per cent of salary to  
10 per cent of salary with effect from 1 January 2020. This aligns the 
executive directors’ pension arrangement with all UK employees of 
Standard Chartered from the start of 2020 and means that:

 ¼ Bill’s pension allowance reduced by 50 per cent from £474,000 to 

£237,000 on 1 January 2020

 ¼ Andy’s pension allowance reduced by 50 per cent from £294,000 to 

£147,000 on 1 January 2020

Variable pay for Bill and Andy is set as a multiple of fixed pay, defined  
as salary and pension, therefore this change results in a reduction in 
variable opportunity of 8 per cent.

Bill’s pension continues to be delivered as a contribution to a defined 
contribution plan and as a cash allowance. Andy’s pension continues  
to be delivered as a cash allowance. 

A portion of executive directors’ salaries is paid in shares to strengthen 
shareholder alignment. The pension allowance is set as a percentage  
of salary (both the cash and shares components). 

The Committee reviews the salaries of the executive directors on an 
annual basis, taking into account changes to the scope or responsibility 
of the role, the individual’s development in the role, and alignment to 
market-competitive levels. The Committee also takes into account the 
average salary increases made to the broader employee population.

For 2020, the Committee determined that there should be no change to 
salary for Bill which would continue to be £2,370,000.

The Committee considered Andy’s development in role, benchmarking 
against other FTSE and banking CFOs and the fact that his last and 
only increase since his appointment in 2014 was in April 2018. The 
Committee also considered the increases awarded to all UK employees 
and awarded a salary increase of 3 per cent from £1,471,000 to 
£1,515,000 with effect from 1 April 2020.

Details of fixed pay for Bill and Andy with effect from 1 April 2020 are set 
out below. All figures are in £000s.

Salary
of which cash
of which shares
Pension
Total fixed pay
Proportion of total fixed pay paid in cash
Proportion of total fixed pay paid in shares

Bill Winters

Andy Halford

2020
2,370
1,185
1,185
237
2,607
55%
45%

2019
2,370
1,185
1,185
474
2,844
58%
42%

% change
0%
0%
0%
-50%
-8%
-5%
7%

2020
1,515
1,015
500
151
1,666
70%
30%

2019
1,471
986
485
294
1,765
72%
28%

% change
3%
3%
3%
-49%
-6%
-3%
7%

Illustration of application of the remuneration policy in 2020
The charts below illustrate the potential outcomes under the directors’ remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the AGM in May 2019 
based on the implementation of the policy in 2020 (i.e. for awards that would be made in March 2021, based on 2020 fixed pay) and fixed 
remuneration with effect from 1 April 2020. They also show the maximum opportunity in 2019, illustrating the reduction in variable pay 
opportunity following the reduction in pension.

The charts show potential remuneration outcomes for each executive director in four performance scenarios: minimum, on-target, maximum 
performance and maximum performance with 50 per cent share price appreciation in line with reporting requirements. The percentages shown 
in each bar represent the amount of total remuneration provided by each element of pay.

Bill Winters 2020 remuneration (£’000)

Andy Halford 2020 remuneration (£’000)

2020 Minimum

100%

2,838

2020 Minimum

100%

1,754

2020 Target

52%

19% 29% 5,445

2020 Target

52% 19% 29% 3,420

2020 Maximum

35%

26%

39%

8,052

2020 Maximum

35%

26%

39%

5,087

2019 Maximum

35%

26%

39%

8,763

2019 Maximum

35%

26%

39%

5,382

2020 Maximum
(with 50% share
price appreciation)

29%

22%

49%

9,616

2020 Maximum
(with 50% share
price appreciation)

29%

22%

49%

6,086

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

2020 Fixed remuneration

2020 Annual incentive award

2021-23 LTIP award

1  Fixed remuneration includes salary as at 1 April 2020, benefits (based on 2019 single figure, actual fixed remuneration in 2020 will be dependent on the cost of benefits) and pension
2  Minimum performance assumes no annual incentive is awarded and no LTIP award vests
3  Target performance assumes an annual incentive of 50 per cent of the maximum opportunity and LTIP vesting at 50 per cent of the total award, i.e. an annual incentive award of 40 per 

cent of fixed pay and the vesting of the LTIP at 60 per cent of fixed pay

4  Maximum performance assumes the maximum annual incentive opportunity and LTIP vesting in full, i.e. an annual incentive of 80 per cent of fixed pay and an LTIP award of 120 per cent 

of fixed pay

5  Maximum performance with 50 per cent share price appreciation is as footnote 4, plus a 50 per cent share price appreciation in the value of the vested LTIP award since the time of grant

128

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportDirectors’ remuneration report 
2020 annual incentive scorecard
The measures in the scorecard reflect the refreshed strategic priorities set out in 2019. The targets are set annually by the Committee and take 
into account the Group’s annual financial plan, the Group strategy and its priorities for the next few years within the context of the economic 
environment. The Committee considers such targets to be commercially sensitive and that it would be detrimental to the interests of the  
Group to disclose them before the end of the financial year. Targets will be disclosed in the 2020 Annual Report alongside the level of 
performance achieved.

Financial measures make up 50 per cent of the annual incentive scorecard. Strategic measures are assessed by the Committee using a 
quantitative and qualitative framework.

STEP  1: Conduct gateway requirement to be met in order to be eligible for any annual incentive

Appropriate level of individual valued behaviours and conduct exhibited during the course of the year

STEP  2 : Measurement of performance against financial and other strategic measures

Financial measures

Weighting

Target

Income1

Costs

Operating profit1

RoTE2 plus CET13 underpin of the higher of  
13% or the minimum regulatory requirement

Growth of high-quality liabilities4

Other strategic measures

Purpose and people

7%

7%

10%

20%

6%

 ¼ Targets to be disclosed to shareholders retrospectively

Weighting

Target

10%

 ¼ Develop human capital by improving employee engagement, diversity and 

inclusion

 ¼ Successfully embed sustainable and responsible practices in relation to climate, 

infrastructure, environment and community engagement5

Deliver our network and grow our affluent business 10%

Improve productivity

Transform and disrupt with digital

Risk and controls

5%

10%

15%

 ¼ Improve client satisfaction rating
 ¼ Deliver Network growth in target segments
 ¼ Deliver Affluent growth in target markets

 ¼ Improve efficiency and quality of client transformation experience
 ¼ Improve Working Profit per FTE

 ¼ Manage key digital platforms and partnerships to improve client experience
 ¼ Grow cash transactions initiated by clients through digital channels
 ¼ Improve data analytics to develop new products and attract new clients

 ¼ Manage elevated residual risks with effective controls in place
 ¼ Successfully deliver milestones within the risk management plan
 ¼ Maintain effective risk and control governance
 ¼ Maintain the risk profile within the Group Risk Appetite boundaries
 ¼ Maintain an effective Conduct Risk Management Framework to ensure there  

is a continuous process to identify and manage conduct risks

STEP  3: Assessment of personal performance 

The Committee reviews the individual performance of each executive director in their areas of personal responsibility. Consistent with the Group’s 
treatment of all employees, the Committee can make an adjustment to the annual incentive if the executive director’s performance is considered 
improved and is not fully reflected in the scorecard outcome (and vice versa), if appropriate. The Committee will generally consider personal performance 
adjustments in the range of up to +/- 10 percentage points on the scorecard outcome.

1  Income, costs and impairment and resulting operating profit relating to identifiable business units, products or portfolios from the date that have been approved for restructuring, 
disposal, wind down or redundancy are presented as restructuring and excluded from the underlying results of the Group. This includes realised and unrealised gains and losses  
from management’s decisions to dispose of assets as well as residual income, direct costs and impairment of related legacy assets of those identifiable business units, products  
or portfolios

2  Normalised RoTE represents the ratio of the current year’s profit available for distribution to ordinary shareholders, to the weighted average ordinary shareholders’ equity less the 
average goodwill and intangibles for the reporting period. Normalised RoTE normally excludes regulatory fines but, for remuneration purposes, this would be subject to review by  
the Committee

3  The CET1 underpin will be dynamically set at the higher of 13 per cent or the minimum regulatory level as at 31 December 2020 (taking into account any transition rules or material 

changes in regulatory rules). In addition, the Committee has the discretion to take into account at the end of the performance period any changes in regulatory capital and 
risk-weighted asset requirements that might have been announced and implemented after the start of the performance period

4  Initiative that targets an efficient level and mix of funding (liabilities) to support the Group’s growth aspirations. Measured in basis points reduction in funding costs relative to a 

normalised benchmark, which excludes the impact of interest rate movement, but requires a minimum level of growth in quality funding

5  For a number of years we have supported the use of ESG metrics by including them in the purpose and people component of the strategic measures. In line with our strategy, this year 
we are increasing our focus on metrics that embed sustainable and responsible practices into our business operations across the following four areas. Climate: provide significant 
project financing services, M&A advisory, debt structuring, transaction banking and lending services for renewable energy projects that align to our verified green and sustainable 
product framework. Infrastructure: provide financing to microfinance institutions extending access to finance for microenterprises throughout Asia and Africa. Environment: reduce  
our value chain emissions from business flights. Community engagement: increase the proportion of employees who participate in employee volunteering. Targets to be disclosed 
retrospectively

129

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTIndependent non-executive directors’ letters of appointment

The INEDs have letters of appointment, which are available for inspection at the Group’s registered office. Details of the INEDs’ appointments are 
set out on pages 69 to 71. INEDs are appointed for a period of one year, unless terminated earlier by either party with three months’ notice.

Independent non-executive director fees

The fee levels are based on market data and the duties, time commitment and contribution expected for the PLC Board and, where appropriate, 
subsidiary boards. The Chairman and the INEDs are eligible for benefits in line with the directors’ remuneration policy. Neither the Chairman or 
the INEDs receive any performance related remuneration.

Board member

Additional responsibilities

Deputy Chairman

Senior Independent Director

Chair

– Audit Committee

– Board Risk Committee

– Remuneration Committee

– Board Financial Crime Risk Committee

– Brand, Values and Conduct Committee

Membership

– Audit Committee

– Board Risk Committee

– Board Financial Crime Risk Committee

– Brand, Values and Conduct Committee

– Remuneration Committee

– Governance and Nomination Committee

Effective 
1 January 2019 
£000

105

75

40

70

70

70

60

60

35

35

30

30

30

15

130

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportDirectors’ remuneration reportSummary of the directors’ remuneration policy

The forward-looking remuneration policy for executive directors and INEDs was approved at the AGM held on 8 May 2019 and applies for  
three years from that date. A summary of the policy, including the key remuneration elements, is set out below and is provided for information 
only. The full policy, including recruitment and leaver provisions, can be found on pages 108 to 115 of the 2018 Annual Report and on the 
Group’s website.

The full policy is available on the Group’s website at sc.com

Summary of the remuneration policy for executive directors

Fixed remuneration

Remuneration element

Operation

Opportunity

Performance required

Alignment with UK employees

Salary
Set to reflect the role, 
and the skills and 
experience of the 
individual, following  
the Group-wide 
principles which apply 
to all employees

Pension
The pension 
arrangements 
comprise part of  
a competitive 
remuneration package 
and facilitate long-term 
retirement savings  
for directors

Fixed pay for 
determining 
variable 
remuneration

Benefits
A competitive 
benefits package to 
support executives to 
carry out their duties 
effectively

Increases may occur where 
there is a role change, 
increased responsibility  
or to ensure market 
competitiveness

Any increase to salary is set 
in the context of the annual 
performance assessment 
of the individual

N/A

For new executive  
directors the maximum  
is an annual pension 
allowance or contribution  
of 10 per cent of salary

The process of setting and 
annually reviewing salaries 
against market information is 
the same for all employees
The only difference for 
executive directors is that part 
of executive director salaries is 
delivered in shares
For other employees salary is 
delivered only as cash

The contribution rate of  
10 per cent of salary to be 
applied in 2020 for the current 
executive directors is aligned 
with UK employees

Delivered part in cash and 
part in shares
To maintain alignment with 
shareholders, the share 
element is subject to a 
holding period of five years, 
with 20 per cent being 
released annually
The same approach  
would be followed on  
the recruitment of an 
executive director

Normally paid as a cash 
allowance or contribution  
to a defined contribution 
scheme
For the current directors, 
from 2020, an annual 
pension allowance or 
contribution of 10 per cent 
of salary will be payable

The combined value of salary and pension form fixed pay on which variable remuneration is calculated

N/A

The opportunity for benefits 
depends on the type of 
benefit and the cost of 
providing it, which may vary 
according to the market, 
individual circumstances 
and other factors

Core benefits are aligned with 
all employees
Some additional, role specific 
benefits are received by the 
current executive directors 
(see page 120 for details)

A range of benefits are 
provided (e.g. standard 
benefits such as holiday 
and sick pay, a benefits 
cash allowance, a car and 
driver or other car-related 
service, private medical 
insurance, permanent 
health insurance, life 
insurance, financial advice 
and tax preparation and  
tax return assistance)

131

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORT 
Variable remuneration

Remuneration element

Operation

Opportunity

Performance required

Alignment with UK employees

Annual incentive
Performance 
dependent 
remuneration based  
on measurable 
performance criteria 
linked to the Group’s 
strategy and assessed 
over a period of  
one year

LTIP
Performance 
dependent 
remuneration based 
on measurable, 
long-term 
performance criteria

Annual incentive awards 
are delivered as a 
combination of cash  
and shares subject to 
holding requirements  
and deferred shares

The maximum value of an 
annual incentive award 
cannot exceed 80 per cent 
of fixed pay (defined as 
salary and pension) and 
can be any amount from 
zero to the maximum

The annual incentive plan is 
operated for all employees, 
paid in cash to certain limits 
with the balance deferred over 
at least three years in shares 
and/or cash

Awards are determined by 
the Committee, based on 
the assessment of the 
Group scorecard which 
contains a mix of financial 
(at least 50 per cent of the 
scorecard) and strategic 
measures, as well as the 
personal performance of 
the individual

The maximum value of an 
LTIP award cannot exceed 
120 per cent of fixed pay 
and can be any amount 
from zero to the maximum

The long-term performance 
measures may be a mix of 
financial measures and 
other long-term strategic 
measures. Financial 
measures will comprise at 
least 50 per cent of the 
performance measures

Members of the Management 
Team are also eligible for LTIP 
awards, operated on the 
same basis but with a lower 
maximum opportunity

LTIP awards are granted 
annually, based on  
the assessment of 
performance of the Group 
and the individual in the 
relevant year to determine 
the award size
LTIP awards are delivered in 
shares and may be subject 
to holding requirements
Following the grant  
of awards, Group 
performance is measured 
over three years with no 
award vesting before  
the third anniversary of  
the grant

Total variable 
remuneration 
(annual incentive  
and LTIP)

The combined maximum variable opportunity of the annual incentive and the LTIP cannot exceed 200 per cent of fixed 
pay. The LTIP forms at least 60 per cent of the maximum variable remuneration opportunity so that the majority of 
variable remuneration is based on long-term performance
The same approach for variable remuneration would be followed on the recruitment of an executive director

Other remuneration

Remuneration element

Operation

Opportunity

Performance required

Alignment with UK employees

Sharesave
Provides an 
opportunity for all 
employees to invest 
voluntarily in the Group

Shareholding 
requirements
A requirement for 
executive directors to 
hold a specified value 
of shares for alignment 
with the interests of 
shareholders during 
employment

Post-
employment 
shareholding 
requirement

An all-employee plan where 
participants are able to 
open a savings contract  
to fund the exercise of an 
option over shares
The option price is set  
at a discount of up to  
20 per cent of the share 
price at the date of the 
invitation to participate

Executive directors are 
required to hold a specified 
level of shares, to be built 
up over a reasonable time 
frame from the date of 
appointment. 
Under the policy, in 2019 
and 2020, the CEO and  
the CFO are required to 
hold 250 per cent and  
200 per cent of salary in 
Group shares respectively

Shares to be held of 100 
per cent of the shareholding 
requirement in place for one 
year and 50 per cent of the 
requirement in place for  
the second year following 
cessation of employment

Savings per month of 
between £5 and the 
maximum set by the Group 
which is currently £250

N/A

All employees are eligible  
to participate on the  
same basis

N/A

N/A

Formal shareholding 
requirements are operated for 
the executive directors only. 
However, other employees 
hold Group shares as part  
of the deferral and retention 
requirements

N/A

N/A

Policy applies to executive 
directors only

132

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportDirectors’ remuneration reportAdditional remuneration disclosures

Approach to risk adjustment

At an individual level and for all employees, variable remuneration is aligned with the long-term interests of the business and the time frame over 
which financial risks crystallise through:

 ¼ A proportion of variable remuneration being delivered in the form of deferred awards: having an appropriate level of variable remuneration 

deferred for a sufficient period of time that can have risk adjustments applied

 ¼ Performance adjustment: potential diminution in the value of any deferred variable remuneration award through non-vesting due to 

performance measures and share price movement until vesting

The operation of in-year adjustments, malus and clawback is summarised in the following table:

Criteria includes

Application

Individual level

Business unit and/or 
Group level

 ¼ Deemed to have i) caused in full or in part a material loss 
for the Group as a result of reckless, negligent or wilful 
actions or ii) exhibited inappropriate valued behaviours or 
applied a lack of appropriate supervision

 ¼ The individual failed to meet appropriate standards of 

fitness and propriety

 ¼ Material restatement of the Group’s financials
 ¼ Significant failure in risk management
 ¼ Discovery of endemic problems in financial reporting
 ¼ As a result of financial losses, due to a material breach of 

regulatory guidelines

 ¼ The exercise of regulatory or government action to 

recapitalise the Group following material financial losses

 ¼ In-year adjustment, malus and clawback may be applied to 

all or part of an award at the Committee’s discretion

 ¼ In-year adjustment, malus and clawback may be applied to 

all or part of an award at the Committee’s discretion

The approach used to determine Group-wide total discretionary incentives in 2019 is explained on page 116 of this report. The following tables 
show the income statement charge for these incentives.

Income statement charge for Group discretionary incentives

Total discretionary incentives

Less: deferred discretionary incentives that will be charged in future years

Plus: current year charge for deferred discretionary incentives from prior years

Total 

Year in which income statement is expected to reflect deferred discretionary 
incentives

Discretionary incentives deferred from 2017 and earlier

Discretionary incentives deferred from 2018

Discretionary incentives deferred from 2019

Total 

2019  
$million

1,278

(155)

123

1,246

Expected

2018  
$million

1,179

(135)

114

1,158

2019  
$million

2020  
$million

2021 and beyond  
$million

59

54

64

177

21

33

68

122

15

31

79

125

Actual 

2018  
$million

106

50

–

156

Allocation of the Group’s earnings between stakeholders
When considering Group variable remuneration, the Committee takes account of shareholders’ concerns about relative expenditure on pay and 
determines the allocation of earnings to expenditure on remuneration carefully, and has approached this allocation in a disciplined way over the 
past five years. The table below shows the distribution of earnings between stakeholders over the past five years. The amount of corporate tax, 
including the bank levy, is included in the table because it is a significant payment and illustrates the Group’s contribution through the tax system.

Staff costs

Corporate taxation including levy

Paid to shareholders in dividends

Actual 

Allocation

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

2017 
$million

7,122

1,720

720

7,074

1,763

561

6,758

1,367

0

2016 
$million

6,303

983

0

2015 
$million

7,119

1,113

1,778

2019  
%

2018  
%

2017  
%

2016  
%

2015  
%

74

18

8

75

19

6

83

17

0

87

13

0

71

11

18

133

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTPillar 3 disclosures on material risk takers’ remuneration and disclosures on the highest-paid employees

Identification of material risk takers
Individuals have been identified as material risk takers in accordance with the qualitative and quantitative criteria set out in the European Banking 
Authority’s Regulatory Technical Standard (EU 604/2014 adopted by the UK Prudential Regulatory Authority) that came into force in June 2014.

Quantitative criteria
The quantitative criteria identify employees who:

 ¼ Have been awarded total remuneration of EUR500,000 or more in the previous financial year

 ¼ Are within the 0.3 per cent of the number of employees on a global basis who have been awarded the highest total remuneration in the 

preceding financial year

 ¼ Were awarded total remuneration in the preceding financial year that was equal to or greater than the lowest total remuneration awarded that 

year to certain specified groups of employees

Employees identified by only the quantitative criteria can be excluded from being identified as material risk takers if it can be evidenced that they 
do not have the ability to have a material impact on the Group’s risk profile.

Qualitative criteria
The qualitative criteria broadly identifies the following employees:

 ¼ Directors (both executive and non-executive) of Standard Chartered PLC

 ¼ A member of senior management, which is defined as one or more of the following:

–  A Senior Manager under the Prudential Regulation Authority or Financial Conduct Authority Senior Manager Regime

–  A member of the Group Management Team

 ¼ The level beneath the Management Team

 ¼ Senior employees within the audit, compliance, legal and risk functions

 ¼ Senior employees within material business units

 ¼ Employees who are members of specific committees

 ¼ Employees who are able to initiate or approve credit risk exposures above a certain threshold and sign off on trading book transactions at or 

above a specific value at risk limit

For the purpose of the Pillar 3 tables on pages 135 and 136, unless otherwise stated, senior management is defined as directors of Standard 
Chartered PLC (both executive and non-executive), senior managers under the PRA or FCA Senior Manager Regime and members of the 
Group Management Team.

Material risk takers’ remuneration delivery
Remuneration for material risk takers was delivered in 2019 through a combination of salary, pension, benefits and variable remuneration.

Variable remuneration for material risk takers is structured in line with the PRA and FCA’s remuneration rules. For the 2019 performance year,  
the following structure applies to variable remuneration awarded to material risk takers in accordance with the regulations:

 ¼ At least 40 per cent of a material risk taker’s variable remuneration will be deferred over a minimum period of three years depending on the 

category of material risk taker

 ¼ Non-deferred variable remuneration will be delivered 50 per cent in shares, subject to a minimum 12-month retention period, and 50 per cent 

in cash

 ¼ At least 50 per cent of deferred variable remuneration will be delivered entirely in shares, subject to a minimum 12-month retention period  
(with the exception of deferred shares awarded to risk managers, which are subject to a six-month minimum retention period) in line with  
the regulations

 ¼ For some material risk takers, part of their 2019 variable remuneration may be in share awards which vest after a minimum of three years, 

subject to the satisfaction of performance measures

 ¼  Variable remuneration awards are subject to remuneration adjustment provisions. This provides the Group with the ability to reduce or revoke 

variable remuneration in respect of a risk, control or conduct issue, event or behaviour

 ¼  Material risk takers are subject to the 2:1 maximum ratio of variable to fixed remuneration 

134

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportAdditional remuneration disclosuresMaterial risk takers’ deferred variable remuneration delivery

Year 0 (grant)
March 2020

Year 1
March 2021

Year 2
March 2022

Year 3
March 2023

Year 4
March 2024

Year 5
March 2025

Year 6
March 2026

Year 7
March 2027

Senior  
managers 

Risk  
managers

Other  
material  
risk takers

Minimum of 40% of 2019 variable remuneration

Minimum of 40% of 2019 variable remuneration

Minimum of 40% of 2019 variable remuneration

Material risk takers’ deferred remuneration in 2019

Start of the year (1 January)

Impact of changes to material risk taker population including leavers 
during 2018 and joiners in 2019

Start of the year (1 January) (after adjustments):

Unvested

Vested and unexercised

Awarded during the year

Total reduction during the year due to malus or clawback; 
or performance measures not being met

Total deferred remuneration paid out in the financial year

Close of the year (31 December):
  Unvested

  Vested and unexercised

Material risk takers’ 2019 fixed and variable remuneration

Senior management $000

All other material risk takers $000

Total

105,205

Cash

9,246

Shares

95,959

Total

Cash

Shares

308,764

91,995

216,769

(19,840)

(1,798)

(18,042)

(49,444)

(15,764)

(33,680)

85,274

7,448

77,826

251,023

76,231

174,792

91

–

91

8,297

–

33,336

4,519

28,817

133,071

50,660

8,297

82,411

(8,462)

(14,292)

–

(8,462)

(11,536)

(2,166)

(9,370)

(727)

(13,565)

(100,161)

(28,679)

(71,482)

95,828

11,240

84,588

274,009

96,046

177,963

119

–

119

6,685

–

6,685

Fixed remuneration1

Number of employees

Total fixed remuneration

Cash-based

  Of which deferred

Shares or other share-linked instruments

  Of which deferred

Other forms

  Of which deferred

Variable remuneration2,3

Number of employees

Total variable remuneration

Cash-based

  Of which deferred

Shares or other share-linked instruments

  Of which deferred

Other forms

  Of which deferred

Total remuneration

Senior 
management  
$000

27

 35,328 

 33,198 

–

 2,130 

–

–

–

16

 47,217 

 15,540 

 6,669 

 31,677 

 22,805 

–

–

All other  
material  
risk takers  
$000

587

 304,302 

 304,302 

–

–

–

–

–

553

 254,232 

 131,858 

 61,689 

 122,374 

 61,724 

–

–

 82,545 

 558,534 

1  Fixed remuneration includes salary and cash allowances and, in the case of the Chairman and INEDs, any fees

2  For some material risk takers, part of their 2019 variable remuneration may be delivered in share awards, with vesting subject to performance measures. These awards are shown on  

a face value basis. As INEDs are not eligible to receive variable remuneration they are not included in this data

3  The ratio between fixed and variable remuneration for all material risk takers in 2019 was 1:0.89

135

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTMaterial risk takers’ aggregate 2019 remuneration by business

2019

1  Private Banking includes Wealth Management 

Corporate & 
Institutional  
Banking  
$000

 296,990

 Commercial 
Banking  
$000

 7,241

 Private  
Banking1 
$000

 23,808

 Retail  
Banking  
$000

 19,084

Central 
management  
& other2 
$000

 293,956 

2  Central management & other includes Group executive directors, INEDS, control functions, support functions and central roles 

Material risk takers’ sign-on and severance payments in 2019

Sign-on payments

Guaranteed incentives

Severance payments (highest award $385,000)

Senior management

All other material risk takers

Number of 
employees

Total amount  
$000

Number of 
employees

Total amount  
$000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2

–

–

692

Remuneration at or above EUR1 million

The table below is prepared in accordance with Article 450 of the Capital Requirements Regulation. 

Remuneration band  
EUR

1,000,000 – 1,500,000

1,500,001 – 2,000,000

2,000,001 – 2,500,000

2,500,001 – 3,000,000

3,000,001 – 3,500,000

3,500,001 – 4,000,000

4,000,001 – 4,500,000

4,500,001 – 5,000,000

5,000,001 – 6,000,000

7,000,001 – 8,000,000

9,000,001 – 10,000,000

Total

Number of 
employees

119

42

13

6

4

6

2

3

1

1

2

199

Remuneration of the five highest-paid individuals and the remuneration of senior management

In line with the requirements of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, the following table sets out, on an aggregate basis, the annual 
remuneration of i) the five highest-paid employees; and ii) senior management for the year ended 31 December 2019. 

Components of remuneration

Salary, cash allowances and benefits in kind

Pension contributions

Variable remuneration awards paid or receivable

Payments made on appointment

Remuneration for loss of office (contractual or other)

Other

Total

Total HK dollar equivalent

1  The five highest-paid individuals include Bill Winters and Andy Halford

2  Senior management comprises the executive directors and the members of the Group Management Team at any point during 2019

Five highest paid1 

Senior 
management2 

$000

 12,702 

 1,169 

 25,367 

 5,769 

 –   

 –   

$000

 23,932 

 1,972 

 40,098 

 –   

 –   

 –   

 45,007 

 352,799 

 66,002 

 517,370 

136

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportAdditional remuneration disclosuresThe table below shows the emoluments of i) the five highest-paid employees; and ii) senior management for the year ended 31 December 2019. 

Remuneration band  
HKD

22,000,001 – 22,500,000

25,500,001 – 26,000,000

27,000,001 – 27,500,000

29,000,001 – 29,500,000

29,500,001 – 30,000,000

30,000,001 – 30,500,000

33,000,001 – 33,500,000

36,000,001 – 36,500,000

38,000,001 – 38,500,000

47,000,001 – 47,500,000

66,000,001 – 66,500,000

76,500,001 – 77,000,000

79,500,001 – 80,000,000

82,000,001 – 82,500,000

Total

Number of employees

Remuneration band  
USD equivalent

Five highest  
paid

Senior 
management1

2,806,588 – 2,870,374

3,253,090 – 3,316,876

3,444,449 – 3,508,235

3,699,593 – 3,763,379

3,763,379 – 3,827,165

3,827,165 – 3,890,951

4,209,882 – 4,273,668

4,592,598 – 4,656,384

4,847,743 – 4,911,529

5,995,892 – 6,059,678

8,419,763 – 8,483,549

9,759,271 – 9,823,057

10,141,988 – 10,205,774

10,460,918 – 10,524,704

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

1

1

1

1

1

5

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

1

 –   

1

 –   

1

13

1  Senior management comprises the executive directors and the members of the Group Management Team at any point during 2019

The exchange rates used in this report
Unless an alternative exchange rate is detailed in the notes to the relevant table, the exchange rates used to convert the disclosures to US dollars 
are set out in the table below.

EUR

GBP

HKD

Christine Hodgson
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

27 February 2020

2019

0.8930

0.7858

7.8387

2018

0.8782

0.7464

7.8400

137

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTOther disclosures

The Directors’ report for the year ended  
31 December 2019 comprises pages 66  
to 145 of this report (together with the 
sections of the Annual Report incorporated 
by reference). Both the Strategic report and 
the Directors’ report have been drawn up and 
presented in accordance with English 
company law, and the liabilities of the 
directors in connection with that report shall 
be subject to the limitations and restrictions 
provided by such law. Other information to  
be disclosed in the Directors’ report is given 
in this section. In addition to the requirements 
set out in the Disclosure Guidance and 
Transparency Rules relating to the Annual 
Report, information required by Listing Rule 
9.8.4 to be included in the Annual Report 
where applicable, is set out in the table below  
and cross-referenced.

Information to be included in the 
Annual Report (LR 9.8.4)
Relevant Listing Rule 

 Page

LR 9.8.4 (1) (2) (5-14) (A) (B)

LR 9.8.4 (4)

N/A

125

Principal activities

Standard Chartered is a leading international 
banking group, with over 160-years of  
history in some of the world’s most dynamic 
markets. Our purpose is driving commerce 
and prosperity through our unique diversity. 
The Group’s roots in trade finance and 
commercial banking have been at the core  
of its success throughout its history, but the 
Group is now more broadly based across 
Retail Banking in its footprint markets in Asia, 
Africa and the Middle East. The Group 
operates in the UK and overseas through a 
number of subsidiaries, branches and offices.

Further details on our business, including key 
performance indicators, can be found within the 
Strategic report

Fair, balanced and 
understandable

On behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee 
has reviewed the 2019 Annual Report and 
the process by which the Group believes that 
the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, 
balanced and understandable and provides 
the information necessary for shareholders  
to assess the position and performance, 
strategy and business model of the Group. 

Following its review, the Audit Committee has 
advised the Board that such a statement can 
be made in the Annual Report.

Events after the balance  
sheet date

For details on post balance sheet events,  
see Note 37 to the financial statements.

Code for Financial Reporting 
Disclosure

The Group’s 2019 financial statements have 
been prepared in accordance with the 
principles of the UK Finance Disclosure  
Code for Financial Reporting Disclosure.

Disclosure of information 
to auditor

As far as the directors are aware, there is no 
relevant audit information of which the Group 
statutory auditor, KPMG is unaware. The 
directors have taken all reasonable steps to 
ascertain any relevant audit information and 
ensure that the Group statutory auditors are 
aware of such information.

Going concern

Having made appropriate enquiries, the 
Board is satisfied that the Company and  
the Group as a whole have adequate 
resources to continue operational  
businesses for a period of at least 12 months 
from the date of this report and therefore 
continue to adopt the going concern basis  
in preparing the financial statements.  
For more information, refer to the viability 
statement in the Strategic report.

Viability

The directors’ viability statement in respect to 
the Group can be found in the Strategic report.

Sufficiency of public float

As at the date of this report, the Company 
has maintained the prescribed public float 
under the rules governing the listing of 
securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong 
Kong Limited (the HK Listing Rules), based  
on the information publicly available to the 
Company and within the knowledge of  
the directors.

Research and development

During the year, the Group invested 
$1.60 billion (2018: $1.56 billion) in research 
and development, primarily relating to the 
planning, analysis, design, development, 
testing, integration, deployment and initial 
support of technology systems.

Political donations

The Group has a policy in place which 
prohibits donations being made that would:  
(i) improperly influence legislation or 
regulation, (ii) promote political views or 

ideologies, and (iii) fund political causes. In 
alignment to this, no political donations were 
made in the year ended 31 December 2019.

Directors and their interests

The membership of the Board, together with 
their biographical details, are given on pages 
69 to 71. Details of the directors’ beneficial 
and non-beneficial interests in the ordinary 
shares of the Company are shown in the 
Directors’ remuneration report on pages 108 
to 137. The Group operates a number of 
share-based arrangements for its directors 
and employees.

Details of these arrangements are included in the  
Directors’ remuneration report and in Note 31 to  
the financial statements

The Company has received from each of  
the independent non-executive directors  
an annual confirmation of independence 
pursuant to Rule 3.13 of the HK Listing Rules 
and still considers all of the non-executive 
directors to be independent.

At no time during the year did any director 
hold a material interest in any contracts of 
significance with the Company or any of its 
subsidiary undertakings.

In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, 
we have established a process requiring 
directors to disclose proposed outside 
business interests before any are entered 
into. This enables prior assessment of any 
conflict or potential conflict of interest and  
any impact on time commitment. On  
behalf of the Board, the Governance and 
Nomination Committee reviews existing 
conflicts of interest annually to consider if they 
continue to be conflicts of interest, and also  
to revisit the terms upon which they were 
determined to be. The Board is satisfied that 
our processes in this respect continue to 
operate effectively.

Subject to company law, the Articles of 
Association and the authority granted to 
directors in general meeting, the directors 
may exercise all the powers of the Company 
and may delegate authorities to committees. 
The Articles of Association contain provisions 
relating to the appointment, re-election  
and removal of directors. Newly appointed 
directors retire at the AGM following 
appointment and are eligible for election.  
All directors are nominated for annual 
re-election by shareholders subject to 
continued satisfactory performance based 
upon their annual assessment.

Non-executive directors are appointed for  
an initial period of one year and, subject to  
(re)election by shareholders at AGMs. In line 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code 
2018, all directors will stand for annual (re) 
election at the 2020 AGM.

138

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportOther disclosures 
In accordance with the terms of a waiver 
granted by The Stock Exchange of Hong 
Kong Limited (HKSE) as subsequently 
modified, the Company will comply with the 
applicable law and regulation in the UK in 
relation to holding of any shares in treasury 
and with the conditions of granting the waiver 
by the HKSE. No treasury shares were held 
during the year.

Further details can be found in Note 28 to the  
financial statements

Authority to issue shares

The Company is granted authority to issue 
shares by the shareholders at its AGM.  
The size of the authorities granted depends 
on the purposes for which shares are to be 
issued and is within applicable legal and 
regulatory requirements.

Shareholder rights

Under the Companies Act 2006, 
shareholders holding 5 per cent or more of 
the paid-up share capital of the Company 
carrying the right of voting at general 
meetings of the Company are able to require 
the directors to hold a general meeting.

A request may be in hard copy or electronic 
form and must be authenticated by the 
shareholders making it. Where such a 
request has been duly lodged with the 
Company, the directors are obliged to call a 
general meeting within 21 days of becoming 
subject to the request and must set a date for 
the meeting not more than 28 days from the 
date of the issue of the notice convening the 
meeting. Under the Companies Act 2006, 
shareholders holding 5 per cent or more  
of the total voting rights at an AGM of the 
Company, or 100 shareholders entitled to 
vote at the AGM with an average of at least 
£100 paid-up share capital per shareholder, 
are entitled to require the Company to 
circulate a resolution intended to be moved  
at the Company’s next AGM. Such a request 
must be made not later than six weeks  
before the AGM to which the request  
relates or, if later, the time notice is given of 
the AGM. The request may be in hard copy 
or electronic form, must identify the resolution  
of which notice is to be given and must be 
authenticated by the shareholders making it.

Shareholders are also able to put forward proposals 
to shareholder meetings and enquiries to the Board 
and/or the Senior Independent Director by using the 
‘contact us’ information on the Company’s website 
sc.com or by emailing the Group Corporate 
Secretariat at group-corporate.secretariat@sc.com

The Company has granted indemnities to all 
of its directors on terms consistent with the 
applicable statutory provisions. Qualifying 
third-party indemnity provisions for the 
purposes of section 234 of the Companies 
Act 2006 were accordingly in force during  
the course of the financial year ended  
31 December 2019 and remain in force  
at the date of this report.

Qualifying pension scheme 
indemnities

Qualifying pension scheme indemnity 
provisions (as defined by section 235 of  
the Companies Act 2006) were in force 
during the course of the financial year ended 
31 December 2019 for the benefit of the  
UK’s pension fund corporate trustee 
(Standard Chartered Trustees (UK) Limited), 
and remain in force at the date of this report.

Significant agreements

The Company is not party to any significant 
agreements that would take effect, alter or 
terminate following a change of control of the 
Company. The Company does not have 
agreements with any director or employee 
that would provide compensation for loss  
of office or employment resulting from a 
takeover, except that provisions of the 
Company’s share schemes and plans  
may cause options and awards granted to 
employees under such schemes and plans 
to vest on a takeover.

Future developments in the 
business of the Group

An indication of likely future developments in 
the business of the Group is provided in the 
Strategic report.

Results and dividends
2019: paid interim dividend of 7 cents 
per ordinary share (2018: paid interim 
dividend of 6 cents per ordinary share)

2019: proposed final dividend of  
20 cents per ordinary share (2018: paid 
final dividend of 15 cents per ordinary share)

2019: total dividend of 27 cents per 
ordinary share (2018: total dividend,  
21 cents per ordinary share)

Share capital

The issued ordinary share capital of the 
Company was reduced by a total of 
112,734,907 over the course of 2019. 
This number is the net position following the 
issuance of 3,368,576 ordinary shares under 
the Company’s employee share plans at a 
price between nil and 620 pence, and the 
cancellation of 116,103,483 ordinary shares 
as part of the Company’s share buy-back 
programme. The Company has one class 
of ordinary shares, which carries no rights 
to fixed income. On a show of hands, each 
member present has the right to one vote 
at our general meetings. On a poll, each 
member is entitled to one vote for every 
$2 nominal value of share capital held. 

The issued nominal value of the ordinary 
shares represents 85 per cent of the total 
issued nominal value of all share capital.  
The remaining 15 per cent comprises 
preference shares, which have preferential 
rights to income and capital but which, in 
general, do not confer a right to attend and 
vote at our general meetings.

Further details of the Group’s share capital can  
be found in Note 28 to the financial statements 

There are no specific restrictions on the size 
of a holding nor on the transfer of shares, 
which are both governed by the general 
provisions of the Articles of Association and 
prevailing legislation. There are no specific 
restrictions on voting rights and the directors 
are not aware of any agreements between 
holders of the Company’s shares that may 
result in restrictions on the transfer of 
securities or on voting rights. No person  
has any special rights of control over the 
Company’s share capital and all issued 
shares are fully paid.

Articles of Association

The Articles of Association may be amended 
by special resolution of the shareholders;  
no changes to the Company’s Articles of 
Association were made during the year. 
Adoption of new Articles of Association are 
being proposed at the 2020 AGM, details of 
which can be found in the Notice of Meeting.

Authority to purchase  
own shares

At the AGM held on 8 May 2019, our 
shareholders renewed the Company’s 
authority to make market purchases of up to 
330,996,724 ordinary shares, equivalent to 
approximately 10 per cent of issued ordinary 
shares as at 14 March 2019, and up to all  
of the issued preference share capital.  
The authority to make market purchases  
up to 10 per cent of issued ordinary share 
capital was used during the year following  
the announcement in April 2019 that the 
Company would commence a $1 billion 
share buyback programme. The resolution  
of legacy conduct and control issues means 
that the Company can manage its capital 
position more dynamically, maintaining the 
strategic investment programme while 
returning capital and creating long-term 
shareholder value. The share buyback 
programme was launched on 2 May 2019 
and completed on 25 September 2019.  
A total of 116,103,483 ordinary shares with  
a nominal value of $0.50 were re-purchased 
for an approximate aggregate consideration 
paid of $1 billion.

A monthly breakdown of the shares 
purchased during the period including the 
lowest and highest price paid per share is set 
out in Note 28 to the financial statements.

All ordinary shares which were bought back 
were cancelled. 

139

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTMajor interests in shares and 
voting rights

As at 31 December 2019, Temasek Holdings 
(Private) Limited (Temasek) is the only 
shareholder that has an interest of more than 
10 per cent in the Company’s issued ordinary 
share capital carrying a right to vote at any 
general meeting.

Information provided to the Company 
pursuant to the Financial Conduct Authority’s 
(FCA) Disclosure and Transparency Rules 
(DTRs) is published on a Regulatory 
Information Service and on the Company’s 
website.

As at 20 February 2020, the Company has 
been notified of the following information, in 
accordance with DTR 5, from holders of 

notifiable interests in the Company’s issued 
share capital. The information provided below 
was correct at the date of notification; 
however, the date received may not have 
been within 2019. It should be noted that 
these holdings are likely to have changed 
since the Company was notified. However, 
notification of any change is not required until 
the next notifiable threshold is crossed.

Notifiable interests 

Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited

BlackRock Inc.

Ordinary shares

517,051,383

183,640,172

Percentage of 
capital disclosed

15.77

5.55

Nature of holding as per disclosure

Indirect

Indirect (5.015%)
Securities Lending (0.392%)
Contracts for Difference (0.146%)

Norges Bank 

100,926,382

3.05

Direct

Related-party transactions

Details of transactions with directors and 
officers and other related parties are set out 
in Note 36 to the financial statements.

Connected/continuing 
connected transactions

By virtue of its shareholding of over 10 per 
cent in the Company, Temasek and its 
associates are related parties and connected 
persons of the Company for the purposes 
of the UK Listing Rules and the HK Listing 
Rules respectively (together ‘the Rules’). 
The Rules are intended to ensure that there 
is no favourable treatment to Temasek or 
its associates to the detriment of other 
shareholders in the Company. Unless 
transactions between the Group and 
Temasek or its associates are specifically 
exempt under the Rules or are subject to 
a specific waiver, they may require a 
combination of announcements, reporting 
and independent shareholders’ approval. 

On 27 December 2018, the HKSE extended 
a waiver (‘the Waiver’) it previously granted  
to the Company for the revenue banking 
transactions with Temasek which do not fall 
under the passive investor exemption (the 
Passive Investor Exemption) under Rules 
14A.99 and 14A.100. Under the Waiver, the 
HKSE agreed to waive the announcement 
requirement, the requirement to enter into  
a written agreement and set an annual cap 
and the reporting (including annual review) 
requirements under Chapter 14A for the 
three-year period ending 31 December 2021 
on the conditions that:

a)  The Company will disclose details of the 
Waiver (including nature of the revenue 
banking transactions with Temasek and 
reasons for the Waiver) in subsequent 
annual reports

b)  The Company will continue to monitor 
the revenue banking transactions with 
Temasek during the three years ending 
31 December 2021 to ensure that the  
5 per cent threshold for the revenue ratio 
will not be exceeded

The main reasons for seeking the  
Waiver were:

 ¼ The nature and terms of revenue banking 
transactions may vary and evolve over 
time; having fixed-term written agreements 
would not be suitable to accommodate the 
various banking needs of the Company’s 
customers (including Temasek) and would 
be impractical and unduly burdensome

 ¼ It would be impracticable to estimate and 
determine an annual cap on the revenue 
banking transactions with Temasek as  
the volume and aggregate value of each 
transaction are uncertain and unknown  
to the Company as a banking group  
due to multiple factors including market 
driven factors 

 ¼ The revenues generated from revenue 
banking transactions were insignificant. 
Without a waiver from the HKSE or an 
applicable exemption, these transactions 
would be subject to various percentage 
ratio tests which cater for different types  
of connected transactions and as such 
may produce anomalous results

For the year ended 31 December 2019, the 
Group provided Temasek with money market 
placement products and services that were 
revenue transactions in nature. As a result  
of the Passive Investor Exemption and the 
Waiver, the vast majority of the Company’s 
transactions with Temasek and its associates 
fall outside of the connected transactions 
regime. However, non-revenue transactions 
with Temasek or any of its associates 
continue to be subject to monitoring for 
connected transaction issues. The Company 
confirms that:

 ¼ The revenue banking transactions entered 
into with Temasek in 2019 were below the 
5 per cent threshold for the revenue ratio 
test under the HK Listing Rules

 ¼ It will continue to monitor revenue banking 
transactions with Temasek during the  
three years ending 31 December 2021  
to ensure that the 5 per cent threshold for 
the revenue ratio will not be exceeded

The Company therefore satisfied the 
conditions of the Waiver.

Fixed assets

Details of additions to fixed assets are 
presented in Note 18 to the financial 
statements.

Loan capital 

Details of the loan capital of the Company 
and its subsidiaries are set out in Note 27  
to the financial statements.

Debenture issues and  
equity-linked agreements 

During the financial year ended 31 December 
2019, the Company made no issuance of 
debentures or equity linked agreements.

Risk management 

The Board is responsible for maintaining  
and reviewing the effectiveness of the risk 
management system. An ongoing process 
for identifying, evaluating and managing the 
significant risks that we face is in place. The 
Board is satisfied that this process constitutes 
a robust assessment of all of the principal 
risks, emerging risks and material cross-
cutting risks facing the Group, including those 
that would threaten its business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity. 

The Risk review and Capital review on pages 148 to 
241 sets out the principal risks, emerging risks and 
material cross-cutting risks, our approach to risk 
management, including our risk management 
principles, an overview of our Enterprise Risk 
Management Framework and the risk management 
and governance practices for each principal risk type.  
The Board-approved Risk Appetite Statement can be 
found on page 208

In accordance with Article 435(e) of the 
Capital Requirements Regulation, the Board 
Risk Committee, on behalf of the Board,  
has considered the adequacy of the risk 
management arrangements of the Group 
and has sought and received assurance that 
the risk management systems in place are 
adequate with regard to the Group’s profile 
and strategy.

140

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportOther disclosuresInternal control

The Board is responsible for maintaining and 
reviewing the effectiveness of the internal 
control system. Its effectiveness is reviewed 
regularly by the Board, its committees, the 
Management Team and Group Internal Audit. 

For the year ended 31st December 2019,  
the Board Risk Committee has reviewed  
the effectiveness of the Group’s system  
of internal control. As part of this review, 
confirmation was received that the Group 
Chief Risk Officer is satisfied that the  
Group’s risk management and internal  
control framework is materially effective and 
adequately highlights risks and improvement 
areas for management attention. Group 
Internal Audit monitors compliance with 
policies and standards and the effectiveness 
of internal control structures across the 
Group through its programme of audits.  
The work of Group Internal Audit is focused 
on the areas of greatest risk as determined  
by a risk-based assessment methodology. 
The Board considers the internal control 
systems of the Company to be effective  
and adequate.

Group Internal Audit reports regularly to  
the Audit Committee, the Chairman and  
the Group Chief Executive. The findings  
of all adverse audits are reported to the  
Audit Committee, the Chairman and the 
Group Chief Executive where immediate 
corrective action is required. The Board Risk 
Committee has responsibility for overseeing 
the management of the Company’s 
fundamental risks as well as reviewing the 
effectiveness of the Company’s Enterprise 
Risk Management Framework. The Audit 
Committee monitors the integrity of the 
Company’s financial reporting, compliance 
and internal control environment. 

The risk management approach on page 206 
describes the Group’s risk management  
oversight committee structure

Our business is conducted within a 
developed control framework, underpinned 
by policy statements and written procedures. 
There are written policies and procedures 
designed to ensure the identification and 
management of risk, including credit risk, 
country risk, traded risk, capital and liquidity 
risk, operational risk, reputational risk, 
compliance risk, conduct risk, information 
and cyber security risk, financial crime risk 
and model risk. The Board has established a 
management structure that clearly defines 
roles, responsibilities and reporting lines. 
Delegated authorities are documented and 
communicated. Executive risk committees 
regularly review the Group’s risk profile. The 
performance of the Group’s businesses is 
reported regularly to senior management  
and the Board. Performance trends and 
forecasts, as well as actual performance 
against budgets and prior periods, are 
monitored closely. Financial information is 
prepared using appropriate accounting 
policies, which are applied consistently. 

Operational procedures and controls have 
been established to facilitate complete, 
accurate and timely processing of 
transactions and the safeguarding of  
assets. These controls include appropriate 
segregation of duties, the regular 
reconciliation of accounts and the valuation of 
assets and positions. In respect of handling 
inside information, we have applied relevant 
controls on employees who are subject to 
handling inside information, including controls 
over the dissemination of such information 
and their dealings in the Company’s shares. 
Such systems are designed to 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.

Employee policies and 
engagement

We work hard to ensure that our employees 
are kept informed about matters affecting  
or of interest to them, but more importantly  
to provide opportunities for feedback and 
dialogue. Through our annual MyVoice 
survey, our employees told us in 2018 that the 
Group can feel too complicated. During 2019, 
all 17 Group Human Resources’ policies  
were reviewed, their language simplified,  
and all content aligned to the Group’s valued 
behaviours. The review also challenged the 
number of policies and we have explored 
other methods of communicating the key 
information employees need to do their jobs 
effectively (e.g. people leader briefing calls).

We continue to listen to ensure internal 
communications remain impactful, 
meaningful and support the Group’s strategy 
and transformation. The primary channel  
for communicating with our employees 
continues to be the Bridge – our business 
collaboration platform. The Bridge provides 
global, local, business and function 
communications and allows our people to 
exchange ideas, feedback, comment and 
communicate all through one space, 
wherever they are located.

The Bridge is supported by Group, local and 
business newsletters, targeted audio calls, 
videos, success story bulletins, town halls 
and engagement events. Business or 
time-critical information is sent directly to  
our people’s inboxes through a measurable 
email platform. 

Our senior leaders and people leaders 
continue to have a critical role to play in 
engaging our people, ensuring that they are 
kept up to date on key business information, 
our performance and strategy, their role in 
executing the strategy and ensuring that  
they consult and listen to their teams’ views, 
feedback and concerns. In 2019 we included 
questions about our strategy into the annual 
MyVoice survey; pleasingly over 80 per cent 
responded to say their people leader and 
team had discussed the strategic priorities 
and how their team will bring them to life. 
More information on the engagement survey 
and its results can be found within the 
employees’ section of the Strategic report.

Across the organisation, team meetings with 
People Leaders, one-to-one discussions,  
and management meetings enable our 
people to discuss and clarify matters of 
concern to them as employees. There are 
global communications from our Group  
Chief Executive, supported by local meetings 
with regional and country CEOs to discuss 
the annual financial results and overall 
performance. Performance conversations 
provide the opportunity to discuss how 
individuals, the team and the business area 
have contributed to our overall performance 
and, in full year conversations, how any 
compensation awards relate to this.

During 2019 we improved the mechanisms 
for Board engagement with employees.  
In addition to management reporting on 
employee matters and townhalls when  
the Board travels overseas, we now have 
interactive calls and online discussions  
where the Board can hear from employees. 
Initial sessions demonstrate employee 
interest in engaging with the Board and 
output will be used to inform future 
engagements with employees.

Employees, past, present and future can 
follow our progress through social networks 
including the Group’s LinkedIn network and 
Facebook page.

This mix of channels ensures that all our 
colleagues receive relevant information 
promptly regardless of how they prefer to  
be communicated with and regardless of 
where they sit in the organisation.

We want to be able to support our 
employees so they can thrive at work and  
in their personal lives. We have a flexible 
working practices policy allowing employees 
a range of flexible working options. We also 
provide a minimum of 20 calendar weeks  
fully paid maternity leave, a minimum of two 
calendar weeks of leave for spouses or 
partners, and two calendar weeks for 
adoption leave. Combined, this is above  
the International Labour Organisation 
minimum standards.

We seek to build productive and enduring 
partnerships with various employee 
representative bodies (including unions  
and work councils). In our recognition and 
interactions, we are heavily influenced by 
1948 United Nations Universal Declaration  
of Human Rights (UDHR), and several 
International Labour Organisation (ILO) 
conventions including the Right to Organise 
and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 
(No. 98) and the Freedom of Association  
and Protection of the Right to Organise 
Convention, 1948 (No. 87). Additionally,  
we abide by all local country labour laws  
and acts that protect employees’ rights  
to organise.

141

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTThe Group Grievance Standard provides  
a formal framework to deal with concerns 
that employees have in relation to their 
employment or another colleague, which 
affects them directly, and cannot be  
resolved through informal mechanisms, e.g. 
counselling, coaching or mediation. This can 
include bullying, harassment or discrimination 
situations, and concerns around conditions  
of employment (e.g. health and safety, work 
relations, new working practices or working 
environment). There is a distinct Speaking  
Up policy which covers instances where  
an employee suspects actual, planned or 
potential wrongdoing on the part of another 
employee, or the Company.

The Group’s approach to misconduct issues 
(including dismissals) is guided by the Fair 
Accountability principles which endorse 
thoughtful judgement, proportionality, 
procedural appropriateness and fairness of 
outcomes. Dismissals due to misconduct 
issues and/or performance (where required 
by law to follow a disciplinary process) are 
governed by the Group Disciplinary Standard. 
Where local law or regulation requires a 
different process with regards to dismissals 
and other disciplinary actions, country 
procedures vary accordingly to account for 
local law and regulation.

Our Group Diversity and Inclusion Standard 
(the Standard) has been developed to ensure 
a respectful workplace, with fair and equal 
treatment, diversity and inclusion, and the 
provision of opportunities for employees to 
participate fully and reach their full potential  
in an appropriate working environment.  
All individuals are entitled to be treated with 
dignity and respect, and to be free from 
harassment, bullying, and discrimination.  
This helps support effective and productive 
working conditions, decreased staff attrition, 
high morale and engagement, maintains 
employee wellbeing, and reduced risk.

The Group is committed to diversity and 
inclusion and policies, standards and 
practices that provide equality of opportunity 
for all, protect the dignity of employees and 
promote respect at work. All employees and 
contractors are required to take personal and 
individual responsibility to comply with the 
Standard, behave in a non-discriminatory 
way and not to participate in acts of 
inappropriate behaviour or conduct, 
harassment or bullying. 

The Group is committed to provide  
equal opportunities and fair treatment in 
employment. We do not accept unlawful 
discrimination in our recruitment or 
employment practices on any grounds 
including but not limited to; sex, gender, 
nationality, ethnicity, race, colour, native or 
indigenous origin, disability, age, marital or 
civil partner status, pregnancy and maternity, 
sexual orientation, gender identity, expression 

or reassignment, HIV or AIDS status, parental 
status, employment status, military and 
veterans status, flexibility of working 
arrangements, religion or belief. 

We strive for recruitment, employment, 
redundancy and redeployment, training, 
development, succession planning and 
promotion practices that are free of barriers, 
both systemic and deliberate; and that do  
not directly or indirectly discriminate. 

Recruitment, employment, training, 
development and promotion decisions are 
based on the existing skills, knowledge and 
behaviour required to perform the role to the 
Group’s standards. Implied in all employment 
terms is the commitment to equal pay for 
equal work. We will also make reasonable 
workplace adjustments (including during 
hiring), including for disabilities and religious 
practices. If employees become disabled, 
efforts are made to ensure their employment 
continues, with appropriate training and 
workplace adjustments where necessary.

As part of our engagement with the  
‘Valuable 500’ we are committed to have 
each country in our network complete an 
internal disability assessment and incorporate 
areas of improvement into their local diversity 
and inclusion plans. This disability benchmark 
will help every market measure and 
demonstrate progress towards becoming 
disability confident by reviewing inclusive 
processes and practices, infrastructure 
accessibility, client accessibility and impact  
in communities.

Health and safety

Our Health and Safety (H&S) programme 
covers both mental and physical wellbeing. 
The Group complies with both external 
regulatory requirements and internal policy 
and standards for H&S in all markets. It is 
Group policy to ensure that the more 
stringent of the two requirements is always 
met, ensuring our H&S practices meet or 
exceed the regulatory minimum. Compliance 
rates are reported quarterly to each country’s 
management team. H&S performance and 
risks are reported annually to the Group Risk 
Committee and the Board Risk Committee. 
Based on our risk profile, our H&S standards 
define our requirements for H&S governance 
and assurance, workstation ergonomics,  
fire safety, first aid, indoor air quality and the 
work environment, vehicle and driving safety, 
incident reporting and investigation, and 
accessible design.

Major customers 

Our five-largest customers together 
accounted for 2.0 per cent (2018: 1.8 per 
cent) of our total operating income in the  
year ended 31 December 2019.

Major suppliers 

Our five-largest suppliers together accounted 
for less than 15 per cent of purchases in the 
year ended 31 December 2019.

Supply chain management

For information about how the Group 
engages with suppliers on environmental  
and social matters, please see our Supplier 
Charter. As set out under the UK Modern 
Slavery Act 2015, the Group is required to 
publish a Modern Slavery Statement annually. 
The Group’s 2019 Modern Slavery Statement 
will be issued at the same time as the Annual 
Report. This document will give further detail 
on how the Group has managed social risks 
in its supply chain during 2019.

Our Supplier Charter can be viewed at  
sc.com/suppliercharter

Details of how we create value for our stakeholder 
groups can be found on page 43 to 56

Product responsibility

We aim to treat our clients fairly at all times. 
We design and offer products based on an 
understanding of our client needs, protect 
client privacy and manage potential conflicts 
of interest. We seek and use client feedback 
to improve our products and services.  
The Group has in place policies and 
procedures to ensure products are sold  
to suitable target markets, comply with 
relevant laws and regulations and complaints 
are identified and resolved. 

Group Code of Conduct

The Board has adopted a Group Code of 
Conduct (the Code) relating to the lawful  
and ethical conduct of business and this is 
supported by the Group’s valued behaviours. 
It has been communicated to all directors 
and employees, all of whom are expected to 
observe high standards of integrity and fair 
dealing in relation to customers, employees 
and regulators in the communities in  
which the Group operates. Directors and 
employees are asked to recommit to the 
Code annually, and this was done during 
September 2019.

Environmental impact of our 
operations

We aim to minimise the environmental  
impact of our operations as part of our 
commitment to be a responsible company. 
We report on energy, water, paper and 
non-hazardous waste data that are the basis 
of our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions 
management, as well as the targets we  
have set to reduce energy, water and paper 
use. In 2019, we updated our Scope 3 
methodology to reflect the impact of radiative 
forcing. As a result, we have restated  
Scope 3 emissions for 2018 and 2017.

142

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportOther disclosures 
Total scope 1, 2 and 3 Greenhouse Gas emissions for 2018 and 2019

Indicator

Headcount (30 September 2019)

Net internal area of occupied property covered by reporting

Annual operating income (1 October to 30 September)

Greenhouse Gas emissions

Scope 1 emissions (combustion of fuels)

Scope 2 emissions (purchased electricity)

Total Scope 1 & 2 emissions

Scope 3 emissions with distance uplift (air travel)

Scope 3 emissions (outsourced data centre)

Total Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions

Total Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions/Headcount

Total Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions/m2

Total Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions/operating income

2019

84,398

 2018 

85,402

1,154,999

1,185,929

15,200 

14,958

Units

Headcount

m2

$million

4,542 

141,771

146,313

96,196

46,362

242,509

2.87

210

15.95

8,584

139,366

147,950

124,966

21,523

272,917

3.20

230

18.25

tonnes CO2eq/year
tonnes CO2eq/year
tonnes CO2eq/year
tonnes CO2eq/year
tonnes CO2eq/year
tonnes CO2eq/year
tonnes CO2eq/Headcount/year
kg CO2eq/m2/year
tonnes CO2eq/$m/year

Our reporting criteria document sets out the 
principles and methodology used to calculate 
the GHG emissions of the Group.

The Group does not currently use any form  
of offset such as carbon credits to offset 
Scope 1 or Scope 2 emissions.

For more information, review the reporting criteria at 
sc.com/environmentcriteria

Disclosures related to the Group’s environmental 
policies and performance are included in the 
Sustainable and responsible business section  
of the Strategic report on page 55

Our reporting methodology is based  
upon the World Resources Institute/ 
World Business Council for Sustainable 
Development Greenhouse Gas Protocol 
Corporate Accounting and Reporting 
Standard (Revised Edition).

We report on all emission sources required 
under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic 
Report and Directors’ Reports) Regulations. 
Using conversion factors from the 
International Energy Agency 2019 Emissions 
Factors and the UK Government’s 2019 GHG 
Conversion Factors for Company Reporting, 
emissions are reported in metric tonnes of 
carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), 
encompassing the six Kyoto gases.

Our definition of different emission sources  
is provided below.

Scope 1
Scope 1 emissions are defined as arising 
from the consumption of energy from direct 
sources, such as by burning diesel within 
generators, during the use of property 
occupied by the Group.

Scope 2
Scope 2 emissions are defined as arising 
from the consumption of indirect sources of 
energy, such as consumption of purchased 
electricity and heat, during the use of 
property occupied by the Group.

Considering the amendment issued to the 
GHG Protocol in 2015, we report Scope 2 
emissions under location-based and 
market-based methods. We continue to 
monitor the development of Scope 2  
Quality Criteria, as well as the development  
of residual mixes by national agencies.  
We have recently added market-based 
reporting as we have found data has  
become more available on emissions.

Scope 3
Scope 3 emissions are defined as occurring 
as a consequence of the Group’s activities, 
but arising from sources not controlled by us. 
The Group currently reports on Scope 3 
emissions arising from air travel and our 
outsourced data centres globally.

Reporting period

The reporting period of our environmental 
data is from 1 October 2018 to 30 September 
2019. This allows sufficient time for 
independent assurance to be gained prior  
to the publication of results. Accordingly,  
the operating income used in this inventory 
corresponds to the same time period  
rather than the calendar year used in  
financial reporting.

Assurance

Our Scope 1 and 2 emissions are assured by 
an independent body, Global Documentation, 
against the requirements of ISO14064.

Managing environmental  
and social risk

The Board is responsible for ensuring that 
high standards of responsible business are 
maintained and that an effective control 
framework is in place. This encompasses  
risk associated with clients’ operations  
and their potential impact on the  
environment, including climate change,  
and local communities. 

The Board recognises its responsibility to 
manage these risks and that failure to 
manage them adequately could have  
adverse impact on stakeholders as well  
as the Group. The Board, via the Brand, 
Values and Conduct Committee, reviews 
sustainability priorities, and oversees the 
development of, and delivery against, public 
commitments regarding the activities and/or 
businesses that the Group will or will not 
accept in alignment with our Here for good 
brand promise. 

At a management level, the CEO, Corporate 
& Institutional Banking is responsible for 
sustainable finance, which incorporates E&S 
risk management. In 2019, this included the 
development of the Group’s Green and 
Sustainable Bond Framework, and Green 
and Sustainable Product Framework.  
The Group Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand 
& Marketing, Conduct, Financial Crime  
and Compliance leads a cross-business 
Sustainability Forum to develop and deliver 
the Group’s broader sustainability strategy.  
In addition, climate change is being integrated 
into the Group-wide approach to risk 
management as a material cross-cutting  
risk to be considered alongside designated 
risk types.

The Board welcomed the recommendations 
of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD). In 2019, the Group set 
out how climate change considerations are 
being incorporated into its governance, 
strategy, risk management and target- 
setting activities in its stand-alone Climate 
Change Disclosure, aligned to the TCFD 
recommendations. This was approved by  
the Board before publication.

Community engagement

We collaborate with local partners to support 
social and economic development in 
communities across our markets. For more 
on how we engage with communities go to 
page 56 of the Sustainable and Responsible 
Business section.

ESG Reporting Guide

We comply with the requirements for 
environmental, social and governance 
reporting under Appendix 27 of the Hong 
Kong Listing Rules with the exception of A1.3 
on hazardous waste and A1.6 on production 
and handling of hazardous waste and A2.5 
on packaging. As an office-based financial 
services provider, we generate minimal 
hazardous waste or packaging material.  
As such, these issues are not material and 
we do not report them.

143

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTElectronic communication

The Board recognises the importance of 
good communications with all shareholders. 
Directors are in regular contact with our 
institutional shareholders and general 
presentations are made when we announce 
our financial results. The AGM presents  
an opportunity to communicate with all 
shareholders. Our shareholders are 
encouraged to receive our corporate 
documents electronically. The annual and 
interim financial statements, Notice of AGM 
and dividend circulars are all available 
electronically. If you do not already receive 
your corporate documents electronically and 
would like to do so in future, please contact 
our registrars at the address on page 408. 

Shareholders are also able to vote 
electronically on the resolutions being put to 
the AGM through our registrars’ website at 
investorcentre.co.uk

Annual General Meeting

Our 2020 AGM will be held at 11:00am  
(UK time) (6:00pm Hong Kong time) on  
6 May 2020 at etc.venues, 200 Aldersgate,  
St Paul’s, London EC1A 4HD. Detail of the 
business to be conducted at the meeting  
is contained in the 2020 Notice of AGM.  
Our 2019 AGM was held on 8 May 2019 at 
11:00am (London time) (6:00pm Hong Kong 
time) at etc.venues, 200 Aldersgate, St Paul’s, 
London EC1A 4HD. Special business at the 
meeting included the approval of the power 
to allot ECAT1 Securities for cash without 
certain formalities. All resolutions were 
passed at the meeting, the details of which 
can be viewed our website.

Non-audit services

The Group’s non-audit services policy (the 
policy) was reviewed and approved by the 
Audit Committee on 28 November 2018.

The policy is based on an overriding principle 
that, to avoid any actual or perceived conflicts 
of interest, the Group’s auditor should only be 
used when either there is evidence that there 
is no alternative in terms of quality and there is 
no conflict with their duties as auditor. KPMG 
can be used where the statutory auditor is 
required to be used due to regulatory or legal 
requirements. 

The policy clearly sets out the criteria for 
when the Audit Committee’s prior written 
approval is required. The policy requires a 
conservative approach to be taken to the 
assessment of requests for KPMG to provide 
non-audit services. Subject to the overriding 
principle, the Audit Committee’s view is that 
KPMG can be of value in a range of non-audit 
service activities and should be allowed to 
tender subject to the terms of the policy.  
The Group is required to take a conservative 
approach to interpreting the potential threats 
to auditor independence and requires 
commensurately robust safeguards  
against them. 

EU legislation and guidance from the 
Financial Reporting Council (FRC) sets out 
threats to audit independence including 
self-interest, self-review, familiarity, taking of  
a management role or conducting advocacy. 
In particular, maintaining KPMG’s 
independence from the Group requires 
KPMG to avoid taking decisions on the 
Group’s behalf. It is also recognised as 
essential that management retains the 
decision-making capability as to whether to 
act on advice given by KPMG as part of a 
non-audit service. This means not just the 
ability to action the advice given, but to have 
sufficient knowledge of the subject matter to 
be able to make a reasoned and independent 
judgement as to its validity. All of this is 
contained within the policy. 

By way of (non-exhaustive) illustration of the 
application of the principles set out in the 
policy, the following types of non-audit 
services are likely to be permissible under  
the policy: 

 ¼ Audit-related services – the Group  
would also extend this to work on  
investor circulars in most foreseeable 
circumstances 

 ¼ An objective view as to whether the  
Group has applied external laws and 
regulations appropriately, such as  
checks over regulatory compliance 

 ¼ Internal control review services 

 ¼ Due diligence over potential purchases  

or sales 

Not permissible under the policy: 

 ¼ Any services that are prohibited (or to the 

extent they are restricted) by the published 
guidance from time to time 

 ¼ Tax or regulatory structuring proposals 

 ¼ Services where fees are paid on a 

contingent basis (in whole or in part) 

 ¼ Consulting services that actively assist  
in running the business in place of 
management as opposed to providing  
or validating information, which 
management then utilises in the  
operation of the business 

 ¼ The policy is not a prescribed list of 

non-audit services that KPMG is permitted 
to provide. Rather, each request for KPMG 
to provide non-audit services will be 
assessed on its own merits. The Audit 
Committee believes that such a case- 
by-case approach best accommodates  
(i) the need for the appropriate rigour and 
challenge to be applied to each request  
for KPMG to provide non-audit services 
while (ii) preserving sufficient flexibility for 
the Group to engage KPMG to provide 
non-audit services where they are able  
to deliver particular value to the Group  
and where the proposed services can  
be provided without compromising 
KPMG’s objectivity and independence. 

There is a cap on non-audit services 
provided by KPMG and such fees cannot 
exceed 70 per cent of the average Group 
audit fee from the previous three consecutive 
financial years, excluding audit related 
non-audit services and services carried out 
pursuant to legislation. For 2019 the ratio was 
1 per cent. 

Details relating to KPMG’s remuneration as 
the Group statutory auditor and a description 
of the broad categories of the types of 
non-audit services provided by KPMG are 
given in Note 38 to the financial statements.

Auditor

The Audit Committee reviews the 
appointment of the Group statutory auditor, 
its effectiveness and its relationship with the 
Group, which includes monitoring our use of 
the auditors for non-audit services and the 
balance of audit and non-audit fees paid.

Following an annual performance and 
effectiveness review of KPMG, it was felt  
that KPMG is considered to be effective, 
objective and independent in its role as 
Group statutory auditor. 

Each director believes that there is no relevant 
information of which our Group statutory 
auditor is unaware. Each has taken all steps 
necessary as a director to be aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish 
that the Group statutory auditor is made 
aware of any pertinent information.

KPMG will be available at the 2020 AGM to 
answer any questions about their audit of the 
financial statements.

In view of the external Audit tender 
conducted in 2017, where it was agreed  
that EY be appointed as the Group’s 
statutory auditor for the financial year ending 
31 December 2020, KPMG will resign as the 
Group’s statutory auditor from the conclusion 
of the 2019 audit; and, the Board will resolve 
to appoint EY to fill the casual vacancy.  
A resolution to appoint EY as auditor will be 
proposed at the Group’s 2020 AGM. 

By order of the Board

Amanda Mellor
Group Company Secretary

27 February 2020 

Standard Chartered PLC

Registered No. 966425

144

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Directors’ reportOther disclosuresStatement of directors’ responsibilities

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. 

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: 

 ¼ 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 

 ¼ The Strategic report includes a fair review 
of the development and performance  
of the business and the position of the 
Company and the undertakings included 
in the consolidation taken as a whole, 
together with a description of the principal 
risks and uncertainties that they face 

We consider that the Annual Report, 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.

By order of the Board

Andy Halford
Group Chief Financial Officer

27 February 2020

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

Company law requires the directors to 
prepare Group and Company financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that 
law they are required to prepare the Group 
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 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 
Company and of their profit or loss for that 
period. In preparing each of the Group and 
Company financial statements, the directors 
are required to: 

 ¼ Select suitable accounting policies and 

then apply them consistently; 

 ¼ Make judgements and estimates that are 

reasonable, relevant and reliable; 

 ¼ State whether they have been prepared  
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by 
the EU; 

 ¼ Assess the Group and the Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters related  
to going concern; and 

 ¼ Use the going concern basis of accounting 
unless they either intend to liquidate the 
Group or the Company or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative 
but to do so

The directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable 
accuracy at any time the financial position of 
the 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. 

145

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDIRECTORS’ REPORTRESPONSIBLE  COMPANY   

Tackling the illegal 
wildlife trade as a 
financial crime

Sustainable  
Finance

Here  
for  good

Responsible 
Company

Inclusive 
Communities

Read more about our approach to 
sustainable and responsible business 
on pages 51 to 56

146

Standard Chartered 
Annual Report 2019

The illicit poaching of wildlife is driving many species to the edge  
of extinction. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that on average  
more than 20,000 African elephants and more than 1,000 rhinos  
are killed each year. The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is not just a 
conservation issue. A report by the United Nations Environmental 
Programme estimates its worth between $7 billion and 
$23 billion a year, making it the fourth most significant trafficking 
crime behind arms, human and narcotics trafficking.

Many countries within our unique footprint  
are vulnerable to IWT either as source, transit 
or destination markets. This puts us on the 
frontline of the challenge to do our part  
to disrupt and prevent this illicit activity.  
We have included IWT-specific content in  
the anti-money laundering training completed 
by all employees and delivered targeted 
awareness sessions in key markets. We have 
also made IWT a focus for our financial  
crime investigators, enabling those efforts 
through new artificial intelligence and 
machine-learning tools.

We believe that partnering to lead in the  
fight against financial crime is the best  
way to protect our business, clients and 
communities. That’s because we recognise 
that no single company, law enforcement 
agency or sovereign acting alone can 

eradicate financial crime. We will only 
succeed if we collaborate with each other.

As a member of The Royal Foundation’s 
United for Wildlife (UfW) IWT Financial 
Taskforce, we are working with other financial 
institutions around the world, as well as 
government bodies and NGOs, to raise 
awareness of the importance of tackling IWT 
as a financial crime and to build IWT into 
members’ business-as-usual financial crime 
compliance operations. 

We are sharing what we have learned  
with our clients by integrating IWT into 
our correspondent banking academies  
in countries such as Brazil, Cambodia,  
South Africa and Vietnam in 2019. We also 
contributed to the delivery of UfW training 
workshops on IWT during 2019 including 
workshops in Beijing, Hong Kong and Nairobi.

i

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I

I

The  illegal  wildlife  trade  is  the 
world’s  fourth-most  profitable 
criminal  trafficking  enterprise, 
estimated  to  be  worth  between 
$7  billion  and  $23  billion  a  year.

RISK  REVIEW  AND   
CAPITAL  REVIEW

148  Risk index

150  Risk update

152  Risk profile

206   Enterprise Risk Management 

Framework

236  Capital review

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147

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk review and Capital review

Index

Risk update

Risk profile

Our risk profile in 2019

Credit Risk

Basis of preparation

Credit risk overview

IFRS 9 principles and approaches

Maximum exposure to credit risk

Analysis of financial instrument by stage 

Credit quality analysis

¼¼ Credit quality by client segment

¼¼ Credit quality by geographic region

Movement in gross exposures and credit impairment for loans and advances, debt 
securities, undrawn commitments and financial guarantees

Movement of debt securities, alternative tier one and other eligible bills

Analysis of stage 2 balances

Credit impairment charge

Problem credit management and provisioning

¼¼ Forborne and other modified loans by client segment

¼¼ Forborne and other modified loans by region

¼¼ Credit-impaired (stage 3) loans and advances by client segment

¼¼ Credit-impaired (stage 3) loans and advances by geographic region

¼¼ Movement of credit-impaired (stage 3) loans and advances provisions by client segment

Credit risk mitigation

¼¼ Collateral 

¼¼ Collateral – Corporate & Institutional Banking and Commercial Banking 

¼¼ Collateral – Retail Banking and Private Banking

¼¼ Mortgage loan-to-value ratios by geography

¼¼ Other credit risk mitigation

Other portfolio analysis

¼¼ Maturity analysis of loans and advances by client segment 

¼¼ Credit quality by industry 

¼¼ Industry and Retail Products analysis of loans and advances by geographic region 

¼¼ Debt securities and other eligible bills

¼¼ Asset backed securities

IFRS 9 methodology

Country Risk

Traded Risk

Market Risk changes

Counterparty Credit Risk

Derivative financial instruments Credit Risk mitigation

Liquidity and Funding Risk

Liquidity and Funding risk metrics

Encumbrance

Liquidity analysis of the Group’s balance sheet

Interest Rate Risk in the Banking Book

Operational Risk

Operational Risk profile

Operational Risk events and losses

Other principal risks

Annual 
Report

Pillar 3 
Report

27

66

72

77

150

152

153

153

153

153

155

156

158

158

162

163

165

169

169

170

170

171

171

172

173

174

174

175

176

176

177

177

177

179

180

182

–

182

190

190

191

194

195

195

196

198

201

204

205

205

205

205

148

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewIndexIndex

Risk management approach Enterprise Risk Management Framework

Capital review

Principal risks

Emerging Risks

Capital summary

¼¼ Capital ratios

¼¼ CRD IV Capital base

¼¼ Movement in total capital

Risk-weighted asset

UK Leverage ratio

Annual 
Report

Pillar 3 
Report

206

212

228

236

237

237

238

239

241

11

13

12

21

24 –26

The following parts of the Risk review and Capital review form part of the financial statements:
¼¼ From the start of the ‘Credit risk review’ section (page 153) to the end of ‘Other principal risks’ in the same section (page 205), excluding:

Risk section

Loans and advances by client segment credit quality analysis

Credit quality by geographic region

Analysis of stage 2 balances

Forborne and other modified loans by region

Credit-impaired (stage 3) loans and advances by geographic region

Credit quality by industry

Industry and Retail Products analysis by geographic region

Country risk

Risks not in VaR

Backtesting

Mapping of market risk items to the balance sheet

Liquidity coverage ratio (LCR)

Stressed coverage

Net stable funding ratio (NSFR)

Liquidity pool

Encumbrance

Interest Rate Risk in the Banking Book

Operational Risk

Other principal risks

Page

161

162

169

171

172

179

180

190

192

192

194

196

197

198

198

198

204

205

205

¼¼ From the start of ‘CRD IV capital base’ (page 237) to the end of ‘Movement in total capital’ excluding capital ratios and risk-weighted assets 

(RWA) (page 238)

149

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportRisk update

All risk types, both financial and non-financial, are managed and reported 
in accordance with the Group’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework. 
2019 saw sustained progress towards improving the resilience of the 
Group’s portfolios as shown here by the key highlights from the past year.

Key highlights 2019

¼¼ Asset quality broadly stable despite 

challenging macroeconomic environment

¼¼ Credit impairment up year-on-year, but 
remains below elevated levels seen in 
previous years

¼¼ Our capital and liquidity positions continue 

to be above current requirements 

Our portfolio quality

Despite a challenging macroeconomic 
environment, the Group has been able to 
maintain strong performance and solid risk 
fundamentals, a reflection of the work done 
over the previous few years to secure the 
foundations of our risk management 
approach. Several of our key markets have 
seen significant volatility, in particular due to 
the US-China trade tensions, social unrest  
in Hong Kong, and the evolving novel 
coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. The 
necessary steps have been taken to maintain 
stable operations. We are supporting 
impacted corporate clients and individual 
customers where appropriate. We continue 
to assess these situations on an ongoing 
basis, utilising our stress testing framework 
and portfolio reviews to analyse the potential 

Key indicators

impact and appropriate risk management 
actions. As a result, we performed a review of 
the economic situation in Hong Kong which, 
when added to the impact of revisions to 
other model inputs, contributed to the total 
increase in Hong Kong expected credit loss 
(ECL) of $46 million in the second half of the 
year. After the close of the 2019 accounts, the 
novel coronavirus outbreak in January 2020 
has increased risk aversion and uncertainty. 
The outbreak will likely lead to a weaker 
outlook for at least the Group’s Asian markets 
in 2020, which may impact the Group’s ECL 
as well as other financial measures in the 
coming year. 

The Group’s proportions of stage 1 and  
stage 2 loans and advances to customers 
were broadly consistent with the prior period 
at 90 per cent and 8 per cent respectively. 
Credit quality remained broadly stable in 2019 
with gross stage 3 loans reducing by a further 
12 per cent to $7.4 billion (2018: $8.5 billion) 
carrying over positive momentum from 2018. 
Credit grade 12 balances have increased by 
$0.1 billion compared with the previous year, 
mainly due to sovereign rating downgrades  
in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Lebanon in the  
last quarter of 2019, which impacted the 
ratings of certain obligors in these countries. 
This does not represent any specific  
credit concerns related to these obligors, 

particularly as the balances consist primarily 
of short-dated financial institutions and 
sovereign-related exposures used for local 
balance sheet management. There was an 
increase in early alert exposure to $5.3 billion 
(2018: $4.8 billion) driven by a number of 
unrelated clients that were transferred in the 
last quarter of 2019. Net of risk mitigants  
early alert balances are flat year-on-year.  
The proportion of investment grade corporate 
exposures has remained broadly consistent 
year-on-year at 61 per cent, although this is 
an increase relative to June 2019, which had 
seen a drop due to a reduction in repurchase 
agreements. While collateralisation of 
sub-investment grade net exposures 
maturing in more than one year has reduced 
to 45 per cent (2018: 51 per cent), this is 
mainly due to a handful of downgrades 
during the year on account of the 
deteriorating macroeconomic situation. We 
continue to focus on the quality of origination 
and underwriting, within our Risk Appetite. 

There was an increase in exposure to our top 
20 corporate clients as a percentage of Tier 1 
capital, up to 56 per cent from 55 per cent  
in 2018. This was primarily driven by an 
increase in exposure to investment grade 
clients. Overall the Group’s portfolios remain 
predominantly short-tenor and continue to be 
diversified across industry sectors, products 

2019

2018

01.01.18

2017 (IAS 39)

Group total business1
Stage 1 loans ($ billion)
Stage 2 loans ($ billion)
Stage 3 loans, credit-impaired ($ billion)2 
Stage 3 cover ratio2
Stage 3 cover ratio (including collateral)2
Corporate & Institutional Banking and Commercial Banking5
Investment grade corporate net exposures as a percentage of total corporate 
net exposures
Loans and advances maturing in one year or less as a percentage of total loans 
and advances to customers
Early alert portfolio net exposures ($ billion)
Credit grade 12 net exposures ($ billion)
Aggregate top 20 corporate net exposures as a percentage of Tier 1 capital
Collateralisation of sub-investment grade net exposures maturing in more than 
one year
Retail Banking5
Loan-to-value ratio of retail mortgages

1  These numbers represent total loans and advances to customers

228.5
20.6
10.7
67%
84%

246.1
20.8
7.4
68%
85%

61%

62%
5.3
1.6
56%

45%

45%

237.1
17.4
8.5
66%
85%

62%

61%
4.8
1.5
55%

51%

45%

10.6
67%3 
84%

57%

70%4
 8.7
1.5
 50%

55%

 47%

2  Balances for 2019 and 2018 reflect interest due but unpaid together with equivalent credit impairment charges. 2018 and 2017 stage 3 balances, provision and cover ratios have 

been restated

3  2017 total business cover ratios rebased to exclude portfolio impairment provisions to align to IFRS 9 (IAS 39: 65 per cent on 31 December 2017)

4  Includes fair value through profit or loss

5  These metrics are not impacted by the adoption of IFRS 9, hence data as at 1 January 2018 is not needed for comparative purposes

150

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk updateactively monitor the portfolio and ensure that 
any growth is well controlled and in line with 
our Risk Appetite.

exposures in the liquidation portfolio were 
substantially completed in 2018. 2018 has  
not been restated.

The results of the Bank of England’s annual 
cyclical scenario stress test in 2019 show that 
the Group is more resilient to stress than a 
year ago. Despite an increase in the severity 
of the scenario, the maximum fall in the 
Group’s Common Equity Tier 1 ratio reduced 
to 520 basis points (2018: 570 basis points), 
reflecting improved revenue momentum and 
overall risk profile together with the resolution 
of legacy conduct and control issues.

Stage 3 loans

Overall gross credit-impaired (stage 3)  
loans for the Group reduced by 12 per cent  
in 2019, from $8.5 billion to $7.4 billion,  
driven by continued reductions in  
Corporate & Institutional Banking and 
Commercial Banking.

Gross credit-impaired (stage 3) loans in 
Corporate & Institutional Banking were 
significantly lower (2019: $4.2 billion; 2018: 
$5.0 billion) mainly due to repayments, 
write-offs and upgrades. Total stage 3 inflows 
were 6 per cent lower than 2018, with new 
inflows mainly in ASEAN & South Asia. 

In Commercial Banking, stage 3 inflows  
were also lower in the year by 24 per cent, 
but we remain cautious of the challenging 
macroeconomic environment and 
geopolitical risks. Stage 3 loans decreased 
from $2.3 billion to $2.0 billion, driven by 
write-offs and repayments.

Private Banking stage 3 loans increased 
marginally (2019: $0.4 billion, 2018:  
$0.3 billion) in the ASEAN & South Asia  
and Europe & Americas regions.

Stage 3 loans in the Retail Banking portfolio 
remained broadly stable at $0.8 billion.

The stage 3 cover ratio in the total customer 
loan book was higher at 68 per cent (2018: 
66 per cent) due to new impairment charges, 
repayments and upgrades in Corporate & 
Institutional Banking. The cover ratio 
including collateral was flat at 85 per cent 
(2018: 85 per cent). 

Credit impairment 

With effect from 1 January 2019, the 
liquidation portfolio has been included in the 
ongoing portfolio as the actions to reduce 

At Group level, total credit impairment 
including the restructuring portfolio is  
$0.9 billion (2018: $0.7 billion), representing  
a loan loss rate of 27 basis points (bps) of 
average customer loans and advances (2018: 
21bps). The overall increase was driven by 
higher stage 1 and 2 charges in Corporate  
& Institutional Banking and Retail Banking,  
of which half of the change was due to 
worsening macroeconomic variables over the 
period, which included a downward revision 
of Hong Kong’s GDP. This was partially offset 
by lower stage 3 impairment charges across 
most segments.

Credit impairment for Corporate & Institutional 
Banking is significantly higher, up 96 per cent 
on the levels seen last year (2019: $475 
million, 2018: $242 million). This is mainly  
due to higher stage 1 and 2 impairments in 
2019 as 2018 benefitted from upgrades 
within stage 2 as well as releases from 
improvements in macroeconomic forecasts. 
Stage 3 provisions also increased, with a 
$141 million charge booked in the fourth 
quarter relating to a single client exposure  
in ASEAN & South Asia.

Commercial Banking credit impairment 
declined by 50 per cent (2019: $121 million, 
2018: $244 million) compared with 2018, 
primarily in stage 3 as 2018 included 
significant provisions across a few clients in 
Africa & Middle East and Greater China & 
North Asia that did not repeat.

Retail Banking credit impairment increased 
by 26 per cent (2019: $336 million, 2018: 
$267 million) mainly due to non-recurring 
impairment releases in Korea and Indonesia 
in 2018. Excluding this, impairments were  
flat year-on-year. The impact of the 
macroeconomic downgrades for Hong  
Kong increased stage 1 and 2 provisions. 
Individual impairment charge has improved 
year-on-year mainly driven by recoveries in 
Korea, Singapore and the UAE. 

Private Banking impairment reduced by  
$31 million due to a net provision release  
of $29 million driven primarily by a single 
stage 3 client.

Credit impairment in the restructuring 
portfolio was a $2 million charge (2018:  
$87 million release), related to a small number 
of legacy positions in Principal Finance.

and geographies. We actively review our 
desired risk profile, and as an example, in 
2019 have made the decision to only support 
clients who actively transition their business 
to generate less than 10 per cent of earnings 
from thermal coal by 2030, in line with our 
sustainability agenda.

Our Retail Banking and Private Banking 
portfolio represents 45 per cent of total 
customer loans and advances, a similar 
proportion to the end of 2018, with the  
Retail Banking segment continuing to have 
little exposure outside its core markets of 
Greater China & North Asia and ASEAN & 
South Asia. The overall loan-to-value of the 
Mortgage portfolio remains low at 45 per 
cent. The proportion of unsecured loans has 
remained broadly stable at 14 per cent of the 
Retail Banking and Private Banking portfolio.

The Group maintains a strong liquidity 
position with healthy buffers above its  
Risk Appetite and minimum regulatory 
requirements. The Group’s liquidity coverage 
ratio decreased to 144 per cent from 154 per 
cent in 2018, as we looked to optimise our 
liquidity position. Both the liquidity buffer and 
cash outflows grew during the year in line 
with the overall balance sheet growth. The 
Group’s advances-to-deposits ratio remained 
broadly unchanged from last year at 64.2 per 
cent (2018: 63.1 per cent). We remain a net 
provider of liquidity to the interbank markets 
and our customer deposit base is diversified 
by type and maturity. We have a substantial 
portfolio of marketable securities which can 
be realised in the event of a liquidity stress. 

The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio decreased 
from 14.2 per cent to 13.8 per cent 
predominantly because of the impact of  
the share buy-back, other distributions to 
shareholders, including preference dividend 
and higher risk-weighted assets (RWA) partly 
offset by profit for the period. 

Average Group value at risk in 2019 was 
$30.2 million, 47 per cent higher than in 2018, 
driven by the non-trading book, which has 
seen an increase in the bond inventory of 
high-quality assets in the Treasury Markets 
business. The average level of value at risk 
(VaR) in the trading book was $11 million,  
12 per cent higher than in 2018 (2018:  
$9.8 million). Trading activities have remained 
relatively unchanged and client-driven.  
We have seen growth in Financial Markets 
income in 2019, but remain comfortable with 
the level of risk we are taking. We continue to 

Credit impairment

Corporate & Institutional Banking

Retail Banking

Commercial Banking

Private Banking

Central & other items

Ongoing credit impairment charge

Restructuring charge/(credit)

1  In 2019, the liquidation portfolio has been included in ongoing business. Prior periods have not been restated

20191 
$million  
(IFRS 9)

2018  
$million  
(IFRS 9)

475

336

121

(31)

5

906

2

242

267

244

–

(13)

740

(87)

2017  
$million  
(IAS 391)

657

374

168

1

–

1,200

162

151

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportRisk profile

Our risk profile in 2019

Our Enterprise Risk Management Framework 
(ERMF) and well-established risk governance 
structure enable us to closely manage 
enterprise-wide risks with the objective of 
maximising risk-adjusted returns while 
remaining within our Risk Appetite. We 
manage emerging risks through a dynamic 
risk scanning and risk identification process 

with inputs on the internal and external risk 
environment, as well as potential threats and 
opportunities from a business, function and 
client lens, enabling us to proactively manage 
our portfolio. 

macroeconomic challenges that may impact 
our markets. Our corporate portfolios exhibit 
a strong and sustainable risk profile that is 
diversified across industries, geographies 
and products.

We continue to take action to reposition our 
corporate portfolio, exiting weaker credit or 
lower-returning clients and adding new clients 
selectively. We continue to remain alert to 

The table below highlights the Group’s  
overall risk profile associated with our 
business strategy. 

Our capital and liquidity positions 
continue to be at healthy levels
¼¼ Our capital and liquidity positions remain 

well above current requirements 

¼¼ Our liquidity buffer and cash outflows  

both grew in 2019 in line with the overall 
balance sheet growth 

¼¼ The advances-to-deposits ratio continues 

to be strong and stable 

¼¼ We remain a net provider of liquidity to 
interbank markets and our customer 
deposit base is diversified by type  
and maturity

Our risk profile in 2019

Strengthened risk management 
approach from an enhanced ERMF 
¼¼ We have elevated Model Risk to a Principal 

Risk Type (PRT), effective in 2020

¼¼ We recognised Climate Risk as a material 
cross-cutting risk that manifests through 
other relevant PRTs

¼¼ Existing PRTs were enhanced – changes 
include the expansion in Country Risk 
coverage, reclassification of the Fraud  
Risk sub-type from Operational Risk to 
Financial Crime Risk, and embedding of 
principles relating to environment and 
social risks, defence and dual use goods  
in Reputational Risk 

¼¼ A self-assessment process was formalised 

for our branches and subsidiaries to 
assess the adoption and effectiveness  
of the ERMF locally

¼¼ The 2019 ERMF effectiveness review 

showed that risk management for both 
financial and non-financial risks improved 
year-on-year 

Further details on the ERMF can be found in the  
Risk management approach (page 206)

Strong and sustainable asset growth
¼¼ The Group’s proportions of stage 1  
and stage 2 loans and advances to 
customers were broadly consistent  
with the prior period at 90 per cent  
and 8 per cent respectively

¼¼ Asset quality has remained broadly  

stable, with investment grade corporate 
net exposures broadly consistent at  
61 per cent 

¼¼ Total gross stage 3 loans are lower at  

$7.4 billion as compared with $8.5 billion  
in 2018, with the stage 3 cover ratio up  
2 per cent at 68 per cent

¼¼ Although credit impairment for the overall 
ongoing business increased by 22 per 
cent, it remains below the elevated levels 
seen previously 

¼¼ Our corporate portfolios remain well 
diversified across industry sectors, 
products and geographies, and are 
predominantly short-dated 

¼¼ Within the Retail Banking portfolio,  

85 per cent of our book continues to be 
fully secured. The average loan-to-value 
ratio of retail mortgages continues to be 
low at 45 per cent

152

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileCredit Risk

Basis of preparation
Unless otherwise stated the balance sheet 
and income statement information presented 
within this section is based on the Group’s 
management view. This is principally the 
location from which a client relationship is 
managed, which may differ from where it  
is financially booked and may be shared 
between businesses and/or regions.  
This view reflects how the client segments 
and regions are managed internally.

Loans and advances to customers and 
banks held at amortised cost in this Risk 
profile section include reverse repurchase 
agreement balances held at amortised cost, 
per Note 16 Reverse repurchase and 
repurchase agreements including other 
similar secured lending and borrowing.

Credit risk overview
Credit Risk is the potential for loss due to  
the failure of a counterparty to meet its 
obligations to pay the Group. Credit 
exposures arise from both the banking  
and trading books.

Impairment model
IFRS 9 requires an impairment model that 
requires the recognition of expected credit 
losses (ECL) on all financial debt instruments 
held at amortised cost, fair value through 
other comprehensive income (FVOCI), 
undrawn loan commitments and financial 
guarantees.

Staging of financial instruments
Financial instruments that are not already 
credit-impaired are originated into stage 1 
and a 12-month expected credit loss 
provision is recognised. 

Instruments will remain in stage 1 until they 
are repaid, unless they experience significant 
credit deterioration (stage 2) or they become 
credit-impaired (stage 3). 

Instruments will transfer to stage 2 and a 
lifetime expected credit loss provision 
recognised when there has been a significant 
change in the Credit risk compared with what 
was expected at origination. 

The framework used to determine a 
significant increase in credit risk is set  
out below. 

Stage 1

¼¼ 12-month ECL

¼¼ Performing

Stage 2

Stage 3

¼¼ Lifetime expected credit loss

¼¼ Credit-impaired

¼¼ Performing but has exhibited significant 

¼¼ Non-performing

increase in Credit risk (SICR)

IFRS 9 principles and approaches
The main methodology principles and approach adopted by the Group are set out in the following table.

Title

Description

Approach to 
determining 
expected  
credit losses

For material loan portfolios, the Group has adopted a statistical modelling 
approach for determining expected credit losses that makes extensive use  
of credit modelling. While these models leveraged existing advanced Internal 
Ratings Based (IRB) models, for determining regulatory expected losses  
where these were available, there are significant differences between the  
two approaches.

Supplementary Information

Credit risk methodology
Determining lifetime expected credit 
loss for revolving products

Page

182 
183 

Incorporation of 
forward-looking 
information

The determination of expected credit loss includes various assumptions and 
judgements in respect of forward-looking macroeconomic information. Refer  
to page 183 for incorporation of forward-looking information, forecast of key 
macroeconomic variables underlying the expected credit loss calculation and 
the impact on non-linearity and sensitivity of expected credit loss calculation to 
macroeconomic variables.

Incorporation of forward-looking 
information and impact of non-linearity
Forecast of key macroeconomic 
variables underlying the expected 
credit loss calculation

Significant 
increase in  
credit risk  
(SICR)

Expected credit loss for financial assets will transfer from a 12-month basis 
(stage 1) to a lifetime basis (stage 2) when there is a significant increase in Credit 
risk (SICR) relative to that which was expected at the time of origination, or when 
the asset becomes credit-impaired. On transfer to a lifetime basis, the expected 
credit loss for those assets will reflect the impact of a default event expected  
to occur over the remaining lifetime of the instrument rather than just over the  
12 months from the reporting date.
SICR is assessed by comparing the risk of default of an exposure at the 
reporting date with the risk of default at origination (after considering the  
passage of time). ‘Significant’ does not mean statistically significant nor is it 
reflective of the extent of the impact on the Group’s financial statements. 
Whether a change in the risk of default is significant or not is assessed using 
quantitative and qualitative criteria, the weight of which will depend on the type  
of product and counterparty.

Quantitative criteria
Significant increase in Credit risk 
thresholds
Specific qualitative and quantitative 
criteria per segment:
Corporate & Institutional and 
Commercial Banking clients
Retail Banking clients
Private Banking clients
Debt securities

183 

183

187 

187 

188 

188 
188 
188 
188

153

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Title

Description

Assessment of 
credit-impaired 
financial assets

Transfers  
between stages

Modified  
financial assets

Credit-impaired (stage 3) financial assets comprise those assets that have 
experienced an observed credit event and are in default. Default represents 
those assets that are at least 90 days past due in respect of principal and 
interest payments and/or where the assets are otherwise considered unlikely  
to pay. This definition is consistent with internal Credit risk management and  
the regulatory definition of default.
Unlikely to pay factors include objective conditions such as bankruptcy, debt 
restructuring, fraud or death. It also includes credit-related modifications of 
contractual cash flows due to significant financial difficulty (forbearance) where 
the Group has granted concessions that it would not ordinarily consider.
Following a clarification issued by IFRIC in March 2019, if there are any 
recoveries on stage 3 loans, any contractual interest earned while the asset was 
in stage 3 is recognised in the credit impairment line. Although this differs from 
the Group’s previous approach of recognising a residual amount of this within 
interest income, there is no material impact on the classification of amounts 
reported in the income statement in the current or prior period and accordingly 
no adjustments have been made to comparative information. Further, the gross 
asset balances for stage 3 financial instruments have been increased to reflect 
contractual interest due but not paid with a corresponding increase in credit 
impairment provisions. These changes have been disclosed within the credit  
risk section. There has been no net impact on the balance sheet or on 
shareholders’ equity.

Assets will transfer from stage 3 to stage 2 when they are no longer considered 
to be credit-impaired. Assets will not be considered credit-impaired only if the 
customer makes payments such that they are paid to current in line with the 
original contractual terms.
Assets may transfer to stage 1 if they are no longer considered to have 
experienced a significant increase in Credit risk. This will be immediate when  
the original PD based transfer criteria are no longer met (and as long as none  
of the other transfer criteria apply). Where assets were transferred using other 
measures, the assets will only transfer back to stage 1 when the condition that 
caused the significant increase in Credit risk no longer applies (and as long as 
none of the other transfer criteria apply).

Where the contractual terms of a financial instrument have been modified, and 
this does not result in the instrument being derecognised, a modification gain or 
loss is recognised in the income statement representing the difference between 
the original cashflows and the modified cash flows, discounted at the effective 
interest rate. The modification gain/loss is directly applied to the gross carrying 
amount of the instrument.
If the modification is credit related, such as forbearance or where the Group  
has granted concessions that it would not ordinarily consider, then it will be 
considered credit-impaired. Modifications that are not credit related will be 
subject to an assessment of whether the asset’s Credit risk has increased 
significantly since origination by comparing the remaining lifetime probability of 
default (PD) based on the modified terms to the remaining lifetime PD based on 
the original contractual terms.

Governance and 
application of 
expert credit 
judgement in 
respect of 
expected  
credit losses

The models used in determining ECL are reviewed and approved by the  
Group Credit Model Assessment Committee and have been validated by  
Group Model Validation, which is independent of the business. 
A quarterly model monitoring process is in place that uses recent data to 
compare the differences between model predictions and actual outcomes 
against approved thresholds. Where a model’s performance breaches the 
monitoring thresholds then an assessment of whether an ECL adjustment is 
required to correct for the identified model issue is completed.
The determination of expected credit losses requires a significant degree of 
management judgement which had an impact on governance processes,  
with the output of the expected credit models assessed by the IFRS 9 
Impairment Committee.

Supplementary Information

Retail Banking clients
Corporate & Institutional  
Banking clients
Commercial Banking and  
Private Banking clients

Page

188 

188 

188

Movement in loan exposures and 
expected credit losses

163

Forbearance and other modified loans

277

Group Credit Model Assessment 
Committee
IFRS 9 Impairment Committee

189
189

154

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profile 
 
 
 
57,511

57,599

–

147,231

–

125,638

30,672

3,768

4,928

–

21,976

4,079

2,228

23

32,678

Maximum exposure to Credit risk 

The table below presents the Group’s maximum exposure to Credit risk for its on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet financial instruments as 
at 31 December 2019, before and after taking into account any collateral held or other Credit risk mitigation.

The Group’s on-balance sheet maximum exposure to Credit risk increased by $27 billion to $694 billion (31 December 2018: $667 billion).

This was largely driven by an $18 billion increase in investment securities as the Group increased holdings of corporate and government 
securities and a $12 billion increase in loans and advances to customers, $6 billion of which was in Retail products. These were partially offset  
by a reduction in loans and advances to banks of $8 billion, and a decrease in cash at central bank of $5 billion.

Other assets increased by $3.5 billion mainly driven by unsettled trades due to normal settlement timing differences.

2019

Credit risk management

2018

Credit risk management

Maximum 
exposure 
$million

Collateral 
$million

Master 
netting 
agreements 
$million

Net 
exposure 
$million

Maximum 
exposure 
$million

Collateral 
$million

Master  
netting 
agreements 
$million

Net  
exposure 
$million

On-balance sheet

Cash and balances at central banks

Loans and advances to banks1, 8

52,728

53,549

1,341

52,728

52,208

57,511

61,414

3,815

of which – reverse repurchase agreements 
and other similar secured lending7

1,341

1,341

–

3,815

3,815

Loans and advances to customers1, 8

268,523

122,115

146,408

256,557

109,326

of which – reverse repurchase agreements 
and other similar secured lending7

Investment securities – Debt securities, 
alternative Tier 1 and other eligible bills2

1,469

1,469

–

3,151

3,151

143,440

143,440

125,638

Fair value through profit or loss3, 7

90,349

57,604

–

32,745

85,441

54,769

Loans and advances to banks

Loans and advances to customers

3,528

6,896

3,528

6,896

3,768

4,928

Reverse repurchase agreements and other 
similar lending7

Investment securities – Debt securities, 
alternative Tier 1 and other eligible bills2

Derivative financial instruments4, 7

Accrued income

Assets held for sale

Other assets5

Total balance sheet

Off-balance sheet

Contingent liabilities6

Undrawn irrevocable standby facilities,  
credit lines and other commitments to lend6

Documentary credits and short-term 
trade-related transactions6

Total off-balance sheet

Total

57,604

57,604

–

54,769

54,769

22,321

47,212

2,358

90

36,161

7,824

28,659

22,321

10,729

2,358

90

36,161

694,410

188,884

28,659

476,867

21,976

45,621

2,228

23

32,678

667,111

42,432

141,194

4,282

187,908

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

42,432

41,952

141,194

147,728

4,282

187,908

3,982

193,662

860,773

882,318

188,884

28,659

664,775

9,259

32,283

177,169

32,283

457,659

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

41,952

147,728

3,982

193,662

177,169

32,283

651,321

1  An analysis of credit quality is set out in the credit quality analysis section (page 158). Further details of collateral held by client segment and stage are set out in the collateral analysis 

section (page 174)

2  Excludes equity and other investments of $291 million (31 December 2018: $263 million). Further details are set out in Note 13 Financial Instruments

3  Excludes equity and other investments of $2,469 million (31 December 2018: $1,691 million). Further details are set out in Note 13 Financial Instruments

4  The Group enters into master netting agreements, which in the event of default result in a single amount owed by or to the counterparty through netting the sum of the positive and 

negative mark-to-market values of applicable derivative transactions

5  Other assets include Hong Kong certificates of indebtedness, cash collateral, and acceptances, in addition to unsettled trades and other financial assets

6  Excludes ECL allowances which are reported under Provisions for liabilities and charges

7  Collateral capped at maximum exposure (over-collateralised)

8  Adjusted for over-collateralisation, which has been determined with reference to the drawn and undrawn component as this best reflects the effect on the amount arising from 

expected credit losses 

155

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportCash and 
balances at 
central banks

Loans and 
advances  
to banks 
(amortised cost)

Loans and 
advances to 
customers 
(amortised cost)

Debt securities, 
alternative Tier 1 
and other  
eligible bills

Accrued income 
(amortised cost)4

Assets held  
for sale4

Other assets

Undrawn 
commitments3

Financial 
guarantees3

Total

Analysis of financial instrument by stage 

This table shows financial instruments and off-balance sheet commitments by stage, along with the total credit impairment loss provision 
against each class of financial instrument.

The proportion of financial instruments held within stage 1 increased marginally to 94 per cent (31 December 2018: 93 per cent). Stage 2 
financial instruments decreased marginally to 5 per cent (31 December 2018: 6 per cent). Within this, the proportion of stage 2 debt securities 
declined to 3 per cent compared with 5 per cent at 31 December 2018, reflecting changes in the approach for stage allocations with a 
consequential reduction in the credit impairment provisions held. Stage 2 also includes the impact of downgrading $550 million of government 
securities, loans to banks and loans to financial institutions to ‘Higher risk’ following the sovereign downgrades in Zambia, Zimbabwe and 
Lebanon. The downgrades are specifically due to the change in sovereign ratings and do not represent any specific concerns related to  
our obligors. 

Stage 3 financial instruments were stable at 1 per cent of the Group total. Stage 3 loans and advances to customers fell $1,056 million due to  
a combination of repayments, write-offs and upgrades to stage 2. The stage 3 cover ratio (excluding collateral) was higher at 68 per cent from 
66 per cent on 31 December 2018.

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Total

Gross 
balance1
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
value 
$million

Gross 
balance1
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
value 
$million

Gross 
balance1
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
value 
$million

Gross 
balance1
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
value 
$million

2019

52,728

– 52,728

–

–

–

52,634

(5) 52,629

924

(4)

920

–

–

–

–

–

52,728

–

52,728

–

53,558

(9) 53,549

246,149

(402) 245,747

20,759

(377) 20,382

7,398

(5,004)

2,394

274,306

(5,783) 268,523

138,782

(50)

Amortised cost

13,678

(10) 13,668

FVOCI2

125,104

(40)

2,358

90

36,161

–

–

2,358

90

(3) 36,158

4,644

277

4,367

–

–

–

(23)

(6)

(17)

–

–

–

271

–

–

–

75

75

–

–

–

(45)

(45)

–

–

–

164

(161)

143,501

(118)

30

14,030

(61) 13,969

129,471

(57)

–

–

3

2,358

90

–

–

2,358

90

36,325

(164)

36,161

136,179

(43)

9,277

(38)

20

–

145,476

(81)

38,660

703,741

(14)

(517)

3,183

38,787

(16)

(458)

589

(206)

42,432

(236)

8,246

(5,416)

750,774

(6,391)

1  Gross carrying amount for off-balance sheet refers to notional values

2  These instruments are held at fair value on the balance sheet. The ECL provision in respect of debt securities measured at FVOCI is held within the OCI reserve

3  These are off-balance sheet instruments. Only the ECL is recorded on-balance sheet as a financial liability and therefore there is no ‘net carrying amount’. ECL allowances on 

off-balance sheet instruments are held as liability provisions to the extent that the drawn and undrawn components of loan exposures can be separately identified. Otherwise they will 
be reported against the drawn component

4  Stage 1 ECL is not material

156

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileCash and 
balances at  
central banks

Loans and 
advances to banks 
(amortised cost)

Loans and 
advances to 
customers 
(amortised cost)2

Debt securities, 
alternative  
Tier 1 and other 
eligible bills2

Amortised cost

FVOCI3

Accrued income 
(amortised cost)5

Assets held  
for sale5

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Total

Gross 
balance1
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
value 
$million

Gross 
balance1
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
value 
$million

Gross 
balance1
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
value 
$million

Gross 
balance1
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
value 
$million

2018

57,511

–

57,511

–

–

–

60,350

(5) 60,345

1,070

(1)

1,069

–

–

–

–

–

–

57,511

–

57,511

61,420

(6)

61,414

237,103

(426) 236,677

17,428

(416)

17,012

8,454

(5,586)

2,868

262,985

(6,428) 256,557

118,713

8,225

110,488

2,228

23

(27)

(7)

(20)

8,218

6,909

1,062

5,847

–

–

2,228

23

–

–

–

(31)

(3)

(28)

–

–

–

1,059

–

–

–

498

498

–

–

–

(472)

(472)

–

–

–

155

(155)

126,120

26

9,785

116,335

(530)

(482)

(48)

9,303

–

–

–

2,228

23

–

–

2,228

23

32,833

(155)

32,678

Other assets5

32,678

– 32,678

Undrawn 
commitments4

Financial 
guarantees4

Total

137,783

(69)

13,864

(39)

63

–

151,710

(108)

38,532

684,921

(4)

(531)

3,053

42,324

(13)

(500)

367

9,537

(156)

(6,369)

41,952

736,782

(173)

(7,400)

1  Gross carrying amount for off-balance sheet refers to notional values

2  Stage 3 balances have been restated to reflect interest due but unpaid together with equivalent credit impairment charges

3  These instruments are held at fair value on the balance sheet. The ECL provision in respect of debt securities measured at FVOCI is held within the OCI reserve

4  These are off-balance sheet instruments. Only the ECL is recorded on-balance sheet as a financial liability and therefore there is no ‘net carrying amount’. ECL allowances on 

off-balance sheet instruments are held as liability provisions to the extent that the drawn and undrawn components of loan exposures can be separately identified. Otherwise they  
will be reported against the drawn component

5  Stage 1 ECL is not material

157

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportCredit quality analysis

Credit quality by client segment
For the Corporate & Institutional Banking and Commercial Banking portfolios, exposures are analysed by credit grade (CG), which plays a 
central role in the quality assessment and monitoring of risk. All loans are assigned a CG, which is reviewed periodically and amended in light  
of changes in the borrower’s circumstances or behaviour. CGs 1 to 12 are assigned to stage 1 and stage 2 (performing) clients or accounts, 
while CGs 13 and 14 are assigned to stage 3 (defaulted) clients. The mapping of credit quality is as follows.

Mapping of credit quality
The Group uses the following internal risk mapping to determine the credit quality for loans.

Corporate & Institutional Banking and Commercial Banking

Private Banking1

Retail Banking

Credit quality 
description

Strong

Internal grade  
mapping

1A to 5B

S&P external ratings 
equivalent

Regulatory PD range (%)

Internal ratings

Number of days past due

AAA to BB+

0 to 0.425

Class I and Class IV

Satisfactory

6A to 11C

BB to B-/CCC

0.426 to 15.75

Class II and Class III

Higher risk

 Grade 12

CCC/C

15.751 to 99.999

GSAM managed

Current loans (no past 
dues nor impaired)

Loans past due till 
29 days

Past due loans 30 days 
and over till 90 days

1  For Private Banking, classes of risk represent the type of collateral held. Class I represents facilities with liquid collateral, such as cash and marketable securities. Class II represents 
unsecured/partially secured facilities and those with illiquid collateral, such as equity in private enterprises. Class III represents facilities with residential or commercial real estate 
collateral. Class IV covers margin trading facilities

Stage 2
Stage 2 loans and advances to customers 
gross balances increased by $3.3 billion, 
compared with 31 December 2018, with the 
proportion of stage 2 loans increasing from  
7 per cent to 8 per cent. This was largely  
due to a $4 billion increase in Corporate & 
Institutional Banking reflecting an increase in 
Trading companies and distributors sector 
and in non purely precautionary early alert 
accounts within the Manufacturing sector. 

Commercial Banking stage 2 balances  
fell by $0.6 billion in line with the overall 
improvement in credit quality of the portfolio.

Retail Banking stage 2 loans saw an increase 
in coverage due to a higher level of coverage 
on more than 30 day past due exposures 
relating to credit cards and personal lending, 
which attracts higher levels of credit 
impairment provisions. This increase reflects 
in part the deteriorating macroeconomic 
environment and an increase in past dues in 
some payroll linked exposures in Africa & 
Middle East. 

Stage 2 loans to banks classified as ‘Higher 
risk’ increased by $0.2 billion following the 
sovereign downgrades in Zambia, Zimbabwe 
and Lebanon.

Stage 3
Stage 3 loans and advances to customers  
fell by $1.1 billion, or 12 per cent, to $7.4 billion 
compared with 31 December 2018, with 
overall stage 3 provisions declining by  
$0.6 billion to $5.0 billion. The stage 3  
cover ratio (excluding collateral) increased  
2 per cent to 68 per cent, largely in Corporate 
& Institutional Banking from new impairment 
charges, repayments and transfers to  
stage 2.

In Corporate & Institutional Banking and 
Commercial Banking, gross stage 3 loans fell 
by $1.1 billion compared with 31 December 
2018. Provisions also fell by $0.5 billion from 
$5.0 billion to $4.5 billion.

Inflows into stage 3 for Corporate & 
Institutional Banking and Commercial 
Banking in 2019 were 13 per cent lower 
compared with 2018, reflecting continued 
improvement in the portfolio with only the 
ASEAN & South Asia region showing  
an increase.

Retail stage 3 loans were broadly stable at 
$0.8 billion and Private Banking stage 3 loans 
increased slightly by $0.1 billion, although 
there was a net release in provisions relating 
to a single client.

The table overleaf sets out the gross loans 
and advances held at amortised cost, 
expected credit loss provisions and expected 
credit loss coverage by business segment 
and stage. Expected credit loss coverage 
represents the expected credit loss reported 
for each segment and stage as a proportion 
of the gross loan balance for each segment 
and stage.

Stage 1
Stage 1 gross loans and advances to 
customers increased by $9.0 billion, or 4 per 
cent compared with 31 December 2018 and 
continued to represent 90 per cent of loans 
and advances to customers (31 December 
2018: 90 per cent). Most of the growth was 
concentrated in the Greater China & North 
Asia region. The stage 1 coverage ratio 
remained at 0.2 per cent compared with  
31 December 2018.

83 per cent (31 December 2018: 85 per cent) 
of loans in Corporate & Institutional Banking 
and Commercial Banking are held in stage 1, 
with those rated as strong increased 
marginally to 56 per cent (31 December  
2018: 55 per cent) as the Group continues to 
focus on the origination of investment grade 
lending. Within Corporate & Institutional 
Banking and Commercial Banking, overall 
stage 1 loans grew by $2.7 billion, primarily  
in the transport and mining and quarrying 
sectors, reflecting the overall increase in the 
portfolio since 31 December 2018. 

Retail Banking stage 1 loans remained stable 
at 96 per cent with the proportion rated as 
strong at 97 per cent. Stage 1 Secured 
wealth products increased by $2.8 billion, of 
which Private Banking deposits increased  
by $1.5 billion in Hong Kong and Singapore. 
Stage 1 Mortgages also increased by $2.4bn, 
mainly in Greater China & North Asia.

158

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profile2019

Customers

Corporate 
& 
Institutional 
Banking 
$million

Retail 
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private 
Banking 
$million

Central & 
other 
items 
$million

Customer 
Total 
$million

Undrawn 
commitments 
$million

Financial 
Guarantees 
$million

96,638 103,362

21,808

14,249

10,092

246,149

136,179

38,660

59,920

100,709

6,181

10,145

9,961

186,916

36,718

13,600

2,714

9,793

1,093

179

176

4,173

2,653

2,996

2,198

462

336

462

336

846

15,627

4,104

131

59,233

3,872

238

3,352

282

24

85

284

280

4

–

–

4

2,013

366

7

–

–

7

–

–

–

20,759

5,430

13,611

1,718

665

601

7,398

114,976

21,203

9,277

4,005

4,902

370

25,631

13,029

3,183

1,025

1,951

207

20

589

Banks 
$million

52,634

41,053

11,581

924

225

476

223

2

23

–

53,558

114,411

107,204

27,693

14,899

10,099 274,306

145,476

42,432

(5)

–

(5)

(4)

(2)

(2)

–

–

–

–

(9)

(80)

(29)

(51)

(152)

(33)

(60)

(59)

(3)

(4)

(2,980)

(3,212)

(289)

(182)

(107)

(173)

(88)

(45)

(40)

(45)

(40)

(374)

(836)

(22)

(1)

(21)

(51)

(5)

(31)

(15)

(2)

(5)

(10)

(8)

(2)

(1)

(1)

–

–

–

–

(1,503)

(1,576)

(147)

(158)

(1)

–

(1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(402)

(220)

(182)

(377)

(127)

(136)

(114)

(50)

(49)

(5,004)

(1)

(5,783)

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

1.1%

1.2%

0.6%

0.3%

0.2%

4.0%

5.8%

4.0%

9.7%

5.4% 11.9%

1.7%

9.7%

2.3% 11.9%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

1.3%

2.1%

0.9%

5.3%

8.3%

5.9%

0.1%

0.1%

0.0%

0.4%

0.4%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.8%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.2%

0.1%

0.3%

1.8%

2.3%

1.0%

6.6%

7.5%

8.2%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.4%

0.9%

0.4%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

(43)

(22)

(21)

(38)

(7)

(14)

(17)

(14)

(8)

(6)

(16)

(3)

(8)

(5)

–

(81)

(206)

(236)

0.0%

0.0%

0.1%

0.4%

0.2%

0.3%

4.7%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.5%

0.3%

0.4%

2.4%

71.4% 44.2%

74.7% 40.2%

0.0% 67.6%

2.8%

0.8%

5.7%

1.1%

0.0%

2.1%

0.0%

0.1%

35.0%

0.6%

Loans and advances by client segment

Amortised cost

Stage 1

– Strong

– Satisfactory

Stage 2

– Strong

– Satisfactory

– Higher risk

Of which (stage 2):

– Less than 30 days past due

– More than 30 days past due

Stage 3, credit-impaired financial assets

Gross balance1 

Stage 1

– Strong

– Satisfactory

Stage 2

– Strong

– Satisfactory

– Higher risk

Of which (stage 2):

– Less than 30 days past due

– More than 30 days past due

Stage 3, credit-impaired financial assets

Total credit impairment

Stage 1

– Strong

– Satisfactory

Stage 2

– Strong

– Satisfactory

– Higher risk

Of which (stage 2):

– Less than 30 days past due

– More than 30 days past due

Stage 3, credit-impaired financial assets

Cover ratio

Fair value through profit or loss

Performing

– Strong

– Satisfactory

– Higher risk

Defaulted (CG13-14)

21,797

19,217

2,580

–

–

45,261

26,641

18,611

9

34

238

236

1

1

–

688

123

565

–

8

–

–

–

–

–

–

2

1

1

–

–

2

46,189

27,001

19,178

10

42

46,231

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Gross balance (FVTPL)2 

21,797

45,295

238

696

Net carrying value (incl FVTPL)

75,346

156,494 106,606

26,813

14,741

10,100

314,754

1  Loans and advances includes reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending of $1,469 million under Customers and of $1,341 million under Banks, held at 

amortised cost

2  Loans and advances includes reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending of $39,335 million under Customers and of $18,269 million under Banks, held at fair 

value through profit or loss

159

Net carrying value

53,549

111,199 106,368

26,117

14,741

10,098 268,523

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportCorporate&  
Institutional 
Banking 
$million

93,848

58,167

35,681

9,357

1,430

6,827

1,100

232

190

4,996

Banks 
$million

60,350

47,860

12,490

1,070

403

665

2

27

–

–

98,393

96,506

1,887

2,837

1,956

500

381

500

381

832

2018

Customers

Retail 
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private 
Banking 
$million

Central & 
other items 
$million

Customer 
Total 
$million

Undrawn 
commitments 
$million

Financial 
Guarantees 
$million

12,705

10,244

237,103

10,193

179,840

137,783

114,402

23,381

13,864

6,996

5,485

1,383

38,532

30,211

8,321

3,053

682

1,948

423

21,913

5,527

16,386

4,423

270

3,732

421

198

99

9,447

3,258

785

713

–

72

–

3

57,263

17,428

4,369

11,085

1,974

930

673

51

26

–

26

–

–

–

–

2,328

298

8,454

63

367

61,420

108,201

102,062

28,664

13,788

10,270

262,985

151,710

41,952

(5)

(2)

(3)

(1)

–

(1)

–

–

–

–

(6)

(94)

(32)

(62)

(192)

(11)

(66)

(115)

(34)

(2)

(3,238)

(3,524)

(299)

(149)

(150)

(132)

(42)

(50)

(40)

(50)

(40)

(396)

(827)

(24)

(1)

(23)

(92)

(5)

(45)

(42)

(9)

(4)

(9)

(9)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,789)

(1,905)

(163)

(172)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(426)

(191)

(235)

(416)

(58)

(161)

(197)

(93)

(46)

(5,586)

(6,428)

61,414

104,677

101,235

26,759

13,616

10,270

256,557

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.2%

0.0%

0.0%

–

–

0.0%

20,651

19,515

1,136

–

–

0.1%

0.1%

0.2%

2.1%

0.8%

1.0%

10.5%

14.7%

1.1%

64.8%

3.3%

41,886

33,178

8,700

8

12

0.3%

0.2%

7.9%

4.7%

2.1%

10.0%

10.5%

10.0%

10.5%

47.6%

0.8%

400

395

4

1

–

20,651

41,898

400

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

2.1%

1.9%

1.2%

0.1%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

–

–

0.0%

10.0%

0.0%

4.5%

4.0%

–

0.0%

–

–

–

76.8%

6.6%

54.7%

1.2%

0.0%

0.0%

0.2%

0.1%

0.4%

2.4%

1.3%

1.5%

10.0%

10.0%

6.8%

66.1%

2.4%

479

247

232

–

33

512

–

–

–

–

–

–

4

3

1

–

–

4

42,769

33,823

8,937

9

45

42,814

(69)

(35)

(34)

(39)

3

(19)

(23)

–

(108)

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.3%

0.0%

0.3%

1.7%

(4)

(2)

(2)

(13)

–

(3)

(10)

(156)

(173)

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.4%

0.0%

0.2%

2.4%

–

0.1%

42.5%

0.4%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Amortised cost

Stage 1

– Strong

– Satisfactory

Stage 2

– Strong

– Satisfactory

– Higher risk

Of which (stage 2):

– Less than 30 days past due

– More than 30 days past due

Stage 3, credit-impaired  
financial assets3

Gross balance1

Stage 1

– Strong

– Satisfactory

Stage 2

– Strong

– Satisfactory

– Higher risk

Of which (stage 2):

– Less than 30 days past due

– More than 30 days past due

Stage 3, credit-impaired  
financial assets3

Total credit impairment

Net carrying value

Stage 1

– Strong

– Satisfactory

Stage 2

– Strong

– Satisfactory

– Higher risk

Of which (stage 2):

– Less than 30 days past due

– More than 30 days past due

Stage 3, credit-impaired  
financial assets3

Cover ratio

Fair value through profit or loss

Performing

– Strong

– Satisfactory

– Higher risk

Defaulted (CG13-14)

Gross balance2

Net carrying value (incl FVTPL)

82,065

146,575

101,635

27,271

13,616

10,274

299,371

1  Loans and advances includes reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending of $3,151 million under Customers and of $3,815 million under Banks, held at 

amortised cost

2  Loans and advances includes reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending of $37,886 million under Customers and of $16,883 million under Banks, held at  

fair value through profit and loss

3  Stage 3 balances have been restated to reflect interest due but unpaid together with equivalent credit impairment charges. The cover ratios have been restated as a result

160

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileLoans and advances by client segment credit quality analysis (unaudited)

Credit grade

Regulatory 1 year  
PD range (%)

S&P external ratings 
equivalent

Gross

Credit impairment

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Total

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Total

2019

Corporate & Institutional Banking

59,920

2,714

0 – 0.045

AA– and above

0.046 – 0.110

A+ to A-

6,887

19,411

0.111 – 0.425

BBB+ to BBB-/BB+

33,622

Strong

1A-2B

3A-4A

4B-5B

Satisfactory

6A-7B

8A-9B

0.426 – 1.350

BB+/BB to BB-

1.351 – 4.000

BB-/B+ to B+/B

10A-11C

4.001 – 15.75

B to B-/CCC

Higher risk

12

15.751 – 99.999

CCC/C

Defaulted

13-14

Total

100

Defaulted

Credit grade

Regulatory 1 year  
PD range (%)

S&P external ratings 
equivalent

Strong

1A-2B

3A-4A

4B-5B

Satisfactory

6A-7B

8A-9B

0 – 0.045

AA– and above

0.046 – 0.110

A+ to A-

0.111 – 0.425

BBB+ to BBB-/BB+

0.426 – 1.350

BB+/BB to BB-

1.351 – 4.000

BB-/B+ to B+/B

10A-11C

4.001 – 15.75

B to B-/CCC

Higher risk

12

15.751 – 99.999

CCC/C

Defaulted

13-14

Total

100

Defaulted

80

913

1,721

9,793

5,883

2,753

1,157

1,093

1,093

36,718

24,259

8,658

3,801

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,173

4,173

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

62,634

6,967

20,324

35,343

46,511

30,142

11,411

4,958

1,093

1,093

4,173

4,173

(29)

(2)

(4)

(23)

(51)

(26)

(16)

(9)

–

–

–

–

(33)

–

(7)

(26)

(60)

(18)

(23)

(19)

(59)

(59)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(62)

(2)

(11)

(49)

(111)

(44)

(39)

(28)

(59)

(59)

(2,980)

(2,980)

(2,980)

(2,980)

96,638

13,600

4,173

114,411

(80)

(152)

(2,980)

(3,212)

Commercial Banking

Gross

Credit impairment

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

6,181

35

1,749

4,397

238

–

10

228

15,627

3,352

6,771

6,374

2,482

–

–

–

–

912

1,235

1,205

282

282

–

–

21,808

3,872

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,013

2,013

2,013

Total

6,419

35

1,759

4,625

18,979

7,683

7,609

3,687

282

282

2,013

2,013

27,693

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Total

(1)

–

–

(1)

(21)

(5)

(10)

(6)

–

–

–

–

(5)

–

–

(5)

(31)

(1)

(10)

(20)

(15)

(15)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(6)

–

–

(6)

(52)

(6)

(20)

(26)

(15)

(15)

(1,503)

(1,503)

(1,503)

(1,503)

(22)

(51)

(1,503)

(1,576)

161

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportCredit quality by geographic region (unaudited)
The following table sets out the credit quality for gross loans and advances to customers and banks, held at amortised cost, by geographic 
region and stage.

Loans and advances to customers

Amortised cost

Stage 1

Stage 2

Gross stage 1 & stage 2 balance

Stage 3, credit-impaired financial assets2

Gross loans1

Amortised cost

Stage 1

Stage 2

Gross stage 1 & stage 2 balance

Stage 3, credit-impaired financial assets2, 3

Gross loans1

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

 126,438

 7,547

 133,985

 716

 134,701

 71,045

 6,461

 77,506

 3,084

 80,590

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

 118,422

 4,139

 122,561

 838

 123,399

 71,169

 7,628

 78,797

 3,624

 82,421

1  Amounts gross of expected credit losses. Includes reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending

2  Amounts do not include those purchased or originated credit-impaired financial assets

3  Balances have been restated to reflect interest due but unpaid together with equivalent credit impairment charges

Loans and advances to banks

Amortised cost

Stage 1

Stage 2

Gross stage 1 & stage 2 balance

Stage 3, credit-impaired financial assets2

Gross loans1

Amortised cost

Stage 1

Stage 2

Gross stage 1 & stage 2 balance

Stage 3, credit-impaired financial assets2

Gross loans1

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

 19,181

 136

 19,317

–

 15,458

 300

 15,758

–

 19,317

 15,758

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

 27,801

 59

 27,860

–

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

 11,095

 582

 11,677

–

 27,860

 11,677

1  Amounts gross of expected credit losses. Includes reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending

2  Amounts do not include those purchased or originated credit-impaired financial assets

2019

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

 23,906

 5,541

 29,447

 2,585

 32,032

2018

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

 23,598

 5,112

 28,710

 3,061

 31,771

2019

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

 5,039

 312

 5,351

–

 5,351

2018

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

 5,374

 199

 5,573

–

 5,573

Europe & 
Americas 
$million

 24,760

 1,210

 25,970

 1,013

 26,983

Europe &  
Americas 
$million

 23,914

 549

 24,463

 931

 25,394

Total 
$million

 246,149

 20,759

 266,908

 7,398

 274,306

Total 
$million

 237,103

 17,428

 254,531

 8,454

 262,985

Europe & 
Americas 
$million

 12,956

 176

 13,132

–

Total 
$million

 52,634

 924

 53,558

–

 13,132

 53,558

Europe &  
Americas 
$million

 16,080

 230

 16,310

–

Total 
$million

 60,350

 1,070

 61,420

–

 16,310

 61,420

162

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileConsequently, stage 2 provisions were down 
$42 million compared with 2018, $8 million  
of which was due to the reduction in debt 
securities. Corporate & Institutional Banking 
provisions fell by $40 million as the impact of 
deteriorating macroeconomic forecasts was 
offset by transfers to stage 3. Changes in risk 
parameters within Corporate & Institutional 
Banking moved to a net charge in 2019 
compared with a net release in 2018, as 2018 
benefitted from a number of upgrades out of 
‘Higher risk’, reductions in early alerts and 
improved macroeconomic forecasts. Retail 
Banking provisions increased by $47 million, 
primarily due to the impact of deteriorating 
macroeconomic forecasts which affected 
Hong Kong in particular. This was offset by 
lower Commercial Banking provisions, down 
$42 million as portfolio quality improved,  
with a 33 per cent reduction in ‘Higher risk’ 
balances.

Across both stage 1 and 2 for all segments, 
changes to macroeconomic forecasts 
increased provisions by $96 million. 
Macroeconomic forecasts in Hong Kong 
were downgraded in the second half of  
2019 as the economy moved into recession, 
and this contributed to an increase in 
provisions in Hong Kong of approximately 
$46 million during the second half of the year.

Corporate & Institutional Banking was also 
impacted by lower forecasted growth in the 
Metals Composite Index.

Model changes in 2019 resulted in a 
reduction to the income statement charge  
of $13 million, primarily from changes relating 
to Hong Kong credit cards which was  
partly offset by enhancements to the Monte 
Carlo model.

Stage 3 exposures fell by $1.3 billion from 
$9.4 billion at 1 January 2019 to $8.1 billion  
at 31 December 2019, primarily due to a 
write-off in debt securities, repayments, 
write-offs and transfers to stage 2 within 
Corporate & Institutional Banking and 
Commercial Banking. This was also reflected 
in lower stage 3 provisions, which fell from 
$6.2 billion at 1 January 2019 to $5.3 billion  
at 31 December 2019. 

¼¼ Changes in risk parameters – for 

stages 1 and 2, this reflects changes in the 
probability of default (PD), loss given default 
(LGD) and exposure at default (EAD) of 
assets during the year, which includes the 
impact of releasing provisions over the 
term to maturity. It also includes the effect 
of changes in forecasts of macroeconomic 
variables during the year. In stage 3,  
this line represents additional specific 
provisions recognised on exposures held 
within stage 3

¼¼ Interest due but not paid – change in 

contractual amount of interest due in stage 
3 financial instruments but not paid, being 
the net of accruals, repayments and 
write-offs, together with the corresponding 
change in credit impairment

Changes to ECL models, which incorporates 
changes to model approaches and 
methodologies, is not reported as a separate 
line item as it has an impact over a number of 
lines and stages.

Movements during the year
Stage 1 gross exposures increased by  
$19.9 billion, or 3 per cent, from 1 January 
2019. This was largely due to higher holdings 
of debt securities (up $20.2 billion) as we 
increased holdings of corporate and 
government securities, which was partly 
offset by a reduction in Corporate & 
Institutional Banking, down $9.6 billion due  
to a net outflow to stage 2. 2018 benefitted 
from a number of upgrades out of stage 2 as 
non-purely precautionary early alert balances 
decreased whereas these balances were 
more stable in 2019. Retail Banking stage 1 
gross exposures increased by $5.8 billion 
due to portfolio growth, with stage 1 transfers 
to stage 2 and transfers to stage 3 reduced 
compared with 2018 following the rundown 
of higher risk unsecured lending portfolios. 
Despite the increase in exposures, total  
stage 1 provisions fell $17 million, largely  
due to improvements in portfolio quality in 
Corporate & Institutional Banking.

Stage 2 gross exposures fell by $3.5 billion, 
or 8 per cent, primarily driven by debt 
securities which fell $2.3 billion, as securities 
transferred back to stage 1 (primarily due to 
the change in approach for stage allocations) 
or were repaid. In Corporate & Institutional 
Banking, stage 2 exposures increased by 
$3.5 billion, in part due to an increase in 
non-purely precautionary early alerts.  
This was largely offset by a $3.6 billion fall  
in Retail Banking exposures primarily due  
to repayments.

Movement in gross exposures and 
credit impairment for loans and 
advances, debt securities, undrawn 
commitments and financial guarantees
The tables overleaf set out the movement in 
gross exposures and credit impairment by 
stage in respect of amortised cost loans to 
banks and customers, undrawn committed 
facilities, undrawn cancellable facilities,  
debt securities classified at amortised  
cost and FVOCI and financial guarantees. 
The tables are presented for the Group,  
and the Corporate & Institutional Banking, 
Commercial Banking and Retail Banking 
segments.

Methodology
The movement lines within the tables are  
an aggregation of monthly movements  
over the year and will therefore reflect the 
accumulation of multiple trades during the 
year. The credit impairment charge in the 
income statement comprises the amounts 
within the boxes in the table below less 
recoveries of amounts previously written off. 
Discount unwind is reported in net interest 
income and related to stage 3 financial 
instruments only.

The approach for determining the key line 
items in the tables is set out below.

¼¼ Transfers – transfers between stages  
are deemed to occur at the beginning  
of a month based on prior month  
closing balances

¼¼ Net remeasurement from stage 

changes – the remeasurement of credit 
impairment provisions arising from a 
change in stage is reported within the 
stage that the assets are transferred to.  
For example, assets transferred into  
stage 2 are remeasured from a 12 month 
to a lifetime expected credit loss, with the 
effect of remeasurement reported in stage 
2. For stage 3, this represents the initial 
remeasurement from specific provisions 
recognised on individual assets transferred 
into stage 3 in the year

¼¼ Net changes in exposures – new 

business written less repayments in the 
year. Within stage 1, new business written 
will attract up to 12 months of expected 
credit loss charges. Repayments of 
non-amortising loans (primarily within 
Corporate & Institutional Banking and 
Commercial Banking) will have low 
amounts of expected credit loss provisions 
attributed to them, due to the release of 
provisions over the term to maturity. In 
stages 2 and 3, the amounts principally 
reflect repayments although stage 2  
may include new business written where 
clients are on non-purely precautionary 
early alert, are a credit grade 12, or when 
non-investment grade debt securities  
are acquired. 

163

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportAll segments 

Amortised cost  
and FVOCI

As at 1 January 
20183

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Total

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

565,815

(576) 565,239

52,387

(742)

51,645

11,332

(7,710)

3,622

629,534

(9,028) 620,506

Transfers to stage 1

59,776

(627)

59,149

(59,776)

627 (59,149)

Transfers to stage 2 (73,589)

136

(73,453)

73,809

(136)

73,673

Transfers to stage 3

(293)

7

(286)

(2,338)

264

(2,074)

–

(220)

2,631

–

–

–

(220)

(271)

2,360

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Net change in 
exposures

Net remeasurement 
from stage changes

Changes in risk 
parameters

Write-offs

Interest due but 
unpaid4

Discount unwind

Exchange 
translation 
differences and 
other movements1

As at 31 
December 20182

Income statement 
ECL (charge)/
release

Recoveries of 
amounts previously 
written off

Total credit 
impairment 
(charge)/release

As at 1 January 
2019

50,249

(282)

49,967

(20,341)

94 (20,247)

(1,836)

527 (1,309)

28,072

339

28,411

–

–

–

–

–

139

139

468

468

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(136)

(136)

(275)

(275)

–

–

(529)

(529)

(971)

(971)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(2,075)

2,075

(338)

–

338

80

–

–

80

–

–

(2,075)

(338)

–

(526)

(526)

(778)

2,075

338

80

(778)

–

–

80

(9,477)

204

(9,273)

(1,417)

(196)

(1,613)

(112)

247

135

(11,006)

255

(10,751)

592,481

(531) 591,950

42,324

(500)

41,824

9,382

(6,214)

3,168

644,187

(7,245) 636,942

325

325

(317)

(317)

(973)

312

(661)

(965)

312

(653)

592,481

(531) 591,950

42,324

(500) 41,824

9,382

(6,214)

3,168

644,187

(7,245) 636,942

Transfers to stage 1

28,552

(582)

27,970

(28,552)

582 (27,970)

–

Transfers to stage 2 (67,790)

157 (67,633)

67,983

(171) 67,812

(193)

–

14

–

(179)

Transfers to stage 3

(121)

–

(121)

(2,179)

314

(1,865)

2,300

(314) 1,986

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Net change in 
exposures

Net remeasurement 
from stage changes

Changes in risk 
parameters

Write-offs

Interest due but 
unpaid

Discount unwind

Exchange 
translation 
differences and 
other movements1

As at 31 
December 20192

Income statement 
ECL (charge)/
release5

Recoveries of 
amounts previously 
written off

Total credit 
impairment 
(charge)/release

60,374

(256)

60,118

(40,499)

24 (40,475)

(1,434)

307 (1,127)

18,441

75

18,516

–

–

–

–

–

196

196

434

434

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(171)

(171)

(489)

(489)

–

–

(406)

(406)

(787)

(787)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,795)

1,795

(365)

–

365

82

–

–

82

–

–

(1,795)

(365)

–

(381)

(381)

(842)

1,795

365

82

(842)

–

–

82

(1,092)

68

(1,024)

(290)

(47)

(337)

187

(97)

90

(1,195)

(76)

(1,271)

612,404

(514) 611,890

38,787

(458) 38,329

8,082

(5,255) 2,827

659,273

(6,227) 653,046

374

374

(636)

(636)

(886)

248

(638)

(1,148)

248

(900)

1  Includes fair value adjustments and amortisation on debt securities
2  Excludes Cash and balances at central banks, Accrued income, Assets held for sale and Other assets
3  Stage 3 balances at 1 January 2018 have been restated to contractual interest due but unpaid together with equivalent credit impairment charges
4  Interest due but unpaid included in gross assets and credit impairment
5  Does not include $8 million provision relating to Other assets

164

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileOf which – movement of debt securities, alternative tier one and other eligible bills

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Total

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Amortised cost  
and FVOCI

As at 1 January 
20182

107,308

Transfers to stage 1

561

Transfers to stage 2

(10,626)

Transfers to stage 3

–

(25) 107,283

(18)

543

8,305

(561)

1

–

(10,625)

10,626

–

(36)

(57)

18

(1)

–

8,248

(543)

10,625

(36)

455

(447)

23,232

(19)

23,213

(10,827)

(7)

(10,834)

–

–

–

–

5

24

–

–

5

24

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4

–

–

–

4

–

–

–

–

36

(7)

–

–

–

32

(32)

–

–

–

7

–

–

(20)

(20)

8

–

–

36

116,068

(529) 115,539

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

12,398

(19)

12,379

–

–

–

32

(15)

(15)

28

–

(32)

28

–

–

(2,378)

37

(2,341)

–

–

–

2

(1,762)

5

(1,757)

(598)

12

(586)

(18)

20

118,713

(27) 118,686

6,909

(31)

6,878

498

(472)

26

126,120

(530) 125,590

10

10

(3)

(3)

(13)

(13)

(6)

(6)

118,713

(27) 118,686

6,909

(31)

6,878

498

(472)

26

126,120

(530) 125,590

Transfers to stage 1

2,747

(38)

2,709

(2,747)

Transfers to stage 2

(2,359)

Transfers to stage 3

–

16

–

(2,343)

2,359

–

(1)

38

(2,709)

(16)

2,343

–

(1)

19,314

(52)

19,262

(1,237)

(9)

(1,246)

–

–

–

–

27

27

–

–

27

27

–

–

–

–

–

–

(4)

(5)

–

–

(4)

(5)

–

–

–

–

1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7

(170)

(247)

170

247

–

–

1

–

–

7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

18,077

(61)

18,016 

–

–

(170)

(247)

23

29

170

247

23

29

–

–

367

(3)

364

(639)

4

(635)

138,782

(50) 138,732

4,644

(23)

4,621

(7)

75

3

(4)

(279)

4

(275)

(45)

30

143,501

(118) 143,383

2

2

(18)

(18)

7

7

(9)

(9)

1  Includes fair value adjustments and amortisation on debt securities

2  Stage 3 balances at 1 January 2018 have been restated to reflect contractual interest due but unpaid together with equivalent credit impairment charges

3  Interest due but unpaid included in gross assets and credit impairment

165

Net change in 
exposures

Net remeasurement 
from stage changes

Changes in risk 
parameters

Write-offs

Interest due  
but unpaid3

Exchange 
translation 
differences and 
other movements1

As at 31 
December 2018

Income statement 
ECL (charge)/
release

Recoveries of 
amounts previously 
written off

Total credit 
impairment 
(charge)/release

As at 1 January 
2019

Net change in 
exposures

Net remeasurement 
from stage changes

Changes in risk 
parameters

Write-offs

Interest due  
but unpaid

Exchange 
translation 
differences and 
other movements1

As at 31 
December 2019

Income statement 
ECL (charge)/
release

Recoveries of 
amounts previously 
written off

Total credit 
impairment 
(charge)/release

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ report 
Corporate & Institutional Banking

Amortised cost  
and FVOCI

As at 1 January 
20181

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Total

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

263,079

(114) 262,965

29,576

(409)

29,167

7,038

(4,591)

2,447

299,693

(5,114) 294,579

Transfers to stage 1

40,196

(156)

40,040

(40,196)

Transfers to stage 2 (39,490)

Transfers to stage 3

–

30

–

(39,460)

39,692

–

(1,129)

156 (40,040)

(30) 39,662

85

(1,044)

–

(202)

1,129

–

–

–

(202)

(85)

1,044

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Net change in 
exposures

Net remeasurement 
from stage changes

Changes in risk 
parameters

Write-offs

Interest due  
but unpaid2

Discount unwind

Exchange 
translation 
differences and 
other movements

As at 31 
December 2018

Income statement 
ECL (charge)/
release

Recoveries of 
amounts previously 
written off

Total credit 
impairment 
(charge)/release

As at 1 January 
2019

12,869

(183)

12,686

(8,639)

10

(8,629)

(1,064)

377

(687)

3,166

204

3,370

–

–

–

–

–

46

46

101

101

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(30)

(30)

140

140

–

–

(277)

(277)

(394)

(394)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,208)

1,208

(175)

–

175

39

–

–

39

–

–

(1,208)

(175)

–

(261)

(261)

(153)

1,208

175

39

(153)

–

–

39

(3,418)

131

(3,287)

(252)

(157)

(409)

(133)

170

37

(3,803)

144

(3,659)

273,236

(145) 273,091

19,052

(235)

18,817

5,385

(3,378)

2,007

297,673

(3,758) 293,915

(36)

(36)

120

120

(294)

77

(217)

(210)

77

(133)

273,236

(145) 273,091

19,052

(235) 18,817

5,385

(3,378) 2,007

297,673

(3,758) 293,915

Transfers to stage 1

16,555

(145)

16,410

(16,555)

145 (16,410)

–

Transfers to stage 2

(43,141)

39 (43,102)

43,326

(51) 43,275

(185)

–

12

Transfers to stage 3

–

–

–

(1,095)

122

(973)

1,095

(122)

–

(173)

973

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Net change in 
exposures

Net remeasurement 
from stage changes

Changes in risk 
parameters

Write-offs

Interest due  
but unpaid

Discount unwind

Exchange 
translation 
differences and 
other movements

As at 31 
December 2019

Income statement 
ECL (charge)/
release3

Recoveries of 
amounts previously 
written off

Total credit 
impairment 
(charge)/release

18,368

(124)

18,244

(22,387)

25 (22,362)

(840)

205

(635)

(4,859)

106

(4,753)

–

–

–

–

–

41

41

187

187

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(70)

(70)

(145)

(145)

–

–

(219)

(219)

(368)

(368)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(658)

658

(48)

–

48

38

–

–

38

–

–

(658)

(48)

–

(248)

(248)

(326)

658

48

38

(326)

–

–

38

(1,369)

24

(1,345)

179

14

193

(16)

(45)

(61)

(1,206)

(7)

(1,213)

263,649

(123) 263,526

22,520

(195) 22,325

4,733

(3,171)

1,562

290,902

(3,489) 287,413

104

104

(190)

(382)

(468)

(190)

(382)

(468)

1  Stage 3 balances at 1 January 2018 have been restated to reflect contractual interest due but unpaid together with equivalent credit impairment charges

2  Interest due but unpaid included in gross assets and credit impairment

3  Does not include $6 million provision relating to Other assets

166

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profile–

–

195

832

Retail Banking

Amortised cost  
and FVOCI

As at 1 January 
2018

Net change in 
exposures

Net remeasurement 
from stage changes

Changes in risk 
parameters

Write-offs

Interest due but 
unpaid

Discount unwind

Exchange 
translation 
differences and 
other movements

As at 31 
December 2018

Income statement 
ECL (charge)/
release

Recoveries of 
amounts previously 
written off

Total credit 
impairment 
(charge)/release

As at 1 January 
2019

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Total

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

131,280

Transfers to stage 1

5,570

Transfers to stage 2

(9,954)

Transfers to stage 3

(281)

(381) 130,899

(388)

5,182

74

8

(9,880)

(273)

7,964

(5,570)

9,954

(511)

(178)

7,786

818

(389)

429

140,062

(948)

139,114

388

(74)

164

(5,182)

9,880

(347)

–

–

–

–

–

–

792

(172)

620

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

9,858

(17)

9,841

(2,628)

78

(2,550)

(398)

–

(398)

6,832

61

6,893

–

–

–

–

–

72

72

264

264

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(90)

(90)

(373)

(373)

–

–

(12)

(12)

(402)

(402)

(575)

575

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

20

–

20

–

–

(575)

–

–

(30)

(30)

(511)

575

–

20

(511)

–

–

–

(2,989)

55

(2,934)

(322)

(47)

(369)

133,484

(313)

133,171

8,887

(132)

8,755

(14)

181

(3,116)

(6)

(3,102)

(394)

438

143,203

(839) 142,364

319

319

(385)

(385)

(414)

214

(200)

(480)

214

(266)

133,484

(313) 133,171

8,887

(132)

8,755

832

(394)

438

143,203

(839) 142,364

Transfers to stage 1

5,301

(355)

4,946

(5,301)

355

(4,946)

Transfers to stage 2

(8,279)

Transfers to stage 3

(117)

82

1

(8,197)

(116)

8,279

(517)

(82)

165

8,197

(352)

–

–

–

–

–

–

634

(166)

468

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Net change in 
exposures

Net remeasurement 
from stage changes

Changes in risk 
parameters

Write-offs

Interest due but 
unpaid

Discount unwind

Exchange 
translation 
differences and 
other movements

As at 31 
December 2019

Income statement 
ECL (charge)/
release

Recoveries of 
amounts previously 
written off

Total credit 
impairment 
(charge)/release

9,303

(15)

9,288

(6,020)

49

(5,971)

(290)

–

(290)

2,993

34

3,027

–

–

–

–

–

122

153

–

–

–

122

153

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(86)

(86)

(398)

(398)

–

–

(81)

(81)

(327)

(327)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(586)

586

–

–

–

28

–

–

28

–

–

(586)

–

–

(45)

(45)

(572)

586

–

28

(572)

–

–

28

(433)

26

(407)

(37)

(50)

(87)

256

(20)

236

(214)

(44)

(258)

139,259

(299) 138,960

5,291

(179)

5,112

846

(374)

472

145,396

(852) 144,544

260

260

(435)

(435)

(408)

247

(161)

(583)

247

(336)

167

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportCommercial Banking

Amortised cost  
and FVOCI

As at 1 January 
20181

28,792

Transfers to stage 1

12,675

Transfers to stage 2

(11,152)

Transfers to stage 3

(11)

Net change in 
exposures

Net remeasurement 
from stage changes

Changes in risk 
parameters

Write-offs

Interest due  
but unpaid2

Discount unwind

Exchange 
translation 
differences and 
other movements

As at 31 
December 2018

Income statement 
ECL (charge)/
release

Recoveries of 
amounts previously 
written off

Total credit 
impairment 
(charge)/release

As at 1 January 
2019

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Total

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
$million

(40)

(64)

26

–

28,752

12,611

(11,126)

(11)

5,382

(12,675)

11,171

(606)

(95)

5,287

2,749

(2,128)

64

(12,611)

(26)

14

11,145

(592)

–

(19)

617

–

–

(14)

621

–

(19)

603

36,923

(2,263)

34,660

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,163

(65)

2,098

3,660

9

3,669

(337)

138

(199)

5,486

82

5,568

–

–

–

–

–

12

67

–

–

–

12

67

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(13)

(13)

(33)

(33)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(293)

(194)

–

(217)

(217)

(162)

293

194

16

(162)

–

–

16

–

–

(293)

(194)

–

(218)

(218)

(128)

293

194

16

(128)

–

–

16

(1,047)

29

(1,018)

(223)

(20)

(243)

(155)

77

(78)

(1,425)

86

(1,339)

31,420

(35)

31,385

6,709

(100)

6,609

2,368

(1,803)

565

40,497

(1,938)

38,559

14

14

(35)

(42)

31,420

(37)

(37)

(241)

21

(220)

(264)

21

(243)

31,385

6,709

(100)

6,609

2,368

(1,803)

565

40,497

(1,938)

38,559

Transfers to stage 1

3,082

3,040

(3,082)

42

(3,040)

Transfers to stage 2 (11,878)

20 (11,858)

11,886

(22) 11,864

–

(8)

–

2

–

(6)

Transfers to stage 3

(4)

–

(4)

(465)

26

(439)

469

(26)

443

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Net change in 
exposures

Net remeasurement 
from stage changes

Changes in risk 
parameters

Write-offs

Interest due  
but unpaid

Discount unwind

Exchange 
translation 
differences and 
other movements

As at 31 
December 2019

Income statement 
ECL (charge)/
release

Recoveries of 
amounts previously 
written off

Total credit 
impairment 
(charge)/release

9,186

(70)

9,116

(8,864)

(38)

(8,902)

(263)

96

(167)

59

(12)

47

–

–

–

–

–

5

69

–

–

–

5

69

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(11)

(11)

58

58

–

–

(107)

(107)

(124)

(124)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(380)

380

(87)

–

87

13

–

–

13

–

–

(380)

(87)

–

(113)

(113)

3

380

87

13

3

–

–

13

465

18

483

(146)

(13)

(159)

(37)

(35)

(72)

282

(30)

252

32,271

(35)

32,236

6,038

(58)

5,980

2,062

(1,517)

545

40,371

(1,610)

38,761

4

4

9

9

(135)

1

(134)

(122)

1

(121)

1  Stage 3 balances at 1 January have been restated to reflect contractual interest due but unpaid together with equivalent credit impairment charges

2  Interest due but unpaid included in gross assets and credit impairment

168

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileAnalysis of stage 2 balances (unaudited)
The table below analyses stage 2 gross exposures and associated expected credit provisions by the key driver that caused the exposures to  
be classified as stage 2 as at 31 December 2019. This may not be the same driver that caused the initial transfer into stage 2. Where multiple 
drivers apply, the exposure is allocated based on the table order. For example, a loan may have breached the PD thresholds and could also be 
on non-purely precautionary early alert; in this instance, the exposure is reported under ‘increase in PD’. 

 31.12.2019

Corporate & 
Institutional 
Banking

Retail Banking

Commercial 
Banking

Private Banking

Central & Other

Total

Gross 
%

ECL 
%

Gross 
%

ECL 
%

Gross 
%

ECL 
%

Gross 
%

ECL 
%

Gross 
%

ECL 
%

Gross 
%

ECL 
%

Increase in PD

49% 52%

94% 76%

67% 57%

Non-purely precautionary 
early alert

Higher risk (CG12)

Sub-investment grade

30 days past due

Others

Total stage 2

22% 12%

6% 28%

1%

–

22%

3%

–

5%

–

–

–

–

–

–

4% 22%

2%

2%

9%

8%

5% 26%

4%

–

15%

2%

–

7%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

100% 100%

43% 31%

60% 62%

–

–

–

–

14%

6%

3% 15%

53% 63%

–

4%

–

6%

5%

1%

17%

4%

9%

4%

100% 100%

100% 100%

100% 100%

100% 100%

100% 100%

100% 100%

The majority of exposures and the associated 
expected credit loss provisions are in stage 2 
due to increases in the probability of default. 
22 per cent of the provisions held against 
stage 2 Retail Banking exposures arise from 
the application of the 30 days past due 
backstop, although this represents only  
4 per cent of exposures. 

For debt securities originated prior to  
1 January 2018, those with a sub-investment 
rating were allocated into stage 2. For debt 
securities originated after 1 January 2018, 
significant increase in Credit risk is assessed 
based on the relative and absolute increases 
in PD.

‘Others’ incorporates exposures where 
origination data is incomplete and the 
exposures are allocated into stage 2. 
Significant increase in Credit risk for Private 
Banking clients is assessed by referencing 
the nature and level of collateral against  
which credit is extended.

Credit impairment charge
With effect from 1 January 2019, the 
liquidation portfolio has been included in the 
ongoing portfolio as the actions to reduce 
exposures in the liquidation portfolio were 
substantially completed in 2018. 2018 has  
not been restated.

The underlying credit impairment charge  
is 22 per cent higher at $906 million (2018: 
$740 million) as the benefit of lower stage 3 
impairment charges was more than offset  
by an increase in stage 1 and 2 provisions. 
Just over half of the increase in stage 1  
and 2 provisions was due to a deterioration  
in macroeconomic forecasts over the year, 
which includes the downward revision to 
Hong Kong GDP in the second half of 2019. 

Corporate & Institutional Banking was  
$233 million higher at $475 million (2018: 
$242 million) due to higher stage 1 and 2 
impairments as 2018 benefitted from 
upgrades within stage 2 as well as releases 
from improvements in macroeconomic 
forecasts. While accounts graded as  
‘Higher risk’ stabilised in 2019, Corporate  
& Institutional Banking was impacted by 
deteriorating macroeconomic forecasts, 
particularly in Metals. Stage 3 provisions  
were slightly higher. 

Retail Banking was $69 million higher at  
$336 million (2018: $267 million) mainly due  
to non-recurring impairment releases in 
Korea and Indonesia in 2018. Excluding  
these one-off releases, credit impairment  
was flat year-on-year. The impact of the 
macroeconomic downgrades for Hong Kong 
increased stage 1 and 2 provisions, while 
stage 3 provisions improved year on year 
mainly driven by recoveries from Korea, 
Singapore and the UAE. 

Commercial Banking decreased 50 per cent 
to $121 million (2018: $244 million). This is 
mainly due to lower stage 3 impairments 
offset by lower recoveries. 2018 included 
significant stage 3 provisions on a few clients 
in Africa & Middle East and Greater China & 
North Asia which did not repeat. 

Private Banking impairment reduced by  
$31 million due to net provision release of  
$29 million driven primarily by a stage 3 client. 

Central & other segment impairments  
was a charge of $5 million (2018: release of 
$13 million) mainly driven by debt security 
instruments managed by Treasury. 

There was a $2 million restructuring 
impairment on a small number of legacy 
positions in the Principal Finance business.

20191
$million

2018 
$million

Ongoing business portfolio

Corporate & Institutional Banking

Retail Banking

Commercial Banking 

Private Banking

Central & other items

Credit impairment charge

Restructuring business portfolio

Liquidation portfolio

Others

Credit impairment charge

Total credit impairment charge

1  In 2019, the liquidation portfolio has been included in ongoing business. Prior periods have not been restated

475 

336 

121 

(31)

5 

906 

–

2 

2 

908 

242 

267 

244 

–

(13)

740 

(79)

(8)

(87)

653 

169

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportProblem credit management and provisioning

Forborne and other modified loans by client segment
A forborne loan arises when a concession has been made to the contractual terms of a loan in response to a customer’s financial difficulties.

The table below presents loans with forbearance measures by segment.

Amortised cost

All loans with forbearance measures

Credit impairment (stage 1 and 2)

Credit impairment (stage 3)

Net carrying value

Included within the above table

Gross performing forborne loans

Modification of terms and conditions1

Refinancing2

Impairment provisions

Modification of terms and conditions1

Refinancing2

Net performing forborne loans

Collateral

Gross non-performing forborne loans

Modification of terms and conditions1

Refinancing2

Impairment provisions

Modification of terms and conditions1

Refinancing2

Net non-performing forborne loans

Collateral

Amortised cost

All loans with forbearance measures4

Credit impairment (stage 1 and 2)3

Credit impairment (stage 3)4

Net carrying value

Included within the above table

Gross performing forborne loans

Modification of terms and conditions1

Refinancing2

Impairment provisions

Modification of terms and conditions1

Refinancing2

Net performing forborne loans

Collateral

Gross non-performing forborne loans4

Modification of terms and conditions1,4

Refinancing2,4

Impairment provisions4

Modification of terms and conditions1,4

Refinancing2,4

Net non-performing forborne loans

Collateral

2019

Corporate & 
Institutional 
Banking 
$million

Retail  
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

1,533

(13)

(748)

772

421

421

–

(13)

(13)

–

408

62

1,112

1,071

41

(748)

(717)

(31)

364

190

344

–

(169)

175

19

19

–

–

–

–

19

19

325

325

–

(169)

(169)

–

156

156

767

(4)

(558)

205

49

44

5

(4)

(4)

–

45

22

718

696

22

(558)

(544)

(14)

160

99

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2018

Corporate & 
Institutional  
Banking 
$million

Retail  
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

1,694

(14)

(766)

914

286

273

13

(14)

(9)

(5)

272

16

1,408

1,319

89

(766)

(716)

(50)

642

225

376

–

(174)

202

23

23

–

–

–

–

23

23

353

353

–

(174)

(174)

–

179

163

929

(8)

(647)

274

71

64

7

(8)

(8)

–

63

28

858

815

43

(647)

(614)

(33)

211

107

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total 
$million

2,644

(17)

(1,475)

1,152

489

484

5

(17)

(17)

–

472

103

2,155

2,092

63

(1,475)

(1,430)

(45)

680

445

Total 
$million

2,999

(22)

(1,587)

1,390

380

360

20

(22)

(17)

(5)

358

67

2,619

2,487

132

(1,587)

(1,504)

(83)

1,032

495

1  Modification of terms is any contractual change apart from refinancing, as a result of credit stress of the counterparty, i.e. interest reductions, loan covenant waivers

2  Refinancing is a new contract to a lender in credit stress, such that they are refinanced and can pay other debt contracts that they were unable to honour

3  Credit impairment (stage 1 and 2) line added for completeness

4  Interest due but unpaid included in gross assets and credit impairment

170

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileForborne and other modified loans by region (unaudited)

Amortised cost

Performing forborne loans

Stage 3 forborne loans

Net forborne loans

Amortised cost

Performing forborne loans1

Stage 3 forborne loans

Net forborne loans

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

100

177

277

251

173

424

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

112

233

345

94

344

438

2019

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

110

148

258

2018

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

111

179

290

Europe & 
Americas 
$million

11

182

193

Europe &  
Americas 
$million

41

276

317

Total 
$million

472

680

1,152

Total 
$million

358

1,032

1,390

1  Credit impairment provision for performing forborne loans included for completeness

Credit-impaired (stage 3) loans and 
advances by client segment
With effect from 1 January 2019, the 
liquidation portfolio has been included within 
the underlying portfolio. Prior periods have 
not been restated.

Gross stage 3 loans and stage 3 provisions 
on loans and advances have been restated  
to include the impact of interest in suspense 
of $1.5 billion in 2018.

Gross stage 3 loans for the Group are  
down 12 per cent in the period to $7.4 billion 
(31 December 2018: $8.5 billion), driven by 
repayments, write-offs and transfers to stage 
2 mainly in the Corporate & Institutional 
Banking and Commercial Banking segments.

The inflows of stage 3 loans in Corporate & 
Institutional Banking are 6 per cent lower at 
$0.8 billion. The new inflows in 2019 were 
mainly in ASEAN & South Asia.

Stage 3 inflows in Commercial Banking 
reduced by 24 per cent to $0.5 billion from 
$0.6 billion in 2018. Inflows increased in 
ASEAN & South Asia offset by reductions in 
Africa & Middle East and Greater China & 
North Asia. 

Amortised cost

Gross credit-impaired 

Credit impairment provisions 

Net carrying value

Cover ratio

Collateral ($ million)

Cover ratio (after collateral)

Gross stage 3 loans in Retail Banking were 
broadly stable at $0.8 billion. 

Gross stage 3 loans in Private Banking 
marginally increased by $68 million in  
ASEAN & South Asia and Europe & Americas 
to $0.4 billion at 31 December 2019.

Stage 3 cover ratio
The stage 3 cover ratio measures the 
proportion of stage 3 impairment provisions 
to gross stage 3 loans, and is a metric 
commonly used in considering impairment 
trends. This metric does not allow for 
variations in the composition of stage 3 loans 
and should be used in conjunction with other 
Credit risk information provided, including the 
level of collateral cover.

The balance of stage 3 loans not covered  
by stage 3 impairment provisions  
represents the adjusted value of collateral 
held and the net outcome of any workout  
or recovery strategies.

Collateral provides risk mitigation to some 
degree in all client segments and supports 
the credit quality and cover ratio  
assessments post impairment provisions. 
Further information on collateral is provided  
in the Credit risk mitigation section.

Corporate & Institutional Banking cover ratio 
increased to 71 per cent from 65 per cent 
due to repayments, increased provisions and 
upgrades to stage 2. Commercial Banking 
cover ratio reduced to 75 per cent from  
77 per cent mainly due to write-offs. 

Private Banking cover ratio reduced to  
40 per cent from 55 per cent in 2018 due to  
a small increase in stage 3 loans in ASEAN  
& South Asia and Europe & Americas and a 
reduction in provisions due to a net release 
on a client in ASEAN & South Asia. 

Retail cover ratio decreased to 44 per cent 
from 48 per cent in December 2018 due to 
increase of Mortgage portfolio. 

Corporate & 
Institutional 
Banking 
$million

4,173

(2,980)

1,193

71%

497

83%

20191

Retail  
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

846

(374)

472

44%

286

78%

2,013

(1,503)

510

75%

263

88%

366

(147)

219

40%

211

98%

Total 
$million

7,398

(5,004)

2,394

68%

1,257

85%

1  The remaining portfolio of loans and advances to customers previously separately identified in the liquidation portfolio are now included in the ongoing business

171

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportAmortised cost

Gross credit-impaired1

Credit impairment provisions1

Net carrying value

Cover ratio1

Collateral ($ million)

Cover ratio (after collateral)1

Of the above, included in the liquidation portfolio:

Gross credit-impaired1

Credit impairment provisions1

Net carrying value

Cover ratio1

Collateral ($million)

Cover ratio (after collateral)1

Corporate & 
Institutional  
Banking 
$million

2018

Retail  
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

4,996

(3,238)

1,758

65%

802

81%

1,337

(1,088)

249

81%

159

93%

832

(396)

436

48%

324

87%

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,328

(1,789)

539

77%

302

90%

130

(130)

–

100%

–

100%

Private  
Banking 
$million

298

(163)

135

55%

135

100%

216

(152)

64

70%

64

100%

Total 
$million

8,454

(5,586)

2,868

66%

1,563

85%

1,683

(1,370)

313

81%

223

95%

1  Balances have been restated to reflect interest due but unpaid together with equivalent credit impairment charges. The cover ratios have been restated as a result

Credit-impaired (stage 3) loans and advances by geographic region (unaudited)
Stage 3 loans decreased by $1.1 billion or 12 per cent compared with 31 December 2018. The largest decrease was in the ASEAN & South Asia 
region, primarily due to write-offs, settlements and transfers to stage 2.

Amortised cost

Gross credit-impaired 

Credit impairment provisions 

Net carrying value

Cover ratio

Amortised cost

Gross credit-impaired1

Credit impairment provisions1

Net carrying value

Cover ratio1

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

716

(360)

356

50%

3,084

(2,087)

997

68%

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

838

(343)

495

41%

3,624

(2,599)

1,025

72%

2019

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

2,585

(1,899)

686

73%

2018

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

3,061

(2,214)

847

72%

Europe & 
Americas 
$million

1,013

(658)

355

65%

Europe &  
Americas 
$million

931

(430)

501

46%

Total 
$million

7,398

(5,004)

2,394

68%

Total 
$million

8,454

(5,586)

2,868

66%

1  Balances have been restated to reflect interest due but unpaid together with equivalent credit impairment charges. The cover ratios have been restated as a result

172

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileMovement of credit-impaired (stage 3) loans and advances provisions by client segment
Credit impairment provisions as at 31 December 2019 were $5,004 million, compared with $5,586 million at 31 December 2018. The decrease 
was largely due to write-offs in Corporate & Institutional Banking and Commercial Banking. Private Banking provisions fell by $16 million primarily 
due to a net provision release for a single client.

The following table shows the movement of credit-impaired (stage 3) provisions for each client segment.

Amortised cost

Gross credit-impaired loans at 31 December

Credit impairment allowances at 1 January 

Net transfers into and out of stage 3

New provisions charge/(release)1

Changes due to risk parameters1

Net change in exposures1

Amounts written off

Interest due but unpaid

Discount unwind

Exchange translation difference

Credit impairment allowances at 31 December

Net carrying value

Income statement charge/(release)1

Recoveries of amounts previously written off

Total income statement charge

Amortised cost

Gross credit-impaired loans at 31 December3

Credit impairment allowances at 1 January3

Net transfers into and out of stage 3

New provisions charge/(release)1

Changes due to risk parameters1

Net change in exposures1

Amounts written off

Interest due but unpaid3

Discount unwind

Exchange translation difference and other movements

Credit impairment allowances at 31 December

Net carrying value

Income statement charge/(release)1

Recoveries of amounts previously written off

Total income statement charge

2019

Corporate & 
Institutional 
Banking 
$million

Retail  
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

4,173

3,238

111

177

335

(170)

(658)

(48)

(38)

33

2,980

1,193

342

–

342

846

396

166

81

327

–

(585)

–

(28)

17

374

472

408

(247)

161

2,013

1,789

24

107

122

(96)

(380)

(87)

(13)

37

1,503

510

133

(1)

132

Corporate & 
Institutional  
Banking 
$million

2018

Retail  
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

4,996

4,524

85

189

400

(379)

(1,179)

(175)

(39)

(188)

3,238

1,758

210

(77)

133

832

389

172

12

402

–

(575)

–

(20)

16

396

436

414

(214)

200

2,328

2,118

14

218

162

(136)

(291)

(194)

(16)

(86)

1,789

539

244

(21)

223

366

163

–

–

(26)

(6)

(2)

17

(4)

5

147

219

(32)

–

(32)

Private  
Banking 
$million

298

154

–

3

13

(5)

–

–

(5)

3

163

135

11

–

11

Total2
$million

7,398

5,586

301

365

758

(272)

(1,625)

(118)

(83)

92

5,004

2,394

851

(248)

603

Total2
$million

8,454

7,185

271

422

977

(520)

(2,045)

(369)

(80)

(255)

5,586

2,868

879

(312)

567

1  Components of the income statement charge/(release)

2  Excludes credit impairment relating to loan commitments and financial guarantees

3  Stage 3 balances at 1 January 2018 have been restated to reflect contractual interest due but unpaid together with equivalent credit impairment charges

173

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportCredit risk mitigation

Potential credit losses from any given 
account, customer or portfolio are mitigated 
using a range of tools such as collateral, 
netting arrangements, credit insurance  
and credit derivatives, taking into account 
expected volatility and guarantees.

The reliance that can be placed on these 
mitigants is carefully assessed in light  
of issues such as legal certainty and 
enforceability, market valuation correlation 
and counterparty risk of the guarantor.

Collateral
The requirement for collateral is not a 
substitute for the ability to repay, which  
is the primary consideration for any  
lending decisions.

The unadjusted market value of collateral 
across all asset types, in respect of Corporate 
& Institutional Banking and Commercial 
Banking, without adjusting for over-
collateralisation, was $280 billion in 2019 
(2018: $265 billion).

The collateral values in the table below (which 
covers loans and advances to banks and 
customers, excluding those held at fair value 
through profit or loss) are adjusted where 
appropriate in accordance with our risk 
mitigation policy and for the effect of 
over-collateralisation. The extent of over-
collateralisation has been determined with 
reference to both the drawn and undrawn 
components of exposure as this best  
reflects the effect of collateral and other  
credit enhancements on the amounts  
arising from expected credit losses.

We have remained prudent in the way we 
assess the value of collateral, which is 
calibrated for a severe downturn and 
backtested against our prior experience.  
On average, across all types of non-cash 
collateral, the value ascribed is approximately 
half of its current market value.

In the Retail Banking and Private Banking 
segments, a secured loan is one where the 
borrower pledges an asset as collateral of 
which the Group is able to take possession  
in the event that the borrower defaults.  
Total collateral for Retail Banking has 
increased by $6.7 billion to $81.1 billion due  
to an increase in Mortgages and Secured 
wealth products in the Greater China & North 
Asia and ASEAN & South Asia regions.

Private Banking collateral is $10.3 billion,  
an increase of 6 per cent as compared with 
2018, in line with the overall movement of  
the secured portfolio.

Collateral held on loans and advances
The table below details collateral held against exposures, separately disclosing stage 2 and stage 3 exposure and corresponding collateral.

Net amount outstanding

Stage 2 
financial 
assets 
$million

Credit-
impaired 
financial 
assets (S3) 
$million

14,368

1,193

2,823

3,821

283

7

472

510

219

–

Total 
$million

164,748

106,368

26,117

14,741

10,098

Total2
$million

23,502

81,137

7,709

10,306

802

2019

Collateral

Net exposure

Stage 2 
financial 
assets 
$million

Credit-
impaired 
financial 
assets (S3) 
$million

Stage 2 
financial 
assets 
$million

Credit-
impaired 
financial 
assets (S3) 
$million

Total 
$million

2,731

2,323

1,826

188

–

497

286

263

211

–

141,246

11,637

25,231

18,408

4,435

9,296

500

1,995

95

7

696

186

247

8

–

322,072

21,302

2,394

123,456

7,068

1,257

198,616

14,234

1,137

Net amount outstanding

Stage 2 
financial 
assets 
$million

10,234

2,705

4,331

785

26

Credit-
impaired 
financial 
assets (S3) 
$million

1,758

436

539

135

–

Total 
$million

166,091

101,235

26,759

13,616

10,270

Total2
$million

15,882

74,485

6,767

9,729

6,278

317,971

18,081

2,868

113,141

2018

Collateral

Net exposure

Stage 2 
financial 
assets 
$million

Credit-
impaired 
financial 
assets (S3) 
$million

Stage 2 
financial 
assets 
$million

Credit-
impaired 
financial 
assets (S3) 
$million

Total 
$million

1,314

2,092

3,966

783

–

8,155

802

324

302

135

–

150,209

8,920

26,750

19,992

3,887

3,992

613

365

2

26

956

112

237

–

–

1,563

204,830

9,926

1,305

Amortised cost

Corporate & Institutional 
Banking1

Retail Banking

Commercial Banking

Private Banking

Central & other items

Total

Amortised cost

Corporate & Institutional 
Banking1

Retail Banking

Commercial Banking

Private Banking

Central & other items

Total

1  Includes loans and advances to banks

2  Adjusted for over-collateralisation based on the drawn and undrawn components of exposures

174

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileCollateral – Corporate & Institutional Banking and Commercial Banking 
Collateral held against Corporate & Institutional Banking and Commercial Banking exposures amounted to $31 billion. 

Collateral taken for longer-term and sub-investment grade corporate loans remains high at 45 per cent. Our underwriting standards encourage 
taking specific charges on assets and we consistently seek high-quality, investment grade collateral. 

76 per cent of tangible collateral held comprises physical assets or is property based, with the remainder largely in cash and investment 
securities. 

Non-tangible collateral such as guarantees and standby letters of credit is also held against corporate exposures, although the financial  
effect of this type of collateral is less significant in terms of recoveries. However, this is considered when determining probability of default  
and other credit-related factors. Collateral is also held against off-balance sheet exposures, including undrawn commitments and trade- 
related instruments.

The following table provides an analysis of the types of collateral held against Corporate & Institutional Banking and Commercial Banking  
loan exposures.

Corporate & Institutional Banking

Amortised cost

Maximum exposure

Property

Plant, machinery and other stock

Cash

Reverse repos

A– to AA+

BBB– to BBB+

Unrated

Financial guarantees and insurance

Commodities

Ships and aircraft

Total value of collateral

Net exposure1

1  Adjusted for over-collateralisation based on the drawn and undrawn components of exposures

Commercial Banking

Amortised cost

Maximum exposure

Property

Plant, machinery and other stock

Cash

Reverse repos

A– to AA+

BBB– to BBB+

Unrated

Financial guarantees and insurance

Commodities

Ships and aircraft

Total value of collateral

Net exposure1

1  Adjusted for over-collateralisation based on the drawn and undrawn components of exposures

2019 
$million

164,748

2018 
$million

166,091

6,965

1,134

2,755

2,000

756

439

805

7,422

136

3,090

23,502

141,246

2019 
$million

26,117

5,029

1,094

836

8

–

1

7

531

26

185

5,557

1,067

2,019

528

321

207

–

3,697

90

2,924

15,882

150,209

2018 
$million

26,759

4,557

992

486

72

1

71

–

502

11

147

7,709

18,408

6,767

19,992

175

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportCollateral – Retail Banking and Private Banking 
In Retail Banking and Private Banking, 85 per cent of the portfolio is fully secured. The proportion of unsecured loans remains broadly stable  
at 14 per cent and the remaining 1 per cent is partially secured.

The following table presents an analysis of loans to individuals by product; split between fully secured, partially secured and unsecured:

Amortised cost

Maximum exposure

Loans to individuals

Mortgages

CCPL

Auto

Secured wealth products

Other

Total collateral1

Net exposure2

2019

Fully 
secured 
$million

Partially 
secured 
$million

Unsecured 
$million

Total 
$million

Fully secured 
$million

2018

Partially 
secured 
$million

Unsecured 
$million

Total 
$million

102,612

1,257

17,240

121,109

96,534

1,383

16,934

114,851

78,217

109

123

562

20,275

3,435

8

–

127

1,013

5

17,092

10

–

133

78,331

17,223

572

20,402

4,581

91,443

29,666

75,386

168

671

17,721

2,588

191

102

–

107

983

23

16,692

2

172

45

75,600

16,962

673

18,000

3,616

84,214

30,637

Percentage of total loans

85%

1%

14%

84%

1%

15%

1  Collateral values are adjusted where appropriate in accordance with our risk mitigation policy and for the effect of over-collateralisation

2  Amounts net of ECL

Mortgage loan-to-value ratios by geography 
Loan-to-value (LTV) ratios measure the ratio of the current mortgage outstanding to the current fair value of the properties on which they  
are secured.

In mortgages, the value of property held as security significantly exceeds the value of mortgage loans. The average LTV of the overall mortgage 
portfolio is low at 45 per cent. Hong Kong, which represents 38 per cent of the Retail Banking mortgage portfolio has an average LTV of  
39.1 per cent. All of our other key markets continue to have low portfolio LTVs, (Korea, Singapore and Taiwan at 43.6 per cent, 53.3 per cent  
and 51.8 per cent respectively).

An analysis of LTV ratios by geography for the mortgage portfolio is presented in the mortgage LTV ratios by geography table below.

Amortised cost

Less than 50 per cent

50 per cent to 59 per cent

60 per cent to 69 per cent

70 per cent to 79 per cent

80 per cent to 89 per cent

90 per cent to 99 per cent

100 per cent and greater

Greater China & 
North Asia 
% 
Gross

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
% 
Gross

2019

Africa &  
Middle East 
% 
Gross

Europe & 
Americas  
% 
Gross

67.8

14.4

9.2

6.7

1.6

0.2

0.1

43.4

19.4

22.5

12.5

1.7

0.3

0.2

21.6

14.2

21.0

19.0

11.5

6.5

6.2

66.6

2,047

Average portfolio loan-to-value

Loans to individuals – mortgages ($million)

42.1

55,724

50.7

18,301

Amortised cost

Less than 50 per cent

50 per cent to 59 per cent

60 per cent to 69 per cent

70 per cent to 79 per cent

80 per cent to 89 per cent

90 per cent to 99 per cent

100 per cent and greater

Average portfolio loan-to-value

Loans to individuals – mortgages ($million)

Greater China & 
North Asia 
% 
Gross

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
% 
Gross

2018

Africa &  
Middle East 
% 
Gross

67.7

14.9

10.7

5.0

1.3

0.3

0.1

42.0

52,434

41.5

18.8

22.0

16.0

1.5

0.1

0.1

51.5

19,156

20.9

15.3

21.8

21.6

12.0

4.7

3.8

65.2

2,126

176

Total 
% 
Gross

59.3

15.9

13.2

9.0

2.0

0.4

0.3

44.9

78,331

Total 
% 
Gross

58.5

16.0

14.4

8.8

1.7

0.3

0.2

44.8

75,600

10.8

26.3

29.4

28.0

4.5

0.4

0.6

62.2

2,259

Europe &  
Americas  
% 
Gross

19.6

21.0

30.2

26.8

2.4

–

–

54.2

1,884

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileCollateral and other credit 
enhancements possessed or called 
upon 
The Group obtains assets by taking 
possession of collateral or calling upon other 
credit enhancements (such as guarantees). 
Repossessed properties are sold in an 
orderly fashion. Where the proceeds are in 
excess of the outstanding loan balance the 
excess is returned to the borrower.

Certain equity securities acquired may be 
held by the Group for investment purposes 
and are classified as fair value through other 
comprehensive income, and the related loan 
written off.

The carrying value of collateral possessed 
and held by the Group as at 31 December 
2019 is $37.0 million (2018: $18.2 million). 

The increase in collateral value is largely due 
to property and plant taken possession of  
in Malaysia.

Property, plant and equipment

Guarantees

Cash

Other

Total

Other credit risk mitigation

Other forms of Credit risk mitigation are set 
out below.

Credit default swaps
The Group has entered into credit default 
swaps for portfolio management purposes, 
referencing loan assets with a notional value 
of $14.5 billion (2018: $21 billion). These credit 
default swaps are accounted for as financial 
guarantees as per IFRS 9 as they will only 
reimburse the holder for an incurred loss on 
an underlying debt instrument. The Group 
continues to hold the underlying assets 
referenced in the credit default swaps and it 
continues to be exposed to related Credit 
and Foreign exchange risk on these assets.

Derivative financial instruments
The Group enters into master netting 
agreements, which in the event of default 
result in a single amount owed by or to the 
counterparty through netting the sum of  
the positive and negative mark-to-market 
values of applicable derivative transactions. 
These are set out in more detail under 
Derivative financial instruments Credit risk 
mitigation (page 195). 

Off-balance sheet exposures
For certain types of exposures, such as 
letters of credit and guarantees, the Group 
obtains collateral such as cash depending  
on internal Credit risk assessments, as well 
as in the case of letters of credit holding legal 
title to the underlying assets should a default 
take place.

Other portfolio analysis
This section provides maturity analysis by 
business segment, credit quality by industry 
and industry and retail products analysis  
by region.

Maturity analysis of loans and advances 
by client segment 
The loans and advances to the Corporate  
& Institutional Banking and Commercial 
Banking segments remain predominantly 
short-term, with 62 per cent of loans and 
advances to customers in the segments 
maturing in less than one year, an increase 
compared with 61 per cent in December 
2018. 97 per cent of loans to banks are 
maturing in less than one year, an increase 
compared with 96 per cent in 2018. Shorter 
maturity gives us the flexibility to respond 
promptly to events and rebalance or reduce 
our exposure to clients or sectors that are 
facing increased pressure or uncertainty.

The Private Banking loan book also 
demonstrates a short-term bias, typical  
for loans that are secured on wealth 
management assets. 

The Retail Banking loan book continues to  
be longer-term in nature with 69 per cent 
(2018: 70 per cent) of the loans maturing  
over five years, as mortgages constitute the 
majority of this portfolio.

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

29.0

5.2

2.7

0.1

37.0

8.7

8.6

0.6

0.3

18.2

177

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportAmortised cost

Corporate & Institutional Banking

Retail Banking

Commercial Banking

Private Banking

Central & other items

Gross loans and advances to customers

Impairment provisions

Net loans and advances to customers

Net loans and advances to banks

Amortised cost

Corporate & Institutional Banking1

Retail Banking1

Commercial Banking1

Private Banking1

Central & other items

Gross loans and advances to customers

Impairment provisions1

Net loans and advances to customers

Net loans and advances to banks

One year or less 
$million

One to five years 
$million

Over five years 
$million

2019

66,275

17,763

21,443

13,893

10,098

129,472

(4,887)

124,585

51,871

36,864

15,282

5,111

507

–

57,764

(439)

57,325

1,678

2018

11,272

74,159

1,139

499

1

87,070

(457)

86,613

–

One year or less 
$million

One to five years 
$million

Over five years 
$million

61,705

16,372

21,640

12,773

10,265

122,755

(5,858)

116,897

58,784

36,164

14,091

5,660

396

7

56,318

(294)

56,024

2,597

10,330

71,600

1,364

618

–

83,912

(276)

83,636

33

Total 
$million

114,411

107,204

27,693

14,899

10,099

274,306

(5,783)

268,523

53,549

Total 
$million

108,199

102,063

28,664

13,787

10,272

262,985

(6,428)

256,557

61,414

1  Stage 3 balances have been restated to reflect interest due but unpaid together with equivalent credit impairment charges

178

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileCredit quality by industry (unaudited)
Loans and advances 
This section provides an analysis of the Group’s amortised cost portfolio by industry on a gross, total credit impairment and net basis.

From an industry perspective, loans and advances increased by $5.1 billion, largely driven by five sectors namely Mining and quarrying, 
Commercial real estate, Transport, telecom and utilities, Government and Financing insurance and non-banking, with each sector contributing 
an increase of $1 billion or more. Retail Products increased by $6.3 billion primarily within secured wealth products in ASEAN & South Asia and 
Mortgages in Greater China & North Asia. Stage 1 loans increased by $9.0 billion compared with 2018, representing 80 per cent of the increase 
in total loans and advances.

2019

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Total

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
amount 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
amount 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
amount 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
amount 
$million

13,227

20,099

(17) 13,210

(15) 20,084

1,562

3,499

(22)

(29)

1,540

3,470

894

970

(758)

(695)

136

275

15,683

24,568

(797) 14,886

(739) 23,829

20,971

(8) 20,963

1,196

(17)

1,179

292

(183)

109

22,459

(208) 22,251

14,884

(10) 14,874

1,874

(35)

1,839

841

(599)

242

17,599

(644) 16,955

8,327

(8)

8,319

1,552

(18)

1,534

585

(429)

156

10,464

(455) 10,009

14,669

(18) 14,651

2,110

(33)

2,077

293

(102)

191

17,072

(153)

16,919

(8)

(5)

(5)

6,135

6,379

3,082

1,067

1,095

333

(1)

1,201

1,928

(1) 14,697

(8)

4,839

702

561

(12)

(15)

(8)

(1)

(3)

(10)

1,055

1,080

325

1,927

699

551

320

651

774

307

–

261

(232)

(443)

(607)

(218)

–

(218)

88

208

167

89

–

43

7,530

8,130

4,194

3,437

15,400

5,669

(252)

(463)

(620)

7,278

7,667

3,574

(220)

3,217

(4) 15,396

(236)

5,433

Amortised cost

Industry:

Energy

Manufacturing

Financing, 
insurance and 
non-banking 

Transport, telecom 
and utilities

Food and 
household 
products

Commercial  
real estate

Mining and 
quarrying

6,143

Consumer durables 6,384

Construction

3,087

Trading companies 
& distributors

Government

Other

Retail Products:

1,202

14,698

4,847

Mortgage

75,792

(10) 75,782

2,278

(12)

2,266

406

(123)

283

78,476

(145) 78,331

CCPL and other 
unsecured lending

16,834

(268) 16,566

Auto

570

(1)

569

19,895

4,520

(19) 19,876

–

4,520

Secured wealth 
products

Other

Total value 
(customers)1

620

2

336

44

(158)

462

–

(3)

(1)

2

333

43

404

1

354

45

(209)

195

17,858

(635)

17,223

–

1

573

(1)

572

(161)

(27)

193

18

20,585

4,609

(183) 20,402

(28)

4,581

246,149

(402) 245,747

20,759

(377) 20,382

7,398

(5,004)

2,394 274,306

(5,783) 268,523

1  Includes reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending held at amortised cost of $1,469 million

179

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportStage 1

Stage 2

Stage 32

Total

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
amount 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
amount 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
amount 
$million

Gross 
balance 
$million

Total credit 
impairment 
$million

Net 
carrying 
amount 
$million

2018

14,530

21,627

(18) 14,512

(23) 21,604

2,198

1,932

(46)

(86)

2,152

1,846

1,052

891

(716)

(702)

336

189

17,780

24,450

(780)

17,000

(811)

23,639

Amortised cost

Industry:

Energy

Manufacturing

Financing, 
insurance and 
non-banking 

Transport, telecom 
and utilities

Food and 
household 
products

Commercial  
real estate

Mining and 
quarrying

4,845

Consumer durables

7,328

Construction

2,565

Trading companies 
& distributors

Government

Other

Retail Products:

2,512

13,488

4,639

CCPL and other 
unsecured lending

Auto

Secured wealth 
products

Other

Total value 
(customers)1

20,419

(7) 20,412

379

(10)

369

12,977

(21) 12,956

2,495

(25)

2,470

7,558

(7)

7,551

1,851

(15)

1,836

13,516

(16) 13,500

1,299

(27)

1,272

(7)

(5)

(4)

4,838

7,323

2,561

(2)

2,510

(1) 13,487

(7)

4,632

1,047

906

512

385

250

552

(29)

(13)

(22)

(2)

–

(8)

1,018

893

490

383

250

544

Mortgage

73,437

(9) 73,428

1,936

(9)

1,927

16,622

670

17,074

3,296

(277) 16,345

(2)

668

(18) 17,056

(2)

3,294

560

4

825

297

(117)

–

(5)

(2)

443

4

820

295

288

978

865

363

616

656

884

444

–

287

343

437

1

299

50

(182)

106

21,086

(199)

20,887

(634)

344

16,450

(680)

15,770

(523)

342

10,274

(545)

9,729

(100)

263

15,178

(143)

15,035

(486)

(470)

(633)

(330)

–

(251)

130

186

251

114

–

36

6,508

8,890

3,961

3,341

13,738

5,478

(522)

(488)

(659)

5,986

8,402

3,302

(334)

3,007

(1)

13,737

(266)

5,212

(98)

245

75,716

(116)

75,600

(263)

–

(175)

(23)

174

1

124

27

17,619

675

18,198

3,643

(657)

16,962

(2)

673

(198)

18,000

(27)

3,616

237,103

(426) 236,677

17,428

(416)

17,012

8,454

(5,586)

2,868

262,985

(6,428) 256,557

1  Includes reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending held at amortised cost of $3,151 million

2  Stage 3 balances have been restated to reflect interest due but unpaid together with equivalent credit impairment charges

Industry and Retail Products 
analysis of loans and advances 
by geographic region (unaudited)

This section provides an analysis of the 
Group’s amortised cost loan portfolio,  
net of provisions, by industry and region.

The financing, insurance and non-banking 
industry group constitutes 15 per cent of 
Corporate & Institutional Banking and 
Commercial Banking loans and advances  
to customers. Clients are mostly investment 
grade institutions and this lending forms part 
of the liquidity management of the Group.

In the Corporate & Institutional Banking and 
Commercial Banking segments our largest 
industry exposure remains manufacturing, 
which constitutes 16 per cent of Corporate  
& Institutional Banking and Commercial 
Banking loans and advances to customers 
(31 December 2018: 17 per cent). The 
manufacturing sector group is spread across 
a diverse range of industries, including 
automobiles and components, capital goods, 
pharmaceuticals, biotech and life sciences, 
technology hardware and equipment, 
chemicals, paper products and packaging, 
with lending spread over 4,561 clients.

Loans and advances to the energy sector 
reduced to 10 per cent of total loans and 
advances to Corporate & Institutional Banking 
and Commercial Banking from 12 per cent in 
2018. The energy sector lending is spread 
across five sub-sectors and over 364 clients.

The Group provides loans to commercial real 
estate counterparties of $16.9 billion, which 
represents 6 per cent of total customer loans 
and advances. In total, $8.5 billion of this 
lending is to counterparties where the source 
of repayment is substantially derived from 
rental or sale of real estate and is secured by 
real estate collateral. The remaining 

commercial real estate loans comprise 
working capital loans to real estate 
corporates, loans with non-property 
collateral, unsecured loans and loans to real 
estate entities of diversified conglomerates. 
The average LTV ratio of the commercial real 
estate portfolio has increased to 46 per cent, 
compared with 43 per cent in 2018. The 
proportion of loans with LTV greater than  
80 per cent has remained at less than  
1 per cent during the same period.

The Mortgage portfolio continues to be  
the largest portion of the Retail Products 
portfolio, at 65 per cent. Credit cards and 
personal loans (CCPL) and other unsecured 
lending is broadly stable at 14 per cent of  
total Retail Products loans and advances.

180

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileAmortised cost

Industry:

Energy

Manufacturing

Financing, insurance and non-banking 

Transport, telecom and utilities

Food and household products

Commercial real estate

Mining and quarrying

Consumer durables

Construction

Trading companies and distributors

Government

Other

Retail Products:

Mortgages

CCPL and other unsecured lending

Auto

Secured wealth products

Other

Net loans and advances to customers

Net loans and advances to banks

Amortised cost

Industry:

Energy

Manufacturing

Financing, insurance and non-banking 

Transport, telecom and utilities

Food and household products

Commercial real estate

Mining and quarrying

Consumer durables

Construction

Trading companies and distributors

Government

Other

Retail Products:

Mortgages

CCPL and other unsecured lending

Auto

Secured wealth products

Other

Net loans and advances to customers

Net loans and advances to banks

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

2019

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

Europe & 
Americas 
$million

2,582

11,350

9,367

6,279

2,784

9,820

2,151

4,516

1,094

2,602

1,490

1,761

55,724

10,633

–

8,159

3,754

134,066

19,313

3,769

6,127

4,314

4,014

3,651

4,954

2,469

2,019

1,220

296

9,907

1,870

18,301

4,239

485

10,473

121

78,229

15,756

2,946

3,211

988

5,349

2,478

1,783

965

699

1,126

198

3,926

836

2,047

2,258

87

338

705

29,940

5,350

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

2018

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

2,778

10,531

8,657

5,712

1,945

8,148

1,683

4,892

831

1,976

1,726

1,686

52,434

10,269

–

6,912

2,616

122,796

27,858

5,279

6,298

4,653

4,177

4,011

4,865

2,283

2,255

1,094

624

8,815

1,899

19,156

4,234

522

9,055

320

79,540

11,676

2,793

3,209

915

4,703

2,798

1,854

1,088

731

1,225

391

3,113

803

2,126

2,459

150

310

679

29,347

5,573

5,589

3,141

7,582

1,313

1,096

362

1,693

433

134

121

73

966

2,259

93

–

1,432

1

26,288

13,130

Europe &  
Americas 
$million

6,150

3,601

6,662

1,178

975

168

932

524

152

16

83

824

1,884

–

1

1,723

1

24,874

16,307

Total 
$million

14,886

23,829

22,251

16,955

10,009

16,919

7,278

7,667

3,574

3,217

15,396

5,433

78,331

17,223

572

20,402

4,581

268,523

53,549

Total 
$million

17,000

23,639

20,887

15,770

9,729

15,035

5,986

8,402

3,302

3,007

13,737

5,212

75,600

16,962

673

18,000

3,616

256,557

61,414

181

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportDebt securities and other eligible bills

This section provides further detail on gross debt securities and treasury bills. 

Amortised cost and FVOCI

12-month expected credit losses (stage 1)

AAA

AA– to AA+

A– to A+

BBB– to BBB+

Lower than BBB-

Unrated

Lifetime expected credit losses (stage 2)

AAA

AA– to AA+

A– to A+

BBB– to BBB+

Lower than BBB-

Unrated

Credit-impaired financial assets (stage 3)

Lower than BBB-

Unrated1

Gross balance

2019

2018

Debt securities 
and other  
eligible bills 
$million

Debt securities  
and other  
eligible bills 
$million

138,782

63,799

36,840

19,625

9,466

973

8,079

4,644

248

41

–

118,713

55,205

35,685

13,803

9,639

30

4,351

6,909

156

115

54

3,909

5,486

241

205

75

–

75

292

806

498

–

498

143,501

126,120

1  2018 stage 3 balance has been restated to reflect interest due but unpaid

The standard credit ratings used by the Group are those used by Standard & Poor’s or its equivalent. Debt securities held that have a short- 
term rating are reported against the long-term rating of the issuer. For securities that are unrated, the Group applies an internal credit rating,  
as described under the credit rating and measurement section (page 213).

In line with the balance sheet growth, the Group strengthened its liquidity portfolio by deploying excess liquidity into highly rated securities.  
This is observed in the increased holdings of debt securities in the AAA rating category during the year by $8.7 billion to $64.0 billion. Increase  
in holdings of debt securities rated A– to A+ under stage 1 of $5.8 billion is mainly due to investing excess liquidity into securities that meet 
regulatory liquidity requirement and at the same time offering higher yield than Treasury bills. Increase in stage 1 unrated debt securities of  
$3.7 billion comprised mainly of corporate and government agency bonds. 

IFRS 9 methodology

Approach for determining expected credit losses
Credit loss terminology
Component

Definition

Probability of default (PD) 

Loss given default (LGD) 

Exposure at default (EAD)

The probability that a counterparty will default, over the next 12 months from the reporting date (stage 1) or over the 
lifetime of the product (stage 2) incorporating the impact of forward-looking economic assumptions that have an 
effect on Credit risk, such as interest rates, unemployment rates and GDP forecasts.
The PD estimates will fluctuate in line with the economic cycle. The lifetime (or term structure) PDs are based on 
statistical models, calibrated using historical data and adjusted to incorporate forward-looking economic 
assumptions.

The loss that is expected to arise on default, incorporating the impact of forward-looking economic assumptions 
where relevant, which represents the difference between the contractual cash flows due and those that the bank 
expects to receive.
The Group estimates LGD based on the history of recovery rates and considers the recovery of any collateral that  
is integral to the financial asset, taking into account forward-looking economic assumptions where relevant.

The expected balance sheet exposure at the time of default, taking into account expected changes over the lifetime 
of the exposure. This incorporates the impact of drawdowns of committed facilities, repayments of principal and 
interest, amortisation and prepayments.

To determine the expected credit loss, these components are multiplied together (PD for the reference period (up to 12 months or lifetime) x LGD 
x EAD and discounted to the balance sheet date using the effective interest rate as the discount rate.

182

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileIFRS 9 expected credit loss models have 
been developed for the Corporate & 
Institutional Banking and Commercial 
Banking businesses on a global basis, in line 
with their respective portfolios. However, for 
some of the key countries, country-specific 
models have also been developed. 

The calibration of forward-looking information 
is assessed at a country or region level to 
take into account local macroeconomic 
conditions. 

Retail Banking expected credit loss models 
are country and product specific given the 
local nature of the Retail Banking business. 

For less material Retail Banking portfolios,  
the Group has adopted less sophisticated 
approaches based on historical roll rates or 
loss rates:

¼¼ For medium-sized Retail Banking 

portfolios, a roll rate model is applied, 
which uses a matrix that gives average 
loan migration rate between delinquency 
states from period to period. A matrix 
multiplication is then performed to 
generate the final PDs by delinquency 
bucket over different time horizons 

¼¼ For smaller Retail Banking portfolios, loss 
rate models are applied. These use an 
adjusted gross charge-off rate, developed 
using monthly write-off and recoveries  
over the preceding 12 months and total 
outstanding balances

¼¼ While these models do not incorporate 

forward looking information, to the extent 
that there are significant changes in the 
macroeconomic forecasts an assessment 
will be completed on whether an 
adjustment to the model output is required 

For a limited number of exposures, proxy 
parameters or approaches are used where 
the data is not available to calculate the 
origination PDs for the purpose of applying 
the SICR criteria; or for some retail portfolios 
where a full history of LGD data is not 
available estimates based on the loss 
experience from similar portfolios are used. 
The use of proxies is monitored and will 
reduce over time.

The following processes are in place to 
assess the ongoing performance of the 
models:

¼¼ Quarterly model monitoring that uses 

recent data to compare the differences 
between model predictions and actual 
outcomes against approved thresholds

¼¼ Annual independent validations of the 
performance of material models by  
Group Model Validation (GMV); an 
abridged validation is completed for 
non-material models

Where a model’s performance breaches the 
monitoring thresholds or validation standards 
then an assessment of whether an ECL  
Post Model Adjustment (PMA) is required  
to correct for the identified model issue is 
completed. For the year end reporting, PMAs 
have been applied for seven models out of 

the 181 in total. In aggregate the PMAs  
decrease the Group’s impairment provisions 
by $13 million (0.2 per cent).

model outputs which allow for a reversion  
to long-term growth rates or norms. All 
projections are updated on a quarterly basis.  

Application of lifetime
Expected credit loss is estimated based on 
the period over which the Group is exposed 
to Credit risk. For the majority of exposures 
this equates to the maximum contractual 
period. For Retail Banking credit cards and 
Corporate & Institutional Banking overdraft 
facilities however, the Group does not 
typically enforce the contractual period, 
which can be as short as one day. As a 
result, the period over which the Group is 
exposed to Credit risk for these instruments 
reflects their behavioural life, which 
incorporates expectations of customer 
behaviour and the extent to which credit risk 
management actions curtails the period of 
that exposure. During the year, the Group 
revised the approach to determining 
behavioural life for credit cards, assessing  
at an individual card rather than customer 
level. This has resulted in an average life of 
between 2 and 6 years across our footprint 
markets (2018: 3 to 10 years). The change  
in approach did not have a material impact  
on the 2019 income statement. Corporate 
overdraft facilities have a 32 month lifetime 
(2018: 32 months). 

Key assumptions and judgements in 
determining expected credit loss
Incorporation of forward-looking 
information 
The evolving economic environment is a key 
determinant of the ability of a bank’s clients  
to meet their obligations as they fall due. It is  
a fundamental principle of IFRS 9 that the 
provisions banks hold against potential future 
Credit risk losses should depend not just on 
the health of the economy today, but should 
also take into account potential changes to 
the economic environment. For example, if  
a bank was to anticipate a sharp slowdown  
in the world economy over the coming year,  
it should hold more provisions today to 
absorb the credit losses likely to occur in  
the near future.

To capture the effect of changes to the 
economic environment, the PDs and LGDs 
used to calculate expected credit loss, 
incorporate forward-looking information in the 
form of forecasts of the values of economic 
variables and asset prices that are likely to 
have an effect on the repayment ability of the 
Group’s clients.

The ‘Base Forecast’ of the economic 
variables and asset prices is based on 
management’s view on the five-year outlook, 
supported by projections from the Group’s 
in-house research team and outputs from a 
third-party model that project specific 
economic variables and asset prices. The 
research team takes consensus views into 
consideration and senior management review 
projections for some core country variables 
against consensus when forming their view  
of the outlook. For the period beyond five 
years, management utilises the inhouse 
research view and outputs and third party 

Forecast of key macroeconomic  
variables underlying the expected  
credit loss calculation and the impact  
on non-linearity
The Base Forecast – management’s view  
of the most likely outcome – is that the 
expansion of the global economy will 
continue, characterised by soft but stabilising 
growth in the near term. There are some 
major challenges to the outlook for some of 
the Bank’s key markets such as Hong Kong 
and China. The recent interest rate cuts  
by a number of prominent central banks, 
US-China trade deal and fiscal stimulus 
measures in key markets, such as China and 
India, will counter some of the headwinds to 
global growth including from structural drags 
such as debt overhang, ageing populations 
and anti-globalisation sentiment. 

Economies are expected to reach their 
long-term – or potential – growth levels  
within the next three to five years, as the 
effect of current economic shocks dissipate. 
Countries which are going through a phase of 
structural transition are likely to experience a 
fall in their actual and potential growth at the 
same time. For example, China’s rebalancing 
towards consumption and more sustainable 
growth is expected to slow its trend growth to 
around 5 per cent by the end of the decade. 
It will therefore take China longer to settle to  
a stabilised growth rate. 

While the quarterly base forecasts informs  
the Group’s strategic plan, one of the  
key requirements of IFRS 9 is that the 
assessment of provisions should consider 
multiple future economic environments.  
For example, the global economy may grow 
more quickly or more slowly than the Base 
Forecast, and these variations would have 
different implications for the provisions that 
the Group should hold today. As the negative 
impact of an economic downturn on credit 
losses tends to be greater than the positive 
impact of an economic upturn, if the Group 
sets provisions only on the expected credit 
loss under the Base Forecast it might 
maintain a level of provisions that does not 
appropriately capture the range of potential 
outcomes. To address this skewness (or 
non-linearity) in expected credit losses,  
IFRS 9 requires the ECL to be the probability-
weighted ECL outcome calculated for a 
range of possible outcomes.

To assess the range of possible outcomes, 
the Group simulates a set of 50 scenarios 
around the Base Forecast and calculates the 
expected credit loss under each of them and 
assigns an equal weight of 2 per cent to each 
of the scenario outcomes. These scenarios 
are generated by a Monte Carlo simulation, 
which considers the degree of uncertainty  
(or volatility) around economic outcomes and 
how these outcomes have tended to move  
in relation to one another (or correlation).  
The use of Monte Carlo simulation is 
motivated by the number and spread of 
countries in which  the Group operates.  

183

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportThis implies that the number of countries’ 
macroeconomic variables to forecast is large, 
but more importantly the observation that a 
downturn in one part of the world is never 
perfectly synchronised with downturns 
everywhere else means that the Group  
may be challenged to capture a full range  
of scenarios with a handful of manually  
tuned scenarios.

While the 50 scenarios do not each have a 
specific narrative, they reflect a range of 
plausible hypothetical alternative outcomes 
for the global economy. Some imply an 
unwinding of the current shocks and 
uncertainty leading to higher global economic 
activity and higher asset prices, while others 
represent an intensification of current shocks 
or introduction of new shocks that raise 
uncertainty, leading to lower global economic 
activity and lower asset prices. 

The table on the next page provides a 
summary of the Group’s Base Forecast  
for key footprint markets, alongside the 
corresponding range seen across the 
multiple scenarios. To inform on the range 
within the Base Forecasts, the peak/trough 
amounts in the table show the highest and 
lowest points within the Base Forecast and 
the GDP graphs illustrate the shape of Base 
Forecast in relation to prior periods actuals 
and the long-term growth rates.

Since the start of the year global trade 
tensions between the US and China have 
affected investment sentiment and export 
performance across Asia. Growth in China 
and trade dependent countries such as 
Singapore and Korea have softened. While a 
US-China trade deal is expected to reduce 
the drag from the trade dispute the recent 
softening is reflected in the five-year average 
GDP growth for all three falling marginally 
compared to last year. Hong Kong has  
fallen into a recession and there has been  
a material downgrade in the near-term 
outlook. Beyond the impact of trade tensions 
and China slowdown, the social unrest and 
subsequent disruption have triggered the 
largest economic contraction since 2009. 
The current pressures on the Hong Kong 
economy are not expected to dissipate soon 
and average five year GDP growth has been 
reduced to 1.6 per cent from 3 per cent  
last year. India’s economic growth has also 
been surprisingly weak: GDP growth fell to 
the slowest pace in more than six years in 
Q1-FY20 (April to June 2019). Weaker trade, 
weaker credit demand by non-bank finance 
companies, and significant weakness in 
household consumption have weighed  
on economic activity. However, stimulus 
measures by India’s central bank and the 
government is expected to help growth pick 
up to close to its long-term level during 2021.

Slowing growth, lower-than-expected inflation 
and rising downside risks have caused 
central banks around the world to adopt  
an increasingly accommodative monetary 
policy stance. This is reflected by lower 
average interest rates across the five 
countries compared with a year ago. 

There were material revisions to the base 
forecast for oil prices since last year. At the 
end of last year oil prices were expected  
to average around US$85/barrel over the 
medium term, but by the end of 2019 that 
projection had been revised down to around 
US$71. Oil prices have been weaker than 
expected during the year and this is reflected 
in the revised projections. Trade tensions 
between the US and China and weakness in 
oil demand concentrated in the OECD have 
weighed on prices in 2019. 

After the close of the 2019 accounts, the 
novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in 
January 2020 has increased risk aversion 
and uncertainty. The outbreak will likely lead 
to a weaker outlook for at least the Group’s 
Asian markets in 2020.

China GDP YoY%

Hong Kong GDP YoY%

Korea GDP YoY%

8.0

7.0

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

Actual

Forecast

Long-term growth

6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0

-2.0

-4.0

-6.0

Actual

Forecast

Long-term growth

Actual

Forecast

Long-term growth

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

15 Q1 16 Q1

17 Q1

18 Q1

19 Q1 20 Q1 21 Q1 22 Q1 23 Q1 24 Q1

15 Q1 16 Q1

17 Q1

18 Q1

19 Q1 20 Q1 21 Q1 22 Q1 23 Q1 24 Q1

15 Q1 16 Q1

17 Q1

18 Q1

19 Q1 20 Q1 21 Q1 22 Q1 23 Q1 24 Q1

Singapore GDP YoY%

India GDP YoY%

5.0

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

Actual

Forecast

Long-term growth

9.0

8.0

7.0

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

Actual

Forecast

Long-term growth

15 Q1 16 Q1

17 Q1

18 Q1

19 Q1 20 Q1 21 Q1 22 Q1 23 Q1 24 Q1

15 Q1 16 Q1

17 Q1

18 Q1

19 Q1 20 Q1 21 Q1 22 Q1 23 Q1 24 Q1

184

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profile2019

GDP growth 
(YoY%)

Unemployment 
(%)

3 month interest 
rates (%)

House prices 
(YoY%)

2018

GDP growth 
(YoY%)

Unemployment 
(%)

3 month interest 
rates (%)

House prices 
(YoY%)

China

Hong Kong

Korea

Singapore

India

5 yr 
average 
base 
forecast

Base 
forecast 
peak/ 
trough

Low2 High3

5 yr 
average 
base 
forecast

Base 
forecast 
peak/ 
trough

5 yr 
average 
base 
forecast

Base 
forecast 
peak/ 
trough

Low2 High3

5 yr 
average 
base 
forecast

Base 
forecast 
peak/ 
trough

Low2 High3

5 yr 
average 
base 
forecast

Base 
forecast 
peak/ 
trough

Low2 High3

Low2 High3

5.8 6.3/5.5

4.4

7.4

1.6 2.5/(4.8)

(2.7)4

4.4

2.6 2.9/2.1

0.6

4.8

2.1 2.5/0.9 (1.4)

5.9

6.9 7.2/6.1

5.0

9.0

3.6 3.6/3.6

3.6

3.7

3.5

3.6/3.1

2.7

4.3

3.6 4.0/3.2

3.0

4.2

3.0 3.2/3.0

2.3

3.8

N/A

N/A N/A N/A

2.6 2.8/2.3

1.8

3.6

2.4

3.5/1.2

0.9

4.3

1.7 2.5/1.2

0.8

2.9

2.0 2.9/1.3

1.1

3.1

5.2 5.6/4.8

4.3

6.1

6.3 7.6/4.2

4.2

8.3

3.6 5.7/(5.1)

(6.5)

14.6

2.6 2.8/0.7

0.5

4.8

3.4 4.4/0.4 (2.7)

9.7

7.8 8.1/6.9

2.4 13.2

China

Base 
forecast 
peak/ 
trough

5 yr 
average 
base 
forecast

Low2 High3

Hong Kong

5 yr 
average 
base 
forecast

Base 
forecast 
peak/ 
trough

Low2

High3

Korea

Base 
forecast 
peak/ 
trough

5 yr 
average 
base 
forecast

Low2 High3

Singapore

5 yr 
average 
base 
forecast

Base 
forecast 
peak/ 
trough

Low2 High3

India

Base 
forecast 
peak/ 
trough

5 yr 
average 
base 
forecast

Low2 High3

6.0 6.6/5.7

4.3

7.7

3.0

3.0/3.0

0.6

5.6

2.9 3.0/2.4

0.4

5.3

2.4

2.7/2.2 (1.7)

6.4

7.7 8.0/6.7

5.6 10.1

4.0 4.0/3.9

3.8

4.2

3.4

3.6/2.9

2.4

4.6

3.2 3.5/3.0

2.4

4.0

3.0 3.0/2.9

2.3

3.7

N/A

N/A N/A N/A

3.1 3.2/2.9

2.0

4.3

3.0

3.4/2.8

1.8

4.2

2.6 3.0/1.9

1.4

4.0

2.4 2.4/2.0

1.3

3.8

6.9 7.3/6.4

5.1

8.9

5.8 7.2/3.8

3.4

8.5

2.3 9.8/(2.7)

(8.1)

12.1

3.5 4.0/1.8

1.3

6.1

4.4 6.4/3.8 (1.5) 10.6

8.4 8.8/7.9

1.4 15.1

2019

2018

5 yr average 
base 
forecast

Base 
forecast 
peak/trough

71

76/66

Low2

42

High3

102

5 yr average 
base forecast

Base 
forecast 
peak/trough

85

91/76

Low2

40

High3

118

Crude price Brent, $ pb

1  N/A - not available

2  Represents the 10th percentile in the range used to determine non-linearity

3  Represents the 90th percentile in the range used to determine non-linearity

4  This value is higher than the trough in the base forecast because it is measured over the five-year range.

The final probability weighted expected credit loss reported by the Group is a simple average of the expected credit loss for each of the  
50 scenarios together with the expected credit loss from the base forecast. The impact of non-linearity on expected credit loss is set out in  
the table below:

Total expected credit loss1

Including 
non-linearity 
$million

Base forecast 
$million

1,1081

1,079

Difference 
%

2.7

1  Total modelled expected credit loss comprises stage 1 and stage 2 balances of $975 million and $133 million of modelled expected credit loss on stage 3 loans

185

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportThe average expected credit loss under 
multiple scenarios is 2.7 per cent higher than 
the expected credit loss calculated using  
only the most likely scenario (the Base 
Forecast). Portfolios that are more sensitive  
to non-linearity include those with greater 
leverage and/or a longer tenor, such as 
Project and Shipping Finance and credit  
card portfolios. Other portfolios display 
minimal non-linearity owing to limited 
responsiveness to macroeconomic impacts 
for structural reasons such as significant 
collateralisation as with the Retail Banking 
mortgage portfolios. 

Hong Kong
A combination of the social unrest, escalating 
US-China trade tensions and China’s slowing 
economy has led to an economic recession 
in Hong Kong. Macroeconomic forecasts  
in Hong Kong were downgraded in the 
second half of 2019, which contributed to  
a $46 million increase in ECL provisions in 
Hong Kong have over the same period.

As one of the key drivers for the Hong Kong 
recession is the social unrest, there is more 
uncertainty in the economic forecasts as  
it is challenging to forecast the economic 
impact of possible resolutions to the social 
unrest. Therefore the downside risk of an 
economically damaging resolution may not 
have been fully captured in the non-linearity 
calculated for our Hong Kong exposures. 
While the Monte Carlo approach equally 
weights all scenarios, given the increased 
uncertainties in Hong Kong, we have 
increased the weighting placed on a  
Hong Kong specific downside scenario. 

Stage 3 
Credit-impaired assets managed by GSAM 
incorporate forward-looking economic 
assumptions in respect of the recovery 
outcomes identified and are assigned 
individual probability weightings. These 
assumptions are not based on a Monte  
Carlo simulation but are informed by the  
Base Forecast.

Sensitivity of expected credit loss 
calculation to macroeconomic variables
The expected credit loss calculation relies on 
multiple variables and is inherently non-linear 
and portfolio-dependent, which implies that 
no single analysis can fully demonstrate the 
sensitivity of the expected credit loss to 
changes in the macroeconomic variables. 
The Group has conducted a series of 
analyses with the aim of identifying the 
macroeconomic variables which might have 
the greatest impact on overall expected credit 
loss. These encompassed single variable  
and multi-variable exercises, using simple  
up/down variation and extracts from actual 
calculation data, as well as bespoke scenario 
design and assessments. 

The primary conclusion of these exercises is 
that no individual macroeconomic variable is 
materially influential – that is, likely to result in 
an impact of at least 1 per cent of the Group’s 
expected credit loss. The Group believes this 
is plausible as the number of variables used 
in the expected credit loss calculation is large. 
This does not mean that macroeconomic 
variables are uninfluential; rather, that the 
Group believes that consideration of 
macroeconomics should involve whole 
scenarios, as this aligns with the multi-
variable nature of the calculation.

As the Group has Emerging Risks related to 
the macroeconomic outlook, a sensitivity 
analysis of ECL was undertaken to explore 
the effect of these: an extended trade  
war that leads to a China slowdown with 
spillovers to emerging markets. Two  
variants of the scenario were run – one with 
moderate escalation of trade disputes and 
the other more extreme. Both scenarios are 
characterised by current trade policy tensions 
between the US and China increasing 
dramatically. The US targets trading partners 
with which it has a material trade deficit  
and pushes through highly protectionist 
measures, initiating trade tensions with Asia 
focused on China. Indirectly, economies 
reliant on global trade flows are vulnerable  
to the trade shock. The escalating trade  
war creates uncertainty which reduces  
risk appetite, leading to a sharp decline in 
asset prices and lower consumption and 
investment across developed and emerging 
markets. This leads to a global downturn  
and a sharp fall in commodity prices. As an 
indication, in the more extreme version of the 
scenario the average growth for China annual 
real GDP growth over the next five years fall 
to 3 per cent, which is almost half the growth 
in the equivalent for the base projection of 
around 5.8 per cent. US GDP falls from just 
below 2 per cent down five-year average  
to 0.8 per cent, crude oil prices fall, and 
residential property indices in China and 
Hong Kong dip negative. 

China GDP

China unemployment

China property prices

Hong Kong GDP

Hong Kong unemployment

Hong Kong property prices

US GDP

Crude oil

Moderate downside 

Extreme downside

Five year average

Peak/Trough

Five year average

Peak/Trough

4.9%

4.4%

0.0%

5.6% / 3.4%

4.5% / 3.9%

7.1% / (7.0)%

3.0% 5.3% / (2.0)%

5.9%

6.2% / 4.6%

(12.5)% 6.2% / (29.4)%

0.7% 2.3% / (5.5)%

(1.4)% 1.9% / (10.3)%

4.3%

4.8% / 3.4%

5.9%

7.7 / 3.9%

0.1% 7.0% / (13.2)%

1.4%

$59

1.8% / 0.2%

$71 / $51

(8.1)% 18.4% / (34.8)%

0.8% 1.9% / (2.6)%

$35

$60 / $22

186

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileModelled expected credit loss provisions 
would be approximately $401 million (2018: 
$362 million) higher than the reported base 
case expected credit loss provision (excluding 
the impact of non-linearity) under the 
moderate scenario and $2.9 billion higher 
under the extreme scenario. The proportion 
of stage 2 assets would increase from 6 per 
cent to 8 per cent and 14 per cent under the 
two scenarios. This includes the impact of 
exposures transferring to stage 2 from stage 

1 but does not consider an increase in stage 
3 defaults. There was no material change in 
modelled stage 3 provisions as these 
primarily relate to unsecured Retail Banking 
exposures for which the LGD is not sensitive 
to changes in the macroeconomic forecasts. 
Under moderate and extreme scenarios the  
majority of the increase was in Corporate  
& Institutional Banking and Commercial 
Banking with the main corporate portfolios in 
China, Hong Kong and Singapore impacted. 

Around 20 per cent of the increase was in 
Retail Banking, with the main portfolios 
impacted being the Group’s credit card 
portfolios in Hong Kong and Singapore.  
Note that the actual outcome of any scenario 
may be materially different due to, amongst 
other factors, the effect of management 
actions to mitigate potential increases in risk 
and changes in the underlying portfolio. 

Modelled provisions

Corporate & Institutional Banking

Retail Banking

Commercial Banking

Private Banking

Central & other items

Total

Proportion of assets in stage 21

Corporate & Institutional Banking

Retail Banking

Commercial Banking

Private Banking

Central & other items

Total

Moderate 
downside 
increase 
$m

252

84

53

8

4

401

Moderate 
downside 
scenario 
%

12.0% 

 3.8%

25.1% 

0.1% 

3.2% 

8.0% 

Extreme 
downside 
increase 
$m

1,786

503

348

255

16

2,908

Extreme 
downside 
scenario 
%

20.6% 

12.5% 

41.8% 

0.1% 

3.2% 

13.9% 

Base Forecast 
%

7.7% 

3.6% 

15.0% 

0.1% 

3.2% 

5.9% 

1  Excludes cash and balances at central banks, accrued income, assets held for sale and other assets

Significant increase in credit risk (SICR)
Quantitative criteria
SICR is assessed by comparing the risk of 
default at the reporting date with the risk of 
default at origination. Whether a change in 
the risk of default is significant or not is 
assessed using quantitative and qualitative 
criteria. These quantitative significant 
deterioration thresholds have been separately 
defined for each business and where 
meaningful are consistently applied across 
business lines.

Assets are considered to have experienced 
SICR if they have breached both relative and 
absolute thresholds for the change in the 
average annualised lifetime probability of 
default over the residual term of the exposure.

The absolute measure of increase in Credit 
risk is used to capture instances where the 
PDs on exposures are relatively low at initial 
recognition as these may increase by several 
multiples without representing a significant 
increase in Credit risk. Where PDs are 
relatively high at initial recognition, a relative 
measure is more appropriate in assessing 
whether there is a significant increase in 
Credit risk, as the PDs increase more quickly.

The SICR thresholds have been calibrated 
based on the following principles:

¼¼ Stability – The thresholds are set to achieve 
a stable stage 2 population at a portfolio 
level, trying to minimise the number of 
accounts moving back and forth between 
stage 1 and stage 2 in a short period  
of time

¼¼ Accuracy – The thresholds are set such 

that there is a materially higher propensity 
for stage 2 exposures to eventually default 
than is the case for stage 1 exposures

¼¼ Dependency from backstops – The 

thresholds are stringent enough such  
that a high proportion of accounts  
transfer to stage 2 due to movements in 
forward-looking PD rather than relying  
on backward-looking backstops such  
as arrears

¼¼ Relationship with business and product 
risk profiles – The thresholds reflect  
the relative risk differences between 
different products, and are aligned to 
business processes

For Corporate & Institutional Banking and 
Commercial Banking clients, the relative 
threshold is a 100 per cent increase in PD 
and the absolute change in PD is between  
50 and 100 bps. 

For Retail Banking clients, the relative 
threshold is a 100 per cent increase in  
PD and the absolute change in PD is 
between 100 and 350 bps depending on  
the product. Certain counties have a higher 
absolute threshold reflecting the lower default 
rate within their personal loan portfolios 
compared with the Group’s other personal 
loan portfolios. 

Private Banking clients are assessed 
qualitatively, based on a delinquency 
measure relating to collateral top-ups or 
sell-downs.

Debt securities originated before 1 January 
2018 with an internal credit rating mapped to 
an investment grade equivalent are allocated 
to stage 1 and all other debt securities to 
stage 2. Debt securities originated after  
1 January 2018 apply the same approach 
and thresholds as for Corporate & Institutional 
Banking and Commercial Banking clients.

187

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportQualitative criteria
Qualitative factors that indicate that there  
has been a significant increase in Credit  
risk include processes linked to current  
risk management, such as placing loans  
on non-purely precautionary Early Alert. 

Backstop
Across all portfolios, accounts that are 30  
or more days past due (DPD) on contractual 
payments of principal and/or interest that 
have not been captured by the criteria  
above are considered to have experienced  
a significant increase in Credit risk.

Expert credit judgement may be applied in 
assessing significant increase in Credit risk  
to the extent that certain risks may not have 
been captured by the models or through the 
above criteria. Such instances are expected 
to be rare, for example due to events and 
material uncertainties arising close to the 
reporting date.

Corporate & Institutional Banking and 
Commercial Banking clients

Quantitative criteria
Exposures are assessed based on both the 
absolute and the relative movement in the  
PD from origination to the reporting date as 
described above.

To account for the fact that the mapping 
between internal credit grades (used in the 
origination process) and PDs is non-linear 
(e.g. a one-notch downgrade in the 
investment grade universe results in a  
much smaller PD increase than in the 
sub-investment grade universe), the  
absolute thresholds have been differentiated 
by credit quality at origination, as measured 
by internal credit grades being investment 
grade or sub-investment grade.

Qualitative criteria
All assets of clients that have been placed  
on Early Alert (for non-purely precautionary 
reasons) are deemed to have experienced  
a significant increase in Credit risk.

An account is placed on non-purely 
precautionary Early Alert if it exhibits risk or 
potential weaknesses of a material nature 
requiring closer monitoring, supervision or 
attention by management. Weaknesses  
in such a borrower’s account, if left 
uncorrected, could result in deterioration of 
repayment prospects and the likelihood of 
being downgraded. Indicators could include 
a rapid erosion of position within the industry, 
concerns over management’s ability to 
manage operations, weak/deteriorating 
operating results, liquidity strain and overdue 
balances among other factors.

All client assets that have been assigned a 
CG12 rating, equivalent to ‘Higher risk’, are 
deemed to have experienced a significant 
increase in Credit risk. Accounts rated  
CG12 are managed by the GSAM unit.  
All Corporate & Institutional Banking and 
Commercial Banking clients are placed  
on CG12 when they are 30 DPD unless  
they are granted a waiver through a strict 
governance process.

Retail Banking clients

Quantitative criteria
Material portfolios (defined as a combination 
of country and product, for example Hong 
Kong mortgages, Taiwan credit cards) for 
which a statistical model has been built, are 
assessed based on both the absolute and 
relative movement in the PD from origination 
to the reporting date as described previously 
(page 187). For these portfolios, the original 
lifetime PD term structure is determined 
based on the original Application Score or 
Risk Segment of the client.

Qualitative criteria
Accounts that are 30 DPD that have not  
been captured by the quantitative criteria are 
considered to have experienced a significant 
increase in Credit risk. For less material 
portfolios, which are modelled based on a 
roll-rate or loss-rate approach, significant 
increase in credit risk is primarily assessed 
through the 30 DPD trigger.

Private Banking clients
For Private Banking clients, significant 
increase in Credit risk is assessed by 
referencing the nature and the level of 
collateral against which credit is extended 
(known as ‘Classes of Risk’). 

Qualitative criteria
For all Private Banking Classes, in line with 
risk management practice, an increase in 
Credit risk is deemed to have occurred where 
margining or loan-to-value covenants have 
been breached. 

For Class I assets (lending against diversified 
liquid collateral), if these margining 
requirements have not been met within  
30 days of a trigger, a significant increase in 
Credit risk is assumed to have occurred. 

For Class I and Class III assets (real-estate 
lending), a significant increase in credit risk is 
assumed to have occurred where the bank is 
unable to ‘sell down’ the applicable assets to 
meet revised collateral requirements within 
five days of a trigger.

Class II assets are typically unsecured  
or partially secured, or secured against  
illiquid collateral such as shares in private 
companies. Significant credit deterioration  
of these assets is deemed to have  
occurred when any Early Alert trigger  
has been breached.

Debt Securities

Quantitative criteria
For debt securities originated before  
1 January 2018, the bank is utilising the  
low Credit risk simplified approach, where 
debt securities with an internal credit rating 
mapped to an investment grade equivalent 
are allocated to stage 1 and all other debt 
securities are allocated to stage 2. Debt 
securities originated after 1 January 2018  
are assessed based on the absolute and 
relative movements in PD from origination  
to the reporting date.

Qualitative criteria
Debt securities utilise the same qualitative 
criteria as the Corporate & Institutional 
Banking and Commercial Banking client 
segments, including being placed on Early 
Alert or being classified as CG12.

Assessment of credit-impaired  
financial assets
Retail Banking clients 
The core components in determining 
credit-impaired expected credit loss 
provisions are the value of gross charge off 
and recoveries. Gross charge off and/or  
loss provisions are recognised when it is 
established that the account is unlikely to pay 
through the normal process. Recovery of 
unsecured debt post credit impairment is 
recognised based on actual cash collected, 
either directly from clients or through the sale 
of defaulted loans to third-party institutions. 
Release of credit impairment provisions for 
secured loans is recognised if the loan 
outstanding is paid in full (release of full 
provision), or the provision is higher than  
the loan outstanding (release of the  
excess provision). 

Corporate & Institutional Banking, 
Commercial Banking and Private  
Banking clients
Credit-impaired accounts are managed  
by the Group’s specialist recovery unit, 
GSAM, which is independent from its main 
businesses. Where any amount is considered 
irrecoverable, a stage 3 credit impairment 
provision is raised. This stage 3 provision is 
the difference between the loan-carrying 
amount and the probability-weighted  
present value of estimated future cash flows, 
reflecting a range of scenarios (typically  
the best, worst and most likely recovery 
outcomes). Where the cash flows include 
realisable collateral, the values used will 
incorporate the impact of forward-looking 
economic information.

188

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profilePMAs may be applied to account for 
identified weaknesses in model estimates. 
The processes for identifying the need for, 
calculating the level of, and approving PMAs 
are prescribed in the Credit Risk IFRS 9 ECL 
Model Family Standards which are approved 
by CMAC. PMA calculation methodologies 
are reviewed by GMV and submitted to 
CMAC as the model approver. As part of the 
governance framework Model Risk Oversight 
review that PMAs adhere to the requirements 
given in the standards. All PMAs have a 
remediation plan to fix the identified model 
weakness, and these plans are reported to 
and tracked at CMAC. 

In addition, Risk Event Overlays account for 
events that are sudden and therefore not 
captured in the Base Case Forecast or the 
resulting ECL calculated by the models.  
All Risk Event Overlays must be approved by 
the IFRS 9 Impairment Committee (IIC) having 
considered the nature of the event, why the 
risk is not captured in the model, and the 
basis on which the quantum of the overlay 
has been calculated. Risk Event Overlays are 
subject to quarterly review and re-approval  
by the IIC. 

The individual circumstances of each client 
are considered when GSAM estimates future 
cash flows and timing of future recoveries 
which involve significant judgement.  
All available sources, such as cash flow 
arising from operations, selling assets or 
subsidiaries, realising collateral or payments 
under guarantees are considered. In any 
decision relating to the raising of provisions, 
the Group attempts to balance economic 
conditions, local knowledge and experience, 
and the results of independent asset reviews. 

Write-offs
Where it is considered that there is no  
realistic prospect of recovering a portion of  
an exposure against which an impairment 
provision has been raised, that amount will  
be written off.

Governance and application of expert 
credit judgement in respect of expected 
credit losses
The Group’s Credit Policy and Standards 
framework details the requirements for 
continuous monitoring to identify any 
changes in credit quality and resultant ratings, 
as well as ensuring a consistent approach  
to monitoring, managing and mitigating  
credit risks. The framework aligns with the 
governance of ECL estimation through the 
early recognition of significant deteriorations 
in ratings which drive stage 2 and 3 ECL.

The models used in determining expected 
credit losses are reviewed and approved  
by the Group Credit Model Assessment 
Committee (CMAC) which is appointed by 
the Model Risk Committee. CMAC has the 
responsibility to assess and approve the  
use of models and to review all IFRS 9 
interpretations related to models. CMAC also 
provides oversight on operational matters 
related to model development, performance 
monitoring and model validation activities 
including standards, regulatory and Group 
Internal Audit matters. 

Prior to submission to CMAC for approval, 
the models have been validated by Group 
Model Validation (GMV), a function which is 
independent of the business and the model 
developers. GMV’s analysis comprises review 
of model documentation, model design and 
methodology; data validation; review of 
model development and calibration process; 
out-of-sample performance testing; and 
assessment of compliance review against 
IFRS 9 rules and internal standards. 

A quarterly model monitoring process is  
in place that uses recent data to compare  
the differences between model predictions 
and actual outcomes against approved 
thresholds. Where a model’s performance 
breaches the monitoring thresholds then  
an assessment is completed of whether a 
Post Model Adjustment (PMA) is required 
to correct for the identified model issues. 

Key inputs into the calculation and resulting 
expected credit loss provisions are subject  
to review and approval by the IFRS 9 
Impairment Committee which is appointed  
by the Group Risk Committee. The IFRS 9 
Impairment Committee consists of senior 
representatives from Risk, Finance, and 
Group Economic Research. It meets at  
least twice every quarter, once before the 
models are run to approve key inputs into  
the calculation, and once after the models  
are run to approve the expected credit loss 
provisions and any judgemental overrides 
that may be necessary. 

The IFRS 9 Impairment Committee:

¼¼ Oversees the appropriateness of all 

Business Model Assessment and Solely 
Payments of Principal and Interest tests

¼¼ Reviews and approves expected credit 
loss for financial assets classified as  
stages 1, 2 and 3 for each financial 
reporting period

¼¼ Reviews and approves stage allocation 

rules and thresholds

¼¼ Approves material adjustments in  

relation to expected credit loss for fair  
value through other comprehensive 
income (FVOCI) and amortised cost 
financial assets

¼¼ Reviews, challenges and approves  

base macroeconomic forecasts and  
(the multiple macroeconomic scenarios 
approach) that are utilised in the forward-
looking expected credit loss calculations 

The IFRS 9 Impairment Committee is 
supported by an Expert Panel which reviews 
and challenges the full extended version  
of base case projections and multiple 
macroeconomic scenarios. The Expert Panel 
consists of members of Enterprise Risk 
Management (which includes the Scenario 
Design team), Finance, Group Economic 
Research and country representatives of 
major jurisdictions.

189

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportCountry Risk (unaudited)

During 2019, the Group has expanded its 
definition of Country Risk beyond a historical 
focus on Country Cross-Border Risk.  
The Group now monitors Gross Country  
Risk (GCR), which is an aggregate of two 
distinct risk types: 

¼¼ Transfer and Convertibility Risk (TCR), 
which is the potential for losses on 
cross-border or foreign currency 
obligations arising from the possibility  
that a government is unable or unwilling  
to make foreign currency available for 
remittance out of the country

¼¼ Local Currency Risk (LCR), which is the 
potential for losses on local currency 
obligations arising from operating in  
a volatile domestic economic and  
political environment

The profile of the Group’s largest Gross 
Country Risk exposures as at 31 December 
2019 is consistent with its strategic focus  
on core franchise countries. Changes in  
the pace of economic activity and portfolio 
management activity had an impact on  
the growth of Country Risk exposure for 
certain markets. 

There has been a significant increase in 
exposure to the US, driven by increased 
purchases of medium-term domestic 
government securities and higher lending, 
especially to domestic financial institutions. 

Exposure to Hong Kong increased during  
the year due to an increase in retail assets  
as well as increased cross-border lending  
to corporates. This was balanced by a 
reduction in short-term domestic  
government securities.

The overall exposure to South Korea has 
increased due to growth in the retail portfolio 
and higher nostros balances. This was 
partially offset by a reduction in domestic 
government securities and trade contingents. 

Exposure to China decreased slightly due  
to lower nostros balances along with a 
reduction in derivative exposure. This was 
partially offset by increased lending and trade 
finance activity. 

The slight increase in exposure to Singapore 
is due to increased purchases of short-term 
domestic government securities. This was 
partially offset by reduced corporate 
cross-border exposure. 

Domestic and cross-border exposure to  
the UK grew due to an increase in lending, 
particularly to corporates, along with an 
increase in the Private Banking portfolio. 

Exposure to India decreased slightly, due to  
a reduction in cross-border trade finance 
volumes as well as lower nostros balances. 
Domestic exposure to non-financial 
corporates notably increased during the year. 

Exposure to the UAE decreased due to a 
decline in cross-border lending, particularly  
to non-financial corporates, along with a 
reduction in the retail portfolio. 

The increase in exposure to Japan has been 
driven by higher purchases of government 
securities, particularly in off-shore locations, 
resulting in significant growth of overall 
cross-border exposure. 

Overall exposure to Taiwan reduced during 
the year due to lower nostros balances and a 
reduction in domestic government securities, 
which exceeded incremental growth in 
lending and the retail portfolio. 

The table below, which is based on the 
Group’s internal Country Risk reporting 
requirements, shows the 10 largest country/
market exposures across the Group. 

United States

Hong Kong

South Korea

China

Singapore

United Kingdom

India

United Arab Emirates

Japan

Taiwan

2019

20181

TCR 
$million

25,966

21,361

17,809

36,469

18,304

27,563

14,008

16,461

9,341

2,733

LCR 
$million

58,930

63,214

49,351

20,977

34,046

16,782

20,305

6,145

10,393

14,827

GCR 
$million

84,896

84,575

67,160

57,446

52,350

44,345

34,313

22,606

19,734

17,560

TCR 
$million

23,757

20,194

16,663

37,555

18,573

25,539

15,392

17,591

4,546

2,876

LCR 
$million

46,254

61,897

47,430

20,717

32,606

14,992

19,347

6,106

12,312

15,292

GCR 
$million

70,011

82,091

64,093

58,272

51,179

40,531

34,739

23,697

16,858

18,168

1  The 2018 figures have been restated to encompass the change in methodology from reporting Country Cross-Border Risk to Gross Country Risk

Traded Risk

Traded Risk is the potential for loss resulting 
from activities undertaken by the Group in 
financial markets. Under the Enterprise  
Risk Management Framework, the Traded 
Risk Framework brings together all risk  
types exhibiting risk features common to 
Traded Risk.

These risk types include Market Risk, 
Counterparty Credit Risk, Issuer Risk, XVA, 
Algorithmic Trading and Pension Risk.  
Traded Risk Management (TRM) is the  
core risk management function supporting 
market-facing businesses, specifically 
Financial Markets and Treasury Markets.

Market Risk
Market Risk is the potential for loss of 
economic value due to adverse changes in 
financial market rates or prices. The Group’s 
exposure to Market Risk arises predominantly 
from the following sources:

¼¼ Trading book: 

¼– The Group provides clients access to 
financial markets, facilitation of which 
entails the Group taking moderate 
Market Risk positions. All trading teams 
support client activity; there are no 
proprietary trading teams. Hence, 
income earned from Market Risk-related 
activities is primarily driven by the volume 
of client activity rather than risk-taking.

¼¼ Non-trading book:

¼– The Treasury Markets desk is required  
to hold a liquid assets buffer, much of 
which is held in high-quality marketable 
debt securities

¼– The Group has capital invested and 

related income streams denominated  
in currencies other than US dollars.  
To the extent that these are not hedged, 
the Group is subject to Structural 
Foreign Exchange Risk which is 
reflected in reserves 

A summary of our current policies  
and practices regarding Market Risk 
management is provided in the  
Principal Risks section (page 212).

190

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileThe primary categories of Market Risk for the Group are:

¼¼ Interest Rate Risk: arising from changes in yield curves, credit spreads and implied volatilities on interest rate options

¼¼ Foreign Exchange Rate Risk: arising from changes in currency exchange rates and implied volatilities on foreign exchange options 

¼¼ Commodity Risk: arising from changes in commodity prices and implied volatilities on commodity options; covering energy, precious metals, 

base metals and agriculture as well as commodity baskets

¼¼ Equity Risk: arising from changes in the prices of equities, equity indices, equity baskets and implied volatilities on related options

Market Risk changes
The average level of total trading and non-trading VaR in 2019 was $30.2 million, 47 per cent higher than in 2018 ($20.6 million). The actual  
level of total trading and non-trading VaR in 2019 was $34.4 million, 35 per cent higher than in 2018 ($25.5 million). The increase in total  
average VaR was driven by the non-trading book, which has seen an increase in the bond inventory size in high-quality assets from Treasury 
Markets business.

For the trading book, the average level of VaR in 2019 was $11 million, 12 per cent higher than in 2018 ($9.8 million). Trading activities have 
remained relatively unchanged and client-driven.

Daily value at risk (VaR at 97.5%, one day)

Trading and non-trading

Interest Rate Risk3

Foreign Exchange Risk

Commodity Risk

Equity Risk

Total4

Trading5

Interest Rate Risk3

Foreign Exchange Risk

Commodity Risk

Equity Risk

Total4

Non-trading

Interest Rate Risk3

Equity Risk6

Total4

Average 
$million

28.9 

4.3

1.3

3.5

30.2

2019

High1
$million

Low1
$million

Actual2
$million

Average 
$million

24.1

2.3

0.8

2.5

24.1

35.2

8.5

2.2

4.6

37.1

2019

34.2

5.1

1.4

2.5

34.4

19.2

4.4

1.3

4.8

20.6

2018

High1
$million

25.9

8.6

2.1

6.8

26.1

2018

Low1
$million

16.6

2.5

0.8

2.6

16.4

Actual2
$million

25.9

7.7

1.2

2.7

25.5

Average 
$million

High1
$million

Low1
$million

Actual2
$million

Average 
$million

High1
$million

Low1
$million

Actual2
$million

8.0

4.3

1.3

–

11.0

11.8

8.5

2.2

0.1

14.0

2019

6.3

2.3

0.8

–

8.8

7.0

5.1

1.4

–

10.0

8.0

4.4

1.3

0.1

9.8

6.0

2.5

0.8

–

7.5

7.9

7.7

1.2

–

13.6

11.7

8.6

2.1

0.1

13.8

2018

Average 
$million

High1
$million

Low1
$million

Actual2
$million

Average 
$million

High1
$million

Low1
$million

Actual2
$million

26.2

3.5

26.7

33.3

4.6

33.4

21.2

2.5

20.6

33.3

2.5

32.0

16.8

4.7

17.2

20.7

6.8

21.3

14.1

2.6

15.3

20.7

2.7

21.3

1  Highest and lowest VaR for each risk factor are independent and usually occur on different days

2  Actual one-day VaR at year-end date

3  Interest Rate Risk VaR includes Credit Spread Risk arising from securities accounted for as fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) or fair value through other comprehensive  

income (FVOCI)

4  The total VaR shown in the tables above is not equal to the sum of the component risks due to offsets between them

5  Trading book for Market Risk is defined in accordance with the EU Capital Requirements Regulation (CRD IV/CRR) Part 3 Title I Chapter 3, which restricts the positions permitted in the 

trading book

6  Non-trading Equity Risk VaR includes only listed equities

191

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportThe following table sets out how trading and non-trading VaR is distributed across the Group’s products:

Trading and non-trading 

Trading4

Rates

Global Foreign Exchange

Credit Trading & Capital Markets

Commodities

Equities

XVA

Total3

Non-trading

Treasury Markets

Listed private equity

Total3

2019

Average 
$million

30.2

High1
$million

37.1

Low1
$million

24.1

Actual2
$million

34.4

Average 
$million

20.6

2018

High1
$million

26.1

Low1
$million

16.4

Actual2
$million

25.5

5.4

4.3

4.2

1.3

–

4.0

11.0

26.2

3.5

26.7

7.6

8.5

7.9

2.2

0.1

6.8

14.0

33.3

4.6

33.4

4.0

2.3

1.9

0.8

–

1.8

8.8

21.2

2.5

20.6

5.1

5.1

4.6

1.4

–

2.8

10.0

33.3

2.5

32.0

5.0

4.4

3.8

1.3

0.1

3.1

9.8

16.8

4.7

17.2

7.1

8.6

6.1

2.1

0.1

4.1

13.8

20.7

6.8

21.3

3.8

2.5

1.8

0.8

–

2.3

7.5

14.1

2.6

15.3

5.8

7.7

2.9

1.2

–

3.5

13.6

20.7

2.7

21.3

1  Highest and lowest VaR for each risk factor are independent and usually occur on different days

2  Actual one-day VaR at year-end date

3  The total VaR shown in the tables above is not a sum of the component risks due to offsets between them

4  Trading book for Market Risk is defined in accordance with the EU Capital Requirements Regulation (CRD IV/CRR) Part 3 Title I Chapter 3, which restricts the positions permitted in the 

trading book

Risks not in VaR (unaudited)
In 2019, the main Market Risk not reflected in VaR was Currency Risk where the exchange rate is currently pegged or managed. The historical 
one-year VaR observation period does not reflect the future possibility of a change in the currency regime such as sudden depegging. The other 
material Market Risk not reflected in VaR was associated with basis risks where historical market price data for VaR is sometimes more limited 
and therefore proxied, generating a potential basis risk. Additional capital is set aside to cover such ‘risks not in VaR’. For further details on 
Market Risk capital see the Standard Chartered PLC Pillar 3 Disclosures for 31 December 2019 section on Market Risk.

Backtesting (unaudited)
In 2019, there were five regulatory backtesting negative exceptions at Group level (in 2018, there were two regulatory backtesting negative 
exceptions at Group level). These exceptions occurred on:

¼¼ 1 April: when markets rallied following the release of strong Chinese manufacturing data

¼¼ 30 May: driven by a reduction in US dollar yields and implied volatility which reversed an increase of the previous day

¼¼ 10 June: when US Treasury yields rallied following reports that proposed tariffs on goods from Mexico to the US would not be implemented

¼¼ 8 August: stronger than expected Chinese renminbi fixing eased concerns over US-China trade tensions and new Chinese economic data 

signalled some recovery for China’s export-heavy economy. US dollar and US Treasury yields rose

¼¼ 19 August: US and Mexico reached agreement on illegal migration. President Trump announced suspension of proposed tariffs on Mexican 

goods. US dollar yields rose

In total, there have been five Group exceptions in the previous 250 business days which is within the ‘amber zone’ applied internationally to 
internal models by bank supervisors (Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, Supervisory framework for the use of backtesting in conjunction 
with the internal models approach to market risk capital requirements, January 1996).

192

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileThe graph below illustrates the performance of the VaR model used in capital calculations. It compares the 99 percentile loss confidence level 
given by the VaR model with the hypothetical profit and loss of each day given the actual market movement without taking into account any 
intra-day trading activity.

2019 Backtesting chart
Internal model approach regulatory trading book at Group level
Hypothetical profit and loss (P&L) versus VaR (99 per cent, one day)

50

40

30

20

10

0

-10

-20

-30

-40

-50

Hypothetical P&L

Positive VaR at 99%

Negative VaR at 99%

Positive exceptions

Negative exceptions

Jan 2019

Feb 2019

Mar 2019

Apr 2019

May 2019

Jun 2019

Jul 2019

Aug 2019

Sep 2019

Oct 2019

Nov 2019

Dec 2019

Financial Markets loss days 

Number of loss days reported for Financial Markets trading book total product income1 

1  Reflects total product income for Financial Markets:

¼¼ Including credit valuation adjustment (CVA) and funding valuation adjustment (FVA) risk

2019

1

2018

8

¼¼ Excluding Treasury Markets business (non-trading) and periodic valuation changes for Capital Markets, expected loss provisions and overnight indexed swap (OIS) discounting

Average daily income earned from Market Risk-related activities1

Trading

Interest Rate Risk

Foreign Exchange Risk

Commodity Risk

Equity Risk

Total

Non-trading

Interest Rate Risk

Equity Risk

Total

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

3.6

4.5

0.6

– 

8.7

1.7

0.3

2.0

3.1

3.9

0.8

– 

7.8

2.4

0.4

2.8

1  Reflects total product income which is the sum of client income and own account income. Includes elements of trading income, interest income and other income which are 

generated from Market Risk-related activities. XVA income is included under Interest Rate Risk

193

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportMapping of Market Risk items to the 
balance sheet (unaudited) 
Market Risk contributes 7.9 per cent of the 
Group’s regulatory capital risk-weighted asset 
(RWA) requirement (refer to risk-weighted 

assets tables (page 239). As highlighted in the 
VaR disclosure, during 2019 the majority of 
Market Risk was managed within Treasury 
Markets and Financial Markets, which span 
both the trading book and non-trading book. 

The non-trading equity Market Risk is 
generated by listed private equity holdings 
within Principal Finance. Treasury manages 
the market risk associated with debt and 
equity capital issuance.

Amounts as 
per financial 
statements 
$million

Exposure  
to Trading 
Risk 
$million

Exposure to 
Non-Trading 
Risk 

$million Market Risk type

Financial assets

Derivative financial instruments

Loans and advances to banks

Loans and advances to customers

Debt securities and other eligible bills

Equities

Other assets

Total

Financial liabilities

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Debt securities in issue

Derivative financial instruments

Short positions

Total

47,212

75,346

314,754

165,761

2,760

42,022

47,201

22,478

43,264

22,740

2,208

11 Interest Rate, Foreign Exchange, Commodity or Equity Risk

52,868 Interest Rate or Foreign Exchange Risk

271,490 Interest Rate or Foreign Exchange Risk

143,021 Interest Rate mainly, but also Foreign Exchange or Equity Risk

552 Equities Risk mainly, but also Interest or Foreign Exchange Risk

–

42,022 Interest Rate, Foreign Exchange, Commodity or Equity Risk

647,855

137,891

509,964

37,432

452,733

61,535

48,484

4,153

–

–

–

37,432 Interest Rate or Foreign Exchange Risk

452,733 Interest Rate or Foreign Exchange Risk

61,535 Interest Rate mainly, but also Foreign Exchange or Equity Risk

48,472

12 Interest Rate, Foreign Exchange, Commodity or Equity Risk

–

4,153 Interest Rate, Foreign Exchange, Commodity or Equity Risk

604,337

48,472

555,865

Structural foreign exchange exposures
The table below sets out the principal structural foreign exchange exposures (net of investment hedges) of the Group.

Hong Kong dollar 

Indian rupee

Renminbi 

Singapore dollar

Korean won

Taiwanese dollar

UAE dirham

Malaysian ringgit 

Thai baht

Indonesian rupiah

Pakistani rupee 

Other

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

8,432

3,930

3,344

2,531

2,393

1,418

1,994

1,557

929

1,139

441

4,558

32,666

7,792

3,819

2,900

2,852

2,148

1,238

1,852

1,513

1,304

999

458

3,999

30,874

As at 31 December 2019, the Group  
had taken net investment hedges using 
derivative financial investments of  
$1,997 million (31 December 2018:  
$2,137 million) to partly cover its  
exposure to the Korean won, $789 million  
(31 December 2018: $800 million) to partly 
cover its exposure to the Taiwanese  
dollar, $1,565 million (31 December 2018: 
$1,606 million) to partly cover its exposure to 
the renminbi and $713 million (31 December 
2018: $712 million) to partly cover its exposure 
to the Indian rupee. An analysis has been 

performed on these exposures to assess the 
impact of a 1 per cent fall in the US dollar 
exchange rates, adjusted to incorporate the 
impacts of correlations of these currencies to 
the US dollar. The impact on the positions 
above would be an increase of $358 million 
(31 December 2018: $336 million). Changes 
in the valuation of these positions are taken  
to reserves.

For analysis of the Group’s capital position 
and requirements, refer to the Capital Review 
(page 236).

Counterparty Credit Risk 
Counterparty Credit Risk is the potential for 
loss in the event of the default of a derivative 
counterparty, after taking into account the 
value of eligible collaterals and risk mitigation 
techniques. The Group’s counterparty  
credit exposures are included in the Credit 
Risk section.

194

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profile 
In 2019, the Group issued approximately  
$6.1 billion of senior debt securities and  
$1 billion of subordinated debt securities  
and $0.5 billion of Additional Tier 1 securities 
from its holding company (HoldCo) Standard 
Chartered PLC. (2018: $4.6 billion of term 
senior debt and $0.5 billion of subordinated 
debt securities). 

Debt refinancing levels are low. In the next  
12 months approximately $6.8 billion of the 
Group’s senior debt, subordinated debt and 
Additional Tier 1 securities in total are falling 
due for repayment either contractually or 
callable by the Group.

The information presented in the Liquidity 
Pool section (page 198) is on a financial view. 
This is the location in which the transaction  
or balance was booked and provides a  
more accurate view of where liquidity risk  
is actually located.

Derivative financial instruments Credit 
Risk mitigation 
The Group enters into master netting 
agreements, which in the event of default 
result in a single amount owed by or to the 
counterparty through netting the sum of  
the positive and negative mark-to-market 
values of applicable derivative transactions. 
The value of exposure under master netting 
agreements is $28,659 million (2018:  
$32,283 million).

In addition, the Group enters into credit 
support annexes (CSAs) with counterparties 
where collateral is deemed a necessary or 
desirable mitigant to the exposure. Cash 
collateral includes collateral called under a 
variation margin process from counterparties 
if total uncollateralised mark-to-market 
exposure exceeds the threshold and 
minimum transfer amount specified in the 
CSA. With certain counterparties, the CSA  
is reciprocal and requires us to post collateral 
if the overall mark-to-market values of 
positions are in the counterparty’s favour  
and exceed an agreed threshold. 

Liquidity and Funding Risk

Liquidity and Funding Risk is the risk that we 
may not have sufficient stable or diverse 
sources of funding to meet our obligations  
as they fall due.

The Group’s Liquidity and Funding Risk 
framework requires each country to ensure 
that it operates within predefined liquidity 
limits and remains in compliance with Group 
liquidity policies and practices, as well as 
local regulatory requirements.

The Group achieves this through a 
combination of setting risk appetite and 
associated limits, policy formation, risk 
measurement and monitoring, prudential  
and internal stress testing, governance and 
review. In 2019 the Global Cross Border  
and Remote Booking Model Policy was 
implemented to set out the overall risk 
management approach for cross border 
booking of assets and liabilities. 

In April 2019, the Group resolved the 
previously disclosed investigations by the  
US Authorities and the Financial Conduct 
Authority related to historical sanctions 
compliance and financial crime controls.
These legacy investigation issues were the 
main regulatory uncertainties facing the 
Group. We will continue to maintain a  
strong liquidity position and would continue  
to optimise this where possible subject  
to a number of factors including market 
conditions and current and future  
regulatory requirements.

The Group has relatively low levels of sterling 
and euro funding and exposures within the 
context of the overall Group balance sheet. 
The result of the UK referendum to leave the 
EU has therefore not had a material first order 
liquidity impact to date. A new subsidiary  
has been established in Germany (Standard 
Chartered Bank AG) to grow our continental 
Europe franchise.

Primary sources of funding
The Group’s funding strategy is largely driven 
by its policy to maintain adequate liquidity at 
all times, in all geographic locations and for  
all currencies, and hence to be in a position  
to meet all obligations as they fall due.  
The Group’s funding profile is therefore  
well diversified across different sources, 
maturities and currencies.

A substantial portion of our assets are  
funded by customer deposits aligned  
with our policy to fund customer assets 
predominantly using customer deposits. 
Wholesale funding is diversified by type  
and maturity and represents a stable source 
of funds for the Group.

We maintain access to wholesale funding 
markets in all major financial centres in which 
we operate. This seeks to ensure that we 
have market intelligence, maintain stable 
funding lines and can obtain optimal pricing 
when performing our interest rate risk 
management activities.

195

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportThe chart below shows the composition of liabilities in which customer deposits make up 62.8 per cent of total liabilities and equity as at  
31 December 2019, the majority of which are current accounts, savings accounts and time deposits. Our largest customer deposit base  
by geography is Greater China & North Asia (in particular Hong Kong), which holds 45 per cent of Group customer accounts.

Group’s composition of liabilities 31 December 2019

D e p o sits b y b a n ks

D erivative fin a n cial 
in stru m e nts
S e nior d e bt

O th er d e bt s e c uritie s 

in iss u e

C u sto m er a c c o u nts

S u b ordin ate d lia bilitie s 
a n d oth er b orro w e d fu n d s

E q uity

O th er lia bilitie s

5.2

6.7

4.4

4.2

62.8

7.4 2.3

7.0

100%

Geographic distribution of customer accounts 31 December 2019

45.0

21.1

6.5

27.4

100%

G re ater C hin a a n d
 N orth A sia

N &

S o uth A sia
A S E A

Afric a &
M id dle E a st

m eric a s

E uro p e & A

Liquidity and Funding risk metrics
We monitor key liquidity metrics regularly, 
both on a country basis and in aggregate 
across the Group.

The following liquidity and funding Board  
Risk Appetite metrics define the maximum 
amount and type of risk that the Group is 
willing to assume in pursuit of its strategy: 
liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), liquidity stress 
survival horizons, external wholesale 
borrowing, and advances-to-deposits ratio.

Liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) (unaudited)
The LCR is a regulatory requirement set  
to ensure that the Group has sufficient 
unencumbered high-quality liquid assets to 
meet its liquidity needs in a 30-calendar-day 
liquidity stress scenario.

The Group monitors and reports its liquidity 
position under European Commission 
Delegated Regulation 2015/61 and has 
maintained its liquidity position above the 
prudential requirement.

Liquidity buffer

Total net cash outflows

Liquidity coverage ratio

At the reporting date, the Group LCR was 
144 per cent (2018: 154 per cent) with a 
prudent surplus to both Board-approved Risk 
Appetite and regulatory requirements. Both 
the liquidity buffer and cash outflows grew 
during the year in line with the overall balance 
sheet growth. However, higher net outflows, 
mainly due to reduced inflows, exceeded the 
growth in high-quality liquid assets (HQLA) 
resulting in an overall decrease in the ratio as 
we looked to optimise our liquidity position. 

We also held adequate liquidity across our 
footprint to meet all local prudential LCR 
requirements where applicable.

2019  
$million

158,415

110,269

144%

2018  
$million

149,602

97,443

154%

196

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileStressed coverage (unaudited)
The Group intends to maintain a prudent  
and sustainable funding and liquidity position, 
in all countries and currencies, such that  
it can withstand a severe but plausible 
liquidity stress.

Our approach to managing liquidity and 
funding is reflected in the following Board-
level Risk Appetite Statement:

“The Group should hold an adequate buffer 
of high-quality liquid assets to survive extreme 
but plausible liquidity stress scenarios for at 
least 60 days without recourse to 
extraordinary central bank support.”

The Group’s internal liquidity stress  
testing framework covers the following  
stress scenarios:

¼¼ Standard Chartered-specific – This 

scenario captures the liquidity impact  
from an idiosyncratic event affecting the 
Group only i.e. the rest of the market is 
assumed to operate normally.

¼¼ Market wide – This scenario captures the 
liquidity impact from a market wide crisis 
affecting all participants in a country, region 
or globally.

¼¼ Combined – This scenario assumes  

both Standard Chartered-specific and 
Market-wide events affecting the Group 
simultaneously and hence is the most 
severe scenario.

All scenarios include, but are not limited to, 
modelled outflows for retail and wholesale 
funding, off-balance sheet funding risk, cross 
currency funding risk, intraday risk, franchise 
risk and risks associated with a deterioration 
of a firm’s credit rating.

Stress testing results show that a positive 
surplus was maintained under all scenarios at 
31 December 2019, i.e. respective countries 
are able to survive for a period of time as 
defined under each scenario. The combined 
scenario at 31 December 2019 showed the 
Group maintained liquidity resources to 
survive greater than 60 days, as per our 
Board Risk Appetite. The results take into 
account currency convertibility and  
portability constraints across all major 
presence countries.

Standard Chartered Bank’s credit ratings as 
at 31 December 2019 were A+ with stable 
outlook (Fitch), A with stable outlook (S&P) 
and A1 with stable outlook (Moody’s).  
A downgrade in the Group’s long-term credit 
ratings would increase derivative collateral 
requirements and outflows due to rating-
linked liabilities. At 31 December 2019, the 
estimated contractual outflow of a two-notch 
long-term ratings downgrade is $1.3 billion.

External wholesale borrowing 
The Board sets a risk limit to prevent 
excessive reliance on wholesale borrowing. 
Limits are applied to all branches and 
operating subsidiaries in the Group and as  
at the reporting date the Group remained 
within Board Risk Appetite.

Advances-to-deposits ratio
This is defined as the ratio of total loans  
and advances to customers relative to total 
customer accounts. An advances-to-
deposits ratio of below 100 per cent 
demonstrates that customer deposits exceed 
customer loans as a result of the emphasis 
placed on generating a high level of funding 
from customers.

The advances-to-deposits ratio remained broadly unchanged from last year at 64.2 per cent (2018: 63.1 per cent).

Total loans and advances to customers1,2

Total customer accounts3

Advances-to-deposits ratio

2019  
$million

264,841

412,303

64.2%

2018  
$million

250,922

397,764

63.1%

1   Excludes reverse repurchase agreement and other similar secured lending of $1,469 million and includes loans and advances to customers held at fair value through profit and loss of 

$6,896 million

2   Loans and advances to customers for the purpose of the advances-to-deposits ratio excludes $9,109 million of approved balances held with central banks, confirmed as repayable at 
the point of stress. The loans and advances to customers balance at 31 December 2018 used in the advances-to-deposits ratio at 31 December 2018 has decreased by $7,412 million 
from $258,334 million to $250,922 million to exclude approved balances held with central banks. The advances-to-deposits ratio has been restated from 64.9 per cent to 63.1 per cent 
as a result

3   Includes customer accounts held at fair value through profit or loss of $6,947 million (31 December 2018: $6,751 million) 

197

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportNet stable funding ratio (NSFR) 
(unaudited)
On 23 November 2016, the European 
Commission, as part of a package of 
risk-reducing measures, proposed a binding 
requirement for stable funding (net stable 
funding ratio (NSFR)) at European Union  
level. The proposal aims to implement the 
European Banking Authority’s interpretation 
of the Basel standard on NSFR (BCBS295). 
The NSFR is due to become a binding 
regulatory requirement in June 2021 with  
a minimum of 100 per cent. Pending 
implementation of the final rules, the Group 
continues to monitor NSFR in line with the 
BCBS’ final recommendation (BCBS295).

The NSFR is a balance sheet metric which 
requires institutions to maintain a stable 
funding profile in relation to the characteristics 
of their assets and off-balance sheet activities 
over a one-year horizon. It is the ratio 
between the amount of available stable 
funding (ASF) and the amount of required 
stable funding (RSF). ASF factors are applied 
to balance sheet liabilities and capital, based 
on their perceived stability and the amount  
of stable funding they provide. Likewise,  
RSF factors are applied to assets and 
off-balance sheet exposures according to  
the amount of stable funding they require.  
At the last reporting date, the Group NSFR 
remained above 100 per cent.

Liquidity pool (unaudited)
The liquidity value of the Group’s LCR  
eligible liquidity pool at the reporting date was 
$158 billion. The figures in the below table 
account for haircuts, currency convertibility 
and portability constraints, and therefore are 
not directly comparable with the consolidated 
balance sheet. The pool is held to offset 
stress outflows as defined in European 
Commission Delegated Regulation 2015/61. 
Cash and balances at central banks at  
31 December 2019 in the table below has 
increased compared to year end as a result 
of the inclusion of approved term amounts 
confirmed as repayable at the point of stress.

Greater China & 
North East Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

2019

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

Europe & 
Americas 
$million

15,109

31,735

2,761

–

49,605

4,824

–

54,429

11,535

7,952

1,183

–

20,670

1,928

343

22,941

Greater China & 
North East Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

16,267

33,462

1,543

–

51,272

3,943

–

55,215

2,645

9,900

1,451

–

13,996

1,083

1,264

16,343

1,265

2,201

160

14

3,640

63

–

3,703

2018

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

1,416

1,540

195

–

3,151

60

–

3,211

24,326

39,136

7,448

1,104

72,014

3,217

2,111

77,342

Europe &  
Americas 
$million

28,232

30,166

8,487

1,125

68,010

5,296

1,527

74,833

Total 
$million

52,235

81,024

11,552

1,118

145,929

10,032

2,454

158,415

Total 
$million

48,560

75,068

11,676

1,125

136,429

10,382

2,791

149,602

Unencumbered – readily available  
for encumbrance 
Unencumbered assets that are considered 
by the Group to be readily available in the 
normal course of business to secure funding, 
meet collateral needs, or be sold to reduce 
potential future funding requirements and are 
not subject to any restrictions on their use for 
these purposes.

Unencumbered – other assets capable  
of being encumbered 
Unencumbered assets that, in their current 
form, are not considered by the Group to  
be readily realisable in the normal course of 
business to secure funding, meet collateral 
needs, or be sold to reduce potential future 
funding requirements and are not subject  
to any restrictions on their use for these 
purposes. Included within this category are 
loans and advances which would be suitable 
for use in secured funding structures such  
as securitisations.

Level 1 securities

Cash and balances at central banks

Central banks, governments/public sector entities

Multilateral development banks and international organisations

Other

Total Level 1 securities

Level 2A securities

Level 2B securities

Total LCR eligible assets

Level 1 securities

Cash and balances at central banks

Central banks, governments/public sector entities

Multilateral development banks and international organisations

Other

Total Level 1 securities

Level 2 A securities

Level 2 B securities

Total LCR eligible assets

Encumbrance (unaudited)

Encumbered assets
Encumbered assets represent on-balance 
sheet assets pledged or subject to any form 
of arrangement to secure, collateralise or 
credit enhance a transaction from which it 
cannot be freely withdrawn. Cash collateral 
pledged against derivatives and Hong Kong 
government certificates of indebtedness, 
which secure the equivalent amount of  
Hong Kong currency notes in circulation,  
are included within Other assets.

198

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileUnencumbered – cannot be encumbered 
Unencumbered assets that have not been pledged and cannot be used to secure funding, meet collateral needs, or be sold to reduce potential/
future funding requirements, as assessed by the Group.

Derivatives, reverse repurchase assets and stock lending
These assets are shown separately as these on-balance sheet amounts cannot be pledged. However, these assets can give rise to off-balance 
sheet collateral which can be used to raise secured funding or meet additional funding requirements.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the Group’s encumbered assets to total assets.

Assets encumbered as a result of 
transactions with counterparties  
other than central banks

Other assets (comprising assets encumbered at the central bank and 
unencumbered assets)

2019

Assets 
$million

As a result of 
securitisations 
$million

Other 
$million

Total 
$million

Assets 
positioned at 
the central 
bank (i.e. 
pre-
positioned 
plus 
encumbered) 
$million

Assets not positioned at the central bank

Other assets 
that are 
capable  
of being 
encumbered 
$million

Derivatives 
and 
reverse 
repo/stock 
lending 
$million

Readily 
available for 
encumbrance 
$million

Cannot be 
encumbered 
$million

Total 
$million

Cash and balances  
at central banks

Derivative financial 
instruments

Loans and advances  
to banks

Loans and advances  
to customers

52,728

47,212

75,346

314,754

Investment securities

168,521

Other assets

Current tax assets

Prepayments and 
accrued income

Interests in associates 
and joint ventures

Goodwill and  
intangible assets

Property, plant  
and equipment

Deferred tax assets

Assets classified as  
held for sale

Total

42,022

539

2,700

1,908

5,290

6,220

1,105

2,053

720,398

–

–

326

298

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

73

399

1,082

7,919

1,380

7,919

16,080

16,080

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

9,843

42,885

–

–

–

47,212

–

–

52,728

47,212

–

40,600

13,341

19,610

1,396

74,947

–

259,061

40,804

13,509

313,374

1,284

108,209

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

47,399

14,516

–

1,530

–

–

444

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,710 160,602

11,426

25,942

539

539

1,170

2,700

1,908

1,908

5,290

5,290

5,776

1,105

6,220

1,105

2,053

2,053

624

25,154

25,778

11,127

191,694

336,291

107,626

47,882 694,620

199

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportAssets encumbered as a result of 
transactions with counterparties  
other than central banks

Other assets (comprising assets encumbered at the central bank and  
unencumbered assets)

2018

Assets 
positioned at 
the central 
bank (i.e.  
pre- 
positioned  
plus 
encumbered) 
$million

Assets not positioned at the central bank

Other assets 
that are 
capable  
of being 
encumbered 
$million

Derivatives 
and  
reverse 
repo/stock 
lending 
$million

Readily 
available for 
encumbrance 
$million

Cannot be 
encumbered 
$million

Total 
$million

As a result of 
securitisations 
$million

Other 
$million

Total 
$million

–

–

447

497

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7

7,521

–

–

447

504

7,521

16,287

16,287

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

8,152

49,359

–

–

–

45,621

–

–

57,511

45,621

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

45,623

13,918

20,698

1,379

81,618

–

243,802

41,037

14,028

298,867

95,523

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

40,591

11,440

–

1,356

–

–

400

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5,933

142,047

7,674

492

19,114

492

1,149

2,505

2,307

2,307

5,056

5,056

6,090

1,047

6,490

1,047

1,328

1,328

Cash and balances  
at central banks

Derivative financial 
instruments

Loans and advances  
to banks

Loans and advances  
to customers

Investment securities

Other assets

Current tax assets

Prepayments and 
accrued income

Interests in associates 
and joint ventures

Goodwill and  
intangible assets

Property, plant  
and equipment

Deferred tax assets

Assets classified as  
held for sale

Total

Assets 
$million

57,511

45,621

82,065

299,371

149,568

35,401

492

2,505

2,307

5,056

6,490

1,047

1,328

688,762

944

23,815

24,759

8,152

190,505

311,507

107,356

46,483

664,003

The Group received $85,415 million (31 December 2018: $82,534 million) as collateral under reverse repurchase agreements that was eligible for 
repledging; of this the Group sold or repledged $44,530 million (31 December 2018: $40,552 million) under repurchase agreements.

200

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileLiquidity analysis of the Group’s  
balance sheet

Contractual maturity of assets  
and liabilities
The following table presents assets and 
liabilities by maturity groupings based on  
the remaining period to the contractual 
maturity date as at the balance sheet date  
on a discounted basis. Contractual maturities 
do not necessarily reflect actual repayments 
or cashflows.

Within the tables below, cash and balances 
with central banks, interbank placements  
and investment securities that are fair value 
through other comprehensive income are 
used by the Group principally for liquidity 
management purposes. 

As at the reporting date, assets remain 
predominantly short-dated, with 56 per cent 
maturing in under one year. Our less than 
three-month cumulative net funding gap 
increased from the previous year, largely due 
to an increase in customer accounts as the 
Group focused on improving the quality of  
its deposit base. In practice, these deposits 
are recognised as stable and have 
behavioural profiles that extend beyond  
their contractual maturities.

Between 
one month 
and three 
months 
$million

Between 
three 
months and 
six months 
$million

Between  
six months 
and nine 
months 
$million

Between 
nine months 
and one  
year 
$million

Between 
one year  
and two 
years 
$million

Between 
two years 
and five 
years 
$million

More than 
five years 
and undated 
$million

One month 
or less 
$million

Total 
$million

2019

Assets

Cash and balances at  
central banks 

Derivative financial instruments

Loans and advances to banks1,2

Loans and advances  
to customers1,2

Investment securities

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities 

Deposits by banks1,3

Customer accounts1,4

Derivative financial instruments

Senior debt

Other debt securities in issue1

Other liabilities

Subordinated liabilities and  
other borrowed funds

Total liabilities

Net liquidity gap

42,885

6,643

33,133

86,927

11,968

20,689

202,245

–

5,751

19,030

37,322

11,837

18,223

92,163

–

3,835

11,069

20,849

17,180

1,433

–

2,714

5,150

10,088

11,789

105

–

1,860

3,464

12,640

7,070

75

–

3,955

1,701

21,517

34,859

264

–

9,439

1,366

9,843

13,015

433

52,728

47,212

75,346

38,624

44,488

86,787

314,754

29,330

168,521

133

20,915

61,837

54,366

29,846

25,109

62,296

94,050

160,323

720,398

31,873

2,931

1,079

349,992

50,546

25,552

7,086

325

5,612

17,701

5,922

1,373

12,234

17,206

4,249

2,870

8,766

3,039

–

17

754

412,589

90,229

46,309

(210,344)

1,934

8,057

361

10,270

2,990

607

895

600

–

15,723

14,123

528

9,545

2,031

495

1,449

908

174

2,622

5,007

3,083

280

1,866

–

14,956

10,153

–

13,032

49,264

486

1,553

10,069

11,248

56

835

5,523

29,770

64,280

–

37,432

2,653

452,733

11,130

11,318

924

11,191

48,484

31,319

30,216

53,346

9,913

16,207

47,129

669,737

113,194

50,661

1   Loans and advances, investment securities, deposits by banks, customer accounts and debt securities in issue include financial instruments held at fair value through profit or loss, 

see Note 13 Financial instruments (pages 285 to 307)

2   Loans and advances include reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending of $60.4 billion

3   Deposits by banks include repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing of $7.8 billion

4   Customer accounts include repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing of $40.4 billion

201

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportBetween  
one month 
and three 
months 
$million

Between  
three  
months and  
six months 
$million

Between  
six months 
and nine 
months 
$million

Between  
nine months 
and one  
year 
$million

Between  
one year  
and two  
years 
$million

Between  
two years  
and five  
years 
$million

More than  
five years  
and undated 
$million

One month  
or less 
$million

Total 
$million

2018

Assets

Cash and balances at  
central banks 

Derivative financial instruments

Loans and advances to banks1,2

Loans and advances  
to customers1,2

Investment securities

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities 

Deposits by banks1,3

Customer accounts1,4

Derivative financial instruments

Senior debt

Other debt securities in issue1

Other liabilities

Subordinated liabilities and  
other borrowed funds

Total liabilities

Net liquidity gap

49,359

6,902

38,331

84,846

15,297

21,155

215,890

30,368

331,633

7,467

1,259

4,893

22,835

23

398,478

(182,588)

–

5,861

20,549

33,756

13,589

8,909

82,664

2,593

51,553

6,072

959

9,792

8,698

17

79,684

2,980

–

5,827

11,209

18,133

14,131

2,385

51,685

–

3,509

5,214

11,641

14,300

224

–

2,333

2,835

10,321

17,402

135

–

4,458

2,584

17,519

25,695

96

–

8,079

1,064

39,306

31,303

155

8,152

8,652

279

57,511

45,621

82,065

83,849

299,371

17,851

21,567

149,568

54,626

34,888

33,026

50,352

79,907

140,350

688,762

572

553

23,643

10,966

6,136

509

8,062

4,130

–

43,052

8,633

3,544

5,087

177

852

–

21,179

13,709

397

11,634

2,140

667

715

536

–

16,089

16,937

244

3,631

5,257

2,878

1,030

868

2,522

16,430

33,922

230

1,154

8,886

6,327

16

401

4,421

21,435

58,472

60

2,967

7,707

10,093

1,395

11,823

8,018

42,063

98,287

35,017

437,181

47,209

27,779

26,080

50,143

15,001

638,410

50,352

1  Loans and advances, investment securities, deposits by banks, customer accounts and debt securities in issue include financial instruments held at fair value through profit or loss, 

see Note 13 Financial instruments (pages 285 to 307)

2  Loans and advances include reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending of $61.7 billion

3  Deposits by banks include repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing of $5.0 billion

4  Customer accounts include repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing of $39.4 billion

Behavioural maturity of financial assets 
and liabilities
The cashflows presented in the previous 
section reflect the cashflows that will be 
contractually payable over the residual 
maturity of the instruments. However, 
contractual maturities do not necessarily 
reflect the timing of actual repayments or 
cashflow. In practice, certain assets and 
liabilities behave differently from their 
contractual terms, especially for short-term 

customer accounts, credit card balances  
and overdrafts, which extend to a longer 
period than their contractual maturity.  
On the other hand, mortgage balances  
tend to have a shorter repayment period  
than their contractual maturity date.  
Expected customer behaviour is assessed 
and managed on a country basis using 
qualitative and quantitative techniques, 
including analysis of observed customer 
behaviour over time.

202

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileMaturity of financial liabilities on an undiscounted basis
The following table analyses the contractual cashflows payable for the Group’s financial liabilities by remaining contractual maturities on an 
undiscounted basis. The financial liability balances in the table below will not agree to the balances reported in the consolidated balance sheet 
as the table incorporates all contractual cashflows, on an undiscounted basis, relating to both principal and interest payments. Derivatives not 
treated as hedging derivatives are included in the ‘On demand’ time bucket and not by contractual maturity.

Within the ‘More than five years and undated’ maturity band are undated financial liabilities, the majority of which relate to subordinated debt,  
on which interest payments are not included as this information would not be meaningful, given the instruments are undated. Interest payments 
on these instruments are included within the relevant maturities up to five years. 

Between  
one month 
and three 
months 
$million

Between 
three 
months and 
six months 
$million

Between  
six months 
and nine 
months 
$million

Between 
nine months 
and one  
year 
$million

Between 
one year  
and two 
years 
$million

Between 
two years 
and five 
years 
$million

More than 
five years 
and undated 
$million

One month  
or less 
$million

2019

Deposits by banks 

Customer accounts 

33,034

2,977

1,112

381

350,679

50,908

26,552

10,415

Derivative financial instruments1

Debt securities in issue 

Subordinated liabilities and  
other borrowed funds 

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

47,000

5,951

5

18

13,615

11,886

–

15,341

452,005

–

16,870

84,375

1,009

3,046

170

1,559

26

601

588

9,839

314

2,210

395

865

189

2,694

355

3,882

641

1,876

9,637

43,623

13,152

14,211

2018

3,127

455,839

502

1,625

512

–

110

12,431

13,557

7,140

885

15,124

12,376

Total 
$million

38,783

48,484

65,091

24,335

51,860

23,095

44,294

684,392

Between  
one month 
and three 
months 
$million

Between  
three  
months and  
six months 
$million

Between  
six months 
and nine 
months 
$million

Between  
nine months 
and one  
year 
$million

Between  
one year  
and two  
years 
$million

Between  
two years  
and five  
years 
$million

More than  
five years  
and undated 
$million

Total 
$million

Deposits by banks 

Customer accounts 

Derivative financial instruments1

One month  
or less 
$million

30,467

332,115

45,665

2,609

51,845

137

Debt securities in issue 

6,169

11,345

Subordinated liabilities and  
other borrowed funds 

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

1  Derivatives are on a discounted basis

23

19,746

434,185

–

8,757

74,693

593

569

409

24,686

11,094

11,780

141

8,786

255

4,129

9

5,310

–

892

91

1,628

414

520

267

3,700

31

3,685

3,169

885

250

1,226

679

7,104

6,154

407

38,590

17,874

14,842

11,737

15,820

62

35,226

3,552

439,998

456

13,000

13,865

12,302

43,237

47,209

57,027

23,880

47,638

650,978

203

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportInterest Rate Risk in the Banking Book 
(unaudited) 
The following table provides the estimated 
impact on the Group’s earnings of a 50 basis 
point parallel shock (up and down) across  
all yield curves. The sensitivities shown 
represent the estimated change in base case 
projected net interest income (NII), plus the 
change in interest rate implied income and 
expense from FX swaps used to manage 
Banking Book currency positions, under the 
two interest rate shock scenarios.

The interest rate sensitivities are indicative 
and based on simplified scenarios, estimating 
the aggregate impact of an instantaneous  
50 basis point parallel shock across all yield 
curves over a one-year horizon, including the 
time taken to implement changes to pricing 
before becoming effective. The assessment 
assumes that non-interest rate sensitive 
aspects of the size and mix of the balance 
sheet remain constant and that there are no 
specific management actions in response  
to the change in rates. No assumptions are 
made in relation to the impact on credit 
spreads in a changing rate environment.

Significant modelling and behavioural 
assumptions are made regarding scenario 
simplification, market competition, pass-
through rates, asset and liability repricing 
tenors, and price flooring. In particular, the 
assumption that interest rates of all currencies 
and maturities shift by the same amount 
concurrently, and that no actions are taken  
to mitigate the impacts arising from this are 
considered unlikely. Reported sensitivities  
will vary over time due to a number of  
factors including changes in balance sheet 
composition, market conditions, customer 
behaviour and risk management strategy  
and should therefore not be considered an 
income or profit forecast.

Estimated one-year impact to earnings from a parallel shift in yield curves  
at the beginning of the period of:

+ 50 basis points

- 50 basis points 

Estimated one-year impact to earnings from a parallel shift in yield curves  
at the beginning of the period of:

2019

HKD, SGD &  
KRW bloc 
$million

Other  
currency bloc 
$million

60

(40)

2018

90

(90)

HKD, SGD &  
KRW bloc 
$million

Other  
currency bloc 
$million

110

(70)

90

(90)

USD bloc 
$million

(10)

10

USD bloc 
$million

10

(20)

Total 
$million

140

(120)

Total 
$million

210

(180)

The US dollar sensitivity is dampened further 
by the impact of funding trading book assets 
with Banking Book liabilities. The reported 
sensitivities include the cost of Banking Book 
liabilities used to fund the Trading Book, 
however the revenue associated with the 
Trading Book positions is recognised in 
Trading Book income and is excluded from 
the reported sensitivities. If this were to be 
included, it would make the US dollar 
earnings sensitivity positively correlated  
with changes in US dollar interest rates. 
Further information on the impact of changes 
in interest rates on Trading Book is set out in 
the Market Risk section (pages 190 to 195).

+ 50 basis points

- 50 basis points 

As at 31 December 2019, the Group 
estimates the one-year impact of an 
instantaneous, parallel increase across all 
yield curves of 50 basis points to be an 
earnings benefit of $140 million. The 
corresponding impact from a parallel 
decrease of 50 basis points would result  
in an earnings reduction of $120 million.

The benefit from rising interest rates is 
primarily from reinvesting at higher yields  
and from assets repricing faster and to a 
greater extent than deposits. The asymmetry 
between the up and down shock is primarily 
driven by differing behavioural assumptions, 
which are scenario specific. Overall NII 
sensitivity under both the up and down shock 
has reduced versus 31 December 2018, 
driven by Treasury Markets risk management 
activity to mitigate the risk to income in falling 
rate environment. 

204

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk profileOperational Risk (unaudited) 

Operational Risks arise from the processes 
executed within the Group. Risks associated 
with these processes are mapped into  
a Group Process Universe where the  
Control Assessment Standards are applied. 
The Standards are benchmarked against 
regulatory requirements. 

Operational Risk profile
The Operational Risk profile is the Group’s 
overall exposure to non-financial risk, at a 
given point in time, covering all Principal  
Risk Types. The Operational Risk profile 
comprises both Operational Risk events 
(including losses) and the current exposures 
to non-financial risks.

Operational Risk events and losses
Operational losses are one indicator of  
the effectiveness and robustness of the 
non-financial risk control environment.  
As at 31 December 2019, recorded 
operational losses for 2019 excluding 
monetary penalties to the US authorities  
and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)  
for legacy conduct and control issues are 
lower than 2018. Operational losses in 2019 
comprise unrelated non-systemic events 
which were not individually significant.

Losses in 2018 include incremental events 
that were recognised in 2019. As at  
31 December 2019, the largest loss recorded 
for 2018 relates to a regulatory settlement on 
historic conduct and control issues related to 
the Group’s Foreign Exchange trading and 
sales business of $40.0 million in the Trading 
and Sales Basel business line.

The Group’s profile of operational loss  
events in 2019 and 2018 is summarised in  
the table below. It shows the percentage 
distribution of gross operational losses by 
Basel business line.

Distribution of operational losses by Basel business line 

Agency services

Asset management

Commercial Banking

Corporate Finance

Corporate items

Payment and settlements 

Retail Banking 

Retail brokerage

Trading and sales

% Loss

20191

0.3%

–

14.0%

–

16.2%

4.7%

53.0%

0.2%

11.6%

1  Excludes monetary penalties to the US authorities and the FCA

2   Losses in 2018 have been restated to include incremental events recognised in 2019

The Group’s profile of operational loss events in 2019 and 2018 is also summarised by Basel event type in the table below. It shows the 
percentage distribution of gross operational losses by Basel event type.

Distribution of operational losses by Basel event type 

Business disruption and system failures

Clients products and business practices

Damage to physical assets

Employment practices and workplace safety

Execution delivery and process management

External fraud

Internal fraud

1  Excludes monetary penalties to the US authorities and the FCA

2  Losses in 2018 have been restated to include incremental events recognised in 2019

% Loss

20191

1.8%

3.6%

–

–

58.2%

35.5%

0.9%

Other principal risks (unaudited)
Losses arising from operational failures for other principal risks (for example: Compliance, Conduct, Reputational, Information and  
Cyber Security and Financial Crime Risk) are reported as operational losses. Operational losses do not include Operational Risk-related  
credit impairments.

20182

0.8%

–

8.9%

–

3.2%

9.0%

31.9%

–

46.2%

20182

3.8%

37.8%

0.1%

0.1%

37.6%

18.3%

2.3%

205

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportEnterprise Risk Management Framework

Effective risk management is essential in delivering consistent and sustainable performance for all of 
our stakeholders and is therefore a central part of the financial and operational management of the 
Group. The Group adds value to clients and the communities in which they operate by taking and 
managing appropriate levels of risk, which in turn generates returns for shareholders.

The Enterprise Risk Management  
Framework (ERMF) enables the Group to 
manage enterprise-wide risks, with the 
objective of maximising risk-adjusted returns 
while remaining within our Risk Appetite.  
The ERMF has been designed with the 
explicit goal of improving the Group’s risk 
management, and since its launch in  
January 2018, it has been embedded  
across the Group and rolled out to its 
branches and subsidiaries.

In 2019, we completed a comprehensive 
review of the ERMF and the following 
changes were approved by the Board: 

 ¼ Model Risk was elevated to a Principal  

Risk Type (effective in 2020) with 
enhancements to the Group’s approach  
to Model Risk management 

 ¼ Climate Risk was introduced as a material 
cross-cutting risk that, while not a Principal 
Risk Type in itself, manifests through other 
relevant Principal Risk Types

 ¼ A process of self-assessments performed 
by the branches and subsidiaries to assess 
the overall adoption and effectiveness of 
the ERMF locally was formalised 

 ¼ Our existing Principal Risk Types were 

updated as follows:

–  Country Risk coverage was expanded 
from Country Cross-Border Risk to 
Gross Country Risk

–  Principles related to environment and 
social risks, defence and dual use  
goods were incorporated under 
Reputational Risk

–  Fraud Risk was reclassified as a risk 
sub-type from Operational Risk to 
Financial Crime

The revised ERMF was approved on  
12 December 2019 and became effective  
in January 2020. 

Risk culture

The Group’s risk culture provides guiding 
principles for the behaviours expected from 
our people when managing risk. The Board 
has approved a risk culture statement that 
encourages the following behaviours and 
outcomes:

 ¼ An enterprise-level ability to identify and 
assess current and future risks, openly 
discuss these and take prompt actions

206

 ¼ The highest level of integrity by being 

transparent and proactive in disclosing  
and managing all types of risks

 ¼ A constructive and collaborative approach 
in providing oversight and challenge, and 
taking decisions in a timely manner

 ¼ Everyone to be accountable for their 
decisions and feel safe in using their 
judgement to make these considered 
decisions

We acknowledge that banking inherently 
involves risk-taking and undesired outcomes 
will occur from time to time; however, we  
shall take the opportunity to learn from our 
experience and formalise what we can  
do to improve. We expect managers to 
demonstrate a high awareness of risk and 
control by self-identifying issues and 
managing them in a manner that will deliver 
lasting change.

Strategic risk 
management

The Group 
approaches  
strategic risk 
management  
as follows:

Risk Appetite

R

i

s

k

i

d

e

Group  
strategy

n

t
i

fi

c

a

t
i

o

n

Stress testing

 ¼ As part of the strategy review process, 
conducting an impact analysis on the  
risk profile from growth plans, strategic 
initiatives and business model 
vulnerabilities with the aim of proactively 
identifying and managing new risks or 
existing risks that need to be reprioritised

 ¼ As part of the strategy review process, 
confirming that growth plans and  
strategic initiatives can be delivered  
within the approved Risk Appetite and/or 
proposing additional Risk Appetite for 
Board consideration

 ¼ Validating the Corporate Plan against  

the approved or proposed Risk Appetite 
Statement to the Board. The Board 
approves the strategy review and the 
five-year Corporate Plan with a 
confirmation from the Group Chief Risk 
Officer that it is aligned with the ERMF  
and the Group Risk Appetite Statement 
where projections allow

Roles and responsibilities

Senior Managers Regime
Roles and responsibilities under the ERMF 
are aligned to the objectives of the Senior 
Managers Regime. The Group Chief Risk 
Officer is responsible for the overall 
development and maintenance of the 
Group’s ERMF and for identifying material  
risk types to which the Group may be 
potentially exposed. The Group Chief Risk 
Officer delegates effective implementation  
of the Risk Type Frameworks to Risk 
Framework Owners who provide second  
line of defence oversight for the Principal  
Risk Types. In addition, the Group Chief  
Risk Officer has been formally identified as 
the relevant Senior Manager responsible  
for Climate Risk management as it relates  
to financial and non-financial risks to the 
Group arising from climate change. This  
does not include elements of corporate  
social responsibility, the Group’s contribution 
to climate change and/or Sustainable  
Finance strategy in supporting a low-carbon 
transition, which are the responsibility of other 
relevant Senior Managers. 

The Risk function

The Risk function is responsible for the 
sustainability of our business through good 
management of risk across the Group by 
providing oversight and challenge, thereby 
ensuring that business is conducted in line 
with regulatory expectations. 

The Group Chief Risk Officer directly 
manages the Risk function, which is separate 
and independent from the origination,  
trading and sales functions of the businesses. 
The Risk function is responsible for:

 ¼ Maintaining the ERMF, ensuring that it 
remains relevant and appropriate to  
the Group’s business activities, and  
is effectively communicated and 
implemented across the Group, and 
administering related governance and 
reporting processes

 ¼ Upholding the overall integrity of the 

Group’s risk and return decisions to ensure 
that risks are properly assessed, that these 
decisions are made transparently on the 
basis of this proper assessment and that 
risks are controlled in accordance with the 
Group’s standards and Risk Appetite

 ¼ Overseeing and challenging the 

management of Principal Risk Types  
under the ERMF

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approach 
The independence of the Risk function 
ensures that the necessary balance in 
making risk and return decisions is not 
compromised by short-term pressures to 
generate revenues. 

In addition, the Risk function is a centre of 
excellence that provides specialist capabilities 
of relevance to risk management processes 
in the broader organisation.

The Risk function supports the Group’s 
commitment to be Here for good by  
building a sustainable framework that places 
regulatory and compliance standards and  
a culture of appropriate conduct at the 
forefront of the Group’s agenda, in a  
manner proportionate to the nature, scale 
and complexity of the Group’s business.

In January 2019, we integrated Conduct, 
Financial Crime and Compliance (CFCC)  
risks under a single function under the 
Management Team leadership of the Group 

Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing 
and CFCC. CFCC works alongside the Risk 
function within the framework of the ERMF  
to deliver a unified second line of defence.

Three lines of defence model
Roles and responsibilities for risk 
management are defined under a three lines 
of defence model. Each line of defence has  
a specific set of responsibilities for risk 
management and control as shown in the 
table below.

Lines of defence

Definition

Key responsibilities include

1st

The businesses and functions engaged in or 
supporting revenue-generating activities that own  
and manage the risks

 ¼ Propose the risks required to undertake revenue-generating activities 
 ¼ Identify, assess, monitor and escalate risks and issues to the second 
line and senior management1 and promote a healthy risk culture and 
good conduct

 ¼ Manage risks within Risk Appetite, set and execute remediation plans 

and ensure laws and regulations are being complied with

 ¼ Ensure systems meet risk data aggregation, risk reporting and data 

quality requirements set by the second line

2nd

The control functions independent of the first line that 
provide oversight and challenge of risk management  
to provide confidence to the Group Chief Risk Officer, 
senior management and the Board

 ¼ Identify, monitor and escalate risks and issues to the Group Chief Risk 
Officer, senior management and the Board and promote a healthy risk 
culture and good conduct

 ¼ Oversee and challenge first line risk-taking activities and review first line 

risk proposals

 ¼ Propose Risk Appetite to the Board, monitor and report adherence to 
Risk Appetite and intervene to curtail business if it is not in line with 
existing or adjusted Risk Appetite, there is material non-compliance  
with policy requirements or when operational controls do not effectively 
manage risk

 ¼ Set risk data aggregation, risk reporting and data quality requirements
 ¼ Ensure that there are appropriate controls to comply with applicable 

laws and regulations, and escalate significant non-compliance matters 
to senior management and the appropriate committees

3rd

The Internal Audit function provides independent 
assurance on the effectiveness of controls that support 
first line’s risk management of business activities, and 
the processes maintained by the second line

 ¼ Independently assess whether management has identified the key  

risks in the businesses and whether these are reported and governed  
in line with the established risk management processes

 ¼ Independently assess the adequacy of the design of controls and their 

operating effectiveness

1  Individuals designated as senior management functions under the FCA and PRA Senior Managers Regime 

Risk appetite and profile

We recognise the following constraints  
which determine the risks that we are willing 
to take in pursuit of our strategy and the 
development of a sustainable business:

 ¼ Risk capacity is the maximum level of 
risk the Group can assume, given its 
current capabilities and resources, before 
breaching constraints determined by 
capital and liquidity requirements and 
internal operational capability (including  
but not limited to technical infrastructure, 
risk management capabilities, expertise),  
or otherwise failing to meet the 
expectations of regulators and law 
enforcement agencies

 ¼ Risk appetite is defined by the Group 
and approved by the Board. It is the 
maximum amount and type of risk the 
Group is willing to assume in pursuit of  
its strategy. Risk Appetite cannot exceed 
risk capacity

The Board has approved a Risk Appetite 
Statement which is underpinned by a set of 
financial and operational control parameters 
known as Risk Appetite metrics and their 
associated thresholds. These directly 
constrain the aggregate risk exposures that 
can be taken across the Group. The Group 
Risk Appetite is reviewed at least on an 
annual basis to ensure that it is fit for purpose 
and aligned with strategy, and focus is  
given to emerging or new risks. The Risk 
Appetite Statement is supplemented by an 
overarching statement outlining the Group’s 
Risk Appetite principles.

Risk appetite principles
The Group Risk Appetite is defined in 
accordance with risk management principles 
that inform our overall approach to risk 
management and our risk culture. We follow 
the highest ethical standards and ensure  
a fair outcome for our clients, as well as 
facilitating the effective operation of financial 
markets, while at the same time meeting 
expectations of regulators and law 
enforcement agencies. We set our Risk 
Appetite to enable us to grow sustainably  
and to avoid shocks to earnings or our 
general financial health, as well as manage 
our Reputational Risk in a way that does  
not materially undermine the confidence  
of our investors and all internal and  
external stakeholders.

207

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportRisk Appetite Statement
The Group will not compromise adherence to 
its Risk Appetite in order to pursue revenue 
growth or higher returns.

The Group Risk Appetite is supplemented by 
risk control tools such as granular level limits, 
policies, standards and other operational 
control parameters that are used to keep  
the Group’s risk profile within Risk Appetite. 
The Group’s risk profile is its overall exposure 
to risk at a given point in time, covering all 
applicable risk types. Status against Risk 
Appetite is reported to the Board, Board Risk 
Committee and the Group Risk Committee, 
including the status of breaches and 
remediation plans where applicable. To keep 
the Group’s risk profile within Risk Appetite 
(and therefore also risk capacity), we have 
cascaded critical Group Risk Appetite 
metrics across our Principal Risk Types  
to our footprint markets with significant 
business operations. Country Risk Appetite  
is managed at a country or local level with 
Group and regional oversight. In addition to 
Risk Appetite Statements for the Principal 
Risk Types, the Group also has a Risk 
Appetite Statement for Climate Risk which  
is a material cross-cutting risk that can 
manifest through other risk types. The Group 
aims to measure and manage financial and 
non-financial risks from climate change, and 
reduce emissions related to our own activities 
and those related to the financing of clients in 
alignment with the Paris Agreement.

The Group Risk Committee, the Group 
Financial Crime Risk Committee, the Group 
Non-Financial Risk Committee and the 
Group Asset and Liability Committee are 
responsible for ensuring that our risk profile  
is managed in compliance with the Risk 
Appetite set by the Board. The Board Risk 
Committee and the Board Financial Crime 
Risk Committee (for Financial Crime 
Compliance) advise the Board on the Risk 
Appetite Statement and monitor the Group’s 
compliance with it.

The individual Principal Risk Types’ Risk Appetite 
Statements approved by the Board are set out in the 
Principal risks section (pages 212 to 227)

Risk identification and 
assessment

Identification and assessment of potentially 
adverse risk events is an essential first step in 
managing the risks of any business or activity. 
To ensure consistency in communication we 
use Principal Risk Types to classify our risk 
exposures. Nevertheless, we also recognise 
the need to maintain an overall perspective 
since a single transaction or activity may  
give rise to multiple types of risk exposure, 
risk concentrations may arise from multiple 
exposures that are closely correlated, and  
a given risk exposure may change its form 
from one risk type to another. There are also 
sources of risk that arise beyond our own 
operations such as the Group’s dependency 
on suppliers for the provision of services  
and technology. As the Group remains 
accountable for risks arising from the actions 
of such third parties, failure to adequately 
monitor and manage these relationships 
could materially impact the Group’s ability  
to operate and could have an impact on  
our ability to continue to provide services  
that are material to the Group.

To facilitate risk identification and 
assessment, the Group maintains a dynamic 
risk-scanning process with inputs from the 
internal and external risk environment, as  
well as potential threats and opportunities 
from the business and client perspectives. 
The Group maintains an inventory of the 
Principal Risk Types and risk sub-types that 
are inherent to the strategy and business 
model; and emerging risks that include 
near-term as well as longer-term 
uncertainties. Near-term risks are those that 
are on the horizon and can be measured and 
mitigated to some extent, while uncertainties 
are longer-term matters that should be on the 
radar but are not yet fully measurable.

The Group Chief Risk Officer and the Group 
Risk Committee review regular reports on  
the risk profile for the Principal Risk Types, 
adherence to the approved Risk Appetite and 
the Group risk inventory including emerging 
risks. They use this information to escalate 
material developments in each risk event and 
make recommendations to the Board on any 
potential changes to our Corporate Plan. 

Stress testing

The objective of stress testing is to support 
the Group in assessing that it:

 ¼ Does not have a portfolio with excessive 
risk concentration that could produce 
unacceptably high losses under severe  
but plausible scenarios

 ¼ Has sufficient financial resources to 

withstand severe but plausible scenarios

 ¼ Has the financial flexibility to respond to 

extreme but plausible scenarios

 ¼ Understands the key business model risks 
and considers what kind of event might 
crystallise those risks – even if extreme  
with a low likelihood of occurring – and 
identifies as required, actions to mitigate 
the likelihood or impact as required

Enterprise stress tests include Capital and 
Liquidity Adequacy Stress Tests, including in 
the context of recovery and resolution, and 
stress tests that assess scenarios where our 
business model becomes unviable, such as 
reverse stress tests.

Stress tests are performed at Group,  
country, business and portfolio level. 
Bespoke scenarios are applied to our traded 
and liquidity positions as described in the 
sections on Traded Risk (page 215), and 
Capital and Liquidity Risk (page 217). In 
addition to these, our stress tests also focus 
on the potential impact of macroeconomic, 
geopolitical and physical events on relevant 
regions, client segments and risk types.

The Board delegates approval of stress test 
submissions to the Bank of England to the 
Board Risk Committee, who review the 
recommendations from the Stress Testing 
Committee. The Stress Testing Committee  
is appointed by the Group Risk Committee  
to review and challenge the stress test 
scenarios, assumptions and results.

Based on the stress test results, the Group 
Chief Risk Officer and Group Chief Financial 
Officer can recommend strategic actions  
to the Board to ensure that the Group 
strategy remains within the Board-approved 
Risk Appetite.

208

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approachPrincipal Risk Types

Principal Risk Types are risks that are inherent in our strategy and business model and have been formally defined in the Group’s ERMF.  
These risks are managed through distinct Risk Type Frameworks (RTFs) which are approved by the Group Chief Risk Officer. The Principal  
Risk Types and associated Risk Appetite Statements are approved by the Board.

In 2019, we performed a review of our Principal Risk Types and elevated Model Risk to a Principal Risk Type (effective in 2020) and  
implemented enhancements undertaken to the Group’s approach to Model Risk management. In addition to Principal Risk Types, the Group 
may be exposed to material cross-cutting risks that manifest through other Principal Risk Types. The Group Chief Risk Officer can direct risk 
management frameworks and appoint Risk Framework Owners to perform second line of defence activities for such cross-cutting risks.  
The Group currently recognises Climate Risk as a material cross-cutting risk. Climate Risk is defined as the potential for financial loss and 
non-financial detriments arising from climate change and society’s response to it. 

In the coming years we will consider if existing Principal Risk Types or incremental risks should be treated as cross-cutting risks. The table below 
shows the Group’s current Principal Risk Types.

Principal Risks Types

Definition

Credit Risk 

Traded Risk

 ¼ Potential for loss due to the failure of a counterparty to meet its agreed obligations to pay the Group

 ¼ Potential for loss resulting from activities undertaken by the Group in financial markets

Capital and Liquidity Risk

 ¼ Capital: Potential for insufficient levels, composition or distribution of capital to support our normal 

activities 

Country Risk

Reputational Risk

 ¼ Liquidity: Risk that we may not have sufficient stable or diverse sources of funding to meet our obligations 

as they fall due

 ¼ Potential for losses due to political or economic events in a country

 ¼ Potential for damage to the franchise, resulting in loss of earnings or adverse impact on market 

capitalisation because of stakeholders taking a negative view of the organisation, its actions or inactions 
– leading stakeholders to change their behaviour

Operational Risk

 ¼ Potential for loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes and systems, human error, or from 

Compliance Risk

the impact of external events (including legal risks)

 ¼ Potential for penalties or loss to the Group, or for an adverse impact to our clients, stakeholders or to  
the integrity of the markets in which we operate through a failure on our part to comply with laws  
or regulations

Conduct Risk

 ¼ Risk of detriment to the Group’s clients, investors, shareholders, market integrity, competition and 

counterparties or risk of detriment from the inappropriate supply of financial services, including instances 
of willful or negligent misconduct

Financial Crime Risk

 ¼ Potential for legal or regulatory penalties, material financial loss or reputational damage resulting from  

the failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations relating to international sanctions, anti-money 
laundering, anti-bribery and corruption, and fraud

Information and Cyber Security Risk

 ¼ Potential for loss from a breach of confidentiality, integrity and availability of the Group’s information 

Model Risk*

*  Effective from January 2020

systems and assets through cyber attack, insider activity, error or control failure

 ¼ Potential loss that may occur as a consequence of decisions or the risk of mis-estimation that could be 
principally based on the output of models, due to errors in the development, implementation or use of 
such models

Further details of our principal risks and how these are being managed are set out in the Principal risks section (pages 212 to 227)

ERMF effectiveness reviews 

The Group Chief Risk Officer is responsible 
for annually affirming the effectiveness of  
the ERMF to the Board Risk Committee.  
To facilitate this, an ERMF effectiveness 
review was established in 2018, which  
follows the principle of evidence-based 
self-assessments for all the Risk Type 
Frameworks and relevant policies.

The annual ERMF effectiveness review, first 
introduced in 2018, was conducted in 2019 
and enables measurement of progress 
against the 2018 baseline. The 2019 
effectiveness review has shown that:

 ¼ Since the launch of the ERMF in 2018,  
the focus in 2019 has been on effective 
embedding of the framework across the 
organisation and we have made progress 
on overall effectiveness

 ¼ We have an established risk taxonomy 

 ¼ Self-assessments performed in our 

through the Principal Risk Types and risk 
sub-types which provides a common risk 
language across the three lines of defence 
and ultimate risk oversight by senior 
management and the Board. There is also 
stronger first line ownership of risks

 ¼ In 2019, risk management for both financial 
and non-financial risks improved year-on-
year. Financial risks continue to be 
managed more effectively on a relative 
basis as compared with the non-financial 
risks. This reflects the maturity of these 
Risk Type Frameworks and the underlying 
risk management practices

footprint markets reflect the use of the 
ERMF and Principal Risk Types, with 
reinforced first line ownership of risks. 
Country and regional risk committees are 
playing a more active role in managing  
and overseeing material issues arising in 
countries. Automation opportunities for 
manual risk oversight processes will 
continue to be explored in 2020

Ongoing structured ERMF effectiveness 
reviews enable us to identify improvement 
opportunities and proactively build plans to 
address them. Over the course of 2020,  
the Group aims to further strengthen its  
risk management practices and target 
improvements in the management of 
non-financial risk types. 

209

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportExecutive and Board risk 
oversight

Overview
The Board has ultimate responsibility for risk 
management and is supported by the six 
Board-level committees. The Board approves 

the ERMF based on the recommendation 
from the Board Risk Committee, which also 
recommends the Group Risk Appetite 
Statement for all Principal Risk Types other 
than Financial Crime Risk. Financial Crime 
Risk Appetite is reviewed and recommended 
to the Board by the Board Financial Crime 
Risk Committee.

In addition, the Brand Values and Conduct 
Committee oversees the brand, valued 
behaviours, reputation and conduct of  
the Group. The Committee reviews the 
effectiveness of the Group’s Conduct  
Risk Type Framework and manages 
Reputational Risk in line with the  
Reputational Risk Type Framework. 

Board and Executive level risk committee governance structure

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD LEVEL COMMITTEES

Board Risk 
Committee

Board 
Financial 
Crime Risk 
Committee

Brand Values 
and Conduct 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Governance 
and 
Nomination 
Committee

Audit 
Committee

EXECUTIVE LEVEL COMMITTEES

Group Risk Committee

Group Asset and Liability Committee

Group Non-Financial Risk Committee

Group Financial Crime Risk Committee

Group Reputational Risk Committee

Stress Testing Committee

IFRS 9 Impairment Committee

Model Risk Committee

Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking Risk Committee

Private Banking Process Governance and Risk Committee

ASEAN & South Asia Risk Committee

Africa and Middle East Risk Committee 

Investment Committee for Transportation Assets

Investment Committee

Operational Balance Sheet Committee

Global Capital & Liquidity Optimisation Committee

The committee governance structure ensures that risk-taking 
authority and risk management policies are cascaded down 
from the Board to the appropriate functional, client segment 
and country-level senior management and committees. 
Information regarding material risk issues and compliance with 
policies and standards is communicated to the appropriate 
country, client segment, functional and Group-level senior 
management and committees.

Further details on the role of the Board and its committees in matters of  
risk governance are covered in the Directors’ report (pages 68 to 145)

1  The Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking Risk Committee provides governance oversight over key matters in Europe and Americas. Greater China North Asia 

Regional Committee derives authority from the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Board but also escalates matters to the Group Risk Committee

Group Risk Committee
The Group Risk Committee, which derives its 
authority from the Group Chief Risk Officer,  
is responsible for ensuring the effective 
management of risk throughout the Group in 
support of the Group’s strategy. The Group 
Chief Risk Officer chairs the Group Risk 
Committee, whose members are drawn  
from the Group’s Management Team.  
The Committee determines the ERMF and 
oversees its effective implementation across 
the Group, including the delegation of any 
part of its authorities to appropriate individuals 
or properly constituted sub-committees.

Group Risk Committee sub-committees
The Group Non-Financial Risk Committee, 
chaired by the Global Head of Risk, Functions 
and Operational Risk, governs the non-
financial Principal Risk Types across clients, 
businesses, products and functions. The 
non-financial Principal Risk Types in scope 
are Operational Risk, Compliance Risk, 
Conduct Risk, Information and Cyber 
Security Risk and Reputational Risk that  
is consequential in nature arising from 
potential failures of Principal Risk Types.  
The Committee also reviews the adequacy  
of the internal control systems across all 
Principal Risk Types.

The Group Financial Crime Risk Committee, 
chaired by the Group Head, Corporate 
Affairs, Brand & Marketing and CFCC, as  
the Compliance and Money Laundering 
Reporting Officer, governs the Financial 
Crime Risk Type Framework across the 
Group. The committee ensures that the 
Financial Crime risk profile is managed  
within approved Risk Appetite and policies. 
The Committee is also responsible for 
recommending the Financial Crime Risk 
Appetite Statement and Risk Appetite metrics 
to the Board Financial Crime Risk Committee. 

210

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approachThe two regional risk committees are  
chaired by the Chief Risk Officer for the 
respective region. These ensure the effective 
management of risk in the regions in support 
of the Group’s strategy. 

The Investment Committee for Transportation 
Assets, chaired by the Chief Risk Officer, 
Business, ensures the optimisation of the 
Group’s investment in aviation and shipping 
operating lease assets, with the aim of 
delivering better returns through the cycle. 

The Investment Committee ensures the 
optimised wind-down of the Group’s  
existing direct investment activities in equities, 
quasi-equities (excluding mezzanine), funds 
and other alternative investments (excluding 
debt/debt-like instruments). The Committee  
is chaired by a representative of the Risk 
function (which includes the Group Chief  
Risk Officer, Global Head, Enterprise Risk 
Management and Chief Risk Officer, 
Business).

Group Asset and Liability committee 
The Group Asset and Liability Committee is 
chaired by the Group Chief Financial Officer. 
Its members are drawn principally from the 
Management Team. The Committee is 
responsible for determining the Group’s 
approach to balance sheet strategy and 
recovery planning. The Committee is also 
responsible for ensuring that, in executing  
the Group’s strategy, the Group operates 
within internally approved Risk Appetite and 
external requirements relating to capital, 
loss-absorbing capacity, liquidity, leverage, 
Interest Rate Risk in the Banking Book, 
Banking Book Basis Risk and Structural 
Foreign Exchange Risk, and meets internal 
and external recovery planning requirements. 

The Group Reputational Risk Committee, 
chaired by the Group Head, Corporate 
Affairs, Brand & Marketing and CFCC, 
ensures the effective management of 
Reputational Risk across the Group.  
This includes providing oversight of matters 
arising from clients, products, transactions 
and strategic coverage- related decisions  
(i.e. primary Reputational Risk sources)  
and matters escalated by the respective  
Risk Framework Owners (i.e. secondary 
Reputational Risk sources).

The Stress Testing Committee, chaired  
by the Global Head, Enterprise Risk 
Management, ensures the effective 
management of enterprise stress testing  
in line with the Group’s enterprise stress 
testing policy and applicable regulatory 
requirements. In addition, the Committee 
reviews, challenges and approves scenarios 
for stress tests and stress test results prior  
to management actions. 

The IFRS 9 Impairment Committee,  
chaired by the Global Head, Enterprise  
Risk Management, ensures the effective 
management of expected credit loss 
computations as well as stage allocation  
of financial assets for quarterly financial 
reporting within the authorities set by the 
Group Risk Committee.

The Model Risk Committee, chaired by the 
Global Head, Enterprise Risk Management, 
ensures the effective measurement and 
management of Model Risk in line with 
internal policies and Model Risk Appetite.

The Corporate, Commercial and Institutional 
Banking Risk Committee, chaired by the 
Chief Risk Officer, Business, ensures the 
effective management of risk throughout 
Corporate & Institutional Banking and 
Commercial Banking, in support of the 
Group’s strategy. The Committee also 
provides governance oversight over key 
matters in Europe and Americas.

The Private Banking Process Governance 
and Risk Committee ensures the effective 
management of risk throughout Private 
Banking with Group Risk Appetite. The 
committee is chaired jointly by the Chief  
Risk Officer, Commercial Banking and  
Private Banking and the Global Head,  
Private Banking and Wealth Management.

211

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportPrincipal risks 

We manage and control our Principal Risk Types through distinct Risk Type Frameworks, 
policies and Board-approved Risk Appetite.

Credit Risk

The Group defines Credit Risk  
as the potential for loss due to  
the failure of a counterparty to  
meet its agreed obligations to  
pay the Group

Risk Appetite Statement

The Group manages its credit exposures following the principle of 
diversification across products, geographies, client segments and 
industry sectors

Roles and responsibilities

The Credit Risk Type Frameworks for the 
Group are set and owned by the Chief  
Risk Officers for the business segments.  
The Credit Risk function is the second line 
control function responsible for independent 
challenge, monitoring and oversight of the 
Credit Risk management practices of the 
business and functions engaged in or 
supporting revenue-generating activities 
which constitute the first line of defence. 
In addition, they ensure that Credit Risks 
are properly assessed and transparent; 
and that credit decisions are controlled in 
accordance with the Group’s Risk Appetite, 
credit policies and standards. For the Retail 
Banking segment, the Retail Risk function is 
also responsible for specific activities such  
as collections.

Mitigation

Segment-specific policies are in place for the 
management of Credit Risk. 

The Credit Policy for Corporate & Institutional 
Banking and Commercial Banking sets the 
principles that must be followed for the 
end-to-end credit process including credit 
initiation, credit grading, credit assessment, 
structuring of product, Credit Risk mitigation, 
monitoring and control, and documentation. 

The Retail Credit Risk Management Policy 
sets the principles for the management  
of retail and business banking lending, 
account and portfolio monitoring, collections 
management and forbearance programmes. 
In addition, there are other Group-wide 
policies integral to Credit Risk management 
such as those relating to Risk Appetite,  
Model Risk, stress testing, and impairment 
provisioning.

The Group also set out standards for the 
eligibility, enforceability and effectiveness of 
Credit Risk mitigation arrangements. Potential 
credit losses from a given account, client or 
portfolio are mitigated using a range of tools 
i.e. collateral, netting agreements, credit 
insurance, credit derivatives and guarantees. 

Risk mitigants are also carefully assessed  
for their market value, legal enforceability,  
correlation and counterparty risk of the 
protection provider. 

Collateral must be valued prior to drawdown 
and regularly thereafter as required to reflect 
current market conditions, the probability of 
recovery and the period of time to realise  
the collateral in the event of liquidation. The 
Group also seeks to diversify its collateral 
holdings across asset classes and markets.

Where guarantees, credit insurance, standby 
letters of credit or credit derivatives are used 
as Credit Risk mitigation, the creditworthiness 
of the protection provider is assessed and 
monitored using the same credit approval 
process applied to the obligor.

Governance committee 
oversight

At the Board level, the Board Risk Committee 
oversees the effective management of  
Credit Risk.

At the executive level, the Group Risk 
Committee appoints sub-committees for the 
management of Credit Risk – in particular  
the Corporate, Commercial and Institutional 
Banking Risk Committee (CCIBRC), the 
Private Banking Process Governance and 
Risk Committee, and the regional risk 
committees for ASEAN & South Asia and 
Africa & Middle East. These 

committees are responsible for overseeing 
the Credit Risk profile of the Group within  
the respective business areas and regions. 
Meetings are held regularly, and the 
committees monitor all material Credit  
Risk exposures, as well as key internal 
developments and external trends, and 
ensure that appropriate action is taken.

Decision-making authorities 
and delegation 

The Credit Risk Type Frameworks are the 
formal mechanism which delegate Credit 
Risk authorities cascading from the Group 
Chief Risk Officer, as the Senior Manager of 
the Credit Risk Type, to individuals such as 
the business segments’ Chief Risk Officers. 
Named individuals further delegate credit 
authorities to individual credit officers by 
applying delegated credit authority matrices, 
which determine the maximum limits based 
on risk-adjusted scales by customer type  
or portfolio.

Credit Risk authorities are reviewed at  
least annually to ensure that they remain 
appropriate. In Corporate & Institutional 
Banking, Commercial Banking and Private 
Banking, the individuals delegating the  
Credit Risk authorities perform oversight by 
reviewing a sample of the limit applications 
approved by the delegated credit officers on 
a monthly basis. In Retail Banking, credit 
decision systems and tools (e.g., application 
scorecards) are used for credit decisioning. 
Where manual credit decisions are applied, 
these are subject to periodic quality control 
assessment and assurance checks.

212

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approachMonitoring

We regularly monitor credit exposures, 
portfolio performance, and external trends 
that may impact risk management outcomes. 
Internal risk management reports that are 
presented to risk committees contain 
information on key political and economic 
trends across major portfolios and countries; 
portfolio delinquency and loan impairment 
performance.

In 2019, the Group introduced an Industry 
Portfolio Mandate (IPM), developed jointly  
by the Corporate & Institutional Banking  
and Commercial Banking Business and  
Risk function to provide a forward-looking 
assessment of risk and simplification of 
processes while increasing focus on clients. 
The IPM is a single platform from which 
business strategy, risk considerations and 
client planning are performed with one 
consensus view which comprises external 
industry outlook, portfolio overviews, Risk 
Appetite, underwriting principles and stress 
test insights. 

In Corporate & Institutional Banking and 
Commercial Banking, clients and portfolios 
are subjected to additional review when they 
display signs of actual or potential weakness; 
for example, where there is a decline in the 
client’s position within the industry, financial 
deterioration, a breach of covenants, or 
non-performance of an obligation within  
the stipulated period. Such accounts are 
subjected to a dedicated process overseen 
by the Credit Issues Committees in the 
relevant countries where client account 
strategies and credit grades are re-evaluated. 
In addition, remedial actions including 
exposure reduction, security enhancement, 
or exiting the account could be undertaken, 
and certain accounts could also be 
transferred into the control of Group Special 
Assets Management (GSAM), which is our 
specialist recovery unit for Corporate & 
Institutional Banking and Commercial 
Banking, and Private Banking that operates 
independently from our main business.

For Retail Banking exposures, portfolio 
delinquency trends are monitored on an 
ongoing basis. Account monitoring is  
based on behaviour scores and bureau 
performance (where available). Accounts  
that are past due (or perceived as high risk 
and not yet past due) are subject to a 
collections or recovery process managed  
by a specialist function independent from  
the origination function. In some countries, 
aspects of collections and recovery activities 
are outsourced.

Credit rating and measurement 

All credit proposals are subject to a robust 
Credit Risk assessment. It includes a 
comprehensive evaluation of the client’s 
credit quality, including willingness, ability  
and capacity to repay. The primary lending 
consideration is based on the client’s credit 
quality and the repayment capacity from 
operating cashflows for counterparties; and 
personal income or wealth for individual 
borrowers. The risk assessment gives due 
consideration to the client’s liquidity and 
leverage position. Where applicable, the 
assessment includes a detailed analysis of 
the Credit Risk mitigation arrangements to 
determine the level of reliance on such 
arrangements as the secondary source  
of repayment in the event of a significant 
deterioration in a client’s credit quality leading 
to default. 

Risk measurement plays a central role, along 
with judgement and experience, in informing 
risk-taking and portfolio management 
decisions. Since 1 January 2008, we have 
used the advanced internal ratings-based 
approach under the Basel regulatory 
framework to calculate Credit Risk capital 
requirements. The Group has also 
established a global programme to undertake 
a comprehensive assessment of capital 
requirements necessary to be implemented 
to meet the latest revised Basel III finalisation 
(Basel IV) regulations. 

A standard alphanumeric Credit Risk grade 
system is used for Corporate & Institutional 
Banking and Commercial Banking. The 
numeric grades run from 1 to 14 and some  
of the grades are further sub-classified. 
Lower numeric credit grades are indicative of 
a lower likelihood of default. Credit grades 1 
to 12 are assigned to performing customers, 
while credit grades 13 and 14 are assigned  
to non-performing or defaulted customers.

Retail Banking internal ratings-based 
portfolios use application and behavioural 
credit scores that are calibrated to generate  
a probability of default and then mapped to 
the standard alphanumeric Credit Risk grade 
system. We refer to external ratings from 
credit bureaus (where these are available); 
however, we do not rely solely on these to 
determine Retail Banking credit grades.

Advanced internal ratings-based models 
cover a substantial majority of our exposures 
and are used in assessing risks at a customer 
and portfolio level, setting strategy and 
optimising our risk-return decisions. Material 
internal ratings-based risk measurement 

models are approved by the Model Risk 
Committee. Prior to review and approval, all 
internal ratings-based models are validated  
in detail by a model validation team which is 
separate from the teams that develop and 
maintain the models. Models undergo annual 
validation by the model validation team. 
Reviews are also triggered if the performance 
of a model deteriorates materially against 
predetermined thresholds during the  
ongoing model performance monitoring 
process which takes place between the 
annual validations.

Credit Concentration Risk

Credit Concentration Risk may arise from a 
single large exposure to a counterparty or a 
group of connected counterparties, or from 
multiple exposures across the portfolio that 
are closely correlated. Large exposure 
Concentration Risk is managed through 
concentration limits set for a counterparty or 
a group of connected counterparties based 
on control and economic dependence 
criteria. Risk Appetite metrics are set at 
portfolio level and monitored to control 
concentrations, where appropriate, by 
industry, specific products, tenor, 
collateralisation level, top 20 concentration 
and exposure to holding companies.  
Single name credit concentration thresholds 
are set by client group depending on  
credit grade, and by customer segment.  
For concentrations that are material at a 
Group level, breaches and potential  
breaches are monitored by the respective 
governance committees and reported to the 
Group Risk and Board Risk Committees.

Credit impairment

Expected credit losses are determined for  
all financial assets that are classified as 
amortised cost or fair value through other 
comprehensive income. Expected credit 
losses are computed as an unbiased, 
probability-weighted amount determined by 
evaluating a range of plausible outcomes,  
the time value of money, and considering  
all reasonable and supportable information 
including that which is forward looking.  
When determining forward looking expected 
credit losses, the Group also considers a  
set of critical global or country-specific 
macroeconomic variables that influence 
Credit Risk. For more detailed information  
on macroeconomic data feeding into IFRS 9 
expected credit losses calculations, please 
refer to page 182. 

213

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportAt the time of origination or purchase of a 
non-credit-impaired financial asset (stage 1), 
expected credit losses represent cash 
shortfalls arising from possible default events 
up to 12 months into the future from the 
balance sheet date. Expected credit losses 
continue to be determined on this basis until 
there is a significant increase in the Credit 
Risk of the asset (stage 2), in which case an 
expected credit loss provision is recognised 
for default events that may occur over the 
lifetime of the asset. If there is observed 
objective evidence of credit impairment or 
default (stage 3), expected credit losses 
continue to be measured on a lifetime basis.

In 2019, the Board approved a new Risk 
Appetite metric to monitor the stage 1 and 
stage 2 expected credit losses from assets 
originated in the last 12 months. The Risk 
Appetite metric provided the Board with 
oversight of the quality of assets being 
originated and to ensure that they are  
aligned to the Group’s strategy. 

The Group’s definition of default is aligned 
with the regulatory definition of default as set 
out in European Capital Requirements 
Regulation (CRR178) and related guidelines, 
where the obligor is at least 90 days past due 
in respect of principal and/or interest. A loan 
is considered past due (or delinquent), when 
the customer has failed to make a principal or 
interest payment in accordance with the loan 
contract. Financial assets are also considered 
to be credit-impaired where the obligors are 
unlikely to pay on the occurrence of one  
or more observable events that have a 
detrimental impact on the estimated future 
cashflows of the financial asset.

In Corporate & Institutional Banking, 
Commercial Banking and Private Banking,  
a loan is considered credit-impaired where 
analysis and review indicate that full payment 
of either interest or principal, including the 
timeliness of such payment, is questionable, 
or as soon as payment of interest or principal 
is 90 days overdue. These credit-impaired 
accounts are managed by our specialist 
recovery unit (GSAM). Where appropriate,  
the non-material credit impaired accounts  
are co-managed with the business under  
the supervision of GSAM.

In Retail Banking, a loan is considered 
credit-impaired as soon as payment of 
interest or principal is 90 days overdue or 
meets other objective evidence of impairment 
such as bankruptcy, debt restructuring, fraud 
or death. Financial assets are written off when 
there is no realistic prospect of recovery and 
the amount of loss has been determined.  
For Retail Banking assets, a financial asset  
is written off when it meets certain threshold 
conditions which are set at the point where 
empirical evidence suggests that the client is 
unlikely to meet their contractual obligations, 
or a loss of principal is expected.

Estimating the amount and timing of future 
recoveries involves significant judgement and 
considers the assessment of matters such as 
future economic conditions and the value of 
collateral, for which there may not be a readily 
accessible market. The total amount of the 
Group’s impairment provision is inherently 
uncertain, being sensitive to changes in 
economic and credit conditions across  
the regions in which the Group operates.  
For further details on sensitivity analysis  
of expected credit losses under IFRS 9, 
please refer to page 182.

Stress testing

Stress testing is a forward-looking risk 
management tool that constitutes a key  
input into the identification, monitoring  
and mitigation of Credit Risk, as well as 
contributing to Risk Appetite calibration. 
Periodic stress tests are performed on the 
credit portfolio/segment to anticipate 
vulnerabilities from stressed conditions and 
initiate timely right-sizing and mitigation plans. 
Additionally, multiple enterprise-wide and 
country-level stress tests are mandated by 
regulators to assess the ability of the Group 
and its subsidiaries to continue to meet  
their capital requirements during a plausible, 
adverse shock to the business. These 
regulatory stress tests are conducted in line 
with the principles stated in the Enterprise 
Stress Testing Policy. The Group’s enterprise 
stress testing programme adopted IFRS 9  
in full in 2018 and all enterprise stress tests 
conducted during 2019 were performed  
on an IFRS 9 basis. Stress tests for key 
portfolios are reviewed by the Credit Risk 
Type Framework Owners (or delegates)  
as part of portfolio oversight; and matters 
considered material to the Group are 
escalated to the Group Chief Risk Officer  
and respective regional risk committees.

214

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approachTraded Risk

The Group defines Traded Risk  
as the potential for loss resulting 
from activities undertaken by the 
Group in financial markets

Risk Appetite Statement

The Group should control its trading portfolio and activities to ensure 
that Traded Risk losses (financial or reputational) do not cause material 
damage to the Group’s franchise

The Traded Risk Type Framework (TRTF) 
brings together all risk types exhibiting risk 
features common to Traded Risk. These risk 
sub-types include Market Risk, Counterparty 
Credit Risk, Issuer Risk, XVA, Algorithmic 
Trading and Pension Risk. Traded Risk 
Management (TRM) is the core risk 
management function supporting market- 
facing businesses, specifically Financial 
Markets and Treasury Markets.

Roles and responsibilities

The TRTF, which sets the roles and 
responsibilities in respect of Traded Risk for 
the Group, is owned by the Global Head, 
Traded Risk Management. The front office, 
acting as first line of defence, is responsible 
for the effective management of risks  
within the scope of its direct organisational 
responsibilities set by the Board. The TRM 
function is the second line control function 
that performs independent challenge, 
monitoring and oversight of the Traded Risk 
management practices of the first line of 
defence. The first and second lines of 
defence are supported by the organisation 
structure, job descriptions and authorities 
delegated by Traded Risk control owners.

Mitigation

The Group controls its trading portfolio and 
activities within Risk Appetite by assessing 
the various Traded Risk factors. These are 
captured and analysed using proprietary  
and custom-built analytical tools, in addition 
to risk managers’ specialist market and 
product knowledge.

TRM has a framework, policies and 
standards in place ensuring that appropriate 
Traded Risk limits are implemented. The 
Group’s Traded Risk exposure is aligned with 
its appetite for Traded Risk, and assessment 
of potential losses that might be incurred by 
the Group as a consequence of extreme but 
plausible events.

Traded Risk limits are applied as required by 
the TRTF and related standards.

All businesses incurring Traded Risk must do 
so in compliance with the TRTF. The TRTF 
requires that Traded Risk limits are defined  
at a level appropriate to ensure that the 
Group remains within Traded Risk Appetite. 
All exposures throughout the Group that the 
TRM function is responsible for aggregate  
up to TRM’s Group-level reporting. This 
aggregation approach ensures that the limits 
structure across the Group is consistent with 
the Group’s Risk Appetite.

The TRTF and Enterprise Stress Testing 
Policy ensure that adherence to stress-
related Risk Appetite metrics is achieved. 
Stress testing aims at supplementing other 
risk metrics used within the Group by 
providing a forward-looking view of positions 
and an assessment of their resilience to 
stressed market conditions. Stress testing is 
performed on all Group businesses with 
Traded Risk exposures, either where the  
risk is actively traded or where material risk 
remains. This additional information is used to 
inform the management of the Traded Risks 
taken within the Group. The outcome of 
stress tests is discussed across the various 
business lines and management levels so 
that existing and potential risks can be 
reviewed, and related management actions 
can be decided upon where appropriate.

Policies are reviewed and approved by the 
Global Head, TRM annually to ensure their 
ongoing effectiveness and sustainability.

Governance committee 
oversight

At the Board level, the Board Risk Committee 
oversees the effective management of 
Traded Risk. At the executive level, the Group 
Risk Committee delegates responsibilities  
to the CCIBRC to act as the primary risk 
governance body for Traded Risk, and to the 
Stress Testing Committee for stress testing 
and the Model Risk Committee for Model 
Risk. Where Traded Risk limits are set at a 
country level, committee governance is:

 ¼ Subsidiary authority for setting Traded Risk 
limits, where applicable, is delegated from 
the local Board to the local risk committee, 
Country Chief Risk Officer and Traded  
Risk managers 

 ¼ Branch authority for setting Traded Risk 
limits remains with TRM which retains 
responsibility for monitoring and reporting 
excesses 

 ¼ Joint ventures (JV), e.g. Permata, are 

formally managed independently from the 
Group. However, if Standard Chartered 
exerts significant management influence in 
practice, such as through senior functional 
appointments, then the Group regulator 
(UK PRA) may require the risks to be  
fully consolidated, just as though it was  
a subsidiary

Decision-making authorities 
and delegation 

The Group’s Risk Appetite Statement, along 
with the key associated Risk Appetite metrics, 
is approved by the Board with responsibility 
for Traded Risk limits, then tiered accordingly.

Subject to the Group’s Risk Appetite for 
Traded Risk, the Group Risk Committee  
sets Group-level Traded Risk limits, via 
delegation to the Group Chief Risk Officer. 
The Group Chief Risk Officer delegates 
authority for the major business limits and for 
all other Traded Risk limits to the TRTF Owner 
(Global Head, TRM) who in turn delegates 
approval authorities to individual Traded  
Risk managers.

Additional limits are placed on specific 
instruments, positions, and portfolio 
concentrations where appropriate. Authorities 
are reviewed at least annually to ensure that 
they remain appropriate and to assess the 
quality of decisions taken by the authorised 
person. Key risk-taking decisions are made 
only by certain individuals with the skills, 
judgement and perspective to ensure that  
the Group’s control standards and risk-return 
objectives are met. Authority delegators are 
responsible for monitoring the quality of the 
risk decisions taken by their delegates and 
the ongoing suitability of their authorities.

215

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportMarket Risk – value at risk

Counterparty Credit Risk

The Group applies VaR as a measure of the 
risk of losses arising from future potential 
adverse movements in market rates, prices 
and volatilities. VaR is a quantitative measure 
of Market Risk that applies recent historical 
market conditions to estimate the potential 
future loss in market value that will not be 
exceeded in a set time period at a set 
statistical confidence level. VaR provides  
a consistent measure that can be applied 
across trading businesses and products  
over time and can be set against actual  
daily trading profit and loss outcomes.

VaR is calculated for expected movements 
over a minimum of one business day and to  
a confidence level of 97.5 per cent.

VaR is calculated on our exposure as at  
the close of business, generally UK time. 
Intra-day risk levels may vary from those 
reported at the end of the day.

The Group applies two VaR methodologies:

 ¼ Historical simulation: this involves the 

revaluation of all existing positions to reflect 
the effect of historically observed changes 
in Market Risk factors on the valuation of 
the current portfolio. This approach is 
applied for general Market Risk factors  
and the majority of specific (credit spread) 
risk VaRs

 ¼ Monte Carlo simulation: this methodology 
is similar to historical simulation but with 
considerably more input risk factor 
observations. These are generated by 
random sampling techniques, but the 
results retain the essential variability and 
correlations of historically observed risk 
factor changes. This approach is applied 
for some of the specific (credit spread) risk 
VaR in relation to idiosyncratic exposures  
in credit markets

In both methods, a historical observation 
period of one year is chosen and applied.

A small proportion of Market Risk generated 
by trading positions is not included in VaR or 
cannot be appropriately captured by VaR. 
This is recognised through a Risks-not-in- 
VaR Framework, which estimates these risks 
and applies capital add-ons.

To assess their ongoing performance, VaR 
models are backtested against actual results.

An analysis of VaR and backtesting results  
in 2019 is available in the Risk profile section 
(pages 191 to 193).

Credit Risk from traded products derives 
from the positive mark-to market value of the 
underlying instruments, and an additional 
component to cater for potential future 
market movements. This Counterparty Credit 
Risk is managed within the Group’s overall 
Traded Risk Appetite for corporate and 
financial institutions. In addition to analysing 
potential future movements, the Group  
uses various single factor or multi-risk factor 
stress test scenarios to identify and manage 
Counterparty Credit Risk across derivatives 
and securities financing transactions.

Underwriting

The underwriting of securities and loans is in 
scope of the Risk Appetite set by the Group 
for Traded Risk. Additional limits approved by 
the Group Chief Risk Officer are set on the 
underwriting portfolio stress loss, and the 
maximum holding period. The Underwriting 
Committee, under the authority of the Group 
Chief Risk Officer, approves individual 
proposals to underwrite new security issues 
and loans for our clients.

Day-to-day Credit Risk management 
activities for traded securities are carried  
out by a specialist team within TRM  
whose activities include oversight and 
approval within the levels delegated by the 
Underwriting Committee. Issuer Credit Risk, 
including Settlement and Pre-Settlement 
Risk, and price risks are controlled by TRM. 
Where an underwritten security is held for  
a period longer than the target sell-down 
period, the final decision on whether to sell 
the position rests with TRM.

Monitoring

TRM monitors the overall portfolio risk and 
ensures that it is within specified limits and 
therefore Risk Appetite. The annual and 
mid-year limit review processes provide 
opportunities for the business and TRM to 
review risk in light of performance. Monitoring 
and breach escalation procedures for  
Traded Risk are aligned with the processes 
set by the Enterprise Risk Management Risk 
Appetite unit.

Traded Risk exposures are monitored daily 
against approved limits. Traded Risk limits 
apply at end-of-day and at all other times, 
unless separate intra-day limits have been 
set. Limit excess approval decisions are 
informed by factors such as an assessment 
of the returns that will result from an 

incremental increase to the business risk 
exposure. Limits and excesses can only be 
approved by a Traded Risk manager with the 
appropriate delegated authority. Financial 
Markets traders may adjust their Traded Risk 
exposures within approved limits and assess 
risk and reward trade-offs according to 
market conditions.

TRM reports and monitors limits applied to 
stressed exposures. Stress scenario analysis 
is performed on all Traded Risk exposures in 
Financial Markets and in portfolios outside 
Financial Markets such as syndicated loans 
and principal finance. Stress loss excesses 
are discussed with the business and 
approved where appropriate, based on 
delegated authority levels.

Stress testing

The VaR measurement is complemented  
by weekly stress testing of Market Risk 
exposures to highlight the potential risk that 
may arise from extreme market events that 
are deemed rare but plausible.

Stress testing is an integral part of the Traded 
Risk management framework and considers 
both historical market events and forward- 
looking scenarios. A consistent stress  
testing methodology is applied to trading  
and non-trading books. The stress testing 
methodology assumes that scope for 
management action would be limited during 
a stress event, reflecting the decrease in 
market liquidity that often occurs.

Stress scenarios are regularly updated to 
reflect changes in risk profile and economic 
events. The TRM function reviews stress 
testing results and, where necessary, 
enforces reductions in overall Market Risk 
exposure. The Group Risk Committee 
considers the results of stress tests as  
part of its supervision of Risk Appetite.

Regular stress test scenarios are applied  
to interest rates, credit spreads, exchange 
rates, commodity prices and equity prices. 
This covers all asset classes in the Financial 
Markets banking and trading books, including 
XVA (CVA and FVA). Ad hoc scenarios are 
also prepared, reflecting specific market 
conditions and for particular concentrations 
of risk that arise within the business. 

Where required by local statute or regulation, 
TRM’s Group and business-wide stress  
and scenario testing will be supplemented  
by entity stress testing at a country level.  
This stress testing is coordinated at the 
country level and subject to the relevant  
local governance.

216

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approachCapital and Liquidity Risk

The Group defines Capital Risk  
as the potential for insufficient  
level, composition or distribution  
of capital to support our normal 
activities, and Liquidity Risk as  
the risk that we may not have 
sufficient stable or diverse  
sources of funding to meet our 
obligations as they fall due

Risk Appetite Statement

The Group should maintain a strong capital position including the 
maintenance of management buffers sufficient to support its strategic 
aims and hold an adequate buffer of high-quality liquid assets to  
survive extreme but plausible liquidity stress scenarios for at least  
60 days without recourse to extraordinary central bank support

Roles and responsibilities

The Treasurer is responsible for developing a 
Risk Type Framework for Capital and Liquidity 
Risk and for complying with regulatory 
requirements at a Group level. The Treasury 
and Finance functions, as the second line of 
defence, provide independent challenge and 
oversight of the first line risk management 
activities relating to Capital and Liquidity Risk. 
In country, the Treasurer is supported by 
Treasury and Finance in implementing the 
Capital and Liquidity Risk Type Framework. 

Mitigation

The Group develops policies to address 
material Capital and Liquidity risks and aims 
to maintain its risk profile within Risk Appetite. 
In order to do this, metrics are set against 
Capital Risk, Liquidity and Funding Risk and 
Interest Rate Risk in the Banking Book. Risk 
Appetite metrics are also cascaded down to 
regions and countries in the form of limits and 
management action triggers. 

The Group also maintains a Recovery  
Plan which is a live document to be used  
by management in a liquidity or solvency 
stress. The Recovery Plan includes a set  
of Recovery Indicators, an escalation 
framework and a set of management actions 
capable of being implemented in a stress.  
A Recovery Plan is also maintained within 
each major country.

Capital Risk

In order to manage Capital Risk, strategic 
business and capital plans are drawn up 
covering a five-year horizon and are  
approved by the Board annually. The capital 
plan ensures that adequate levels of capital, 
including loss- absorbing capacity, and an 
efficient mix of the different components of 
capital are maintained to support our strategy 
and business plans. Treasury is responsible 
for the ongoing assessment of the demand 
for capital and the updating of the Group’s 
capital plan.

Capital planning takes the following into 
account:

 ¼ Current regulatory capital requirements 
and our assessment of future standards 
and how these might change

 ¼ Demand for capital due to the business 

and loan impairment outlook and potential 
market shocks or stresses

 ¼ Available supply of capital and capital 

raising options, including ongoing capital 
accretion from the business

Additionally, Risk Appetite metrics including 
leverage ratios and Tier 1 ratios (in both 
regular and stressed conditions) and metrics 
relating to structural FX positions, minimum 
requirement for own funds and eligible  
liability (MREL) are being assessed within the 
Corporate Plan to ensure that our business 
plan can be achieved within risk tolerances. 

Structural FX Risk

The Group’s structural position results from 
the Group’s non-US dollar investment in the 
share capital and reserves of subsidiaries  
and branches. The FX translation gains or 
losses are recorded in the Group’s Translation 
Reserves with a direct impact on the Group’s 
Common Equity Tier 1 ratio.

The Group contracts hedges to manage its 
structural FX position in accordance with the 
Board-approved Risk Appetite, and as a 
result the Group has taken net investment 
hedges to partially cover its exposure to the 
Korean won, Chinese renminbi, Taiwanese 
dollar and Indian rupee to mitigate the FX 
impact of such positions on its capital ratios.

Liquidity Risk

At Group and country level we implement 
various business-as-usual and stress risk 
metrics and monitor these against limits and 
management action triggers. This ensures 
that the Group maintains an adequate and 
well-diversified liquidity buffer as well as a 

stable funding base, and that it meets its 
liquidity and funding regulatory requirements. 
The approach to managing risks and the 
Board Risk Appetite are assessed annually 
through the Internal Liquidity Adequacy 
Assessment Process. A funding plan is also 
developed for efficient liquidity projections to 
ensure that the Group is adequately funded  
in the required currencies, to meet its 
obligations and client funding needs.

Interest Rate Risk in the 
Banking Book

The Group defines Interest Rate Risk in the 
Banking Book (IRRBB) as the potential for  
a reduction in future earnings or economic 
value due to changes in interest rates. This 
risk arises from differences in the repricing 
profile, interest rate basis, and optionality  
of banking book assets, liabilities and 
off-balance sheet items. IRRBB represents 
an economic and commercial risk to the 
Group and its capital adequacy. The Group 
monitors IRRBB against a Board-approved 
Risk Appetite.

Governance committee 
oversight

At the Board level, the Board Risk Committee 
oversees the effective management of Capital 
and Liquidity Risk. At the executive level, the 
Group Asset and Liability Committee ensures 
the effective management of risk throughout 
the Group in support of the Group’s strategy, 
guides the Group’s strategy on balance sheet 
optimisation and ensures that the Group 
operates within the internally approved Risk 
Appetite and other internal and external 
capital and liquidity requirements.

The Group Asset and Liability Committee 
delegates part of this responsibility to the 
Operational Balance Sheet Committee to 
ensure alignment with business objectives.

217

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportStress testing

Stress testing and scenario analysis are  
an integral part of the capital and liquidity 
framework and are used to ensure that the 
Group’s internal assessment of capital and 
liquidity considers the impact of extreme  
but plausible scenarios on its risk profile.  
A number of stress scenarios, some 
designed internally, some required by 
regulators, are run periodically. They provide 
an insight into the potential impact of 
significant adverse events on the Group’s 
capital and liquidity position and how this 
could be mitigated through appropriate 
management actions to ensure that the 
Group remains within the approved Risk 
Appetite and regulatory limits. Daily liquidity 
stress scenarios are also run to ensure the 
Group holds sufficient high-quality liquid 
assets to withstand extreme liquidity events.

Country oversight under the capital and 
liquidity framework resides with country  
Asset and Liability Committees. Countries 
must ensure that they remain in compliance 
with Group capital and liquidity policies  
and practices, as well as local regulatory 
requirements.

The Stress Testing Committee ensures  
the effective management of capital and 
liquidity-related enterprise stress testing  
in line with the Group’s Enterprise Stress 
Testing Policy and applicable regulatory 
requirements. The Stress Testing Committee 
reviews, challenges and approves stress 
scenarios, results and management actions 
for all enterprise stress tests. Insights gained 
from the stress tests are used to inform 
underwriting decisions, risk management, 
capital and liquidity planning and strategy.

Decision-making authorities 
and delegation 

The Group Chief Financial Officer has 
responsibility for capital, funding and liquidity 
under the Senior Managers Regime. The 
Group Chief Risk Officer has delegated the 
Risk Framework Owner responsibilities 
associated with Capital and Liquidity Risk  
to the Treasurer. The Treasurer delegates 
second line oversight and challenge 
responsibilities to relevant and suitably 
qualified Treasury and Finance individuals.

Monitoring

On a day-to-day basis, the management of 
Capital and Liquidity Risk at the country level 
is performed by the Country Chief Executive 
Officer and Treasury Markets respectively. 
The Group regularly reports and monitors 
Capital and Liquidity Risk inherent in its 
business activities and those that arise  
from internal and external events. The 
management of capital and liquidity is 
monitored by Treasury and Finance with 
appropriate escalation processes in place.

Internal risk management reports covering 
the balance sheet and the capital and liquidity 
position of the Group are presented to the 
Operational Balance Sheet Committee and 
the Group Asset and Liability Committee.  
The reports contain key information on 
balance sheet trends, exposures against  
Risk Appetite and supporting risk measures 
which enable members to make informed 
decisions around the overall management  
of the Group’s balance sheet. Oversight at a 
country level is provided by the country Asset 
and Liability Committee, with a focus on the 
local capital and liquidity risks, local prudential 
requirements and risks that arise from local 
internal and external events.

218

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approachCountry Risk

The Group defines Country  
Risk as the potential for losses  
due to political or economic  
events in a country

Risk Appetite Statement

The Group manages its Country Risk exposures following the principle 
of diversification across geographies and controls business activities in 
line with the level of jurisdiction risk

Governance committee 
oversight

At the Board level, the Board Risk Committee 
oversees the effective management of 
Country Risk. At the executive level, the 
Group Risk Committee is responsible for 
approving policies and control risk 
parameters, monitoring material risk 
exposures and directing appropriate action  
in response to material risk issues or themes 
that come to the Committee’s attention that 
relate to Country Risk. At a country level, the 
Country Risk Committee (or Executive Risk 
Committee for subsidiaries) is responsible for 
monitoring all risk issues for the respective 
country, including Country Risk.

Decision-making authorities 
and delegation 

The Country Risk Type Framework is the 
formal mechanism through which the 
delegation of Country Risk authorities is 
made. Approval authorities for Country Risk 
limits have been set based on the size of  
the proposed limit and the sovereign rating. 
The key principle is that large nominal limits, 
as well as higher risk jurisdictions, will require 
escalation for approval based on set levels 
per the delegated authorities approval matrix. 

Roles and responsibilities

The Country Risk Type Framework provides 
clear accountability and roles for managing 
risk through the three lines of defence  
model. The Global Head, Enterprise  
Risk Management is responsible for the 
management and control of Country Risk 
across the Group and is supported by the 
regional and country Chief Risk Officers who 
provide second line oversight and challenge 
to the first line Country Risk management 
activities. The first line ownership of Country 
Risk resides with the regional and country 
Chief Executive Officers who are responsible 
for the application of the framework; 
identification of Country Risk sub-types; and 
contributing to the limit setting approach by 
providing insight into the country business 
strategy. The first line also has responsibilities 
for ensuring that exposures remain within 
approved limits and in the event of any 
breaches, for putting in place appropriate 
remediation plans in a timely manner.

Mitigation

Standards are developed and deployed to 
implement requirements and controls that  
all countries must follow to ensure effective 
management of Country Risk. The standards 
outline the process for Country Risk limit 
setting, monitoring and reporting exposures. 
In response to growing concerns over the 
Country Risk outlook for a particular country, 
sovereign ratings may be downgraded, and 
country limits may also be reduced.

Monitoring

In 2019, risk coverage of Country Risk was 
expanded from Country Cross-Border Risk 
to Gross Country Risk which is an aggregate 
of Transfer and Convertibility Risk and  
Local Currency Risk . This is to provide a 
more holistic and enhanced approach to 
Country Risk. 

Monitoring and reporting of Country Risk is 
included in the standards and covers the 
monitoring of exposures relative to Risk 
Appetite thresholds and limits, as well as  
the reporting of material exposures to  
internal committees and externally where 
appropriate. Risk Appetite focusses on 
monitoring Gross Country Risk exposure to a 
single country as a percentage of aggregated 
Gross Country Risk exposure across all 
countries. The Group Risk Committee 
monitors Risk Appetite thresholds on a 
traffic-light indicator basis, and these provide 
an early warning signal of stress and 
concentration risk. An escalation process  
to the Board Risk Committee is in place 
based on the traffic-light indicators  
monitoring system. 

Enhanced capabilities have been established 
with the Country Risk Dashboard to monitor 
and manage Country Risk exposures for the 
expanded scope of Country Risk.

Stress testing

The Group Country Risk team produces 
stressed sovereign ratings which are used  
by the relevant Credit and Traded Risk  
teams in calculating risk-weighted assets 
during described extreme but plausible  
stress scenarios.

219

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportRisk Appetite Statement

The Group aims to protect the franchise from material damage to  
its reputation by ensuring that any business activity is satisfactorily 
assessed and managed by the appropriate level of management  
and governance oversight

Governance committee 
oversight

The Brand, Values and Conduct Committee 
retains Board-level oversight responsibility  
for Reputational Risk. Oversight from an 
operational perspective falls under the remit 
of the Group Risk Committee and the Board 
Risk Committee. The Group Reputational 
Risk Committee ensures the effective 
management of primary Reputational Risk 
across the Group.

The Group Reputational Risk Committee’s 
remit is to:

 ¼ Challenge, constrain and, if required, stop 
business activities where risks are not 
aligned with the Group’s Risk Appetite

 ¼ Make decisions on Reputational Risk 
matters assessed as high or very high 
based on the Group’s primary Reputational 
Risk materiality assessment matrix, and 
matters escalated from the regions or  
client businesses

 ¼  Provide oversight of material Reputational 
Risk and/or thematic issues arising from 
the potential failure of other risk types

The Group Non-Financial Risk Committee 
has oversight of the effective management  
of secondary Reputational Risk.

Decision-making authorities  
and delegation

The Group Risk Committee provides 
Group-wide oversight on Reputational Risk, 
approves policy and monitors material risks. 
The Group Reputational Risk Committee is 
authorised to approve or decline Reputational 
Risk aspects of any business transaction, 
counterparty, client, product, line of business 
and market within the boundaries of the 
Group’s Risk Appetite, and any limits  
and policies set by authorised bodies  
of the Group.

Monitoring

Reputational Risk policies and standards are 
applicable to all Group entities. However, local 
regulators in some markets may impose 
additional requirements on how banks 
manage and track Reputational Risk. In such 
cases, these are complied with in addition to 
Group policies and standards. Exposure to 
Reputational Risk is monitored through:

 ¼ A requirement that process owners 

establish triggers to prompt consideration 
of Reputational Risk and escalation where 
necessary

 ¼ The tracking of risk acceptance decisions

 ¼ The tracking of thematic trends in 
secondary risk arising from other  
principal risks

 ¼ The analysis of prevailing stakeholder 
concerns and industries with greater 
exposure to environmental, social and 
governance issues

In 2019, enhanced capabilities have been 
established to integrate risk identification and 
assessment into the client on-boarding and 
review process, and transaction reviews. In 
addition, web-scraping technology has been 
combined with internal data to provide 
detailed risk monitoring, analytics and  
drill down capabilities. 

Stress testing

Although Reputational Risk is not an explicit 
separate regulatory factor in enterprise stress 
tests, it is incorporated into the Group’s stress 
testing scenarios. For example, the Group 
may consider what impact a hypothetical 
event leading to loss of confidence among 
liquidity providers in a particular market might 
have, or what the implications might be for 
supporting part of the organisation in order  
to protect the brand.

Reputational Risk

The Group defines Reputational 
Risk as the potential for damage  
to the franchise, resulting in loss  
of earnings or adverse impact on 
market capitalisation because of 
stakeholders taking a negative  
view of the organisation, its actions 
or inactions – leading stakeholders 
to change their behaviour.

Roles and responsibilities

The Global Head, Enterprise Risk 
Management is the Risk Framework Owner 
for Reputational Risk under the Group’s 
Enterprise Risk Management Framework.  
For primary risks, the responsibility of 
Reputational Risk management at country 
level is delegated to Country Chief Risk 
Officers. Both the Global Head, Enterprise 
Risk Management and Country Chief Risk 
Officers constitute the second line of defence, 
overseeing and challenging the first line which 
resides with the Chief Executive Officers, 
Business Heads and Product Heads in 
respect of risk management activities of 
reputational-related risks. The Group 
recognises that there is also the potential  
for consequential Reputational Risk should  
it fail to control other principal risks. Such 
secondary Reputational Risks are managed 
by the Risk Framework Owners of each 
principal risk who are responsible for 
enhancing existing risk management 
frameworks to incorporate Reputational  
Risk management approaches.

Mitigation

The Group’s Reputational Risk policy sets out 
the principal sources of Reputational Risk 
and the responsibilities and procedures for 
identifying, assessing and escalating primary 
and secondary Reputational Risks. The 
policy also defines the control and oversight 
standards to effectively manage Reputational 
Risk. The Group takes a structured approach 
to the assessment of risks associated with 
how individual client, transaction, product 
and strategic coverage decisions may  
affect perceptions of the organisation and  
its activities, including, but not limited to, 
explicit principles related to environment  
and social risks and defence and dual use 
goods. Wherever a potential for stakeholder 
concerns is identified, issues are subject to 
prior approval by a management authority 
commensurate with the materiality of matters 
being considered. Such authorities may 
accept or decline the risk or impose 
conditions upon proposals, to protect the 
Group’s reputation. Secondary Reputational 
Risk mitigation derives from the effective 
management of other principal risks.

220

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approachOperational Risk

The Group defines Operational  
Risk as the potential for loss 
resulting from inadequate or  
failed internal processes and 
systems, human error or from  
the impact of external events 
(including legal risks). 

Risk Appetite Statement

The Group aims to control operational risks to ensure that operational 
losses (financial or reputational), including any related to conduct of 
business matters, do not cause material damage to the Group’s 
franchise

of the Operational Risk profile ensures 
appropriate prioritisation and timeliness of  
risk decisions, including risk acceptances 
with treatment plans for risks that exceed 
acceptable thresholds.

The Board is informed on adherence to 
Operational Risk Appetite through metrics 
reported for selected risks. These metrics  
are monitored, and escalation thresholds  
are devised based on the materiality and 
significance of the risk. These Operational 
Risk Appetite metrics are consolidated  
on a regular basis and reported at relevant 
Group committees. This provides senior 
management with the relevant information  
to inform their risk decisions. 

Stress testing

Stress testing and scenario analysis are used 
to assess capital requirements for operational 
risks. This approach considers the impact  
of extreme but plausible scenarios on the 
Group’s Operational Risk profile. A number  
of scenarios have been identified to test the 
robustness of the Group’s processes, and 
assess the potential impact on the Group. 
These scenarios include anti-money 
laundering, sanctions, as well as information 
and cyber security.

Roles and responsibilities

The Operational Risk Type Framework 
(ORTF) is set by the Global Head of Risk, 
Functions and Operational Risk and is 
applicable enterprise-wide. This Framework 
defines and collectively groups operational 
risks which have not been classified as 
principal risks into non-Principal Risk Types 
(non-PRTs) and sets standards for the 
identification, control, monitoring and 
treatment of risks. These standards are 
applicable across all PRTs and non-PRTs. 
The non-PRTs relate to execution capability, 
governance, reporting and obligations, legal 
enforceability, and operational resilience 
(including client service, third party vendor 
services, change management, safety and 
security and system availability).

The ORTF reinforces clear accountability  
for managing risk throughout the Group  
and delegates second line of defence 
responsibilities to identified subject matter 
experts. For each non-PRT, the expert sets 
policies for the organisation to comply with, 
and provides guidance, oversight and 
challenge over the activities of the Group. 
They ensure that key risk decisions are only 
taken by individuals with the requisite skills, 
judgement, and perspective to ensure that 
the Group’s risk-return objectives are met.

Mitigation

The ORTF sets out the Group’s overall 
approach to the management of Operational 
Risk in line with the Group’s Operational  
Risk Appetite. This is supported by Control 
Assessment Standards (CAS) which define 
roles and responsibilities for the identification, 
control and monitoring of risks (applicable to 
all non-PRTs and PRTs).

The CAS are used to determine the design 
strength and reliability of each process,  
and require:

 ¼ The recording of processes run by client 
segments, products, and functions into a 
process universe

 ¼ The identification of potential breakdowns 
to these processes and the related risks of 
such breakdowns

 ¼ An assessment of the impact of the 

identified risks based on a consistent scale

 ¼ The design and monitoring of controls to 

mitigate prioritised risks

 ¼ Assessments of residual risk and timely 

actions for elevated risks

Risks that exceed the Group’s Operational 
Risk Appetite require treatment plans to 
address underlying causes.

Governance committee 
oversight

At the Board level, the Board Risk Committee 
oversees the effective management of 
Operational Risk. At the executive level, the 
Group Risk Committee delegates authority 
primarily to the Group Non-Financial Risk 
Committee (GNFRC) to monitor the Group’s 
Operational Risk Appetite and to oversee the 
Group’s Operational Risk profile. The GNFRC 
has the authority to challenge, constrain and, 
if required, stop business activities where 
risks are not aligned with the Group’s 
Operational Risk Appetite.

Regional, business-segments and functional 
committees also provide enterprise oversight 
of their respective processes and related 
operational risks. In addition, Country 
Non-Financial Risk Committees (CNFRCs) 
oversee the management of Operational 
Risks at the country (or entity) level. In smaller 
countries, the responsibilities of the CNFRC 
may be exercised directly by the Country  
Risk Committee (for branches) or Executive 
Risk Committee (for subsidiaries).

Monitoring

To deliver services to clients and to participate 
in the financial services sector, the Group 
runs processes which are exposed to 
operational risks. The Group prioritises and 
manages risks which are significant to  
clients and to the financial services sectors. 
Control indicators are regularly monitored  
to determine the residual risk the Group is 
exposed to. The residual risk assessments 
and reporting of events form the Group’s 
Operational Risk profile. The completeness  

221

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportCompliance Risk

The Group defines Compliance 
Risk as the potential for  
penalties or loss to the Group,  
or for an adverse impact to our 
clients, stakeholders or to the 
integrity of the markets in which  
we operate through a failure on  
our part to comply with laws  
or regulations

Roles and responsibilities

The Group Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand & 
Marketing and Conduct, Financial Crime and 
Compliance (Group Head, CABM & CFCC) 
as Risk Framework Owner for Compliance 
Risk provides support to senior management 
on regulatory and compliance matters by:

 ¼ Providing interpretation and advice on 

regulatory requirements and their impact 
on the Group

 ¼ Setting enterprise-wide standards for 

compliance, through the establishment 
and maintenance of a risk-based 
compliance framework, the Compliance 
Risk Type Framework (Compliance RTF)

 ¼ Setting a programme for monitoring 

Compliance Risk

The Compliance RTF sets out the Group’s 
overall approach to the management of 
Compliance Risk and the roles and 
responsibilities in respect of Compliance Risk 
for the Group. All activities that the Group 
engages in must be designed to comply with 
the applicable laws and regulations in the 
countries in which we operate. The CFCC 
function is the second line that provides 
oversight and challenge of the first line risk 
management activities that relate to 
Compliance Risk.

The Compliance RTF defines Compliance 
Risk sub-types. Where Compliance Risk 
arises, or could arise, from failure to manage 
another principal risk or risk sub-type, the 
oversight and management processes for 
that specific principal risk or risk sub-type 
must be followed and the responsibility rests 
with the other Risk Framework Owner or 
control function to ensure that effective 
oversight and challenge of the first line can  
be provided by the appropriate second  
line function. 

Each of the assigned second line functions 
has responsibilities including monitoring 
relevant regulatory developments from 

Risk Appetite Statement

The Group has no appetite for breaches in laws and regulations; whilst 
recognising that regulatory non-compliance cannot be entirely avoided, 
the Group strives to reduce this to an absolute minimum

Non-Financial Services regulators at  
both Group and country levels, policy 
development, implementation, and validation 
as well as oversight and challenge of first line 
processes and controls.

In addition, the CFCC leadership team was 
strengthened in 2019 by bringing in new skills 
and breadth of experience. Notably, there is  
a new Group Regulatory and Public Affairs 
team to monitor regulatory reforms in key 
markets and establish a protocol of horizon 
scanning for emerging Compliance Risk.  
This protocol helps to ensure that regulatory 
reforms with the potential to affect the  
Group in multiple markets are identified  
and steps taken in good time to help  
ensure compliance.

Mitigation

The CFCC function develops and deploys 
relevant policies and standards setting out 
requirements and controls for adherence by 
the Group to ensure continued compliance 
with applicable laws and regulations.  
Through a combination of risk assessment, 
control standard setting, control monitoring 
and compliance assurance activities, the 
Compliance Risk Framework Owner seeks  
to ensure that all policies are operating as 
expected to mitigate the risk that they cover. 
The installation of appropriate processes and 
controls is the primary tool for the mitigation 
of Compliance Risk. In this, the requirements 
of the Operational Risk Type Framework are 
followed to ensure a consistent approach to 
the management of processes and controls. 
Several material technological solutions were 
deployed in 2019 to improve efficiencies  
and simplify processes. These include 
implementation of an enhanced systems to 
better track matters raised by our regulators 
and breaches of regulations, and digital 
portals and chatbots providing improved 
access to compliance advice.

Governance committee 
oversight

Compliance Risk and the risk of non-
compliance with laws and regulations 
resulting from failed processes and controls 
are overseen by Business, Product and 
Function Non-Financial Risk Committees. 

The Conduct and Compliance Non-Financial 
Risk Committee has a consolidated view  
of these risks and helps to ensure that 
appropriate governance is in place for these. 
In addition, the Committee helps to ensure 
that elevated levels of Compliance Risk are 
reported to the Group Non-Financial Risk 
Committee, Group Risk Committee and 
Board Audit Committee. Within each  
country, oversight of Compliance Risk is 
delegated through the Country Non-Financial 
Risk Committee.

Decision-making authorities 
and delegation

Decision-making and approval authorities 
follow the Enterprise Risk Management 
Framework approach and risk thresholds. 
The Group Head, CABM & CFCC has  
the authority to delegate second line 
responsibilities within the CFCC function to 
relevant and suitably qualified individuals. 

Monitoring

The monitoring of controls designed to 
mitigate the risk of regulatory non-compliance 
in processes are governed in line with the 
Operational Risk Type Framework. The 
Group has a monitoring and reporting 
process in place for Compliance Risk,  
which includes escalation and reporting to 
Conduct and Compliance Non-Financial  
Risk Committee, Group Risk Committee  
and Board Audit Committee as appropriate. 
In 2019, monitoring of Compliance Risk was 
further enhanced with the introduction of  
new Risk Appetite metrics. 

Stress testing

Stress testing and scenario analysis are  
used to assess capital requirements for 
Compliance Risk and form part of the overall 
scenario analysis portfolio managed under 
the Operational Risk Type Framework. 
Specific scenarios are developed annually 
with collaboration between the business, 
which owns and manages the risk, and the 
CFCC function, which is second line to 
incorporate significant Compliance Risk tail 
events. This approach considers the impact 
of extreme but plausible scenarios on the 
Group’s Compliance Risk profile.

222

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approachConduct Risk 

The Group defines Conduct  
Risk as the risk of detriment to  
the Group’s clients, investors, 
shareholders, market integrity, 
competition and counterparties,  
or risk of detriment from the 
inappropriate supply of financial 
services, including instances of 
wilful or negligent misconduct. 

Risk Appetite Statement

The Group has no appetite for negative Conduct Risk outcomes arising 
from negligent or wilful actions by the Group or individuals, recognising 
that whilst incidents are unwanted, they cannot be entirely avoided

In addition to the Group’s external 
stakeholders, Conduct Risk may also arise  
in respect to our behaviour towards each 
other as colleagues. The Group believes  
that all employees are entitled to a fair and 
safe working environment that is free from 
discrimination, exploitation, bullying, 
harassment or inappropriate language.

Roles and responsibilities 

Conduct Risk management and abiding  
by the Group Code of Conduct is the 
responsibility of all employees in the Group.

The first line of defence is required to ensure 
that potential Conduct Risks arising in the 
business, functions and countries are 
identified, assessed and managed 
appropriately. Senior management in the  
first line of defence are accountable for 
embedding the right culture relating to 
Conduct Risk. The CFCC function is the 
second line for Conduct Risk, and is 
responsible for providing independent 
guidance, oversight, and challenge to the first 
line as well as setting the risk management 
standards that the first line must adhere to. 
The Group Head of Corporate Affairs,  
Brand & Marketing (CABM) and CFCC is the 
Risk Framework owner for Conduct Risk.  
As Conduct Risk may be derived from the 
other principal risks and their risk sub-types, 
no specific Conduct Risk sub-types have 
been defined. Where Conduct Risk is derived 
through the crystallisation of risks under the 
other principal risks, the potential Conduct 
Risk is evaluated and considered through  
the other principal risks. Any materialised or 
forward-looking risks defined in the various 
principal risks which do not meet the Group’s 
Conduct standards are included in the 
Conduct Plans.

Conduct Plans

The Conduct Plans are used for the 
end-to-end process of risk identification  
and assessment of Conduct Risk against  
the Conduct Outcomes, and remediation 
actions. Action plans to mitigate Conduct 
Risks are identified and documented in  
the Conduct Plan. It is a live and dynamic 
document and must be kept regularly 
updated, including as and when there are 
potential or materialised conduct risks 
identified through other principal risks. 
Identified conduct risks and the 
corresponding mitigation should be 
monitored by relevant governance forums  
to ensure effective and timely resolution.  
The Conduct Plans should meet minimum 
standards as follows:

 ¼ Conduct Plans are owned by the 

management of each country, region, 
business and function within the Group.  
As the first line of defence, management is 
responsible to ensure that the Conduct 
Plans are regularly reviewed and updated. 
The CFCC function as the second line of 
defence and Risk Framework Owner is 
responsible for challenging management 
on the quality and completeness of the 
plan, as well as the effectiveness and 
timeliness of the remediation strategy

 ¼ Conduct Plans highlight the key conduct 

risks that are inherent in the processes and 
activities performed or impacted within a 
country, region, business or function

 ¼ The Group Conduct Management 

Principles, which highlight various conduct 
outcomes, should be used as a guide to 
help with the process of identifying relevant 
conduct risks

 ¼ For each of the risks identified, appropriate 
remediation action, enhancements to the 
control environment, responsible action 
owners and timeframes for resolution  
must be clearly recorded within the 
Conduct Plan

 ¼ Regular engagement should take  

place between owners of the Group  
and geographic Conduct Plans to  
ensure appropriate escalation and 
communications related to conduct risks 
and the mitigation strategy applied

 ¼ Conduct Plans should also reflect Conduct 
Risks based on one-off projects, adverse 
trends from conduct management 
information, internal conduct incidents, 
deficiencies identified through internal 
assurance activities across the three lines 
of defence, emerging risks/trends and 
external developments

Governance committee 
oversight

The Board Risk Committee, Brand Values 
and Conduct Committee, Group Risk 
Committee, Group Non-Financial Risk 
Committee and the Conduct and 
Compliance Non-Financial Risk Committee 
are responsible for ensuring that the Group 
effectively manages its Conduct Risk. As Risk 
Framework Owner for Conduct Risk, the 
Group Head, CABM & CFCC sets reporting 
thresholds for escalation of Conduct Risk to 
the Conduct and Compliance Non-Financial 
Risk Committee, Group Non-Financial Risk 
Committee and Group Risk Committee.  
The Board Risk Committee and the Brand 
Values and Conduct Committee receive 
periodic reports that provide updates relating 
to the Group’s approach to managing 
Conduct Risk across our countries, regions, 
businesses and functions.

223

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportDecision-making authorities 
and delegation

Conduct Risk challenge and acceptance 
authority is exercised by the Group Head, 
CABM & CFCC, and delegated within the 
CFCC function as second line. 

Monitoring and mitigation 

Conduct Risk monitoring is done by the 
businesses, functions, regions and countries 
based on identified conduct metrics and 
other principal risk assessment activities. 
Following the end of each quarter, all 
businesses, functions, regions and countries 
are required to self-assess and report their 
progress against the agreed actions as set 
out in Conduct Plans to their respective 
CFCC second line delegate to validate.  
This responsibility rests with the respective 
business head, function head or Chief 
Executive Officer.

To provide a view of the key Conduct Risks 
facing the Group, three revised Group- 
level Risk Appetite metrics will be used. 
These relate to the Group’s main Conduct 
Risk outcomes: Fair Outcomes for Clients; 
Employee Welfare and Relations; and 
Effective Markets and Stakeholder 
Confidence (e.g. regulators and investors). 
The Group Risk Assessment Matrix (GRAM) 
will be used to rate the key drivers for each  
of the three categories. The use of the  
GRAM will help to ensure that a consistent 
approach is followed when assessing the 
impact and likelihood of potential Conduct 
Risk outcomes. 

Stress testing

The assessment of Conduct Risk 
vulnerabilities under stressed conditions  
or extreme events with a low likelihood of 
occurring are carried out through enterprise 
stress testing. This is currently covered 
primarily through Operational Risk driven 
stress scenarios.

224

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approachFinancial Crime Risk

The Group defines Financial  
Crime Risk as the potential for  
legal or regulatory penalties, 
material financial loss or  
reputational damage resulting  
from the failure to comply with 
applicable laws and regulations 
relating to international sanctions, 
anti-money laundering, anti-bribery 
and corruption, and fraud.

Roles and responsibilities

The Group Head, CABM & CFCC has overall 
responsibility for Financial Crime Risk and is 
responsible for the establishment and 
maintenance of effective systems and 
controls to meet legal and regulatory 
obligations in respect of Financial Crime Risk. 
The Group Head, CABM & CFCC is the 
Group’s Compliance and Money-Laundering 
Reporting Officer and performs the Financial 
Conduct Authority (FCA) controlled function 
and senior management function in 
accordance with the requirements set out  
by the FCA, including those set out in their 
handbook on systems and controls. As the 
first line, the business unit process owners 
have responsibility for the application of  
policy controls and the identification and 
measurement of risks relating to financial 
crime. Business units must communicate 
risks and any policy non-compliance to the 
second line for review and approval following 
the model for delegation of authority.

In 2019, Fraud Risk, previously a risk 
sub-type under Operational Risk Type 
Framework (ORTF), was transferred to 
Financial Crime Risk. Second line of defence 
activities for Fraud Risk lie with the Global 
Head, Fraud. 

Mitigation

There are four Group policies in support of 
the Financial Crime Risk Type Framework:

 ¼ Anti-bribery and corruption as set out in 
the Group Anti-Bribery and Corruption 
Policy

 ¼ Anti-money laundering and countering 

terrorists financing as set out in the Group 
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter 
Terrorist Financing Policy

 ¼ Sanctions as set out in the Group 

Sanctions Policy 

 ¼ Fraud as set out in the Group Fraud Risk 

Management Policy

The Group operates risk-based assessments 
and controls in support of its Financial Crime 
Risk programme, including (but not limited to):

Risk Appetite Statement

The Group has no appetite for breaches in laws and regulations related 
to financial crime, recognising that while incidents are unwanted, they 
cannot be entirely avoided

 ¼ Group Risk Assessment - a Group-wide 
Financial Crime Risk assessment that is 
undertaken annually to assess the inherent 
Financial Crime Risk exposures and the 
effectiveness of the implemented controls 
by which these exposures are mitigated, 
so that the Group can direct and allocate 
appropriate mitigating resources 

The Committees provide oversight of the 
effectiveness of the Group’s policies, 
procedures, systems, controls and 
assurance mechanisms designed to identify, 
assess, manage, monitor, detect or prevent 
money laundering, non-compliance with 
sanctions, bribery, corruption, internal/
external fraud and tax crime by third parties.

 ¼ Country Risk Assessment (Geographic 

Risk Rating) – an assessment and 
measurement of the inherent Financial 
Crime Risk within specific countries or 
jurisdictions based on political, economic 
and criminal factors

 ¼ Product Risk Assessment – an 

assessment of the inherent Financial  
Crime Risks within the products offered  
by the Group

 ¼ Client Risk Assessment – a model, 

calibrated and monitored using Group 
Model Validation standards, designed to 
dynamically measure the inherent Financial 
Crime Risks posed by a client relationship

 ¼ Financial Crime Surveillance – risk-based 
systems and processes to prevent and 
detect financial crime

The strength of controls is tested and 
assessed through the Group’s ORTF, in 
addition to oversight by CFCC Assurance 
and Group Internal Audit.

Governance committee 
oversight

Financial Crime Risk within the Group is 
governed by the Group Financial Crime Risk 
Committee; and the Group Non-Financial 
Risk Committee for Fraud Risk which is 
appointed by and reports into the Group Risk 
Committee. Both committees are responsible 
for ensuring the effective management of 
Operational Risk relating to Financial Crime 
Risk and Fraud Risk compliance throughout 
the Group. The Board appoints the Board 
Financial Crime Risk Committee to provide 
oversight on anti-bribery and corruption, 
anti-money laundering (and terrorist financing) 
and sanctions; and the Board Risk 
Committee for oversight on Fraud Risk.  

Decision-making authorities 
and delegation

The Group Head, CABM & CFCC is the  
Risk Framework Owner for Financial Crime 
Risk under the Group’s Enterprise Risk 
Management Framework and has delegated 
authorities to effectively implement the 
Financial Crime Risk Type Framework, to  
the Co-Heads, Financial Crime Compliance. 
Certain aspects of Financial Crime 
Compliance, second line oversight and 
challenge, are further delegated within the 
CFCC function. Approval frameworks are in 
place to allow for risk-based decisions on 
client on-boarding, potential breaches of 
sanctions regulation or policy, and situations 
of potential money laundering (and terrorist 
financing), bribery and corruption or internal 
and external fraud.

Monitoring

The Group monitors Financial Crime Risk 
compliance against a set of Risk Appetite 
metrics that are approved by the Board. 
These metrics are reviewed periodically and 
reported regularly to the Group Financial 
Crime Risk Committee, Group Non-Financial 
Risk Committee, Board Risk Committee  
and Board Financial Crime Risk Committee.

In 2019, new metrics were being introduced, 
including for internal and external fraud 
losses, and these Group Risk Appetite 
metrices are being cascaded to countries  
for local adoption and close monitoring. 

Stress testing

The assessment of Financial Crime 
vulnerabilities under stressed conditions  
or extreme events with a low likelihood of 
occurring is carried out through enterprise 
stress testing.

225

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportInformation and Cyber Security Risk

The Group defines Information  
and Cyber Security Risk as the 
potential for loss from a breach  
of confidentiality, integrity or 
availability of the Group’s 
information systems and assets 
through cyber attack, insider 
activity, error or control failure

Risk Appetite Statement

The Group seeks to avoid risk and uncertainty for our critical information 
assets and systems and has a low appetite for material incidents 
affecting these or the wider operations and reputation of the Group

Roles and responsibilities

Mitigation

In 2019, the Group consolidated its 
information and cyber security (ICS) efforts to 
withstand cyber threats, eliminate duplication 
and improve clarity of roles. The Group Chief 
Operating Officer has been given overall first 
line of defence responsibility for ICS Risk  
and holds full accountability for the Group’s 
end-to-end ICS strategy. In order to create  
a more business and client-aligned ICS 
support team, the role of the Chief 
Information Security Officer (CISO) position 
moved to the first line and the second line  
role has been re-framed as the Chief 
Information Security Risk Officer (CISRO). 

The Group CISRO continues to operate as 
the second line of defence, having overall 
responsibility for governance, oversight and 
challenge of ICS Risk and providing insight  
to senior management and the Board on  
the Group’s ICS Risk management.

The ICS Risk Type Framework (RTF) 
emphasises business ownership and 
individual accountability for managing  
ICS Risk. It defines the first line roles of 
Information Asset Owners, Information 
System Owners and Information Custodians 
as named individuals within each business, 
and the accountability for classifying and 
managing risks to the information assets and 
systems. The Heads of ICS, within Group 
CISO, provide Information Asset and System 
Owners a centralised first line point of contact 
to ensure controls are embedded effectively 
and consistently across the Group. 

ICS Risk is managed through a structured 
ICS policy framework comprising a risk 
assessment methodology and supporting 
policies and standards which are aligned  
to industry best practice models. 

The CISRO function monitors compliance  
to the ICS policy framework through an 
assessment of each key control domain as 
defined by the ICS RTF through the ICS Risk 
profile report. Within the ICS Risk profile, 
appropriate mitigating activity for each key 
control domain is identified, undertaken and 
reported against by the business.

In 2019, the Board approved a refreshed ICS 
strategy supporting the overall Group strategy 
and delivery of the ICS RTF risk management 
principles. A key part is investing in digitisation 
and partnerships to better serve our clients. 

Governance committee 
oversight

ICS Risk within the Group is currently 
governed via the Board Risk Committee 
which has responsibility for approving the 
definition of ICS Risk and the Group Risk 
Appetite. In addition, the Group Risk 
Committee (GRC) has delegated authority to 
the Group Non-Financial Risk Committee 
(GNFRC) to ensure effective implementation 
of the ICS RTF. The GRC and GNFRC  
retain responsibility for oversight of ICS Risk 
control domains rated very high and high 
respectively. Sub-committees of the GNFRC 
have oversight of ICS Risk management 
arising from business, country and  
functional areas.

These governance committees have 
responsibility for providing oversight of ICS 
Risk against Risk Appetite and measuring 
performance of ICS Risk management 
activities across the first line. Chairs of 
governance committees ensure adequate 
representation for all business units and 
countries across the Group who are 
responsible for managing ICS Risk. 
Escalation of ICS risks which fall outside  
the defined appetite for the Group are 
overseen by these committees to ensure 
effective mitigation.

At a management level, the Group has also 
created the Cyber Security Advisory Forum, 
chaired by the Group Chief Executive, as a 
way of ensuring the Management Team,  
the Chairman and several non-executive 
directors are well informed on ICS Risk, and 
to increase business understanding and 
awareness so that business priorities drive 
the security and cyber resilience agenda.

Decision-making authorities 
and delegation

The ICS RTF is the formal mechanism 
through which the delegation of ICS Risk 
authorities is made. The Group Chief  
Risk Officer has delegated the ICS Risk 
Framework Owner authority to the CISRO. 
The CISRO has, where appropriate, 
delegated second line authority to Information 
Security Risk Officers to assume the 
responsibilities for approval for business, 
functions, and countries.

Approval of ICS Risk ratings follow an 
approval matrix defined by the ICS RTF 
where the Group Chief Risk Officer and 
Group CISRO sign off very high and high 
risks respectively.

Information Asset Owners, Information 
System Owners and Information Custodians 
are responsible for the identification, creation 
and implementation of processes as required 
to comply with the ICS policy framework.

226

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approachMonitoring

Monitoring and reporting on the ICS Risk 
Appetite profile ensures that performance 
which falls outside the approved Risk 
Appetite is highlighted and reviewed at  
the appropriate governance committee  
or authority levels and ensures that  
adequate remediation actions are in place 
where necessary.

Identification of ICS risks are performed 
through the following processes:

 ¼ Dynamic ICS Risk scanning is carried  
out through industry and specialist 
activities; inputs from legal, regulatory  
and mandatory bodies; changes to 
information and technology use in society, 
opportunities or incidents; and identifying 
emerging threats to the Group’s 
information assets and systems

 ¼ An ICS Risk profile assessment exercise is 
performed to identify and ascertain severity 
ratings of risks to information assets and 
systems. Risks identified within the key 
control domains are documented within 
ICS Risk profiles and reviewed monthly as 
part of risk governance to ensure effective 
mitigation against the approved appetite. 
During these reviews, the status of each 
risk is assessed to identify any changes  
to materiality and likelihood, which in turn 
affect the overall risk score and rating. 
Risks which exceed defined thresholds  
are escalated to appropriate governance 
bodies. Group CISRO performs a 
consolidation of completed ICS Risk 
profiles for the Group and produces a 
holistic aggregated risk position with 
appropriate key control and risk indicators, 
which are used to govern the overall  
ICS Risk

Stress testing

Group CISRO determines ICS Risk controls 
to be subjected to scenario-based resiliency 
stress testing and sensitivity analysis, which is 
aimed to either ensure robustness of control 
or ability to respond should a control fail.  
The Group’s stress testing approach entails:

 ¼ Group CISRO oversees all ICS risk-related 
stress testing the Group carries out to 
meet regulatory requirements

 ¼ Incident scenarios affecting information 

assets and systems are periodically tested 
to assess the incident management 
capability in the Group

 ¼ Penetration testing and vulnerability 
scanning are performed against the 
Group’s internet-facing services and  
critical information assets/systems

227

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportEmerging Risks 

In addition to our Principal Risk Types that we manage through Risk Type Frameworks, policies 
and Risk Appetite, we also maintain an inventory of emerging risks. Emerging risks refer to 
unpredictable and uncontrollable outcomes from events which may have the potential to 
materially impact our business. These include near-term risks that are on the horizon and can 
be measured or mitigated to some extent, as well as longer-term uncertainties that are on the 
radar but not yet fully measurable.

In 2019, we undertook a thorough review of our Emerging Risks, using the approach described in the Enterprise Risk Management Framework 
section (page 206 to 211). The key results of the review are detailed below.

Populism is on the rise globally. Policies such as income redistribution, public spending increases, a rise in trade barriers and tariffs, tax cuts, 
restrictions on immigration, and pro-nationalist or anti-global rhetoric pose a risk to long-term economic progression and overlay the majority  
of our Emerging Risks. 

Key changes to our Emerging Risks:

The following items have been removed as emerging risks:

 ¼ ‘Emerging Markets (EM) – upcoming elections, interest rate rises, and FX risks’ – Due to the successful completion of elections this year in key 
markets such as Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Brazil and Sri Lanka and the significant reduction in the likelihood of interest rate rises this risk has 
decreased and is no longer considered an Emerging Risk. However, we continue monitoring at regional and country level to detect horizon 
risks and analyse potential adverse developments.

The following items have been amended or added as new emerging risks:

 ¼ ‘China slowdown and impact on regional economies with close ties to China’ – The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak has raised 

concerns over growth prospects in China and the risk this poses to the broader Asian and global outlook

 ¼ ‘Hong Kong social unrest’ – The ongoing social unrest since the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters 

Legislation Bill (‘Extradition Bill’) was proposed in February 2019 have resulted in increased concern and elevated risk

 ¼ ‘Interbank Offered Rate (IBOR) discontinuation and transition’ – There are concerns regarding the impact of the discontinuation of the IBOR 

benchmarks and the transition to risk-free rates (RFRs)

 ¼ ‘Japan Korea diplomatic dispute’ – The disagreement over wartime labour compensation has escalated and may affect the trade of critical 

raw materials 

Our list of emerging risks, based on our current knowledge and assumptions, is set out below, with our subjective assessment of their impact, 
likelihood and velocity of change. This reflects the latest internal assessment of material risks that the Group faces as identified by senior management. 
This list is not designed to be exhaustive and there may be additional risks which could materialise or have an adverse effect on the Group. 

Our mitigation approach for these risks may not be successful in completely eliminating them, but rather shows the Group’s attempt to reduce 
or manage the risk. As certain risks develop and materialise over time, management will take appropriate incremental steps based on the 
materiality of the impact of the risk to the operations of the Group: 

Geopolitical considerations (Risk ranked according to severity)

Emerging Risk

Risk trend 
since 2018 Context

US China  
trade tensions 
driven by 
geopolitics  
and trade 
imbalance

Potential impact:  
High

Likelihood:  
High

Velocity of change: 
Moderate

 ¼ Trade tensions between the US and China continue driven by 

trade imbalance and geopolitical tensions

 ¼ In 2018 the US imposed trade tariffs on $550 billion of imports 

from China; China retaliated with tariffs on $185 billion of  
US goods. In March 2019, talks began to end the trade war. 
The talks were fraught with complications and the relationship 
between the two countries initially deteriorated

 ¼ The countries have however recently announced a ‘phase 

one’ deal

 ¼ Whilst the prospect of an all-out trade war has receded 

slightly, the situation remains fragile, particularly given the 
backdrop of the 2020 Presidential election and China’s  
protest over the US Senate’s passing of the HK Human Rights 
and Democracy Act which threatens Hong Kong’s special 
trade status

 ¼ As opposed to merely slowing global growth, the risks are 

that the US-China dispute persists, expands to other regions 
such as Europe, and ultimately develops into a full-blown 
global trade war

 ¼ The Group has a significant revenue stream from supporting 

cross-border trade

How these are mitigated/next steps

 ¼ A sharp slowdown in US-China and, more 
broadly, world trade and global growth is  
a feature of the Group stress scenarios 
including the Internal Capital Adequacy 
Assessment Process (ICAAP) and the annual 
Bank of England (BoE) stress testing exercise. 
This included a sharp slowdown in China 
scenario which was assessed in September 
2019. These stress tests provide visibility to 
key vulnerabilities so that management can 
implement timely interventions

228

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approachHow these are mitigated/next steps

 ¼ The Group has formed a ‘command centre’ 

managed by Standard Chartered Bank Hong 
Kong, which assesses emerging risks and 
directs the Group’s response

 ¼ The Group’s ongoing stress tests provide 

insight to develop strategies to mitigate these. 
Exposures that may result in material credit 
impairment and increased risk-weighted 
assets are closely monitored and actively 
managed

 ¼ Detailed portfolio reviews are conducted on 
an ongoing basis, most recently in the fourth 
quarter of 2019

 ¼ The Group has continued monitoring at 
regional and country level to detect  
horizon risks and analyse potential  
adverse developments

 ¼ The direct impact on our Middle East  

portfolio to date has been limited, though the 
developments inevitably impact confidence 
and economic prospects for the region
 ¼ Qatar’s Risk Appetite and underwriting 

standards have been adjusted to reflect  
current conditions

Emerging Risk

Risk trend 
since 2018 Context

Hong Kong 
social unrest

Potential impact:  
High

Likelihood:  
High

Velocity of change: 
Fast

Middle East 
geopolitical 
tensions

Potential impact:  
High

Likelihood:  
Medium

Velocity of change: 
Moderate

 ¼ In February 2019, the Hong Kong government proposed the 
Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal 
Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill (the ‘Extradition Bill’), 
triggering significant public reaction from June onwards
 ¼ Continual large-scale social unrest initially demanded the 

withdrawal of the proposed Extradition Bill but later expanded 
to cover other issues including transparency, justice and 
democracy. There is evidence of de-escalation since 
December 2019 although the situation remains fluid

 ¼ Key economic indicators suggest a notable slowdown in 

Hong Kong’s economy

 ¼ The unrest has not had a significant effect on operations and 

the portfolio to date

 ¼ Hong Kong remains the largest profit contributor to the Group

 ¼ The past 12 months have seen an increase in volatility across 
the Middle East. Conflicts continue in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon  
and Iraq

 ¼ Following Major General Qasem Soleimani’s death in a US 
drone strike, Iran took retaliatory action against US bases in 
Iraq and Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752 was 
downed by an Iranian missile when departing Tehran

 ¼ Following the decision by the US to withdraw its troops from 
Northern Syria, Turkey commenced a military operation to 
create a buffer zone on its border with Syria. In response, 
Syrian and Kurdish forces agreed to align against the Turkish 
army

 ¼ There were attacks on Saudi oil installations claimed by Houthi 

rebels fighting against Saudi Arabian and UAE forces in 
Yemen. The attacks temporarily closed down 5 per cent of 
global oil production and led to new US sanctions on Iran.  
The US authorised the deployment of additional forces to  
the region. Iran further reduced its compliance with the Joint 
Comprehensive Plan of Action and is expanding its stock of 
low-enriched uranium

 ¼ Attacks on oil tankers took place in the Strait of Hormuz off 
the coast of UAE and Oman. The US attributed the attacks  
to Iran; an accusation Iran denied

 ¼ The boycott of Qatar by the Arab quartet (Saudi Arabia, UAE, 
Bahrain and Egypt) continues and has contributed to the 
downward pressures on economic growth in the region. 
There is little incentive for the parties to alter their positions  
in the absence of any strong external pressure to do so 
 ¼ Qatar’s internal outlook is more positive given the country’s 
response to the blockade, improved self-reliance and high 
foreign currency reserves

 ¼ The Group has a material presence across the region

Risk heightened in 2019 

Risk reduced in 2019 

 Risk remained consistent with 2018 levels

Potential impact
Refers to the extent to which a risk event might  
affect the Group

Likelihood
Refers to the possibility that a given event will occur

Velocity of change
Refers to when the risk event might materialise

High (significant financial or non-financial risk)

High (almost certain)

Fast (risk of sudden developments with limited time to respond)

Medium (some financial or non-financial risk)

Medium (likely or possible)

Moderate (moderate pace of developments for which we expect 
there will be time to respond)

Low (marginal financial or non-financial risk)

Low (unlikely or rare)

Steady (gradual or orderly developments)

229

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ report 
 
How these are mitigated/next steps

 ¼ We continue to assess and manage Brexit  

risk and the practical implications through the 
Brexit Executive Committee, which is chaired 
by a member of the Management Team. We 
have also evaluated the potential implications 
from a transition and will continue monitoring 
the progress of the political negotiations
 ¼ The Brexit Programme has been extended 
into 2020 to ensure continued focus on  
Brexit deliverables

 ¼ The Group has set up a new EU subsidiary 
and optimised our EU structure to mitigate  
any potential impact to our clients, staff or the 
Group because of Brexit, including loss of EU 
passporting rights

 ¼ We anticipate very limited impact on the 

Group and no portfolio-level actions have 
been taken. The Group performed a portfolio 
review and will continue to monitor exposure 
 ¼ There is continuous monitoring at a country, 
regional and Group level to identify emerging 
risks and evaluate their management

How these are mitigated/next steps

 ¼ In response to the novel coronavirus outbreak 
the Group’s priority is to ensure the health  
and safety of our clients and employees and 
continue normal operations by leveraging our 
robust Business Continuity Plans 

 ¼ As part of our stress tests, a severe stress in 
the global economy associated with a sharp 
slowdown in China was assessed in 
September 2019 in addition to the ICAAP  
and BoE 2019 stress tests

 ¼ Exposures that result in material credit 
impairment charges and risk-weighted  
assets inflation under stress tests are  
regularly reviewed and actively managed
 ¼ A global downturn with shocks concentrated 
on China and countries with close trade links 
with China is one of the regularly run market 
and Traded Risk stress tests

 ¼ We continue to monitor data from Greater 
China, North Asia and South East Asia 
regions

Emerging Risk

Risk trend 
since 2018 Context

Brexit 
implications

Potential impact:  
Low

Likelihood:  
High

Velocity of change: 
Steady

Japan-Korea 
diplomatic 
dispute

Potential impact:  
Medium

Likelihood:  
High

Velocity of change: 
Steady

 ¼ The UK general election result has reduced the immediate  
risk surrounding the exit of the UK from the European Union 
(Brexit) and transition is currently due to continue until 
December 2020

 ¼ Brexit could have implications on the economic outlook for  
the Eurozone and the UK, which might in turn have global 
implications because of changes in policy direction. The 
uncertainties linked to Brexit negotiations could delay 
corporate investment decisions until there is more clarity

 ¼ As the Japan-Korea dispute over wartime labour 

compensation escalated, Japan imposed export restrictions 
on South Korea along with other key Asian countries such as 
China and Singapore, regarding important raw materials for 
semiconductors and organic light emitting diode (OLED) 
displays, with effect from 4 July 2019

 ¼ South Korean chip manufacturers rely on these imports
 ¼ This supply shortage is expected to have minimal immediate 
impact because the use of these raw materials is limited to 
high-end products. However, adoption of these advanced 
technologies is critical for retaining technological leadership 
and is expected to accelerate in the medium term

 ¼ These are important markets for the Group

Macroeconomic considerations

Emerging Risk

Risk trend 
since 2018 Context

Novel 
coronavirus 
outbreak, 
China 
slowdown and 
impact on 
regional 
economies 
with close ties 
to China

Potential impact:  
High

Likelihood:  
High

Velocity of change: 
Fast

 ¼ Asia remains the main driver of global growth supported by 

internal drivers, led by China

 ¼ Chinese authorities have confirmed a new coronavirus 

‘Covid-19’, which is a family of viruses that cause respiratory 
infections such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) 
and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS)

 ¼ By 31 January 2020, the World Health Organisation declared 

a global health emergency as the outbreak spread well 
beyond China with the majority of cases in mainland China

 ¼ Governments around the world have taken measures to 

contain the spread of the virus including travel restrictions. 
Some companies have scaled back their operations in China
 ¼ The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus outbreak presents 

risks to regional economic growth

 ¼ The outbreak has raised comparisons with SARS in 2003, 
which infected over 8,000 people and led to approximately 
700 deaths. SARS caused widespread economic disruption 
as fear of infection resulted in a reduction in retail activity as 
well as a downturn in hospitality and tourism. There are risks 
the effect will be greater due to China’s increased global 
economic importance

 ¼ The economic impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak will 
depend on how the virus spreads and the response of the 
authorities. Prior to the outbreak, China GDP growth slowed 
to 6.0 per cent in Q3 and 6.1 per cent in Q4 2019, the weakest 
pace in almost 30 years

 ¼ Highly trade-oriented economies such as Hong Kong and 

Singapore with close ties to China would weaken in the event 
of an economic slowdown. Regional supply chain economies 
such as Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia would also be impacted 
from a fall in economic activity

 ¼ Greater China, North Asia and South East Asian economies 
remain key strategic regions for the Group and Hong Kong 
remains the largest profit contributor

230

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approachEnvironmental and social considerations

Emerging Risk

Risk trend 
since 2018 Context

How these are mitigated/next steps

Climate-related 
transition and 
physical risks1

Potential impact:  
High

Likelihood:  
High

Velocity of change: 
Moderate

 ¼ National governments have, through the United Nations 

 ¼ The Group recognises the distinction and 

Framework Convention on Climate Change process and Paris 
Agreement, made commitments to enact policies which 
support the transition to a lower-carbon economy, limiting 
global warming to “well below 2°C” and therefore mitigating 
the most severe physical effects of climate change
 ¼ The PRA published its formal Supervisory Statement  

SS 3/19 with regards to climate-related risks in April 2019.  
The Supervisory Statement requires significant measures  
to be taken by banks in identification, assessment, 
management, reporting, governance and disclosure of the 
financial and non-financial risks arising from climate change. 
The expectation is that regulatory guidance and expectation 
will increase

 ¼ Such policies may have significant impacts, for example on 
energy infrastructure developed in our markets, and thus 
present ‘transition’ risks for our clients. The Group, for 
example, could be impacted by climate change from a  
credit or reputational perspective due to the impact on our 
clients’ operations or their underlying business model
 ¼ Conversely, if governments fail to enact policies which  

limit global warming, the Group’s markets are particularly 
susceptible to ‘physical’ risks of climate change such  
as droughts, floods, sea level change and average 
temperature change

linkages between managing its contribution to 
climate change (through direct and financed 
emissions) and managing the financial and 
non-financial risks arising from climate 
change. The Group is committed to respond 
responsibly and with urgency on both
 ¼ The 2019 Taskforce for Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD)-aligned 
disclosures provide details on the Group’s 
progress. The TCFD report includes  
current emissions intensities for the Group’s 
automotive and cement manufacturing 
portfolios, as measured through the pilot 
methodology developed by 2 Degrees 
Investing Initiative

 ¼ The Group announced that it will only support 
clients who actively transition their business  
to generate less than 10 per cent of earnings 
from thermal coal by 2030. The Group 
recognises, however, that transitioning to 
clean technology will require significant 
changes across our markets, and because  
of that has chosen to implement this decision 
on a phased basis, using set milestones, 
beginning 1 January 2021. The Group’s 
environmental and social requirements are 
documented in our Position Statements and 
our Prohibited Activities include aspects of  
oil and gas and mining and metals sectors
 ¼ The Group has a public target to fund and 

facilitate $35 billion towards renewable energy 
from 2020 to the end of 2024

 ¼ A Climate Risk Management Forum has been 
established internally to provide oversight on 
the development and implementation of the 
Climate Risk framework

 ¼ The Group is a member of the Risk 

Management Working Group under the  
BoE’s Climate Financial Risk Forum and led 
the Framework and Governance section of 
the handbook

 ¼ The Group is actively collaborating with 

clients, regulators, investors, peer banks, 
external experts and coalition platforms  
(such as United Nations Environment 
Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP-FI)  
to solve the collective challenges in the 
approach to managing climate-related risks

1  Physical risk refers to the risk of increased extreme weather events while transition risk refers to the risk of changes to market dynamics due to governments’ responses to  

climate change

231

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportLegal considerations (Risk ranked according to severity)

Emerging Risk

Risk trend 
since 2018 Context

How these are mitigated/next steps

Interbank 
Offered Rate 
(‘IBOR’) 
discontinuation 
and transition 

Potential impact:  
High

Likelihood:  
High

Velocity of change: 
Moderate

 ¼ With the significant decrease in liquidity and volume of 

 ¼ The Group has set up a global IBOR 

Transition Programme to consider all aspects 
of the transition and how risks from the 
transition can be mitigated. A Management. 
Team member is the Senior Manager for the 
IBOR Transition Programme

 ¼ Efforts to raise awareness of the transition, 

both internally and with clients, have started, 
with internal training sessions and client 
seminars held in Thailand, Hong Kong and 
Singapore as of December 2019

 ¼ From an industry and regulatory perspective, 
the Group is actively participating in and 
contributing to different RFR Working Groups, 
industry associations and business forums 
focusing on different aspects of the LIBOR  
(or IBOR, as applicable) to RFR transition
 ¼ The Group monitors the developments at 

these IBOR-related forums and reflects and 
aligns significant industry decisions into the 
Group’s transition plans, as required

transactions upon which the London Interbank Offered Rate 
(LIBOR) benchmark submissions are made, regulators have 
expressed concern over the robustness and sustainability  
of the IBOR benchmarks. In 2014, the Financial Stability  
Board published a report on reforming major interest rate 
benchmarks, seeking alternative risk free rates (RFRs) for the 
IBOR currencies (US dollar, pound sterling, euro, Swiss franc 
and Japanese yen)

 ¼ In 2017, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced 
that it had reached an agreement with LIBOR panel banks  
to contribute to LIBOR until the end of 2021. It is likely that 
several panel banks will cease contributing to LIBOR by the 
end of 2021, leading to LIBOR’s cessation. Given this, the FCA 
called for the industry to start preparing for LIBOR cessation, 
by transitioning from IBORs to RFRs

 ¼ Transition from LIBOR to RFRs presents several risks: (i) there 
are fundamental differences between LIBOR and RFRs and 
value transfer may arise in transitioning contracts from one to 
the other; (ii) the market may transition at different paces in 
different regions and across different products, presenting 
various sources of basis risk and posing major challenges  
on hedging strategies; (iii) clients may not be treated fairly 
through-out the transition or may not be aware of the options 
available to them and the implications of decisions taken, 
which may result in unfair financial detriment, (iv) changes in 
processes, systems and vendor arrangements associated 
with the transition may not be within appropriate tolerance 
levels, (v) Legal risk in relation to the fall-back risks associated 
with the transition and (vi) Accounting and Financial Reporting 
risk in that the changes in underlying rates, such as on 
cashflows and valuations, may not be incorporated correctly 
 ¼ The lack of liquidity in some of the RFR markets may present 
challenges to the transition until resolved, as will the likely 
different transition timelines for the five LIBOR currencies.  
The efficiency of our contract digitisation and remediation 
work is heavily reliant on the release of standardised fall-back 
language, including the outcomes of the Tough Legacy Task 
Force, established under the Sterling Risk-Free Reference 
Rates Working Group. Complexity in managing the IBOR 
transition is also increasing as a result of growing interest from 
a number of our local regulators, given our footprint, and the 
work required where there are local IBORs requiring transition 
as well

 ¼ As LIBOR is the most widely used benchmark, its cessation 

and transition to RFRs will have profound impact on all 
participants in the financial markets

 ¼ Whilst the Group does not submit to LIBOR, LIBOR is  
heavily relied upon by the Group as a reference rate for  
many financial instruments

232

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approachEmerging Risk

Risk trend 
since 2018 Context

Regulatory 
changes 

Potential impact:  
Medium

Likelihood:  
High

Velocity of change: 
Steady

Regulatory 
reviews and 
investigations, 
legal 
proceedings

Potential impact:  
High

Likelihood:  
Medium

Velocity of change: 
Moderate

 ¼ Rules have been defined in many key areas of regulation that 
could impact our business model and how we manage our 
capital and liquidity positions

 ¼ Prudential treatment of software: The Capital 

Requirements Regulation (CRR) II introduces a new prudential 
treatment for software intangibles: it excludes “prudently 
valued” software assets from the scope of those assets which 
must be deducted from Common Equity Tier 1. According to 
CRR II, the value of “prudently valued” software assets is not 
materially affected by resolution, insolvency or liquidation
 ¼ Crypto assets: There is currently considerable uncertainty 
around the regulatory treatment of crypto assets. In May 
2019, the Financial Stability Board published a report that 
referred to the ongoing work by the Basel Committee.  
While the current Basel framework does not set out an  
explicit treatment of banks’ exposures to crypto assets,  
it does set out minimum requirements for the capital and 
liquidity treatment of “other assets”. The BCBS is now 
considering whether to formally clarify the prudential treatment 
of crypto-assets across the set of risk categories (credit risk, 
counterparty credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, etc.)
 ¼ Other: These include the upcoming Basel III changes to 

capital calculation methodology for credit and operational  
risk, revised framework for Credit Valuation Adjustment risk, 
Fundamental Review of the Trading Book and implementation 
of Margin Reforms

 ¼ Ongoing regulatory scrutiny and emphasis on local 

responsibilities for remotely booked business. The degree  
of reliance on global controls is reducing, and the focus is  
on local controls and governance

 ¼ The Group has been, and will continue to be, subject to 

regulatory actions, reviews, requests for information (including 
subpoenas and requests for documents) and investigations 
across our markets, the outcomes of which are generally 
difficult to predict and could be material to the Group

 ¼ In recent years, authorities have exercised their discretion to 

impose severe penalties on financial institutions in connection 
with violations of laws and regulations, and there can be no 
assurance that future penalties will not be of similar or 
increased severity

 ¼ The Group is also party to legal proceedings from time to 
time, which may give rise to financial losses or adversely 
impact our reputation in the eyes of our customers, investors 
and other stakeholders

How these are mitigated/next steps

 ¼ We actively monitor regulatory initiatives 

across our footprint to identify any potential 
impact and change to our business model
 ¼ With respect to the finalisation of Basel III:

–  The Group has mobilised a Risk & Finance 
sponsored Programme to undertake a 
comprehensive assessment of the Capital 
and Operational impacts of the Basel III 
Finalisation regulations. Capital optimisation 
efforts and business strategies are being 
reviewed considering these requirements

–  We continuously review a menu of 

prospective capital accretive actions,  
along with their impact on the Group 
strategy and financial performance
 ¼ Relevant product areas have implemented 

project management or programme  
oversight to review and improve the 
end-to-end process, including oversight  
and accountability, policies and standards, 
transparency and management information, 
permission and controls, legal-entity level 
limits and training

 ¼ We continue to invest in enhancing systems 
and controls, and implementing remediation 
programmes where relevant

 ¼ The Group cooperates with regulatory 
reviews, requests for information and 
investigations and actively manages  
legal proceedings

 ¼ We continue to train and educate our people 

on relevant issues including conduct, conflicts 
of interest, information security and financial 
crime compliance in order to reduce our 
exposure to legal and regulatory proceedings

233

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportTechnological considerations (Risk ranked according to severity)

Emerging Risk

Risk trend 
since 2018 Context

New 
technologies 
and digitisation 
(including 
business 
disruption risk, 
responsible 
use of Artificial 
Intelligence 
and 
Obsolescence 
Risk)

Potential impact:  
High

Likelihood:  
High

Velocity of change: 
Fast

 ¼ Innovation in the financial services industry is happening at  
a relentless pace. Artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain 
technology have continued to gather speed with a growing 
number of use cases that address evolving customer 
expectations to which the Group must adapt its operating 
model or risk competitive disadvantage

 ¼ In Retail Banking, the Group continues to observe significant 
shifts in customer value propositions as markets deepen. 
Fintechs are delivering digital-only banking offerings with a 
differentiated user experience, value propositions and product 
pricing. There is growing usage of AI and machine learning 
(ML) to deliver highly personalised services, e.g. virtual 
chatbots to provide digital financial advice and predictive 
analytics to cross-sell products. The Group may be unable  
to compete effectively if it fails to appropriately invest in 
innovation and disruptive technologies

 ¼ In the Corporate Banking sector, we continue to observe  
an increasing focus on process digitisation to streamline 
processes and provide scalable and personalised solutions 
for corporate clients. There are growing use cases for 
blockchain technologies, e.g. streamline cross-border 
payments and automate key documentation. AI and ML  
have also been increasingly used in predictive risk modelling,  
e.g. loan default forecasting. Failure to expediently adapt  
and harness such technologies would place the Group at  
a competitive disadvantage

 ¼ There is an increasing usage of partnerships and alliances by 
banks to respond to a rapidly changing banking landscape 
and disruption from existing players and new entrants. This is 
making partnerships and alliances an integral part of banks’ 
emerging business model and value proposition to the clients

 ¼ As these new technologies grow in sophistication and 

become further embedded across the banking and financial 
services industry, banks may become more susceptible to 
technology-related risks. For example, the growing usage of 
big data and cloud computing solutions has heightened cyber 
security risks in banks. Banks may also face increased risks of 
business model disruption as new products and technologies 
continue to emerge

 ¼ Regulators are increasing emphasis on the importance of 
resilient technology infrastructure in terms of elimination  
of cyber risk and improving reliability. The challenge is in 
renewing our technology and infrastructure to reduce the risks 
presented by obsolescence when the demands of delivering 
ongoing technology investment into this estate and its 
required performance levels continue to rise significantly

How these are mitigated/next steps

 ¼ The Group continues to undertake a rigorous 
approach in monitoring emerging trends and 
new developments, opportunities and risks  
in the technology space which may have 
implications on the banking sector. The Group 
manages the risks at two levels: firstly, staying 
relevant to clients and markets and; secondly 
understanding and managing new types  
of risk

 ¼ In 2017, the Group set up the SC Ventures  

unit to spearhead Group-wide digital 
advancement. The unit is gaining momentum 
to promote innovation, invest in disruptive 
technologies and deliver client digital 
solutions. SC Ventures recently launched  
its eXellerator innovation lab in China,  
adding to the Group’s other eXellerator  
labs in Singapore, Hong Kong, London,  
San Francisco and Kenya. The labs are 
designed to drive innovation, invest in 
promising fintech and implement new 
business models in banking

 ¼ The Group has continued to make headway  
in harnessing new technologies to develop 
innovative solutions. This has included 
deploying blockchain technology solutions to 
digitise cross-border trade documents and 
optimise supply chain financing. The Group  
is also co-creating new solutions and 
establishing new partnerships to improve the 
client experience. For example, the Group 
recently announced a strategic partnership 
with SAP Ariba to make SCB’s financial 
supply chain solutions accessible to 
businesses in the Asia Pacific region through 
Ariba Network. This is the world’s largest 
digital business network

 ¼ The Group has an integrated strategy to 

leverage technology to manage cyber risk and 
combat cyber-enabled financial crime. Rapid 
adoption of new technologies requires that we 
also determine how the Group’s security 
standards, capabilities and processes need to 
be applied. In some cases, this includes 
adapting new security aspects considering 
new technology. The Group is also 
implementing a framework to ensure Fairness, 
Ethics, Accountability and Transparency in the 
Group’s usage of data analytics and AI

 ¼ The Group maintains its vigilant watch on legal 
and regulatory trends in relation to the usage 
of new technologies and related data risks. 
The Group is also developing a crypto asset 
risk framework to better manage these risks
 ¼ The Group is actively targeting the reduction 
of obsolescent/end of support technology 
following a Technology & Innovation led 
programme under the oversight of the Risk 
function and the Group’s senior executives. 
The target is to address the Group’s 
obsolescence risk by evergreening and use of 
new technologies such as the Cloud. We also 
continue to focus on clients by delivering on 
outage reductions, enhanced protection by 
raising cyber defences and efficiency by 
improvements to technology deployment

234

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Risk reviewRisk management approachEmerging Risk

Risk trend 
since 2018 Context

Increased data 
privacy and 
security risks 
from strategic 
and wider use 
of data

Potential impact:  
High

Likelihood:  
High

Velocity of change: 
Moderate

 ¼ As digital technologies grow in sophistication and become 

further embedded across the banking and financial services 
industry, the potential impact profile with regards to data  
risk is changing. Banks may become more susceptible to 
technology-related data security risks as well as customer 
privacy issues. The growing use of big data for analysis 
purposes and cloud computing solutions are examples of this

 ¼ In addition, these risks represent an emerging and topical 

theme both from a regulatory and compliance perspective  
(i.e. the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) raises 
the profile of data protection compliance)

 ¼ As the Group moves towards cloud computing solutions and 
an increasing use of big data for analysis purposes, this leads 
to increased susceptibility to data security and customer 
privacy risks

How these are mitigated/next steps

 ¼ We have existing governance and control 
frameworks for the deployment of new 
technologies and services and are developing 
a Data Management risk sub-type 

 ¼ To manage the risks posed by rapidly evolving 
security threats and technology adoption,  
we have designed a Transformation and 
Remediation Portfolio (TRP). This is a 
multi-year initiative with a focus on security 
improvements and providing assurance to 
regulators that we are building a sustainable 
Information and Cyber Security programme 
that will secure its information and technology 
assets for the long-term. The programme is 
progressing with capability being built out  
in multiple areas including governance, 
investment prioritisation and execution  
risk management

 ¼ We maintain a vigilant watch on legal and 

regulatory developments in relation to data 
protection and customer privacy to identify 
any potential impact to the business and  
to implement appropriate mechanisms to 
control this risk

 ¼ For the Group, GDPR principally impacts 

Group locations and client segments in the 
EU, functions such as Human Resources  
and downstream suppliers such as hubs and 
external vendors that process personal data 
caught by the GDPR (‘EU personal data’).  
A GDPR programme has been established  
to review and remediate vendor contracts  
and intra-group agreements that involve the 
processing of EU personal data

235

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportCapital review

The Capital review provides an analysis of the Group’s capital and leverage 
position and requirements.

Capital summary (unaudited)

The Group’s capital and leverage position is managed within the Board-approved risk appetite. The Group is well capitalised with low leverage 
and high levels of loss-absorbing capacity. 

2019

13.8 %

16.5 %

21.2 %

5.2 %

2018

 14.2 %

 16.8 %

 21.6 %

 5.6 %

264,090

258,297

Capital, leverage and risk-weighted assets (RWA)

The Group has continued its programme of 
MREL issuance from its holding company in 
2019, issuing around $7.7 billion of MREL 
eligible securities during the period, including 
the Group’s inaugural issuance of Australian 
dollar senior notes. The Group also priced  
an inaugural SGD750 million Additional Tier 1 
(AT1) and its first emerging-markets focused 
sustainability bond of EUR500 million in  
the period. 

In the period, the Group completed a 
buy-back of $1.0 billion of its ordinary  
share capital. The impact of the $1.0 billion 
buy-back on the Group’s CET1 ratio was a 
reduction of around 39 basis points. 

The Group is a G-SII, with a 1.0 per cent G-SII 
CET1 buffer. The Standard Chartered PLC 
2018 G-SII disclosure is published at:  
sc.com/fullyearresults

1  Fully phased minimum 2022 MREL requirement 

includes the estimated impact of the proposed UK 
countercyclical buffer increase from 1.0 per cent to 
2.0 per cent with effect from 16 December 2020

CET1 capital 

Tier 1 capital 

Total capital 

UK leverage 

Risk-weighted assets (RWA) $million

The Group’s Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) 
capital and Tier 1 leverage position are well 
above current minimum requirements. For 
further detail see the Capital section in the 
Standard Chartered PLC Pillar 3 Disclosures 
for FY 2019. 

The Group’s Pillar 2A requirement increased 
to 3.4 per cent of RWA, from 2.9 per cent, of 
which at least 1.9 per cent must be held in 
CET1. This requirement can vary over time. 
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) 
reduced the Hong Kong countercyclical 
buffer to 2.0 per cent from 2.5 per cent. The 
combined impact of changes to the Pillar 2A 
requirements and Hong Kong countercyclical 
buffer rates increased the Group’s CET1 
minimum requirement from 10.0 per cent  
to 10.2 per cent at 31 December 2019.  
The Financial Policy Committee announced it 
would increase the UK countercyclical buffer 
from 1.0 per cent to 2.0 per cent to take effect 
from 16 December 2020 and this change 
(based on the period end balance sheet) is 
expected to increase the Group’s minimum 
CET1 requirements by 6 basis points to  
10.3 per cent by the end of 2020.

The Group’s fully phased minimum 
requirement for own funds and eligible 
liabilities (MREL) is 22.8 per cent of RWA  
from 1 January 2022. The Group’s combined 
buffer (the capital conservation, global 
systemically important institution (G-SII) and 
countercyclical buffers) is additive to the 
minimum requirement, resulting in a total 
MREL requirement of 26.71 per cent of  
RWA from 1 January 2022. The Group’s 
MREL position at 31 December 2019 was 
28.6 per cent of RWA and 9.4 per cent of 
leverage exposure. 

236

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Capital reviewCapital reviewCapital ratios (unaudited)

CET1

Tier 1 capital

Total capital

CRD IV Capital base1

CET1 instruments and reserves

Capital instruments and the related share premium accounts

Of which: share premium accounts

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive income (and other reserves)

Non-controlling interests (amount allowed in consolidated CET1)

Independently reviewed interim and year-end profits

Foreseeable dividends net of scrip

CET1 capital before regulatory adjustments

CET1 regulatory adjustments

Additional value adjustments (prudential valuation adjustments)

Intangible assets (net of related tax liability)

Deferred tax assets that rely on future profitability (excludes those arising from temporary differences)

Fair value reserves related to net losses on cash-flow hedges

Deduction of amounts resulting from the calculation of excess expected loss

Net gains on liabilities at fair value resulting from changes in own Credit Risk

Defined-benefit pension fund assets

Fair value gains arising from the institution’s own Credit Risk related to derivative liabilities

Exposure amounts which could qualify for risk weighting of 1250%

Total regulatory adjustments to CET1

CET1 capital

AT1 capital instruments

AT1 regulatory adjustments

Tier 1 capital

Tier 2 capital instruments

Tier 2 regulatory adjustments

Tier 2 capital

Total capital

Total risk-weighted assets (unaudited)

1  CRD IV capital is prepared on the regulatory scope of consolidation

2019

13.8%

16.5%

21.2%

2019 
$million

5,584

3,989

24,044

11,685

723

2,301

(871)

43,466

(615)

(5,318)

(129)

59

(822)

(2)

(26)

(38)

(62)

(6,953)

36,513

7,184

(20)

43,677

12,318

(30)

12,288

55,965

264,090

2018

14.2%

16.8%

21.6%

2018 
$million

5,617

3,965

25,377

11,878

686

1,072

(527)

44,103

(564)

(5,146)

(115)

10

(875)

(412)

(34)

(127)

(123)

(7,386)

36,717

6,704

(20)

43,401

12,325

(30)

12,295

55,696

258,297

237

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ report 
 
 
Movement in total capital

CET1 at 1 January

Ordinary shares issued in the period and share premium

Share buy-back1

Profit for the period

Foreseeable dividends net of scrip deducted from CET1

Difference between dividends paid and foreseeable dividends

Movement in goodwill and other intangible assets

Foreign currency translation differences

Non-controlling interests

Movement in eligible other comprehensive income

Deferred tax assets that rely on future profitability

Decrease/(increase) in excess expected loss

Additional value adjustments (prudential valuation adjustment)

IFRS 9 day one transitional impact on regulatory reserves

Exposure amounts which could qualify for risk weighting

Other

CET1 at 31 December

AT1 at 1 January

Issuances net of redemptions

Foreign currency translation difference

Excess on AT1 grandfathered limit (ineligible)

AT1 at 31 December

Tier 2 capital at 1 January

Regulatory amortisation

Issuances net of redemptions

Foreign currency translation difference

Tier 2 ineligible minority interest

Recognition of ineligible AT1

Other

Tier 2 capital at 31 December

Total capital at 31 December

1  $1,006 million includes share buy-back expenses of $6 million 

The main movements in capital in the period were:

2019 
$million

36,717

25

(1,006)

2,301

(871)

(641)

(172)

(180)

37

284

(14)

53

(51)

(43)

61

13

2018 
$million

38,162

14

–

1,072

(527)

(575)

(34)

(1,161)

(164)

60

10

267

10

(441)

18

6

36,513

36,717

6,684

552

9

(81)

7,164

12,295

(1,111)

1,000

(12)

31

81

4

12,288

55,965

6,699

–

(15)

–

6,684

13,897

166

(1,713)

(215)

144

–

16

12,295

55,696

 ¼ The CET1 ratio decreased from 14.2 per cent to 13.8 per cent predominantly because of higher RWAs, the impact of the $1.0 billion share 

buy-back and other distributions to shareholders, including preference dividends, partly offset by profit for the period

 ¼ CET1 capital decreased by $0.2 billion, mainly due to the share buy-back of $1.0 billion and other distributions during the period of $1.5 billion, 

partly offset by profit after tax of $2.3 billion

 ¼ AT1 increased slightly to $7.2 billion, mainly due to the new issuance of SGD 750 million of AT1 securities 

 ¼ Tier 2 capital was unchanged at $12.3 billion mainly due to $1.0 billion of new subordinated debt issuance, offset by amortisation of $1.1 billion 

during the year

238

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Capital reviewCapital reviewRisk-weighted assets by business (unaudited)

2019

Credit Risk 
$million

Operational Risk 
$million

Market Risk 
$million

Corporate & Institutional Banking

Retail Banking

Commercial Banking

Private Banking 

Central & other items

Total risk-weighted assets

Corporate & Institutional Banking

Retail Banking

Commercial Banking

Private Banking 

Central & other items

Total risk-weighted assets

Risk-weighted assets by geographic region (unaudited)

Greater China & North Asia

ASEAN & South Asia

Africa & Middle East

Europe & Americas

Central & other items

Total risk-weighted assets

Movement in risk-weighted assets (unaudited)

98,227

37,138

25,440

5,681

49,178

215,664

13,261

7,314

2,626

728

3,691

27,620

2018

Credit Risk 
$million

Operational Risk 
$million

96,954

35,545

27,711

5,103

45,825

211,138

13,029

7,358

2,770

758

4,135

28,050

20,562

–

–

–

244

20,806

Market Risk 
$million

19,008

–

–

–

101

19,109

2019 
$million

85,695

88,942

49,244

43,945

(3,736)

264,090

Total risk 
$million

132,050

44,452

28,066

6,409

53,113

264,090

Total risk 
$million

128,991

42,903

30,481

5,861

50,061

258,297

2018 
$million

81,023

87,935

53,072

40,789

(4,522)

258,297

Credit Risk

Corporate & 
Institutional 
Banking 
$million

Retail  
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private 
Banking  
$million

Central & 
other items  
$million

Total 
$million

Operational 
Risk 
$million

Market Risk 
$million

Total risk 
$million

109,368

36,345

29,712

5,134

45,671

226,230

30,478

23,040

279,748

1,466

(1,347)

56

2,896

As at 1 January 2018

Assets (decline)/growth

Net credit migration

Risk-weighted assets efficiencies

Model, methodology and policy changes

Disposals

(1,527)

(2,120)

(3,540)

(3,338)

–

25

(597)

(671)

–

Foreign currency translation

Other non-credit risk movements

(1,889)

(1,023)

–

–

Aa at 31 December 2018

Assets (decline)/growth

Net credit migration

Risk-weighted assets efficiencies

Model, methodology and policy changes

Disposals

Foreign currency translation

Other non-Credit Risk movements

96,954

35,545

27,711

1,303

2,565

(1,112)

(904)

(397)

(182)

–

1,020

832

(33)

(7)

–

(219)

–

(557)

(642)

(403)

–

(441)

(228)

–

237

–

66

–

(957)

–

1,544

(1,364)

(4,885)

(3,866)

(626)

494

(748)

77

(626)

(1,939)

(5,895)

4,093

607

6,387

3,370

(2,404)

(3,952)

1,400

–

(343)

–

489

(838)

(930)

–

–

–

–

(87)

–

5,103

528

8

–

–

–

42

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,948)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

500

–

–

1,544

(1,364)

(4,885)

(5,814)

(626)

(5,895)

(4,411)

6,387

3,370

(3,952)

989

(838)

(930)

767

–

–

(2,428)

(1,983)

45,825

211,138

28,050

19,109

258,297

–

(430)

1,197

As at 31 December 2019

98,227

37,138

25,440

5,681

49,178

215,664

27,620

20,806

264,090

239

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportMarket Risk 
Total Market Risk RWA increased by  
$1.7 billion, or 8.9 per cent from 31 December 
2018 to $20.8 billion. This change was due 
mainly to increased RWA under standardised 
rules, and a net increase in internal models 
approach (IMA) RWA following an increase  
in regulatory backtesting exceptions, as 
explained on page 192, partly offset by 
reduced IMA positions.

Operational Risk 
Operational Risk RWA reduced by $0.4 billion 
to $27.6 billion, comprising a decrease in the 
average income over a rolling three-year  
time horizon, as lower 2018 income replaced 
higher 2015 income, and a reduced average 
beta factor, due to a shift towards lower beta 
businesses. This represents a 1.5 per cent 
year-on-year reduction in Operational  
Risk RWA. 

Movements in risk-weighted assets
RWA increased by $5.8 billion, or 2.2 per cent 
from 31 December 2018 to $264.1 billion. 
This was mainly due to increases in Credit 
Risk RWA of $4.5 billion, Market Risk RWA 
$1.7 billion, partly offset by a decrease of  
$0.4 billion in Operational Risk RWA.

Corporate & Institutional Banking
Credit risk RWA increased by $1.3 billion to 
$98.2 billion mainly due to:

 ¼ $2.6 billion increase due to net credit 

migration principally in Greater China & 
North Asia and Europe & Americas

 ¼ $1.3 billion increase due to asset balance 

growth in Financial Markets and Corporate 
Finance, primarily in Greater China & North 
Asia, partly offset by asset decline in Africa 
& Middle East 

 ¼ $1.1 billion decrease due to RWA 

efficiencies, relating to a number of 
initiatives across the segment 

 ¼ $0.9 billion decrease due to the 

implementation of the internal model 
method (IMM) for Counterparty Credit Risk

 ¼ $0.4 billion decrease due to the disposal  

of Principal Finance assets 

 ¼ $0.2 billion decrease from foreign  

currency translation due to depreciation  
of currencies in Europe and India against 
the US dollar.

Retail Banking
Credit Risk RWA increased by $1.6 billion to 
$37.1 billion mainly due to:

 ¼ $1.0 billion asset balance growth in Greater 

China & North Asia 

 ¼ $0.8 billion increase from net credit 

migration primarily in Greater China & 
North Asia and in Africa & Middle East 

 ¼ $0.2 billion decrease from foreign currency 
translation mainly due to depreciation of 
currencies in Korea against the US dollar

Commercial Banking
Credit Risk RWA decreased by $2.3 billion to 
$25.4 billion mainly due to:

 ¼ $0.6 billion RWA decrease due to decline 
in asset balances in Greater China &  
North Asia 

 ¼ $0.6 billion decrease due to net credit 
migration primarily in Greater China & 
North Asia and in Africa & Middle East 

 ¼ $0.4 billion decrease in RWA efficiencies 

primarily relating to SME clients

 ¼ $0.4 billion decrease due to the disposal  

of Principal Finance assets 

 ¼ $0.2 billion decrease from foreign  

currency translation due to depreciation  
of currencies in India, Korea and Pakistan 
against the US dollar.

Private Banking
Credit Risk RWA increased by $0.6 billion to 
$5.7 billion principally due to asset balance 
growth in wealth management products 
primarily in Greater China & North Asia 

Central & other items
Central & other items RWA mainly relates to 
the Treasury Markets liquidity portfolio, the 
Group’s principal joint venture investment,  
PT Bank Permata Tbk, equity investments 
and deferred/current tax assets.

Credit Risk RWA increased by $3.4 billion  
to $49.2 billion mainly due to: 

 ¼ $4.1 billion RWA increase from asset 
balance growth, primarily in Europe & 
Americas and ASEAN & South Asia 
regions

 ¼ $0.6 billion increase in net credit migration 
primarily in Greater China & North Asia  
and in Africa & Middle East 

 ¼ $1.4 billion increase from the 

implementation of the IFRS 16 standard 
relating to leases on property

 ¼ $2.4 billion of benefit from RWA efficiency 

initiatives on Treasury exposures (Interbank 
Loans & Treasury bills) 

 ¼ $0.3 billion decrease from foreign  

currency translation due to depreciation  
of currencies in Pakistan, Ghana and 
Korea against the US dollar.

240

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Capital reviewCapital reviewUK leverage ratio 

The Group’s UK leverage ratio, which excludes qualifying claims on central banks in accordance with a PRA waiver, was 5.2 per cent, which is 
above the current minimum requirement of 3.7 per cent. The lower UK leverage ratio in the period was mainly due to: an increased exposure 
measure reflecting asset growth (on and off balance sheet), lower derivative and regulatory consolidation adjustments partly offset by a small 
increase in Tier 1 capital following the new issuance of SGD750 million of AT1 securities in the period.

UK leverage ratio (unaudited)

Tier 1 capital (transitional)

Additional Tier 1 capital subject to phase-out

Tier 1 capital (end point)

Derivative financial instruments

Derivative cash collateral

Securities financing transactions (SFTs)

Loans and advances and other assets

Total on-balance sheet assets

Regulatory consolidation adjustments1

Derivatives adjustments

Derivatives netting

Adjustments to cash collateral

Net written credit protection

Potential future exposure on derivatives

Total derivatives adjustments

Counterparty Risk leverage exposure measure for SFTs

Off-balance sheet items

Regulatory deductions from Tier 1 capital

UK leverage exposure (end point)

UK leverage ratio (end point)

UK leverage exposure quarterly average

UK leverage ratio quarterly average

Countercyclical leverage ratio buffer

G-SII additional leverage ratio buffer

1  Includes adjustment for qualifying central bank claims

2019 
$million

43,677 

(1,671)

42,006 

47,212 

9,169 

60,414 

603,603 

720,398 

(31,485)

(32,852)

(11,853)

1,650 

32,961 

(10,094)

7,005 

122,341 

(6,913)

801,252 

5.2%

2018 
$million

43,401 

(1,743)

41,658 

45,621 

10,323 

61,735 

571,083 

688,762 

(45,521)

(34,300)

(14,827)

1,221 

28,498 

(19,408)

8,281 

115,335 

(6,847)

740,602 

5.6%

816,244 

734,976 

5.1%

0.1%

0.4%

5.8%

0.1%

0.3%

241

RISK REVIEW AND CAPITAL REVIEWStrategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportINCLUSIVE  COMMUNITIES   

Infusing tea pluckers 
with financial 
independence

Sustainable  
Finance

Here  
for  good

Responsible 
Company

Inclusive 
Communities

Read more about our approach to 
sustainable and responsible business 
on pages 51 to 56

242

Standard Chartered 
Annual Report 2019

Tea plucking is largely done by women in Sri Lanka, the world’s third-
largest tea producer. Despite working long hours and contributing more 
to the household income than men, female tea pluckers have limited 
control over their wages and lack access to basic financial services.

To help address this, we are empowering 
women and young people on Sri Lanka’s tea 
estates to take control of their finances and 
increase their income as part of Futuremakers 
by Standard Chartered, our new global 
initiative to promote economic inclusion. 

Together with local partners including 
Chrysalis, an affiliate of CARE International  
in Sri Lanka, we are providing tea pluckers 
with basic financial skills, such as saving  
and budgeting, as well as micro-loans and 
business mentoring so they can set up 
small-scale businesses. The project is 
delivered by Standard Chartered employee 
volunteers who travel to the estates to  
train workers, review business proposals  
and act as mentors to help ensure the 
businesses succeed.

To date, 129 community members from  
11 estates have received financial training  
and 14 businesses are being supported.  
One of these businesses is run by 24-year-old 
Vaneeshwari and her father. After completing 
her financial training, Vaneeshwari submitted 
a proposal to expand the family’s existing 
business, which provides cattle feed to local 
farmers. She secured a small loan to increase 
its working capital and to pay wages for eight 
employees. Business is thriving and with the 
profits, they have been able to lease a vehicle 
for the business. Longer term, Vaneeshwari 
plans to use her increased income to send 
her siblings to school. 

By supporting entrepreneurs like 
Vaneeshwari, we aim to create more 
prosperous and inclusive communities  
where we operate.

i

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243

FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS

244  Independent auditor’s report

254  Consolidated income statement

255   Consolidated statement of  
comprehensive income

256  Consolidated balance sheet

257   Consolidated statement of  

changes in equity

258  Cash flow statement

259  Company balance sheet 

260   Company statement of  
changes in equity

261  Notes to the financial statements

Our aim is to create more 
prosperous and inclusive 
communities.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report

to the members of Standard Chartered PLC

1 Our opinion is unmodified 

We have audited the financial statements of Standard Chartered PLC 
(the Company) and its subsidiaries (together the Group), for the year 
ended 31 December 2019 which comprise the consolidated income 
statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the 
consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated statement of changes in 
equity, the Group and Company cash flow statements, the Company 
balance sheet, the Company statement of changes in equity and the 
related notes, including the accounting policies in Note 1. 

In our opinion: 

 ¼ The financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the 
Group’s and of the parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 
2019 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended

 ¼ The Group financial statements have been properly prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union (IFRSs as adopted by the EU)

 ¼ The parent Company financial 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

 ¼ The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with  
the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the 
Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation

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 company before 1973.  
The period of total uninterrupted engagement is for more than the  
47 financial years ended 31 December 2019. 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. 

Risks of material misstatement

vs 2018

Recurring  
risks

Credit impairment

User access management

Valuation of financial instruments held at 
fair value

Goodwill

Recoverability of Parent Company’s investment 
in subsidiaries

244

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsIndependent auditor’s report2 Key audit matters: our assessment of risks of material misstatement 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, 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 decreasing order of audit significance, in arriving at our audit opinion above, together with our  
key audit procedures to address those matters and, as required for public interest entities, our results from those procedures. 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.

Key audit matters

The risk

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Credit impairment 
Charge: $908 million  
(2018: $653 million)
Provision: $6,391 million  
(2018: $7,400 million)

   Refer to page 87 (Audit 
Committee Report), page 274 
(Note 8 Credit Impairment – 
financial disclosures and 
accounting policy), page 285 
(Note 13 Financial instruments – 
accounting policy), page 318 
(Note 15 Loans and advances to 
banks and customers – financial 
disclosures) and page 153  
(Credit risk financial disclosures)

Subjective estimate
The estimation of expected credit losses 
(ECL) on financial instruments involves 
significant judgement and estimates.
The carrying value of financial instruments 
within the scope of IFRS 9 ECL may be 
materially misstated if judgements or 
estimates made by the Group are 
inappropriate.
The most significant areas where we 
identified greater levels of management 
judgement in the Group’s estimation of 
ECLs and therefore required greater levels 
of audit focus are:
 ¼ Significant Increase in Credit Risk 
(SICR) –the identification of Early  
Alert Non-Purely Precautionary as a 
qualitative indicator for identifying a 
significant increase in credit risk is 
highly judgemental and can materially 
impact the ECL recognised for 
wholesale facilities with a tenor  
greater than 12 months as these 
determine whether a 12 month or 
lifetime provision is recorded

 ¼ Economic base case – IFRS 9 requires 

the Group to measure ECL on a 
forward-looking basis, incorporating 
future macro-economic variables 
(MEVs) reflecting a range of future 
conditions. The first five years of the 
economic base case is the key driver 
of the range of future conditions

Our procedures included:

Control design, observation and operation: We tested the design, 
implementation and operational effectiveness of controls over the 
assessment and calculation of material SICR indicators and criteria, 
including credit risk monitoring controls over the Early Alert process.

Assessing application of methodology: We performed the  
following procedures:
 ¼ Inspected the Group’s papers on technical decisions, including the 

appropriateness of SICR thresholds

 ¼ Inspected and challenged management’s assessment of SICR 

monitoring

 ¼ We performed credit file reviews over a sample of stage 1 and stage 2 

(good book) counterparties to assess whether management’s 
qualitative staging criteria had been appropriately applied, given the  
use of Early Alert Non-Purely Precautionary status as a stage 2 trigger

Our financial risk modelling expertise: We involved our own financial 
risk modelling specialists in evaluating the appropriateness of the Group’s 
SICR criteria. We assessed on a sample basis the appropriateness of the 
allocation of facilities into either stage 1 or stage 2.

Control design, observation and operation: We tested the design, 
implementation and operational effectiveness of management’s review of 
the base case economic forecast for all MEVs.

Our economic scenario expertise: We involved our economics 
specialists to assist us in assessing the appropriateness of the Group’s 
methodology and model for determining the economic scenarios used. 
We also assessed the key economic variables used which included 
benchmarking samples of economic variables to independent external 
sources as well as assessing whether the base forecast used by the 
Group is indicative of bias.

Independent re-performance: We independently challenged 
management’s base forecast by calculating the impact on ECL of 
replacing management’s forecast for material MEVs over a 5 year time 
horizon with economic Consensus values at year-end and comparing  
the results with management’s calculations.

245

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ reportKey audit matters

The risk

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Credit impairment  
continued

 ¼ Complex ECL models – inherently 

judgemental modelling techniques are 
used to estimate ECLs which involves 
determining Probabilities of Default 
(PD), Loss Given Default (LGD) and 
Exposure at Default (EAD). The PD 
Models specifically identified as 
significant are: Global Corporate;  
Rest-Of-World Commercial; Retail 
China Personal Loans; Retail Hong 
Kong Cards; Retail Korea Personal 
Loans; Retail Malaysia Personal  
Loans; Retail Singapore Cards and 
Retail Taiwan Personal Loans

 ¼ Qualitative adjustments – adjustments 

to model-driven ECL results are  
raised to address model limitations  
or emerging risks and trends in 
underlying portfolios, which are 
inherently judgemental

 ¼ Individually assessed stage 3 

exposures carrying value – the carrying 
value of loans and advances to banks 
and customers, may be materially 
misstated if individual impairments  
are not appropriately identified and 
estimated. The identification of 
impaired assets and the estimation  
of impairment are highly judgmental. 
We have identified, estimation of  
future cash flows, valuation of  
collateral and probability weighting  
of scenarios to be the assumptions 
with high estimation uncertainty

Control design, observation and operation: We tested the design, 
implementation and operational effectiveness of model monitoring 
controls and Group Model Validation’s (GMV) revalidation of IFRS 9  
credit models.
Our financial risk modelling expertise: We involved our financial  
risk management modelling specialists to assist us in assessing the 
appropriateness of material models used by the Group. For these models, 
we assessed the credit risk modelling approach and methodology, 
re-performed certain aspects of the model validation and independently 
evaluated model monitoring results arising in the year. We have also 
challenged the completeness and accuracy of material post model 
adjustments calculated to address areas of identified model 
underperformance.

Independent re-performance: For material models, we independently 
recalculated the PD, EAD and LGD for a sample of exposures, comparing 
the results with management’s calculations.

Control design, observation and operation: We tested the design, 
implementation and operational effectiveness of management’s control in 
relation to review of the ECL output, including the IFRS 9 Impairment 
Committee review and approval of any overlay

Assessing qualitative adjustments to model-driven ECL: We 
assessed the appropriateness of overlays to model-driven ECL by 
performing the following procedures: 
 ¼ Tested a sample (risk based) of good book individual credit  
impairments for Corporate & Institutional Banking (CIB) and  
Commercial banking (CB) to identify any pockets of stress

 ¼ Assessed and challenged management overlays applied to modelled 
ECL output specifically around the need for overlays arising from 
specific macro-economic issues

 ¼ Assessed the completeness of management’s ECL year-end true-up 
adjustments, including assessing whether overlays are required for 
geo-political or economic events or modelling deficiencies

 ¼ Substantively tested the inter-system data flows and performed 

procedures to assess the integrity of underlying credit data used in  
the ECL calculation

Control design, observation and operation: We tested the design, 
implementation and operational effectiveness of credit downgrade 
controls, including reduction of limits, completion of downgrade checklists 
and management’s approval of IFRS 9 impairment calculations. 
Assessing individual exposures: We selected a sample (based on 
quantitative thresholds) of larger clients identified by the Group as either 
high risk stage 2 or stage 3. We obtained the Group’s assessment of  
the recoverability of these exposures and challenged whether individual 
impairment provisions, or lack of, were appropriate. Our procedures  
varied based on whether the account was classified as higher risk  
stage 2 or stage 3:
 ¼ High risk stage 2 – For each of the sampled loans we assessed the 
appropriateness of the classification of the account as a higher risk 
performing loan and the Group Special Assets Management (GSAM) 
review of the Stage 2 ECL attributed to the account

 ¼ Stage 3 – Our procedures focused on the underlying recovery 
scenarios and assumptions, and the weighting applied to each 
scenario. On a case-by-case basis we:
–  Assessed the underlying cash flows through challenge of underlying 

scenarios and corroboration to evidence

–  Tested collateral valuations through inspecting valuation reports and, 
where relevant performed procedures to determine the reliability of 
management’s expert

–  Confirmed that underlying data driving assumptions was accurate  

by agreeing to source documents such as loan agreements

–  Corroborated legal proceedings influencing the Group’s recovery 

through publicly available documents

–  Performed sensitivity analysis on probability weightings assigned to 

each scenario

246

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsIndependent auditor’s reportKey audit matters

The risk

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Credit impairment  
continued

The effect of these matters is that, as part 
of our risk assessment, we determined 
that the value of ECL 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. The financial 
statements (see page 187) disclose the 
sensitivity estimated by the Group.

User access management

   Refer to page 88 (Audit 
Committee Report)

Control performance
The Group’s key financial accounting and 
reporting processes are highly dependent 
on the automated controls over the 
Group’s IT systems. There is a risk that 
gaps in the user access management 
controls specifically in relation to 
privileged user access management for 
key financial accounting and reporting 
systems may undermine our ability to 
place some reliance thereon in our audit.

Assessing transparency: We assessed whether the disclosures 
relating to ECL appropriately explains the uncertainty which exists when 
determining the expected credit losses. As a part of this, we assessed the 
sensitivity analysis that is disclosed. In addition, we assessed whether the 
disclosure of the key judgements and assumptions made by management 
is sufficiently clear.

Response to model performance issues: Due to model performance 
issues identified during the performance of management’s routine controls 
over model validation and model monitoring, our audit risk associated with 
complex ECL models increased. As a result, we expanded the extent of 
our testing over complex ECL models and qualitative adjustments by 
performing additional substantive procedures to address the heightened 
risk. Such additional procedures included:

 ¼ Reproduction and evaluation of the management analysis used to 

corroborate ECL model outputs

 ¼ Independent development of a challenger approach to assess the 

reasonableness of model outputs

 ¼ Replication of model validation tests for new models developed to 

quantify model adjustments at year end

 ¼ Where relevant, assessment and evaluation of management’s 

qualitative analysis used to conclude on the appropriateness of  
model outputs

Our results: We considered the credit impairment charge, the  
provision recognised and the related disclosures to be acceptable  
(2018: acceptable).

Our procedures included:

Control design, observation and operation: We tested the design, 
operation and effectiveness of controls over granting, removal and 
appropriateness of access rights, including privileged access rights. 

Test of details: We obtained the Group’s evaluation of the access rights, 
including privileged access rights, granted to applications relevant to 
financial accounting and reporting systems and tested the resolution of  
a sample of exceptions. 

Our results: Our testing identified some weaknesses in the design and 
operation of user access management controls (2018: We identified some 
control weaknesses).

As a result we extended our testing by testing a combination of mitigating 
controls and substantive testing to address control weaknesses identified, 
including:

 ¼ Tested the design and operation of alternative monitoring controls, 
including access administration and monitoring of activity using 
privileged users, incident management and change management
 ¼ Obtained and inspected the last log in dates of users with privileged 
access, to identify whether they accessed any financial accounting  
and reporting system during 2019 

 ¼ Assessed the nature of user IDs not subject to monitoring controls to 
ascertain the level of privilege and potential impact on financial and 
reporting systems 

 ¼ Obtained and evaluated reports which assessed the coding of the in 
scope applications to evaluate whether any unauthorised changes  
have taken place 

When the above mitigating procedures were performed, we have  
reduced the audit risk relating to user access management controls to  
an acceptable level. (2018: Acceptable).

247

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ reportKey audit matters

The risk

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Valuation of financial 
instruments held at  
fair value 
Fair value of level 3 asset 
positions $1,481 million 
comprising 1% of total fair value 
financial instrument assets 
(2018: $2,581 million, 1%) 
Fair value of level 3 liability 
positions $798 million 
comprising 1% of total fair value 
financial instrument liabilities 
(2018: $1,046 million, 1%) 

   Refer to page 87 (Audit 
Committee Report), page 283 
(accounting policy) and page 285 
(Note 13 Financial instruments)

Subjective estimate 
The valuation of level 3 financial 
instruments held at fair value through 
profit or loss or through other 
comprehensive income may be misstated 
due to the application of valuation 
techniques which often involve the 
exercise of judgement and the use of 
assumptions and estimates. 

A subjective estimate exists for 
instruments where the valuation method 
uses significant unobservable inputs 
which is principally the case for level 3 
financial instruments. 
Our work focused on the following: 
 ¼ Identification of level 3 positions
 ¼ Valuation of level 3 positions, including 
unlisted investments in the Principal 
Finance business and derivatives with 
significant unobservable pricing inputs 

 ¼ Modelling of, and key inputs into,  

the valuation of derivative and other 
instruments classified as level 3 

The effect of these matters is that, as part 
of our risk assessment, we determined 
that the valuation of level 3 instruments 
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. The financial statements 
(page 307) disclose the sensitivity 
estimated by the Group.

Our procedures included:

Control design, observation and operation: We tested the design, 
implementation and operational effectiveness of the Group’s controls  
over the identification and measurement of Level 3 financial instruments 
including independent price verification controls, model validation and 
pricing inputs.

Methodology assessment: For a sample of level 3 positions, our own 
valuations specialist assisted us in assessing the reasonableness of 
valuation methodologies, model calculation, inputs and assumptions 
used, considering potential alternatives and sensitivities to key inputs.

Independent re-performance: With the assistance of our own 
valuation specialists we independently re-valued a selection of positions 
and challenged management on the valuations where they were outside 
our expected tolerance.

Assessing completeness: We assessed the methodology applied  
for the fair value hierarchy. For a sample of level 2 and 3 financial 
instruments we challenged the appropriateness of the levelling 
classification. This included determining whether level 2 financial 
instruments met the requisite criteria to be classified as such. 

Assessing transparency: We assessed whether the disclosures 
appropriately explain the uncertainty which exists in the valuation of  
level 3 financial instruments. In addition, we assessed whether the 
disclosure of the key judgements and assumptions made by  
management is sufficiently clear.

Our results: We considered the valuation of level 3 financial  
instruments held at fair value and the related disclosures to be  
acceptable (2018: acceptable). 

248

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsIndependent auditor’s reportKey audit matters

The risk

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Goodwill impairment
Impairment: $27 million  
(2018: $nil)
Goodwill: $3,079 million 
(2018: $3,116 million)

   Refer to page 87 (Audit 
Committee Report) and  
page 320 (Note 17 Goodwill  
and Intangible assets including 
accounting policies)

Subjective estimate 
Goodwill may be misstated if the carrying 
value of goodwill in the balance sheet  
is not supported by the estimated 
discounted future cash flows of the 
underlying businesses (the value in use). 

The identification of indicators of 
impairment and the preparation of the 
estimate of value in use involves 
subjective judgements and uncertainties.  

Our work focused on cash generating 
units (CGUs) which have low headroom 
or significantly reduced headroom, 
including:

 ¼ India
 ¼ Pakistan
 ¼ Taiwan

The effect of these matters is that, as part 
of our risk assessment, we determined 
that goodwill impairment 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. The 
financial statements (page 322) disclose 
the sensitivity estimated by the Group.

Company: recoverability  
of Parent Company’s 
investment in subsidiaries 
Investment in subsidiaries 
$58,037 million  
(2018: $34,853 million) 

   Refer to page 87 (Audit 
Committee Report), page 350 
(Note 32 Investment in  
subsidiary undertakings,  
joint ventures and associates 
including accounting policies)

Recoverability of investments: 
The carrying value of the parent 
Company’s investment in subsidiaries 
represents 66% (2018: 54%) of the 
company’s total assets. Recoverability  
of the investment is not considered to be 
at high risk of significant misstatement  
or subject to significant judgement. 
However, due to the materiality of the 
investment in the context of the parent 
Company financial statements, this is 
considered to be the area that had the 
greatest focus of our overall parent 
Company audit.

Our procedures included: 

Methodology assessment: Assessed whether the segmentation of the 
CGUs reflects our understanding of the business and how it operates 
including assessment of the independence of the underlying cash flows.

Benchmarking assumptions: For a sample of CGUs, including those 
identified opposite, compared the growth rate assumptions to externally 
derived data for key inputs, including projected economic growth.

Our expertise: Our valuation specialists assisted us in assessing the 
appropriateness of the discount rates for a sample of CGUs, including 
those identified opposite, independently calculating discount rate ranges 
using external data sources and peer bank data for local risk free rates, 
betas and market/country/entity risk premiums.

Sensitivity analysis: Performing breakeven analysis on the discount  
rate and the future cash flows.

Reliability of forecasts; Evaluated the reasonableness of key 
management judgements and considerations in estimating the forecasts.

Historical comparison: Assessed the Group’s ability to accurately 
prepare forecasts by comparing to actual results.

Consistency comparison: Assessed the consistency of projected cash 
flows to the Board approved corporate plan.

Assessing transparency: We assessed whether the group’s 
disclosures about the sensitivity of the outcome of the impairment 
assessment to changes in key assumptions reflected the risks inherent  
in the valuation of goodwill.

Our results: We considered the goodwill impairment recognised,  
the goodwill balance and the related disclosures to be acceptable.  
(2018: acceptable).

Our procedures included:

Tests of detail: Compared the carrying amount of a sample of the 
highest value investments, representing 99% (2018: 99%) of the total 
investment balance with the relevant subsidiary’s balance sheet to identify 
whether their net assets, being an approximation of their minimum 
recoverable amount, were in excess of their carrying amount and 
assessing whether those subsidiaries have historically been profit-making. 

Assessing subsidiary audits: Assessing the work performed by  
the relevant subsidiary audit teams on those subsidiaries’ profits and  
net assets.

Our results: We considered the Company’s assessment of the 
recoverability of the investment in subsidiaries to be acceptable  
(2018: acceptable). 

We continue to perform procedures over legal and regulatory matters. However, following the settlement in 2019 of the US and UK regulatory 
investigations in relation to historical sanction breaches, we have not assessed this as one of the key audit matters in our current year audit and, 
therefore, it is not separately identified in our report this year.

249

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report3 Our application of materiality and an overview  
of the scope of our audit 

Materiality 
Materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was set  
at $140 million (2018: $120 million) determined with reference to a 
benchmark of profit before tax for the year of $3,713 million (of which  
it represents 3.8%). In the prior year we used 3.5% of normalised  
profit before tax ($3,448 million).

Materiality for the parent Company financial statements as a  
whole was set at $110 million (2018: $100 million), determined  
with reference to a benchmark of net assets of $52,490 million  
(2018: $31,848 million), of which it represents 0.2% (2018: 0.3%).  
We considered net assets to be the most appropriate benchmark  
as the parent Company’s balance sheet largely consists of  
investment in subsidiaries and intergroup amounts. 

We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected or 
uncorrected identified misstatements affecting Group profit and loss 
or Group shareholders’ funds exceeding $5 million (2018: $5 million) 
and affecting Group assets or liabilities exceeding $50 million  
(2018: $50 million), in addition to other identified misstatements  
that warrant reporting on qualitative grounds. 

The Group team instructed component and hub auditors as to the 
significant areas to be covered, including the relevant risks and the 
information to be reported to the Group team. The Group team 
approved the component materiality levels, which ranged from  
$1 million to $60 million (2018: $1 million to $40 million), having  
regard to the size and risk profile of the components. 

Group profit before tax

Group materiality

$3,713m (2018: $2,545m)

$140m (2018: $120m)

$140m
Whole financial statements materiality
(2018: $120m)

$60m
Range of materiality at 25 (2018: 31) 
components: $1m to $60m 
(2018: $1m to $40m)
$5m
Misstatements reported to the audit 
committee (2018: $5m)

Profit before tax

Group materiality

Scope – general 
The scoping of our audit is focused on those components which are 
either individually significant or contain significant risks. Components 
subject to specified audit procedures (as shown in the table below) 
were not individually financially significant enough to require an audit 
for Group reporting purposes, but were either scoped in on the basis 
of the significant volume of liquid assets and transactions processed in 
those components or because they contained significant risks which 
were covered centrally. 

The Group operates 9 (2018: 9) shared service centres (hubs), the 
outputs of which are included in the financial information of the 
reporting components they service and therefore they are not 
separate reporting components. All shared service centres where 
in-scope financial reporting processes are performed were subject  
to specified audit procedures, primarily over transaction processing 
and IT controls. 

Total Group components1 

Components subject to full scope for Group audit 

Components subject to specified risk focused 
procedures 

Hubs subject to specified audit procedures 

2019 

170

19 

6

8 

2018

176 

27 

4 

8 

1  Component defined as a reporting component within the Group’s consolidation 

system, typically these are either a branch or a subsidiary of the Group 

The components within the scope of our work accounted for the 
percentages illustrated below:

Group profit before tax1 %

Group total assets %

1

12

12

2

89%
(2018: 88%)

86

88

4

3

9

10

96%
(2018: 97%)

87

87

2019 2018

Full scope for group audit purposes
Specified risk-focused audit procedures
Residual components

For the 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.

1  Calculation used absolute profit before tax. Specified risk-focused audit procedures 

coverage was calculated using absolute income and expenses

250

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsIndependent auditor’s reportTeam structure 
As part of determining the scope and preparing the audit plan and 
strategy, the Group team led a global planning conference to discuss 
key audit risks and obtain input from component and hub teams.  
The Group team held a separate IT and hubs conference as part of 
the audit planning process. 

Aside from the audit of the parent Company, consolidation, valuation 
of financial instruments, modelled expected credit losses and  
goodwill impairment all audit work was performed by component  
or hub auditors. 

Further, the Group team visited 9 (2018: 12) component and hub 
locations: Hong Kong; India; Ireland; Malaysia; Singapore; South 
Korea; United States of America; United Arab Emirates and United 
Kingdom (2018: China; Ghana; Hong Kong; India; Kenya; Malaysia; 
Nigeria; Pakistan; Singapore; South Korea; United Arab Emirates and 
United Kingdom). At these visits and meetings, the findings reported 
to the Group team and any further work required by the Group team 
were discussed in more detail. 

Aside from the site visits, regular conference calls were also held  
with the component auditors. The Group team also inspected the 
component team’s key work papers related to the significant risks and 
assessed the appropriateness of conclusions and the consistency 
between reported findings and work performed. This year, for the 
China component, where the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) prevented 
entry to the country to review the component team’s key work papers 
and remote access to audit documentation is prohibited, we extended 
our oversight of the component team through extended telephone 
discussion and expanded reporting.

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 approach 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. The risks that we considered most likely to adversely 
affect the Group’s and Company’s available financial resources over 
this period were: 

 ¼ Availability of funding and liquidity in the event of a market wide 

stress scenario

 ¼ Impact on regulatory capital requirements in the event of an 

economic slowdown or recession

As these were risks that could potentially cast significant doubt on the 
Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern,  
we considered sensitivities over the level of available financial 
resources indicated by the Group’s financial forecasts taking account 
of reasonably possible (but not unrealistic) adverse effects that could 
arise from these risks individually and collectively and evaluated the 
achievability of the actions the Directors consider they would take to 
improve the position should the risks materialise. We also considered 
less predictable but realistic second order impacts, as included within 
the Company’s recent stress tests, which could result in a rapid 
reduction of available financial resources. 

Based on this work, we are required to report to you if: 

 ¼ 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

 ¼ The related statement under the Listing Rules set out on page 138  

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. 

5 We have nothing to report on the other 
information in 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: 

 ¼ We have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report 

and the Directors’ report

 ¼ In our opinion the information given in those reports for the financial 

year is consistent with the financial statements

 ¼ In our opinion those reports have been prepared in 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. 

251

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ reportDisclosures of emerging and 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: 

 ¼ The Directors’ confirmation within the Viability Statement on  

page 65 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the 
emerging and principal risks facing the Group, including those  
that would threaten its business model, future performance, 
solvency and liquidity

 ¼ The Principal Risks disclosures on page 212 to 227 describing  

those risks and explaining how they are being managed  
and mitigated

 ¼ The Directors’ explanation in the 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 period  
of their assessment, including any related disclosures drawing 
attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the 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 judgements 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-term viability. 

Corporate governance disclosures 
We are required to report to you if: 

 ¼ We have identified material inconsistencies between the 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

 ¼ 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 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: 

 ¼ 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

 ¼ 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

 ¼ Certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are 

not made

 ¼ We have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit

We have nothing to report in these respects. 

7 Respective responsibilities 

Directors’ responsibilities 
As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 145,  
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. 

252

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsIndependent auditor’s report8 The purpose of our audit work and to whom we 
owe 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. 
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 
Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them 
in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent 
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to 
anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members,  
as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we 
have formed. 

Paul Furneaux 
Senior Statutory Auditor 
For and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor  
Public Interest Entity Auditor recognised in accordance with the  
Hong Kong Financial Reporting Council Ordinance

Chartered Accountants  
15 Canada Square  
London E14 5GL 

27 February 2020

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, 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. This included 
communication from the Group to component audit teams of relevant 
laws and regulations identified at Group level. 

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 
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. 

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: regulatory capital and liquidity, 
conduct, financial crime including money laundering, sanctions list 
and market abuse regulations recognising the financial and regulated 
nature of the Group’s activities. 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. 

253

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ reportConsolidated income statement

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Interest income

Interest expense 

Net interest income

Fees and commission income

Fees and commission expense

Net fee and commission income

Net trading income

Other operating income

Operating income

Staff costs

Premises costs

General administrative expenses

Depreciation and amortisation

Operating expenses

Operating profit before impairment losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Goodwill impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Profit before taxation

Taxation

Profit for the year

Profit attributable to:

Non-controlling interests

Parent company shareholders 

Profit for the year

Earnings per share:

Basic earnings per ordinary share

Diluted earnings per ordinary share

Notes

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

9

32

10

29

12

12

2019 
$million

16,549

(8,882)

7,667

4,111

(589)

3,522

3,350

878

15,417

(7,122)

(420)

(2,211)

(1,180)

(10,933)

4,484

(908)

(27)

(136)

300

3,713

(1,373)

2,340

37

2,303

2,340

cents

57.0

56.4

restated1
2018 
$million

15,150

(7,355)

7,795

4,029

(537)

3,492

2,681

821

14,789

(7,074)

(790)

(2,926)

(857)

(11,647)

3,142

(653)

–

(182)

241

2,548

(1,439)

1,109

55

1,054

1,109

cents

18.7

18.5

1  Refer to Accounting policies section (Note 1). The Group has changed its accounting policies for net interest income and net trading income

The notes on pages 262 to 377 form an integral part of these financial statements.

254

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsFinancial statementsConsolidated statement of  
comprehensive income

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive (loss)/income

Items that will not be reclassified to income statement:

Own credit (losses)/gains on financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss

Equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Actuarial losses on retirement benefit obligations

Taxation relating to components of other comprehensive income

Notes

30

10

2019 
$million

2,340

(531)

(462)

13

(124)

42

2018 
$million

1,109

382

394

36

(19)

(29)

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to income statement:

131

(1,189)

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations:

Net losses taken to equity

Net gains on net investment hedges

Share of other comprehensive income from associates and joint ventures

Debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income:

Net valuation gains/(losses) taken to equity 

Reclassified to income statement

Net impact of expected credit losses

Cashflow hedges:

Net (losses)/gains taken to equity

Reclassified to income statement 

Taxation relating to components of other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive loss for the year, net of taxation

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Non-controlling interests

Parent company shareholders

Total comprehensive income for the year

(386)

191

25

555

(170)

7

(64)

21

(48)

(400)

1,940

20

1,920

1,940

(1,462)

282

33

(128)

31

–

34

7

14

(807)

302

34

268

302

14

10

29

255

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ reportConsolidated balance sheet

As at 31 December 2019

Assets
Cash and balances at central banks
Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss
Derivative financial instruments
Loans and advances to banks1
Loans and advances to customers2
Investment securities
Other assets
Current tax assets
Prepayments and accrued income 
Interests in associates and joint ventures
Goodwill and intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets
Assets classified as held for sale
Total assets

Liabilities
Deposits by banks
Customer accounts
Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing
Financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss
Derivative financial instruments
Debt securities in issue
Other liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Accruals and deferred income 
Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions for liabilities and charges 
Retirement benefit obligations
Liabilities included in disposal groups held for sale
Total liabilities 

Equity
Share capital and share premium account
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total parent company shareholders’ equity
Other equity instruments
Total equity excluding non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
Total equity and liabilities

Notes

13,35
13
13,14
13,15
13,15
13
20
10

32
17
18
10
21

13
13
13,16
13
13,14
13,22
23
10

13,27
10
24
30
21

28

28

29

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

52,728
92,818
47,212
53,549
268,523
143,731
42,022
539
2,700
1,908
5,290
6,220
1,105
2,053
720,398

28,562
405,357
1,935
66,974
48,484
53,025
41,583
703
5,369
16,207
611
449
469
9
669,737

7,078
11,685
26,072
44,835
5,513
50,348
313
50,661
720,398

57,511
87,132
45,621
61,414
256,557
125,901
35,401
492
2,505
2,307
5,056
6,490
1,047
1,328
688,762

29,715
391,013
1,401
60,700
47,209
46,454
38,309
676
5,393
15,001
563
1,330
399
247
638,410

7,111
11,878
26,129
45,118
4,961
50,079
273
50,352
688,762

1  Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending balances held at amortised cost of $1,341 million (31 December 2018: $3,815 million) have been included with 

loans and advances to banks

2  Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending balances held at amortised cost of $1,469 million (31 December 2018: $3,151 million) have been included with loans 

and advances to customers

The notes on pages 262 to 377 form an integral part of these financial statements.

These financial statements were approved by the Board of directors and authorised for issue on 27 February 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

José Viñals 
Chairman    

Bill Winters 
Group Chief Executive 

Andy Halford
Group Chief Financial Officer

256

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsFinancial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Ordinary 
share 
capital 
and 
share 
premium 
account 
$million
5,603
–

Preference 
share 
capital  
and share 
premium 
account 
$million
1,494
–

Capital and 
merger 
reserves 
$million
17,1291
–

Own credit 
adjustment 
reserve 
$million
54
–

Fair value 
through 
other 
compre-
hensive 
income 
reserve 
– debt 
$million
(77)
–

Fair value 
through 
other 
compre-
hensive 
income 
reserve 
–equity 
$million
53
–

Cash 
flow 
hedge 
reserve 
$million
(45)
–

Retained 
Translation 
earnings 
reserve 
$million
$million
(4,454) 25,895
1,054

–

Parent 
company 
shareholders’ 
equity 
$million
45,652
1,054

Other equity 
instruments 
$million
4,961
–

Non-
controlling 
interests 
$million

Total 
$million
333 50,946
1,109

55

–
–

14

–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

358
–

(84)
–

67
–

35
–

(1,158)
–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

120
–

30
–

(10)
–

(49)
–

(4)2
–

–

(8)
9

(786)
–

14

(8)
9

158

158

(539)

(539)

(436)
–

(436)
–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

(21)
(97)

(807)
(97)

–

–
–

–

–

14

(8)
9

158

(539)

–
34

(436)
3

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

5,617
–

1,494
–

17,129
–

412
–

(161)
–

(5,612) 26,129
2,303

–

45,118
2,303

4,961
–

273 50,352
37 2,340

–
–

25

–

–
–

–

–

–
(58)
–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
58
–

5,584

1,494

17,187

(410)
–

358
–

(180)
–

(132)2
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–

(383)
–

25

–
–

–

–

552

–

–

(206)
7

(206)
7

139

139

(720)

(720)

(448)
(1,006)
66

(448)
(1,006)
6

–
–

–

–

–
–
–

(17)
(35)

(400)
(35)

–

–

–
–

–

–

25

552

(206)
7

139

(720)

(448)
–
– (1,006)
61

557

197

150

(59)

(5,792) 26,072

44,835

5,513

313 50,661

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–

2

As at 1 January 2018
Profit after tax
Other comprehensive 
income/(loss)
Distributions
Shares issued, net  
of expenses3
Treasury shares 
purchased
Treasury shares issued
Share option expense, 
net of taxation
Dividends on  
ordinary shares
Dividends on 
preference shares  
and AT1 securities
Other movements
As at 31 December 
2018
Profit after tax
Other comprehensive 
(loss)/income
Distributions
Shares issued,  
net of expenses3
Other equity 
instruments issued,  
net of expenses
Treasury shares 
purchased
Treasury shares issued
Share option expense, 
net of taxation
Dividends on  
ordinary shares
Dividend on  
preference shares  
and AT1 securities
Share buy-back5
Other movements
As at 31 December 
2019

1  Includes capital reserve of $5 million, capital redemption reserve of $13 million and merger reserve of $17,111 million

2  Comprises actuarial loss, net of taxation and share from associates and joint ventures $132 million ($4 million for the year ending 31 December 2018)

3  Comprises share capital of shares issued to fulfil discretionary awards $1 million, share capital of shares issued to fulfil employee share save options $1 million ($5 million for the year 

ended 31 December 2018) and share premium of shares issued to fulfil employee Sharesave options exercised $23 million ($9 million for the year ended 31 December 2018)

4  Movement is mainly due to additional share capital issued by Standard Chartered Bank Angola S.A. subscribed by its non-controlling interest without change in shareholding 

percentage

5  On 1 May 2019, the Group commenced a share buy-back of its ordinary shares of $0.50 each up to a maximum consideration of $1,000 million. Nominal value of share purchases is 
$58 million for the year ended 31 December 2019 and the total consideration paid was $1,006 million which includes share buy-back expenses of $6 million. The total number of 
shares purchased was 116,103,483 representing 3.51% of the ordinary shares in issue. The nominal value of the shares was transferred from the share capital to the capital 
redemption reserve account

6  Comprises $10 million disposal of non-controlling interest of Phoon Huat Pte Ltd offset by $4 million withholding tax on capitalisation of revenue reserves for Standard Chartered Bank 

Ghana Limited 

7  Comprises $72 million of non-controlling interest in SC Digital Solutions offset by $17 million disposal of non-controlling interest in Phoon Huat Pte Ltd, Sirat Holdings Limited and Ori 

Private Limited

Note 28 includes a description of each reserve. 

The notes on pages 262 to 377 form an integral part of these financial statements.

257

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ reportCash flow statement

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Cash flows from operating activities:

Profit before taxation

Adjustments for non-cash items and other adjustments included 
within income statement

Change in operating assets

Change in operating liabilities

Contributions to defined benefit schemes

UK and overseas taxes paid

Net cash (used in)/from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Disposal of property, plant and equipment

Dividends received from subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

Disposal of subsidiaries

Purchase of investment securities

Disposal and maturity of investment securities

Net cash (used in)/from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Group

2019 
$million

Notes

Company

2018 
$million

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

3,713

2,548

22,306

34 

34

34

30

10

18

32

2,417

(35,285)

29,935

(137)

(1,421)

(778)

(219)

119

3

–

2,635

(12,837)

33,859

(143)

(770)

25,292

(171)

85

67

7

(259,473)

241,600

(17,970)

(276,388)

263,983

(12,417)

Issue of ordinary and preference share capital, net of expenses

28

Exercise of share options

Purchase of own shares

Cancellation of shares including share buy-back

Premises and equipment lease liability principal payment

Gross proceeds from issue of subordinated liabilities

Interest paid on subordinated liabilities

Repayment of subordinated liabilities

Proceeds from issue of senior debts

Repayment of senior debts

Interest paid on senior debts

Investment from non-controlling interests

34

34

34

34

34

34

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests, preference shareholders  
and AT1 securities

Dividends paid to ordinary shareholders

Net cash (used in)/from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

Effect of exchange rate movements on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

35

577

7

(206)

(1,006)

(332)

1,000

(603)

(23)

9,169

(7,692)

(797)

56

(483)

(720)

(1,053)

(19,801)

97,500

(245)

77,454

14

9

(8)

–

–

500

(602)

(2,097)

9,766

(7,030)

(507)

–

(533)

(539)

(1,027)

11,848

87,231

(1,579)

97,500

258

790

232

61

(462)

–

–

621

–

–

1,035

–

–

621

1,656

14

9

(8)

–

–

500

(507)

(474)

4,552

(3,141)

(355)

–

(436)

(539)

(385)

1,892

15,714

–

17,606

(16,760)

(5,473)

(4,182)

–

–

(4,109)

–

–

4,494

–

(7,583)

1,065

(2,024)

577

7

(206)

(1,006)

–

1,000

(547)

–

6,012

(3,780)

(740)

–

(448)

(720)

149

(5,984)

17,606

–

11,622

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsFinancial statementsCompany balance sheet

As at 31 December 2019

Non-current assets

Investments in subsidiary undertakings

Current assets

Derivative financial instruments

Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss

Investment securities

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings

Taxation

Total current assets

Current liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings

Financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss

Other creditors

Total current liabilities

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Debt securities in issue

Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds

Total non-current liabilities

Total assets less liabilities

Equity

Share capital and share premium account

Other reserves

Retained earnings

Total shareholders’ equity

Other equity instruments

Total equity

Notes

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

32

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

28

28

58,037

34,853

229

4,502

13,665

11,622

15

30,033

738

26

112

403

1,279

28,754

86,791

19,713

14,588

34,301

52,490

7,078

17,177

22,722

46,977

5,513

52,490

9

–

11,537

17,606

12

29,164

1,128

–

–

403

1,531

27,633

62,486

17,202

13,436

30,638

31,848

7,111

17,129

2,647

26,887

4,961

31,848

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its individual statement  
of comprehensive income and related notes that form a part of these financial statements. The Company profit for the year after tax is  
$22,309 million (31 December 2018: $799 million). Please see Note 39 Standard Chartered PLC (Company) for details of the group 
reorganisation.

The notes on pages 262 to 377 form an integral part of these financial statements.

These financial statements were approved by the Board of directors and authorised for issue on 27 February 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

José Viñals 
Chairman    

Bill Winters 
Group Chief Executive 

Andy Halford
Group Chief Financial Officer

259

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 31 December 2019

As at 1 January 2018

Profit for the year

Shares issued, net of expenses

Treasury shares purchased

Treasury shares issued

Share option expense, net of taxation

Capitalised on scrip dividend

Dividends on ordinary shares

Dividends on preference share and  
AT1 securities

As at 31 December 2018

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive loss

Shares issued, net of expenses

Other equity instruments issued,  
net of expenses

Treasury shares purchased

Treasury shares issued

Share option expense, net of taxation

Dividends on ordinary shares

Dividends on preference share and  
AT1 securities

Cancellation of shares including share  
buy-back3

As at 31 December 2019

Share capital  
and share  
premium  
account 
$million

Capital and  
merger reserve 
$million

Own credit 
adjustment 
$million

7,097

17,1291

–

14

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7,111

17,129

–

–

25

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(58)

7,078

58

17,187

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(10)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(10)

Retained  
earnings 
$million

2,664

799

–

(8)

9

158

22

(561)

(436)

2,647

22,3092

–

–

–

(206)

7

139

(720)

(448)

(1,006)

22,722

Other equity 
instruments 
$million

4,961

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,961

–

–

–

552

–

–

–

–

–

–

5,513

Total 
$million

31,851

799

14

(8)

9

158

22

(561)

(436)

31,848

22,309

(10)

25

552

(206)

7

139

(720)

(448)

(1,006)

52,490

1  Includes capital reserve of $5 million, capital redemption reserve of $13 million and merger reserve of $17,111 million

2  Includes dividend received of $20,989 million from Standard Chartered Holding Limited. Of this amount, $17,978 million was a dividend in specie of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong 

Kong) Limited and Standard Chartered Bank (China) Limited, while $3,010 million was a cash dividend related to the sale of Standard Chartered NEA Limited and Standard Chartered 
Bank (Taiwan) Limited

3  On 1 May 2019, the Group commenced a share buy-back of its ordinary shares of $0.50 each up to a maximum consideration of $1,000 million. Nominal value of share purchases  
is $58 million for the year ended 31 December 2019 and the total consideration paid was $1,006 million which includes share buy-back expenses of $6 million. The total number of 
shares purchased was 116,103,483 representing 3.51 per cent of the ordinary shares in issue. The nominal value of the shares was transferred from the share capital to the capital 
redemption reserve account

Note 28 includes a description of each reserve. 

The notes on pages 262 to 377 form an integral part of these financial statements.

260

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsFinancial statementsContents –  
Notes to the financial statements

Section

Basis of preparation

Performance/return

Assets and liabilities held at fair value

Financial instruments held at amortised cost

Other assets and investments

Funding, accruals, provisions, contingent 
liabilities and legal proceedings

Capital instruments, equity and reserves

Employee benefits

Scope of consolidation

Cash flow statement

Other disclosure matters

Note

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

Accounting policies

Segmental information

Net interest income

Net fees and commission

Net trading income

Other operating income

Operating expenses

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Taxation

Dividends

Earnings per ordinary share

Financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments

Loans and advances to banks and customers

Reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements including other similar 
lending and borrowing

Goodwill and intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Leased assets

Other assets

Assets held for sale and associated liabilities

Debt securities in issue

Other liabilities

Provisions for liabilities and charges

Contingent liabilities and commitments

Legal and regulatory matters

Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds

Share capital, other equity instruments and reserves

Non-controlling interests

Retirement benefit obligations

Share-based payments

Investments in subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and associates

Structured entities

Cash flow statement

Cash and cash equivalents

Related party transactions

Post balance sheet events

Auditor’s remuneration

Standard Chartered PLC (Company)

Related undertakings of the Group

Page

262

265

270

271

272

273

273

274

278

279

283

284

285

308

318

318

320

323

325

326

326

329

330

330

331

332

333

334

340

340

345

350

354

355

356

357

358

358

359

362

261

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ reportNotes to the financial statements

1. Accounting policies

Statement of compliance
The Group financial statements consolidate Standard Chartered 
PLC (the Company) and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 
Group) and equity account the Group’s interests in associates and 
jointly controlled entities.

The parent company financial statements present information about 
the Company as a separate entity.

Both the parent company financial statements and the Group 
financial statements have been prepared and approved by the 
directors in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) and International Financial Reporting 
Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretations as endorsed by  
the European Union (EU). EU-endorsed IFRS may differ from IFRS 
published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) if 
a standard has not been endorsed by the EU.

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in section 408 
of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its individual statement of 
comprehensive income and related notes that form a part of these 
financial statements.

The following parts of the Risk review and Capital review form part of 
these financial statements:

Basis of preparation
The consolidated and Company financial statements have been 
prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost 
convention, as modified by the revaluation of cash-settled share-
based payments, fair value through other comprehensive income, 
and financial assets and liabilities (including derivatives) at fair value 
through profit or loss.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in United  
States dollars ($), being the presentation currency of the Group and 
functional currency of the Company, and all values are rounded to 
the nearest million dollars, except when otherwise indicated.

Significant accounting estimates and judgements
In determining the carrying amounts of certain assets and liabilities, 
the Group makes assumptions of the effects of uncertain future 
events on those assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date.  
The Group’s estimates and assumptions are based on historical 
experience and expectation of future events and are reviewed 
periodically. Further information about key assumptions concerning 
the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty and 
judgement, are set out in the relevant disclosure notes for the 
following areas:

a) From the start of Risk profile section (page 152) to the end of other 
principal risks in the same section (page 205) excluding:

 ¼ Credit impairment (Note 8)

 ¼ Taxation (Note 10)

 ¼ Loans and advances by client segment credit quality analysis, 

 ¼ Financial instruments measured at fair value (Note 13)

(page 161)

 ¼ Credit quality by geographic region, (page 162)

 ¼ Analysis of stage 2 balances, (page 169)

 ¼ Goodwill impairment (Note 17)

 ¼ Provisions for liabilities and charges (Note 24)

 ¼ Investments in subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and 

 ¼ Forborne and other modified loans by region, (page 171)

associates (Note 32)

 ¼ Credit-impaired (stage 3) loans by geographic region, (page 172)

 ¼ Credit quality by industry, (page 179)

 ¼ Industry and Retail products analysis by geographic region,  

(page 180)

 ¼ Country Risk, (page 190)

 ¼ Risks not in VaR, (page 192)

 ¼ Backtesting, (page 192)

 ¼ Mapping of market risk items to the balance sheet, (page 194)

 ¼ Liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), (page 196)

 ¼ Stressed coverage, (page 197)

 ¼ Net stable funding ratio (NSFR), (page 198)

 ¼ Liquidity pool, (page 198)

 ¼ Encumbrance, (page 198)

 ¼ Interest rate risk in the banking book, (page 204)

 ¼ Operational Risk, (page 205)

 ¼ Other principal risks, (page 205)

b) Capital review: from the start of ‘Capital Requirements Directive 
(CRD) IV capital base’ to the end of ‘Movement in total capital’, 
excluding capital ratios and risk-weighted assets (RWA).

IFRS and Hong Kong accounting requirements
As required by the Hong Kong Listing Rules, an explanation of the 
differences in accounting practices between EU-endorsed IFRS  
and Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards is required to be 
disclosed. There would be no significant differences had these 
accounts been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong Financial 
Reporting Standards.

New accounting policies adopted by the Group
Net interest and trading income
The Group has changed its accounting policies for net interest 
income and net trading income. In previous years the Group 
recognised interest income and expense on financial instruments 
held at fair value through profit or loss in net interest income, except 
for fair value elected structured notes and structured deposits for 
which all gains and losses were recognised in net trading income. 
The Group now recognises all gains and losses on financial assets 
and liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss, including 
contractual interest, in net trading income. Prior period comparatives 
have been presented under the updated accounting policy, and 
quantification of the effect of the change in accounting policy on  
the current and prior period is given in Notes 3 and 5.

262

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements1. Accounting policies continued

The Group believes the updated accounting policy gives users  
of the financial statements reliable and more relevant information 
because it ensures that all interest income and expense presented 
on the face of the income statement is measured using the effective 
interest method as required by IAS 1 Presentation of Financial 
Statements, it results in a natural offset in net trading income of  
gains and losses on fair value through profit or loss instruments  
and derivatives used to economically hedge valuation risks of those 
instruments, and it is more comparable to our peers’ accounting 
policies. There is no change in opening retained earnings or 
adjustment to basic or diluted earnings per share as a result of  
this change in accounting policy.

Interest in suspense
Following a clarification issued by IFRIC in March 2019, if there are 
any recoveries on stage 3 loans, any contractual interest earned 
while the asset was in stage 3 is recognised in the credit impairment 
line. Although this differs from the Group’s previous approach of 
recognising a residual amount of this within interest income, there  
is no material impact on the classification of amounts reported in  
the income statement in the current or prior period and accordingly 
no adjustments have been made to comparative information. 
Further, the gross asset balances for stage 3 financial instruments 
have been increased to reflect contractual interest due but not paid 
with a corresponding increase in credit impairment provisions. 
These changes have been disclosed within the credit risk section. 
There has been no net impact on the balance sheet or on 
shareholders’ equity.

Comparatives
Certain comparatives have been represented in line with current  
year disclosures.

Details of these changes are set out in the relevant sections and 
notes below:

 ¼ Credit risk: Problem credit management and provisioning

 ¼ Note 2 Segmental information

 ¼ Note 3 Net interest income

 ¼ Note 5 Net trading income

 ¼ Note 13 Financial instruments

 ¼ Note 17 Goodwill and intangible assets

New accounting standards adopted by the Group
IFRS 16 Leases
On 1 January 2019, the Group adopted IFRS 16 Leases, which has 
been endorsed by the EU. IFRS 16 replaced IAS 17 Leases.

IFRS 16 introduced a single lessee accounting model and requires  
a lessee to recognise assets and liabilities for all leases with a term  
of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value. 
A lessee is required to recognise a right-of-use asset representing  
its right to use the underlying leased asset and a lease liability 
representing its obligation to make lease payments. IFRS 16 
substantially carries forward the lessor accounting requirements in 
IAS 17 Leases. Accordingly, a lessor continues to classify its leases 
as operating leases or finance leases, and to account for those two 
types of leases differently.

The Group has elected to adopt the modified retrospective 
approach and has not restated comparative information. The 
following practical expedients were applied on transition to IFRS 16:

 ¼ The Group did not reassess whether premises’ leases identified 

under IAS 17 were leases under IFRS 16

 ¼ The Group did not record a lease liability or right-of-use asset for 

leases with a remaining term of less than 12 months as at 
1 January 2019

 ¼ The Group excluded initial direct costs from the measurement of 

right-of-use assets as at 1 January 2019

The judgements in the implementation were determining if a 
contract contained a lease, and the determination of whether the 
Group is reasonably certain that it will exercise extension options 
present in lease contracts. The estimates were the determination 
of incremental borrowing rates in the respective economic 
environments. The weighted average discount rate applied 
to lease liabilities on the transition date 1 January 2019  
was 5.0 per cent.

The impact of IFRS 16 on the Group is primarily where the Group is 
a lessee in property lease contracts. On 1 January 2019, the Group 
recognised a lease liability, being the remaining lease payments, 
including extensions options where renewal is reasonably certain, 
discounted using the Group’s incremental borrowing rate at the date 
of initial application in the economic environment of the lease. The 
corresponding right-of-use asset recognised is the amount of the 
lease liability adjusted by prepaid or accrued lease payments related 
to those leases. The balance sheet gross-up on 1 January 2019 as  
a result of recognition of the lease liability and right-of-use asset  
was $1,421 million, with no adjustment to retained earnings.  
The comparative information is not restated, i.e. it is presented,  
as previously reported, under IAS 17 and related interpretations.

The asset is presented in ‘Property, plant and equipment’ and the 
liability is presented in ‘Other liabilities’. Further information on these 
balances is shown in Notes 18 and 23.

IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments
IFRIC 23 is effective from 1 January 2019 and has been endorsed  
by the EU. It clarifies the accounting for uncertainties in income  
taxes and has not resulted in a material impact to the Group’s 
financial statements.

Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7: Interest rate 
benchmark reform
Interest rate benchmark reform is a global initiative to replace or 
reform interbank offered rates (IBORs) that are used to determine 
interest cash flows on financial instruments such as loans to 
customers, debt securities and derivatives. Historically IBORs such 
as USD LIBOR have been determined by panels of banks with a 
heavy reliance on expert judgement. The objective of the reforms is 
to replace IBORs with alternative nearly risk-free rates (RFRs) that  
are based on actual market transactions. The Financial Conduct 
Authority has stated that it will no longer compel panel banks  
to submit values for LIBORs after 31 December 2021 and it is 
expected that these benchmarks will cease to exist thereafter. 
Consequently, financial contracts referencing these benchmarks 
with a maturity beyond 2021 may need to be amended to reference 
the alternative RFR in the applicable currency. 

263

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report1. Accounting policies continued

There remain many uncertainties associated with the IBOR 
transition, including the prospective assessment of hedge 
accounting effectiveness because it is not known when hedged 
items and hedging instruments will be amended to reference 
alternative RFRs, or how this will change the cash flows on these 
instruments. Other key risks and uncertainties that require 
monitoring are:

 ¼ It is possible that not all hedged items and corresponding hedging 

instruments will move to alternative RFRs at the same time

 ¼ The liquidity of the alternative RFR term structures has historically 

been mixed and may continue to be so prior to transition.  
This raises uncertainty over the appropriate inputs and valuation 
technique required to assess hedge effectiveness

The IFRS amendments include reliefs which apply to all hedging 
relationships that are directly affected by interest rate benchmark 
reform by allowing entities to assume the benchmark interest rate  
is not altered as a result of IBOR reform. A hedging relationship is 
affected if the reform gives rise to uncertainties about the timing  
or amount of benchmark-based cash flows of the hedged item  
or hedging instrument, since our accounting policy requires that 
forecast cash flows must be highly probable and that the hedging 
instrument is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair 
value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk.

Following endorsement of the amendments by the EU, the Group 
has elected to early adopt the interest rate benchmark reform 
amendments for the current period. The amendments would  
have otherwise taken mandatory effect from 1 January 2020.  
This election reduces the effects of any uncertainty arising from 
IBOR reform on the current period’s financial statements. Had it not 
made this election, the Group would have been required to further 
assess the effect of uncertainty arising from IBOR reform on its 
existing hedge relationships, potentially resulting in discontinuation  
of hedge relationships. The amendments are applied retrospectively 
to all designated hedge relationships that were either in force as of 
the start of the reporting period or designated subsequently. 

The amendments allow the Group to assume that the interest rate 
benchmark on which the cash flows of the hedged item and/or 
hedging instrument are based is not altered by IBOR reform for  
the following activities:

 ¼ Prospective hedge assessment

 ¼ Determining whether a cash flow or forecast transaction for a 

cash flow hedge is highly probable

 ¼ Determining when cumulative balances in the cash flow hedge 
reserve from de-designated hedges should be recycled to the 
income statement

For retrospective hedge assessment, the Group will not de-
designate a hedge relationship if the actual result is outside the 
required 80-125 per cent range, but it can be demonstrated that 
this is solely caused by interest rate benchmark uncertainty and 
the hedge passes the prospective assessment.

For hedges of non-contractually specified benchmark portions of  
an interest rate the Group only assesses whether the designated 
benchmark is separately identifiable at hedge inception.

The Group expects that the IASB will issue further amendments  
to these standards concerning the potential financial reporting 
implications when an existing interest rate benchmark is replaced 
with an alternative RFR.

Further information on the extent to which the IFRS amendments 
apply to hedge accounting relationships is provided in Note 14 to 
these financial statements.

New accounting standards in issue but not yet effective
IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts
IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts was issued in May 2017 to replace 
IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts and to establish a comprehensive 
standard for inceptors of insurance policies. The effective date is 
1 January 2021, subject to IASB’s approval of a deferral until 
1 January 2022. The Group is assessing the likely implementation 
impact of adopting the standards on its financial statements. 

Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in 
IFRS Standards
These amendments are effective 1 January 2020 and include limited 
revisions of definitions of an asset and a liability, as well as new 
guidance on measurement and derecognition, presentation and 
disclosure. The concept of prudence has been reintroduced with  
the statement that prudence supports neutrality. 

Amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations
These amendments are effective 1 January 2020 on a prospective 
basis and assist entities in determining whether a transaction should 
be accounted for as a business combination or asset acquisition. 

Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: Definition of Material 
Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and  
IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and 
Errors (the amendments) to align the definition of ‘material’ across 
the standards and to clarify certain aspects of the definition. 

None of the amendments above are expected to result in a material 
impact on the Group’s financial statements.

Going concern 
These financial statements were approved by the Board of directors 
on 27 February 2020. The directors made an assessment of the 
Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and confirm they are 
satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to continue in 
business for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval 
of these financial statements (refer to the Viability Statement in the 
Strategic report on page 65). For this reason, the Group continues  
to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for preparing the 
financial statements.

264

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statementsBasis of preparation
The analysis reflects how the client segments and geographic regions 
are managed internally. This is described as the Management View 
(on an underlying basis) and is principally the location from which a 
client relationship is managed, which may differ from where it is 
financially booked and may be shared between businesses and/or 
regions. In certain instances this approach is not appropriate and  
a Financial View is disclosed, that is, the location in which the 
transaction or balance was booked. Typically, the Financial View is 
used in areas such as the Market and Liquidity Risk reviews where 
actual booking location is more important for an assessment. 
Segmental information is therefore on a Management View unless 
otherwise stated.

Restructuring items excluded from underlying results
The provision for regulatory matters of $226 million (2018: $900 million) 
primarily relates to the agreement to pay monetary penalties to the  
US Authorities and the FCA following the resolution of investigations 
concerning historical violations of US sanction laws and regulations 
and the effectiveness and governance of historical financial crime 
controls, described further in Note 26.

The Group incurred net restructuring charges of $254 million in 2019, 
of which $148 million related to planned initiatives to reduce ongoing 
costs and $60 million related to the Group’s ship leasing business that 
the Group has decided to discontinue. 

Reconciliations between underlying and statutory results are set out in 
the tables below:

2. Segmental information

The Group’s segmental reporting is in accordance with IFRS 8 
Operating Segments and is reported consistently with the internal 
performance framework and as presented to the Group’s 
Management Team. The four client segments are: Corporate & 
Institutional Banking, Retail Banking, Commercial Banking and Private 
Banking. The four geographic regions are: Greater China & North 
Asia, ASEAN & South Asia, Africa & Middle East, and Europe & 
Americas. Activities not directly related to a client segment and/or 
geographic region are included in Central & other items. These mainly 
include Corporate Centre costs, treasury markets, treasury activities, 
certain strategic investments and the UK bank levy.

The following should also be noted:

 ¼ Transactions and funding between the segments are carried out  

on an arm’s-length basis

 ¼ Corporate Centre costs represent stewardship and central 

management services roles and activities that are not directly 
attributable to business or country operations

 ¼ Treasury markets, joint ventures and associate investments are 
managed in the regions and are included within the applicable 
region. However, they are not managed directly by a client segment 
and are therefore included in the Central & other items segment

 ¼ In addition to treasury activities, Corporate Centre costs and other 
Group-related functions, Central & other items for regions includes 
globally run businesses or activities that are managed by the  
client segments but not directly by geographic management.  
These include Principal Finance and Portfolio Management

 ¼ The Group allocates central costs (excluding Corporate Centre 
costs) relating to client segments and geographic regions using 
appropriate business drivers (such as in proportion to the direct 
cost base of each segment before allocation of indirect costs)  
and these are reported within operating expenses

Profit before taxation (PBT)

Operating income

Operating expenses

Operating profit/(loss) before impairment losses 
and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Profit/(loss) before taxation

Operating income

Operating expenses

Operating profit/(loss) before impairment losses 
and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Underlying 
$million

15,271

(10,409)

4,862

(906)

(38)

254

4,172

Underlying 
$million

14,968

(10,464)

4,504

(740)

(148)

241

Profit/(loss) before taxation

3,857

(900)

2019

Gains  
arising on 
repurchase of 
senior and 
subordinated 
liabilities 
$million

Share of 
profits of  
PT Bank 
Permata Tbk 
joint venture 
$million

Goodwill 
impairment 
$million

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(27)

–

(27)

–

–

–

–

–

48

48

Provision for 
regulatory 
matters 
$million

Restructuring 
$million

–

(226)

(226)

–

–

–

(226)

146

(298)

(152)

(2)

(98)

(2)

(254)

Provision for 
regulatory 
matters 
$million

Restructuring 
$million

2018

Gains arising 
on repurchase 
of senior and 
subordinated 
liabilities 
$million

Share of  
profits of  
PT Bank 
Permata Tbk 
joint venture 
$million

Goodwill 
impairment 
$million

–

(900)

(900)

–

–

–

(248)

(283)

(531)

87

(34)

–

(478)

69

–

69

–

–

–

69

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Statutory  
$million

15,417

(10,933)

4,484

(908)

(163)

300

3,713

Statutory  
$million

14,789

(11,647)

3,142

(653)

(182)

241

2,548

265

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report2. Segmental information continued

Underlying performance by client segment

Operating income

External

Inter-segment

Operating expenses

Operating profit/(loss) before impairment 
losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Underlying profit before taxation

Provision for regulatory matters

Restructuring

Goodwill impairment

Share of profits of PT Bank Permata Tbk 
joint venture

Statutory profit/(loss) before taxation

Total assets 

Of which: loans and advances to customers 
including FVTPL

loans and advances to customers

loans held at fair value through profit 
or loss

Total liabilities

Of which: customer accounts

Operating income

External

Inter-segment

Operating expenses

Operating profit/(loss) before impairment 
losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Underlying profit/(loss) before taxation

Provision for regulatory matters

Restructuring

Gains arising on repurchase of senior and 
subordinated liabilities

Statutory profit/(loss) before taxation

Corporate & 
Institutional 
Banking 
$million

7,185

7,356

(171)

(4,361)

2,824

(474)

(32)

–

2,318

–

(110)

–

–

2,208

329,866

156,599

111,304

45,295

393,040

248,748

Corporate & 
Institutional  
Banking 
$million

6,860

7,055

(195)

(4,396)

2,464

(242)

(150)

–

2,072

(50)

(350)

3

1,675

Retail  
Banking 
$million

5,171

4,223

948

(3,754)

1,417

(336)

2

–

1,083

–

(63)

–

–

1,020

108,801

106,570

106,332

238

147,698

144,045

Retail  
Banking 
$million

5,041

4,493

548

(3,736)

1,305

(267)

(5)

–

1,033

–

(68)

–

965

2019

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

577

329

248

(514)

63

31

–

–

94

–

(11)

–

–

83

860

1,824

(964)

(873)

(13)

(4)

(8)

254

229

(226)

(59)

(27)

48

(35)

Total 
$million

15,271

15,271

–

(10,409)

4,862

(906)

(38)

254

4,172

(226)

(254)

(27)

48

3,713

14,922

235,565

720,398

14,821

14,821

–

18,480

18,424

10,078

10,076

2

73,655

7,433

314,754

268,523

46,231

669,737

452,733

1,478

1,539

(61)

(907)

571

(123)

–

–

448

–

(11)

–

–

437

31,244

26,686

25,990

696

36,864

34,083

2018

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

1,391

1,570

(179)

(923)

468

(244)

–

–

224

–

(12)

–

212

516

270

246

(530)

(14)

–

–

–

(14)

–

(24)

–

(38)

1,160

1,580

(420)

(879)

281

13

7

241

542

(850)

(24)

66

(266)

Total 
$million

14,968

14,968

–

(10,464)

4,504

(740)

(148)

241

3,857

(900)

(478)

69

2,548

Total assets 

308,496

103,780

31,379

13,673

231,434

688,762

Of which: loans and advances to customers 
including FVTPL

loans and advances to customers

loans held at fair value through profit  
or loss

Total liabilities

Of which: customer accounts

146,575

104,677

41,898

369,316

243,019

101,635

101,235

400

140,328

136,691

27,271

26,759

512

37,260

34,860

13,616

13,616

–

19,733

19,622

10,274

10,270

4

71,773

2,989

299,371

256,557

42,814

638,410

437,181

266

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements2. Segmental information continued

Operating income by client segment

Corporate & 
Institutional 
Banking 
$million

7,185

146

7,331

Corporate & 
Institutional  
Banking 
$million

6,860

(257)

3

6,606

Underlying operating income

Restructuring

Statutory operating income

Underlying operating income

Restructuring

Gains arising on repurchase of senior and 
subordinated liabilities

Statutory operating income

Underlying performance by region

2019

Retail  
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

5,171

–

5,171

1,478

4

1,482

2018

Retail  
Banking 
$million

5,041

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

1,391

–

–

(1)

–

5,041

1,390

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

 Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

2019

Operating income

Operating expenses

Operating profit/(loss) before 
impairment losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Underlying profit/(loss) before taxation

Provision for regulatory matters

Restructuring

Goodwill impairment

Share of profits of PT Bank Permata Tbk 
joint venture

Statutory profit/(loss) before taxation

Total assets 

Of which: loans and advances to customers 
including FVTPL

loans and advances to customers

loans held at fair value through profit 
or loss

Total liabilities

Of which: customer accounts

6,155

(3,771)

2,384

(194)

(5)

247

2,432

–

(138)

–

–

2,294

277,704

139,977

134,066

5,911

249,004

204,286

4,213

(2,681)

1,532

(506)

(1)

–

1,025

–

(34)

–

48

1,039

149,785

80,885

78,229

2,656

126,213

97,459

2,562

(1,747)

815

(132)

1

–

684

–

(18)

–

–

666

59,828

31,487

29,940

1,547

36,144

29,280

577

–

577

Private  
Banking 
$million

516

2

–

518

Europe & 
Americas 
$million

1,725

(1,470)

255

(98)

–

–

157

–

(34)

–

–

123

220,579

62,405

26,288

36,117

218,794

121,708

860

(4)

856

Central &  
other items 
$million

1,160

8

66

1,234

Central &  
other items 
$million

616

(740)

(124)

24

(33)

7

(126)

(226)

(30)

(27)

–

(409)

Total 
$million

15,271

146

15,417

Total 
$million

14,968

(248)

69

14,789

Total 
$million

15,271

(10,409)

4,862

(906)

(38)

254

4,172

(226)

(254)

(27)

48

3,713

12,502

720,398

–

–

–

39,582

–

314,754

268,523

46,231

669,737

452,733

267

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report2. Segmental information continued

Operating income

Operating expenses

Operating profit/(loss) before 
impairment losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Underlying profit/(loss) before taxation

Provision for regulatory matters

Restructuring

Gains arising on repurchase of senior and 
subordinated liabilities

Statutory profit/(loss) before taxation

Total assets 

Of which: loans and advances to customers 
including FVTPL

Total liabilities

Of which: customer accounts

Operating income by region

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN & South 
Asia 
$million

6,157

(3,812)

2,345

(71)

(110)

205

2,369

–

(106)

–

2,263

269,765

130,669

238,249

196,870

3,971

(2,711)

1,260

(322)

6

26

970

–

105

–

1,075

147,049

81,905

127,478

96,896

2018

 Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

2,604

(1,810)

Europe &  
Americas 
$million

1,670

(1,453)

794

(262)

–

–

532

–

(100)

–

432

217

(83)

17

3

154

(50)

(8)

3

99

57,800

201,912

29,870

36,733

29,916

56,927

198,853

113,499

2019

Central &  
other items 
$million

566

(678)

(112)

(2)

(61)

7

(168)

(850)

(369)

66

(1,321)

12,236

–

37,097

–

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

 Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

Europe & 
Americas 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

Underlying operating income

Restructuring

Statutory operating income

Underlying operating income

Restructuring

Gains arising on repurchase of senior and 
subordinated liabilities

6,155

87

6,242

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

6,157

(7)

–

4,213

(2)

4,211

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

3,971

21

–

2,562

–

2,562

2018

 Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

2,604

1

–

1,725

–

1,725

Europe &  
Americas 
$million

1,670

6

3

Statutory operating income

6,150

3,992

2,605

1,679

Additional segmental information (statutory)

616

61

677

Central &  
other items 
$million

566

(269)

66

363

Net interest income

Net fees and commission income

Net trading and other income

Operating income

Corporate & 
Institutional 
Banking  
$million

2,675

1,559

3,097

7,331

2019

Retail  
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

3,282

1,505

384

5,171

943

285

254

1,482

315

223

39

577

452

(50)

454

856

Total 
$million

14,968

(10,464)

4,504

(740)

(148)

241

3,857

(900)

(478)

69

2,548

688,762

299,371

638,410

437,181

Total 
$million

15,271

146

15,417

Total 
$million

14,968

(248)

69

14,789

Total 
$million

7,667

3,522

4,228

15,417

268

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements2. Segmental information continued

Net interest income

Net fees and commission income

Net trading and other income

Operating income

1  Refer to Note 1 Accounting policies

Net interest income

Net fees and commission income

Net trading and other income

Operating income

Net interest income

Net fees and commission income

Net trading and other income

Operating income

1  Refer to Note 1 Accounting policies

Corporate & 
Institutional  
Banking  
$million

2,498

1,496

2,612

6,606

Retail  
Banking 
$million

3,142

1,579

320

5,041

2018 (restated)1

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

297

192

29

518

999

(59)

294

1,234

859

284

247

1,390

2019

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

Europe & 
Americas 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

3,276

1,393

1,573

6,242

2,068

1,123

1,020

4,211

1,456

617

489

2,562

2018 (restated)1

149

503

1,073

1,725

718

(114)

73

677

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

Europe &  
Americas 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

3,213

1,437

1,500

6,150

2,047

1,032

913

3,992

1,495

643

467

2,605

2019

345

490

844

1,679

695

(110)

(222)

363

Total 
$million

7,795

3,492

3,502

14,789

Total 
$million

7,667

3,522

4,228

15,417

Total 
$million

7,795

3,492

3,502

14,789

Hong Kong 
$million

Korea 
$million

China 
$million

Singapore 
$million

India 
$million

Indonesia 
$million

UAE 
$million

UK 
$million

US 
$million

Net interest income

Net fees and commission income

Net trading and other income

Operating income

1,893

866

1,082

3,841

Net interest income

Net fees and commission income

Net trading and other income

Operating income

1  Refer to Note 1 Accounting policies

Hong Kong 
$million

1,747

908

1,092

3,747

659

160

152

971

Korea 
$million

688

192

129

1,009

562

144

166

872

731

552

354

564

244

232

1,637

1,040

2018 (restated)1

112

69

91

272

365

143

110

618

(211)

70

904

763

256

352

151

759

China 
$million

Singapore 
$million

India 
$million

Indonesia 
$million

UAE 
$million

UK 
$million

US 
$million

605

114

100

819

709

490

349

1,548

544

210

182

936

127

84

59

270

381

164

92

637

(48)

71

805

828

240

343

84

667

269

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report3. Net interest income

Accounting policy
Interest income for financial assets held at either fair value through other comprehensive income or amortised cost, and interest expense on 
all financial liabilities held at amortised cost is recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset or a financial liability and of allocating the 
interest income or interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that discounts estimated future cash 
payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument or, when appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount 
of the financial asset or financial liability. When calculating the effective interest rate, the Group estimates cash flows considering all 
contractual terms of the financial instrument (for example, prepayment options) but does not consider future credit losses. The calculation 
includes all fees paid or received between parties to the contract that are an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and  
all other premiums or discounts. Where the estimates of cash flows have been revised, the carrying amount of the financial asset or liability  
is adjusted to reflect the actual and revised cash flows, discounted at the instrument’s original effective interest rate. The adjustment is 
recognised as interest income or expense in the period in which the revision is made.

Interest income for financial assets that are either held at fair value through other comprehensive income or amortised cost that have become 
credit-impaired subsequent to initial recognition (stage 3) and have had amounts written off, is recognised using the credit adjusted effective 
interest rate. This rate is calculated in the same manner as the effective interest rate except that expected credit losses are included in the 
expected cash flows. Interest income is therefore recognised on the amortised cost of the financial asset including expected credit losses. 
Should the credit risk on a stage 3 financial asset improve such that the financial asset is no longer considered credit-impaired, interest 
income recognition reverts to a computation based on the rehabilitated gross carrying value of the financial asset.

Balances at central banks

Loans and advances to banks 

Loans and advances to customers

Listed debt securities

Unlisted debt securities

Other eligible bills

Accrued on impaired assets (discount unwind)

Interest income

Of which: financial instruments held at fair value through other comprehensive income

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Debt securities in issue

Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds

Interest expense on IFRS 16 lease liabilities 

Interest expense

Net interest income

2019 
$million

329

1,834

10,693

2,113

796

702

82

16,549

3,246

739

6,202

1,120

756

65

8,882

7,667

restated 
20181
$million

364

1,783

9,947

1,587

695

683

91

15,150

2,827

594

5,006

988

767

–

7,355

7,795

1  In 2018 the Group reported net interest income of $8,793 million, consisting of interest income of $17,264 million and interest expense of $8,471 million. The difference between this 

and restated 2018 net interest income of $7,795 million is $998 million of net contractual interest receivable on financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss being 
reclassified to net trading income

Had the financial statements been prepared under the previous year’s accounting policy, under which contractual interest on financial 
instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss (except for fair value elected structured notes and structured deposits) was recorded  
in net interest income, interest income in the current period would have been $19,594 million and interest expense would have been 
$10,307 million.

270

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements4. Net fees and commission

Accounting policy
Fees and commissions charged for services provided by the Group are recognised as or when the service is completed or significant act 
performed.

Loan syndication fees are recognised as revenue when the syndication has been completed and the Group retained no part of the loan 
package for itself, or retained a part at the same effective interest rate as for the other participants. 

The Group can act as trustee or in other fiduciary capacities that result in the holding or placing of assets on behalf of individuals, trusts, 
retirement benefit plans and other institutions. The assets and income arising thereon are excluded from these financial statements, as they 
are not assets and income of the Group.

The determination of the services performed for the customer, the transaction price, and when the services are completed depends on the 
nature of the product with the customer. The main considerations on income recognition by product are as follows:

Transaction Banking
The Group recognises fee income associated with transactional trade, cash management and custody activities at the point in time the service 
is provided. The Group recognises income associated with trade contingent risk exposures (such as letters of credit and guarantees) and 
periodic custody activities over the period in which the service is provided. 

Payment of fees is usually received at the same time the service is provided. In some cases, letters of credit and guarantees issued by the Group 
have annual upfront premiums, which are amortised on a straight-line basis to fee income over the year. 

Financial Markets and Corporate Finance
The Group recognises fee income at the point in time the service is provided. Fee income is recognised for a significant non-lending service 
when the transaction has been completed and the terms of the contract with the customer entitle the Group to the fee. Fees are usually received 
shortly after the service is provided. 

Syndication fees are recognised when the syndication is complete. Fees are generally received before completion of the syndication, or within 
12 months of the transaction date. 

Wealth Management
Upfront consideration on bancassurance agreements is amortised straight-line over the contractual term. Commissions for bancassurance 
activities are recorded as they are earned through sales of third-party insurance products to customers. These commissions are received within 
a short time frame of the commission being earned. Target-linked fees are accrued based on a percentage of the target achieved, provided it is 
assessed as highly probable that the target will be met. Cash payment is received at a contractually specified date after achievement of a target 
has been confirmed.

Upfront and trailing commissions for managed investment placements are recorded as they are confirmed. Income from these activities is 
relatively even throughout the period, and cash is usually received within a short time frame after the commission is earned.

Retail Products
The Group recognises most income at the point in time the Group is entitled to the fee, since most services are provided at the time of the 
customer’s request.

Credit card annual fees are recognised at the time the fee is received since, in most of our retail markets, there are contractual circumstances 
under which fees are waived, so income recognition is constrained until the uncertainties associated with the annual fee are resolved. The Group 
defers the fair value of reward points on its credit card reward programmes, and recognises income and costs associated with fulfilling the 
reward at the time of redemption.

Fees and commissions income

Fees and commissions expense

Net fees and commission

2019 
$million

4,111

(589)

3,522

2018 
$million

4,029

(537)

3,492

Total fee income arising from financial instruments that are not fair valued through profit or loss is $1,495 million (31 December 2018: 
$1,478 million) and arising from trust and other fiduciary activities is $166 million (31 December 2018: $144 million). 

Total fee expense arising from financial instruments that are not fair valued through profit or loss is $138 million (31 December 2018: $143 million) 
and arising from trust and other fiduciary activities is $27 million (31 December 2018: $27 million). 

271

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report 
4. Net fees and commission continued

Transaction Banking

Trade

Cash Management

Securities Services

Financial Markets

Corporate Finance

Lending and Portfolio Management

Principal Finance 

Wealth Management

Retail Products

Treasury

Others

Corporate & 
Institutional 
Banking  
$million

1,053

434

431

188

265

168

85

(12)

–

–

–

–

Transaction Banking

Trade

Cash Management

Securities Services

Financial Markets

Corporate Finance

Lending and Portfolio Management

Principal Finance 

Wealth Management

Retail Products

Treasury

Others

Corporate & 
Institutional  
Banking  
$million

1,066

448

429

189

206

181

57

(14)

–

–

–

–

2019

Retail  
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

11

11

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,132

362

–

–

212

154

58

–

30

27

14

–

2

–

–

–

12

12

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,167

403

–

(3)

223

163

60

–

25

21

13

–

2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2

–

–

216

5

–

–

223

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(22)

(28)

(50)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

190

2

–

–

192

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(22)

(37)

(59)

Total 
$million

1,276

599

489

188

295

197

99

(12)

1,350

367

(22)

(28)

3,522

Total 
$million

1,301

623

489

189

231

202

70

(14)

1,359

405

(22)

(40)

3,492

Net fees and commission

1,559

1,505

285

2018

Retail  
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

Net fees and commission

1,496

1,579

284

Upfront bancassurance consideration amounts are amortised on a straight-line basis over the contractual period to which the consideration 
relates. Deferred income on the balance sheet in respect of these activities is $802 million (31 December 2018: $886 million). The income will  
be earned evenly over the next 9.5 years (31 December 2018: 10.5 years).

5. Net trading income 

Accounting policy
Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of financial instruments held at fair value through profit or loss are recorded in net 
trading income in the period in which they arise. This includes contractual interest receivable or payable. 

Income is recognised from the sale and purchase of trading positions, margins on market making and customer business and fair  
value changes.

Net trading income

Significant items within net trading income include:

Gains on instruments held for trading

Gains on financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss

Gains on financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Losses on financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss

2019 
$million

3,350

3,296

1,557

31

(1,602)

restated 
20181
$million

2,681

2,756

788

12

(864)

1  In 2018 the Group reported net trading income of $1,683 million. The difference between this and restated 2018 net trading income of $2,681 million is $998 million of net contractual 

interest receivable on financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss being reclassified to net trading income

Had the financial statements been prepared under the previous year’s accounting policy, under which contractual interest on financial 
instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss (except for fair value elected structured notes and structured deposits) was recorded  
in net interest income, net trading income in the current period would have been $1,730 million.

272

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements6. Other operating income

Accounting policy
Operating lease income is recognised on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease unless another systematic basis is more 
appropriate.

Dividends on equity instruments are recognised when the Group’s right to receive payment is established.

On disposal of fair value through other comprehensive income debt instruments, the cumulative gain or loss recognised in other 
comprehensive income is recycled to the profit or loss in other operating income/expense.

When the Group loses control of the subsidiary or disposal group, the difference between the consideration received and the carrying 
amount of the subsidiary or disposal group is recognised as a gain or loss on sale of the business.

Other operating income includes:

Rental income from operating lease assets

Gains less losses on disposal of fair value through other comprehensive income debt instruments

Gains less losses on amortised cost financial assets

Net gain on sale of businesses

Dividend income 

Gain on sale of aircrafts

Gains arising on repurchase of senior and subordinated liabilities1

Other

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

540

170

(12)

–

17

71

–

92

878

573

(31)

–

9

25

74

69

102

821

1  On 14 June 2018, Standard Chartered PLC repurchased in part, £245.7 million of its £750 million 4.375 per cent senior debt 2038 and £372.5 million of its £900 million 5.125 per cent 

subordinated debt 2034. On the same date, Standard Chartered Bank repurchased in part, £95.1 million of its £200 million 7.75 per cent subordinated notes (callable 2022).  
This activity resulted in an overall gain of $69 million for the Group

7. Operating expenses

Accounting policy
Short-term employee benefits: salaries and social security expenses are recognised over the period in which the employees provide the 
service. Variable compensation is included within share-based payments costs and wages and salaries. Further details are disclosed in  
the Directors’ remuneration report (pages 108 to 137).

Pension costs: contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are recognised in profit or loss when payable. For defined benefit 
plans, net interest expense, service costs and expenses are recognised in the income statement. Further details are provided in Note 30.

Share-based compensation: the Group operates equity-settled and cash-settled share-based payment compensation plans. The fair value 
of the employee services (measured by the fair value of the options granted) received in exchange for the grant of the options is recognised 
as an expense. Further details are provided in Note 31.

Staff costs:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs (Note 30)

Share-based payment costs

Other staff costs

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

5,508

180

372

166

896

7,122

5,439

171

365

166

933

7,074

Other staff costs include redundancy expenses of $173 million (31 December 2018: $153 million). Further costs in this category include training, 
travel costs and other staff-related costs.

The following table summarises the number of employees within the Group:

At 31 December 

Average for the year

2019

Business Support services

45,469

45,816

38,929

38,122

Total

84,398

83,938

20181

Business

Support services

47,401

48,815

38,001

37,453

Total

85,402

86,268

1  Prior year headcount has been re-presented due to a change in management view of segments

The Company employed nil staff as at 31 December 2019 (31 December 2018: nil) and it incurred costs of $32 million (31 December 2018: 
$5 million).

Details of directors’ pay, benefits, pensions and interests in shares are disclosed in the Directors’ remuneration report (pages 119, 120 and 126).

Transactions with directors, officers and other related parties are disclosed in Note 36.

273

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report7. Operating expenses continued

Premises and equipment expenses:

Rental of premises1

Other premises and equipment costs

Rental of computers and equipment 

General administrative expenses:

UK bank levy

Provision for regulatory matters

Other general administrative expenses 

Depreciation and amortisation:

Property, plant and equipment:

Premises1

Equipment

Operating lease assets

Intangibles:

Software 

Acquired on business combinations

Total operating expenses

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

31

372

17

420

347

226

1,638

2,211

360

112

263

735

436

9

1,180

10,933

374

395

21

790

324

900

1,702

2,926

86

94

304

484

363

10

857

11,647

1  As a result of IFRS 16, rental expenses of premises has decreased and has been replaced by depreciation on premises (being the right-of-use asset) and interest expenses (on the 

lease liability) 

The UK bank levy is applied on the chargeable equities and liabilities on the Group’s consolidated balance sheet. Key exclusions from 
chargeable equities and liabilities include Tier 1 capital, insured or guaranteed retail deposits, repos secured on certain sovereign debt and 
liabilities subject to netting. The rate of the levy for 2019 is 0.15 per cent for chargeable short-term liabilities, with a lower rate of 0.075 per cent 
generally applied to chargeable equity and long-term liabilities (i.e. liabilities with a remaining maturity greater than one year). The rates will  
reduce in 2020 and from 1 January 2021 they will be 0.10 per cent for short-term liabilities and 0.05 per cent for long-term liabilities. In addition, 
the scope of the bank levy will be restricted to the balance sheet of UK operations only from that date.

8. Credit impairment 

Accounting policy
Significant accounting estimates and judgements 
The Group’s expected credit loss (ECL) calculations are outputs of complex models with a number of underlying assumptions.  
The significant judgements in determining expected credit loss include:

 ¼ The Group’s criteria for assessing if there has been a significant increase in credit risk; and

 ¼ Development of expected credit loss models, including the choice of inputs relating to macroeconomic variables

The calculation of credit impairment provisions also involves expert credit judgement to be applied by the credit risk management team 
based upon counterparty information they receive from various sources, including relationship managers and on external market information. 
Details on the approach for determining expected credit loss can be found in the credit risk section, under IFRS 9 Methodology (page 182). 

Estimates of forecasts of key macroeconomic variables underlying the expected credit loss calculation can be found within the Risk review, 
Key assumptions and judgements in determining expected credit loss (page 183).

Expected credit losses
Expected credit losses are determined for all financial debt instruments that are classified at amortised cost or fair value through other 
comprehensive income, undrawn commitments and financial guarantees.

An expected credit loss represents the present value of expected cash shortfalls over the residual term of a financial asset, undrawn 
commitment or financial guarantee.

A cash shortfall is the difference between the cash flows that are due in accordance with the contractual terms of the instrument and the 
cash flows that the Group expects to receive over the contractual life of the instrument.

274

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements8. Credit impairment continued

Measurement
Expected credit losses are computed as unbiased, probability-weighted amounts which are determined by evaluating a range of  
reasonably possible outcomes, the time value of money, and considering all reasonable and supportable information, including that  
which is forward-looking.

For material portfolios, the estimate of expected cash shortfalls is determined by multiplying the probability of default (PD) with the loss given 
default (LGD) with the expected exposure at the time of default (EAD). There may be multiple default events over the lifetime of an instrument. 
Further details on the components of PD, LGD and EAD are disclosed in the Credit Risk section. For less material Retail Banking loan 
portfolios, the Group has adopted less sophisticated approaches based on historical roll rates or loss rates.

Forward-looking economic assumptions are incorporated into the PD, LGD and EAD where relevant and where they influence credit risk, 
such as GDP growth rates, interest rates, house price indices and commodity prices, among others. These assumptions are incorporated 
using the Group’s most likely forecast for a range of macroeconomic assumptions. These forecasts are determined using all reasonable and 
supportable information, which includes both internally developed forecasts and those available externally, and are consistent with those 
used for budgeting, forecasting and capital planning.

To account for the potential non-linearity in credit losses, multiple forward-looking scenarios are incorporated into the range of reasonably 
possible outcomes for all material portfolios. For example, where there is a greater risk of downside credit losses than upside gains, multiple 
forward-looking economic scenarios are incorporated into the range of reasonably possible outcomes, both in respect of determining the  
PD (and where relevant, the LGD and EAD) and in determining the overall expected credit loss amounts. These scenarios are determined 
using a Monte Carlo approach, centred around the Group’s most likely forecast of macroeconomic assumptions.

The period over which cash shortfalls are determined is generally limited to the maximum contractual period for which the Group is  
exposed to credit risk. However, for certain revolving credit facilities, which include credit cards or overdrafts, the Group’s exposure to  
credit risk is not limited to the contractual period. For these instruments, the Group estimates an appropriate life based on the period that  
the Group is exposed to credit risk, which includes the effect of credit risk management actions such as the withdrawal of undrawn facilities.

For credit-impaired financial instruments, the estimate of cash shortfalls may require the use of expert credit judgement. 

The estimate of expected cash shortfalls on a collateralised financial instrument reflects the amount and timing of cash flows that are 
expected from foreclosure on the collateral less the costs of obtaining and selling the collateral, regardless of whether foreclosure is  
deemed probable.

Cash flows from unfunded credit enhancements held are included within the measurement of expected credit losses if they are part of, or 
integral to, the contractual terms of the instrument (this includes financial guarantees, unfunded risk participations and other non-derivative 
credit insurance). Although non-integral credit enhancements do not impact the measurement of expected credit losses, a reimbursement 
asset is recognised to the extent of the expected credit losses recorded.

Cash shortfalls are discounted using the effective interest rate (or credit-adjusted effective interest rate for purchased or originated credit-
impaired instruments (POCI)) on the financial instrument as calculated at initial recognition or if the instrument has a variable interest rate,  
the current effective interest rate determined under the contract.

Instruments

Location of expected credit loss provisions

Financial assets held at amortised cost

Loss provisions: netted against gross carrying value1

Financial assets held FVOCI – Debt instruments

Other comprehensive income (FVOCI expected credit loss reserve)2 

Loan commitments

Financial guarantees

Provisions for liabilities and charges3

Provisions for liabilities and charges3

1  Purchased or originated credit-impaired assets do not attract an expected credit loss provision on initial recognition. An expected credit loss provision will be recognised only if 

there is an increase in expected credit losses from that considered at initial recognition

2  Debt and treasury securities classified as fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) are held at fair value on the face of the balance sheet. The expected credit loss 
attributed to these instruments is held as a separate reserve within other comprehensive income (OCI) and is recycled to the profit and loss account along with any fair value 
measurement gains or losses held within FVOCI when the applicable instruments are derecognised

3  Expected credit loss on loan commitments and financial guarantees is recognised as a liability provision. Where a financial instrument includes both a loan (i.e. financial asset 

component) and an undrawn commitment (i.e. loan commitment component), and it is not possible to separately identify the expected credit loss on these components, expected 
credit loss amounts on the loan commitment are recognised together with expected credit loss amounts on the financial asset. To the extent the combined expected credit loss 
exceeds the gross carrying amount of the financial asset, the expected credit loss is recognised as a liability provision 

Recognition
12 months expected credit losses (stage 1)
Expected credit losses are recognised at the time of initial recognition of a financial instrument and represent the lifetime cash shortfalls 
arising from possible default events up to 12 months into the future from the balance sheet date. Expected credit losses continue to be 
determined on this basis until there is either a significant increase in the credit risk of an instrument or the instrument becomes credit-
impaired. If an instrument is no longer considered to exhibit a significant increase in credit risk, expected credit losses will revert to being 
determined on a 12-month basis.

275

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report8. Credit impairment continued

Significant increase in credit risk (stage 2)
If a financial asset experiences a significant increase in credit risk (SICR) since initial recognition, an expected credit loss provision is 
recognised for default events that may occur over the lifetime of the asset.

Significant increase in credit risk is assessed by comparing the risk of default of an exposure at the reporting date to the risk of default at 
origination (after taking into account the passage of time). Significant does not mean statistically significant nor is it assessed in the context of 
changes in expected credit loss. Whether a change in the risk of default is significant or not is assessed using a number of quantitative and 
qualitative factors, the weight of which depends on the type of product and counterparty. Financial assets that are 30 or more days past due 
and not credit-impaired will always be considered to have experienced a significant increase in credit risk. For less material portfolios where a 
loss rate or roll rate approach is applied to compute expected credit loss, significant increase in credit risk is primarily based on 30 days past 
due.

Quantitative factors include an assessment of whether there has been significant increase in the forward-looking probability of default (PD) 
since origination. A forward-looking PD is one that is adjusted for future economic conditions to the extent that these are correlated to 
changes in credit risk. We compare the residual lifetime PD at the balance sheet date to the residual lifetime PD that was expected at the  
time of origination for the same point in the term structure and determine whether both the absolute and relative change between the two 
exceeds predetermined thresholds. To the extent that the differences between the measures of default outlined exceed the defined 
thresholds, the instrument is considered to have experienced a significant increase in credit risk. 

Qualitative factors assessed include those linked to current credit risk management processes, such as lending placed on non-purely 
precautionary early alert (and subject to closer monitoring).

A non-purely precautionary early alert account is one which exhibits risk or potential weaknesses of a material nature requiring closer 
monitoring, supervision, or attention by management. Weaknesses in such a borrower’s account, if left uncorrected, could result in 
deterioration of repayment prospects and the likelihood of being downgraded. Indicators could include a rapid erosion of position within  
the industry, concerns over management’s ability to manage operations, weak/deteriorating operating results, liquidity strain and overdue 
balances among other factors.

Credit-impaired (or defaulted) exposures (stage 3)
Financial assets that are credit-impaired (or in default) represent those that are at least 90 days past due in respect of principal and/or  
interest. Financial assets are also considered to be credit-impaired where the obligors are unlikely to pay on the occurrence of one or more 
observable events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset. It may not be possible to identify  
a single discrete event but instead the combined effect of several events may cause financial assets to become credit-impaired.

Evidence that a financial asset is credit-impaired includes observable data about the following events:

 ¼ Significant financial difficulty of the issuer or borrower

 ¼ Breach of contract such as default or a past due event

 ¼ For economic or contractual reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, the lenders of the borrower have granted the borrower 

concession/s that lenders would not otherwise consider. This would include forbearance actions (page 170 to 171)

 ¼ Pending or actual bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation to avoid or delay discharge of the borrower’s obligation/s

 ¼ The disappearance of an active market for the applicable financial asset due to financial difficulties of the borrower

 ¼ Purchase or origination of a financial asset at a deep discount that reflects incurred credit losses

Lending commitments to a credit-impaired obligor that have not yet been drawn down are included to the extent that the commitment 
cannot be withdrawn. Loss provisions against credit-impaired financial assets are determined based on an assessment of the recoverable 
cash flows under a range of scenarios, including the realisation of any collateral held where appropriate. The loss provisions held represent 
the difference between the present value of the expected cash shortfalls, discounted at the instrument’s original effective interest rate,  
and the gross carrying value (including contractual interest due but not paid) of the instrument prior to any credit impairment. The Group’s 
definition of default is aligned with the regulatory definition of default as set out in European Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR178) and 
related guidelines.

276

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements8. Credit impairment continued

Expert credit judgement
For Corporate & Institutional, Commercial and Private Banking, borrowers are graded by credit risk management on a credit grading (CG) 
scale from CG1 to CG14. Once a borrower starts to exhibit credit deterioration, it will move along the credit grading scale in the performing 
book and, when it is classified as CG12, the credit assessment and oversight of the loan will normally be performed by Group Special Assets 
Management (GSAM).

Borrowers graded CG12 exhibit well-defined weaknesses in areas such as management and/or performance but there is no current 
expectation of a loss of principal or interest. Where the impairment assessment indicates that there will be a loss of principal on a loan,  
the borrower is graded a CG14 while borrowers of other credit-impaired loans are graded CG13. Instruments graded CG13 or CG14 are 
regarded as stage 3.

For individually significant financial assets within stage 3, GSAM will consider all judgements that have an impact on the expected future  
cash flows of the asset. These include: the business prospects, industry and geopolitical climate of the customer, quality of realisable value  
of collateral, the Group’s legal position relative to other claimants and any renegotiation/ forbearance/ modification options. The future cash 
flow calculation involves significant judgements and estimates. As new information becomes available and further negotiations/ forbearance 
measures are taken, the estimates of the future cash flows will be revised, and will have an impact on the future cash flow analysis.

For financial assets which are not individually significant, such as the Retail Banking portfolio or small business loans, which comprise  
a large number of homogenous loans that share similar characteristics, statistical estimates and techniques are used, as well as credit 
scoring analysis.

Retail Banking clients are considered credit-impaired where they are more 90 days past due. Retail Banking products are also considered 
credit-impaired if the borrower files for bankruptcy or other forbearance programme, the borrower is deceased or the business is closed in 
the case of a small business, or if the borrower surrenders the collateral, or there is an identified fraud on the account. Additionally, if the 
account is unsecured and the borrower has other credit accounts with the Group that are considered credit-impaired, the account may  
be also be credit-impaired.

Techniques used to compute impairment amounts use models which analyse historical repayment and default rates over a time horizon. 
Where various models are used, judgement is required to analyse the available information provided and select the appropriate model or 
combination of models to use.

Expert credit judgement is also applied to determine whether any post-model adjustments are required for credit risk elements which are  
not captured by the models. 

Modified financial instruments
Where the original contractual terms of a financial asset have been modified for credit reasons and the instrument has not been 
derecognised (an instrument is derecognised when a modification results in a change in cash flows that the Group would consider 
substantial), the resulting modification loss is recognised within credit impairment in the income statement with a corresponding decrease  
in the gross carrying value of the asset. If the modification involved a concession that the bank would not otherwise consider, the instrument 
is considered to be credit-impaired and is considered forborne.

Expected credit loss for modified financial assets that have not been derecognised and are not considered to be credit-impaired will be 
recognised on a 12-month basis, or a lifetime basis, if there is a significant increase in credit risk. These assets are assessed (by comparison 
to the origination date) to determine whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk subsequent to the modification. Although 
loans may be modified for non-credit reasons, a significant increase in credit risk may occur. In addition to the recognition of modification 
gains and losses, the revised carrying value of modified financial assets will impact the calculation of expected credit losses, with any 
increase or decrease in expected credit loss recognised within impairment.

Forborne loans
Forborne loans are those loans that have been modified in response to a customer’s financial difficulties. Forbearance strategies assist 
clients who are temporarily in financial distress and are unable to meet their original contractual repayment terms. Forbearance can be 
initiated by the client, the Group or a third party including government sponsored programmes or a conglomerate of credit institutions. 
Forbearance may include debt restructuring such as new repayment schedules, payment deferrals, tenor extensions, interest-only 
payments, lower interest rates, forgiveness of principal, interest or fees, or relaxation of loan covenants.

Forborne loans that have been modified (and not derecognised) on terms that are not consistent with those readily available in the market 
and/or where we have granted a concession compared with the original terms of the loans are considered credit-impaired if there is a 
detrimental impact on cash flows. The modification loss (see Classification and measurement – Modifications) is recognised in the profit  
or loss within credit impairment and the gross carrying value of the loan reduced by the same amount. The modified loan is disclosed as 
‘Loans subject to forbearance – credit-impaired’.

Loans that have been subject to a forbearance modification, but which are not considered credit-impaired (not classified as CG13 or CG14), 
are disclosed as ‘Forborne – not credit-impaired’. This may include amendments to covenants within the contractual terms.

277

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report8. Credit impairment continued

Write-offs of credit-impaired instruments and reversal of impairment

To the extent a financial debt instrument is considered irrecoverable, the applicable portion of the gross carrying value is written off against 
the related loan provision. Such loans are written off after all the necessary procedures have been completed, it is decided that there is no 
realistic probability of recovery and the amount of the loss has been determined. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off 
decrease the amount of the provision for credit impairment in the income statement. If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the credit 
impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the credit impairment was recognised 
(such as an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the previously recognised credit impairment loss is reversed by adjusting the provision 
account. The amount of the reversal is recognised in the income statement.

Loss provisions on purchased or originated credit-impaired instruments (POCI)
The Group measures expected credit loss on a lifetime basis for POCI instruments throughout the life of the instrument. However, expected 
credit loss is not recognised in a separate loss provision on initial recognition for POCI instruments as the lifetime expected credit loss is 
inherent within the gross carrying amount of the instruments. The Group recognises the change in lifetime expected credit losses arising 
subsequent to initial recognition in the income statement and the cumulative change as a loss provision. Where lifetime expected credit 
losses on POCI instruments are less than those at initial recognition, then the favourable differences are recognised as impairment gains in 
the income statement (and as impairment loss where the expected credit losses are greater).

Improvement in credit risk/curing
A period may elapse from the point at which instruments enter lifetime expected credit losses (stage 2 or stage 3) and are reclassified back  
to 12-month expected credit losses (stage 1). For financial assets that are credit-impaired (stage 3), a transfer to stage 2 or stage 1 is only 
permitted where the instrument is no longer considered to be credit-impaired. An instrument will no longer be considered credit-impaired 
when there is no shortfall of cash flows compared to the original contractual terms. When a previously credit-impaired asset transfers to 
stage 2 or stage 1, recoveries of any residual contractual interest earned while the asset was in stage 3 are recognised within the credit 
impairment line in the income statement.

For financial assets within stage 2, these can only be transferred to stage 1 when they are no longer considered to have experienced a 
significant increase in credit risk.

Where significant increase in credit risk was determined using quantitative measures, the instruments will automatically transfer back  
to stage 1 when the original PD based transfer criteria are no longer met. Where instruments were transferred to stage 2 due to an 
assessment of qualitative factors, the issues that led to the reclassification must be cured before the instruments can be reclassified to  
stage 1. This includes instances where management actions led to instruments being classified as stage 2, requiring that action to be 
resolved before loans are reclassified to stage 1.

A forborne loan can only be removed from being disclosed as forborne if the loan is performing (stage 1 or 2) and a further two-year 
probation period is met. 

In order for a forborne loan to become performing, the following criteria have to be satisfied:

 ¼ At least a year has passed with no default based upon the forborne contract terms

 ¼ The customer is likely to repay its obligations in full without realising security

 ¼ The customer has no accumulated impairment against amount outstanding (except for ECL)

Subsequent to the criteria above, a further two-year probation period has to be fulfilled, whereby regular payments are made by the 
customer and none of the exposures to the customer are more than 30 days past due.

Net credit impairment on loans and advances to banks and customers

Net credit impairment on debt securities

Net credit impairment relating to financial guarantees and loan commitments

Net credit impairment relating to other financial assets

Credit impairment1

1  No material POCI assets

9. Other impairment

Accounting policy 
Refer to the below referenced notes for the relevant accounting policy

Impairment of goodwill (Note 17)

Impairment of fixed assets (Note 18)

Impairment of other intangible assets (Note 17)

Other

Other impairment

278

2019 
$million

856

9

35

8

908

2019 
$million

27

122

12

2

136

163

2018 
$million

607

7

39

–

653

2018 
$million

–

150

46

(14)

182

182

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements10. Taxation

Accounting policy
Income tax payable on profits is based on the applicable tax law in each jurisdiction and is recognised as an expense in the period in which 
profits arise.

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the 
consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted as 
at the balance sheet date, and that are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability  
is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised where it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can 
be utilised. Where permitted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset on an entity basis and not by component of deferred taxation.

Current and deferred tax relating to items which are charged or credited directly to equity, is credited or charged directly to equity and is 
subsequently recognised in the income statement together with the current or deferred gain or loss.

Significant accounting estimates and judgements
 ¼ Determining the Group’s tax charge for the year involves estimation and judgement, which includes an interpretation of local tax laws and 
an assessment of whether the tax authorities will accept the position taken. These judgements take account of external advice where 
appropriate, and the Group’s view on settling with the relevant tax authorities

 ¼ The Group provides for current tax liabilities at the best estimate of the amount that is expected to be paid to the tax authorities where an 

outflow is probable. In making its estimates, the Group assumes that the tax authorities will examine all the amounts reported to them and 
have full knowledge of all relevant information

 ¼ The recoverability of the Group’s deferred tax assets is based on management’s judgement of the availability of future taxable profits 

against which the deferred tax assets will be utilised

The following table provides analysis of taxation charge in the year:

The charge for taxation based upon the profit for the year comprises:

Current tax:

United Kingdom corporation tax at 19 per cent (2018: 19 per cent):

Current tax charge on income for the year

Adjustments in respect of prior years (including double tax relief)

Foreign tax:

Current tax charge on income for the year

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Deferred tax:

Origination/reversal of temporary differences

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Tax on profits on ordinary activities

Effective tax rate

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

–

(6)

1,427

1

1,422

22

(71)

(49)

1,373

37.0%

1

49

1,109

(105)

1,054

254

131

385

1,439

56.5%

The tax charge for the year of $1,373 million (31 December 2018: $1,439 million) on a profit before tax of $3,713 million (31 December 2018: 
$2,548 million) reflects the impact of capital gains tax arising on internal restructuring to establish the Hong Kong hub, non-deductible expenses 
and the impact of countries with tax rates higher or lower than the UK, the most significant of which is India. The 2018 charge reflected the 
impact of non-deductible regulatory provisions and other non-deductible expenses, non-creditable withholding taxes and the impact of 
countries with tax rates higher or lower than the UK, the most significant of which is India.

Foreign tax includes current tax of $206 million (31 December 2018: $169 million) on the profits assessable in Hong Kong. Deferred tax includes 
origination or reversal of temporary differences of $(1) million (31 December 2018: $17 million) provided at a rate of 16.5 per cent (31 December 
2018: 16.5 per cent) on the profits assessable in Hong Kong. 

279

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report10. Taxation continued

Tax rate: The tax charge for the year is higher than the charge at the rate of corporation tax in the UK, 19 per cent. The differences are 
explained below:

Profit on ordinary activities before tax

Tax at 19 per cent (2018: 19 per cent)

Lower tax rates on overseas earnings

Higher tax rates on overseas earnings

Non-creditable withholding taxes

Tax-free income

Share of associates and joint ventures

Non-deductible expenses

Provision for regulatory matters

Bank levy

Non-taxable losses on investments

Payments on financial instruments in reserves

Capital gains tax on internal restructuring

Goodwill impairment

Deferred tax not recognised

Deferred tax assets written-off

Deferred tax rate changes

Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior years

Other items

Tax on profit on ordinary activities

2019 
$million

3,713

2018 
$million

2,548

705

(89)

316

144

(138)

(51)

288

27

66

9

(67)

179

5

41

30

(6)

(76)

(10)

484

(66)

354

158

(113)

(39)

322

164

62

79

(68)

–

–

2

–

–

75

25

1,373

1,439

Factors affecting the tax charge in future years: The Group’s tax charge, and effective tax rate in future years could be affected by several factors 
including acquisitions, disposals and restructuring of our businesses, the mix of profits across jurisdictions with different statutory tax rates, 
changes in tax legislation and tax rates and resolution of uncertain tax positions.

The evaluation of uncertain tax positions involves an interpretation of local tax laws which could be subject to challenge by a tax authority,  
and an assessment of whether the tax authorities will accept the position taken. The Group does not currently consider that assumptions  
or judgements made in assessing tax liabilities have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment within the next financial year.

Tax recognised in other 
comprehensive income

Items that will not be reclassified to 
income statement

Own credit adjustment

Equity instruments at fair value through 
other comprehensive income

Retirement benefit obligations

Items that may be reclassed subsequently 
to income statement

Debt instruments at fair value through 
other comprehensive income

Cash flow hedges

Total tax credit/(charge) recognised 
in equity

2019

2018

Current tax 
$million

Deferred tax 
$million

Total 
$million

Current tax 
$million

Deferred tax 
$million

Total 
$million

15

17

5

(7)

2

2

–

17

27

35

(10)

2

(50)

(44)

(6)

(23)

42

52

(5)

(5)

(48)

(42)

(6)

(6)

9

9

–

–

–

–

–

9

(38)

(45)

1

6

14

20

(6)

(24)

(29)

(36)

1

6

14

20

(6)

(15)

280

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements10. Taxation continued

Current tax: The following are the movements in current tax during the year:

Current tax comprises:

Current tax assets 

Current tax liabilities 

Net current tax opening balance before transition

IFRS 9 transition

Net current tax opening balance after transition

Movements in income statement

Movements in other comprehensive income 

Taxes paid 

Other movements

Net current tax balance as at 31 December

Current tax assets 

Current tax liabilities

Total 

2019 
$million

492

(676)

(184)

–

(184)

(1,422)

17

1,421

4

(164)

539

(703)

(164)

2018 
$million

491

(376)

115

11

126

(1,054)

9

770

(35)

(184)

492

(676)

(184)

Deferred tax: The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the Group and movements thereon during the year:

Deferred tax comprises:

Accelerated tax depreciation

Impairment provisions on loans and advances 

Tax losses carried forward

Fair value through other comprehensive income assets

Cash flow hedges

Own credit adjustment

Retirement benefit obligations

Share-based payments

Other temporary differences

Net deferred tax assets

Deferred tax comprises:

Accelerated tax depreciation

Impairment provisions on loans and advances 

Tax losses carried forward

Fair value through other comprehensive income assets

Cash flow hedges

Own credit adjustment

Retirement benefit obligations

Share-based payments

Other temporary differences

Net deferred tax assets

At  
1 January  
2019 
$million

Exchange &  
other 
adjustments 
$million

(Charge)/credit  
to profit 
$million

(Charge)/credit  
to equity 
$million

At  
31 December 
2019 
$million

(494)

961

266

3

(7)

(33)

40

15

(267)

484

(5)

(13)

–

1

–

–

(3)

–

4

(16)

(27)

9

(3)

1

–

–

(8)

1

76

49

–

–

–

(54)

(6)

35

2

–

–

(23)

(526)

957

263

(49)

(13)

2

31

16

(187)

494

At  
1 January  
2018 
$million

Exchange &  
other  
adjustments 
$million

(Charge)/credit  
to profit 
$million

(Charge)/credit  
to equity 
$million

At  
31 December  
2018 
$million

(413)

1,206

290

(21)

(2)

11

38

16

(190)

935

4

(99)

(4)

4

1

1

(2)

–

53

(42)

(85)

(146)

(20)

(1)

–

–

(2)

(1)

(130)

(385)

–

–

–

21

(6)

(45)

6

–

–

(24)

(494)

961

266

3

(7)

(33)

40

15

(267)

484

281

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report10. Taxation continued

Deferred tax comprises assets and liabilities as follows:

Deferred tax comprises:

Accelerated tax depreciation

Impairment provisions on loans 
and advances 

Tax losses carried forward

Fair value through other 
comprehensive income

Cash flow hedges

Own credit adjustment

Retirement benefit obligations

Share-based payments

Other temporary differences

Total 
$million

2019

Asset 
$million

Liability 
$million

Total 
$million

2018

Asset 
$million

Liability 
$million

(526)

957

263

(49)

(13)

2

31

16

(187)

494

(9)

956

137

(40)

6

4

20

14

17

1,105

(517)

1

126

(9)

(19)

(2)

11

2

(204)

(611)

(494)

961

266

3

(7)

(33)

40

15

(267)

484

7

938

126

(2)

(12)

(18)

40

15

(47)

1,047

(501)

23

140

5

5

(15)

–

–

(220)

(563)

At 31 December 2019, the Group has net deferred tax assets of $494 million (31 December 2018: $484 million). The recoverability of the Group’s 
deferred tax assets is based on management’s judgement of the availability of future taxable profits against which the deferred tax assets will  
be utilised.

Of the Group’s total deferred tax assets, $263 million relates to tax losses carried forward. These tax losses have arisen in individual legal entities 
and will be offset as future taxable profits arise in those entities.

 ¼ $108 million of the deferred tax assets relating to losses has arisen in Ireland, where there is no expiry date for unused tax losses. These 
losses relate to aircraft leasing and are expected to be fully utilised over the useful economical life of the assets, being up to 18 years

 ¼ $52 million of the deferred tax assets relating to losses has arisen in Korea. These losses have no expiry date, and there is a defined profit 

stream against which they are forecast to be utilised 

 ¼ $69 million of the deferred tax assets relating to losses has arisen in the US. Management forecasts show that the losses are expected to be 

fully utilised over a period of nine years. The tax losses expire after 20 years

The remaining deferred tax assets of $34 million relating to losses has arisen in other jurisdictions and is expected to be recovered in less than 
10 years.

No account has been taken of the following potential deferred tax assets/(liabilities):

Withholding tax on unremitted earnings from overseas subsidiaries

Tax losses

Held over gains on incorporation of overseas branches

Other temporary differences

2019 
$million

(230)

1,297

(410)

83

2018 
$million

(281)

1,283

(413)

79

282

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements11. Dividends

Accounting policy
Dividends on ordinary shares and preference shares classified as equity are recognised in equity in the year in which they are declared.

Dividends on ordinary equity shares are recorded in the year in which they are declared and, in respect of the final dividend, have been 
approved by the shareholders.

The Board considers a number of factors prior to dividend declaration which includes the rate of recovery in the Group’s financial performance, 
the macroeconomic environment, and opportunities to further invest in our business and grow profitably in our markets.

At half year the Board decided to adopt a formulaic approach to setting the interim dividend for 2019, being one-third of the prior year full-year 
dividend per share.

Ordinary equity shares

2018/2017 final dividend declared and paid during the year

2019/2018 interim dividend declared and paid during the year

1  The amounts are gross of scrip adjustments

2019

20181

Cents per share

$million

Cents per share

$million

15

7

495

225

11

6

363

198

Dividends on ordinary equity shares are recorded in the period in which they are declared and, in respect of the final dividend, have been 
approved by the shareholders. Accordingly, the final ordinary equity share dividends set out above relate to the respective prior years. The 2018 
final dividend of 15 cents per ordinary share ($495 million) was paid to eligible shareholders on 16 May 2019 and the 2019 interim dividend of 
seven cents per ordinary share ($225 million) was paid to eligible shareholders on 21 October 2019. 

2019 recommended final ordinary equity share dividend 
The 2019 ordinary equity share dividend recommended by the Board is 20 cents per share. The financial statements for the year ended 
31 December 2019 do not reflect this dividend as this will be accounted for in shareholders’ equity as an appropriation of retained profits in  
the year ending 31 December 2020.

The dividend will be paid in either pounds sterling, Hong Kong dollars or US dollars on 14 May 2020 to shareholders on the UK register of 
members at the close of business in the UK on 6 March 2020. The dividend will be paid in Indian rupees on 14 May 2020 to Indian Depository 
Receipt holders on the Indian register at the close of business in India on 6 March 2020.

Preference shares and Additional Tier 1 securities
Dividends on these preference shares and securities classified as equity are recorded in the period in which they are declared.

Non-cumulative redeemable preference shares:

7.014 per cent preference shares of $5 each

6.409 per cent preference shares of $5 each

Additional Tier 1 securities: $5 billion fixed rate resetting perpetual subordinated contingent convertible securities

Dividends on these preference shares are treated as 
interest expense and accrued accordingly.

Non-cumulative irredeemable preference shares:

7 3/8 per cent preference shares of £1 each

8 1/4 per cent preference shares of £1 each

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

53

30

83

365

448

9

11

20

53

26

79

357

436

9

10

19

283

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report12. Earnings per ordinary share

Accounting policy
The Group measures earnings per share on an underlying basis. This differs from earnings defined in IAS 33 Earnings per share.  
Underlying earnings is profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders adjusted for profits or losses of a capital nature; amounts consequent 
to investment transactions driven by strategic intent; and other infrequent and/or exceptional transactions that are significant or material in the 
context of the Group’s normal business earnings for the period.

The table below provides the basis of underlying earnings.

Profit for the year attributable to equity holders

Non-controlling interests

Dividend payable on preference shares and AT1 classified as equity

Profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders

Items normalised:

Provision for regulatory matters

Restructuring

Profit from joint venture

Gains arising on repurchase of subordinated liabilities

Goodwill impairment (Note 9)

Tax on normalised items1

Underlying profit

Basic – Weighted average number of shares (millions)

Diluted – Weighted average number of shares (millions)

Basic earnings per ordinary share (cents)

Diluted earnings per ordinary share (cents)

Underlying basic earnings per ordinary share (cents)

Underlying diluted earnings per ordinary share (cents)

1  No tax is included in respect of the impairment of goodwill as no tax relief is available

2019 
$million

2,340

(37)

(448)

1,855

226

254

(48)

–

27

152

2018 
$million

1,109

(55)

(436)

618

900

478

–

(69)

–

104

2,466

2,031

3,256

3,290

57.0

56.4

75.7

75.0

3,306

3,340

18.7

18.5

61.4

60.8

284

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements13. Financial instruments

Classification and measurement

Accounting policy
The Group classifies its financial assets into the following measurement categories: amortised cost; fair value through other comprehensive 
income; and fair value through profit or loss. Financial liabilities are classified as either amortised cost, or held at fair value through profit or 
loss. Management determines the classification of its financial assets and liabilities at initial recognition of the instrument or, where applicable, 
at the time of reclassification.

Financial assets held at amortised cost and fair value through other comprehensive income
Debt instruments held at amortised cost or held at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) have contractual terms that give 
rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI characteristics). Principal is the fair value of the financial asset at 
initial recognition but this may change over the life of the instrument as amounts are repaid. Interest consists of consideration for the time 
value of money, for the credit risk associated with the principal amount outstanding during a particular period and for other basic lending risks 
and costs, as well as a profit margin.

In assessing whether the contractual cash flows have SPPI characteristics, the Group considers the contractual terms of the instrument.  
This includes assessing whether the financial asset contains a contractual term that could change the timing or amount of contractual cash 
flows such that it would not meet this condition. In making the assessment, the Group considers:

 ¼ Contingent events that would change the amount and timing of cash flows

 ¼ Leverage features

 ¼ Prepayment and extension terms

 ¼ Terms that limit the Group’s claim to cash flows from specified assets (e.g. non-recourse asset arrangements)

 ¼ Features that modify consideration of the time value of money – e.g. periodical reset of interest rates

Whether financial assets are held at amortised cost, FVTPL or at FVOCI depends on the objectives of the business models under which the 
assets are held. A business model refers to how the Group manages financial assets to generate cash flows.

The Group makes an assessment of the objective of a business model in which an asset is held at the individual product business line, and 
where applicable, within business lines depending on the way the business is managed and information is provided to management. Factors 
considered include:

 ¼ How the performance of the product business line is evaluated and reported to the Group’s management

 ¼ How managers of the business model are compensated, including whether management is compensated based on the fair value of 

assets or the contractual cash flows collected

 ¼ The risks that affect the performance of the business model and how those risks are managed

 ¼ The frequency, volume and timing of sales in prior periods, the reasons for such sales and expectations about future sales activity

The Group’s business model assessment is as follows:

Business model

Business objective

Characteristics

Businesses

Products

Hold to collect

Intent is to originate 
financial assets and 
hold them to maturity, 
collecting the 
contractual cash flows 
over the term of the 
instrument

 ¼ Providing financing and originating 
assets to earn interest income as 
primary income stream
 ¼ Performing credit risk 
management activities

 ¼ Costs include funding costs, 

transaction costs and  
impairment losses

 ¼ Corporate Lending
 ¼ Corporate Finance
 ¼ Transaction Banking
 ¼ Retail Lending
 ¼ Treasury Markets (Loans 

and Borrowings)
 ¼ Financial Markets 

(selected)

 ¼ Loans and advances
 ¼ Debt securities

Hold to collect  
and sell

Business objective met 
through both hold to 
collect and by selling 
financial assets

Fair value 
through profit 
or loss

All other business 
objectives, including 
trading and managing 
financial assets on a  
fair value basis

 ¼ Portfolios held for liquidity needs; 
or where a certain interest yield 
profile is maintained; or that are 
normally rebalanced to achieve 
matching of duration of assets  
and liabilities

 ¼ Income streams come from 
interest income, fair value 
changes, and impairment losses

 ¼ Assets held for trading
 ¼ Assets that are originated, 

purchased, and sold for profit 
taking or underwriting activity
 ¼ Performance of the portfolio is 
evaluated on a fair value basis

 ¼ Income streams are from fair value 
changes or trading gains or losses

 ¼ Treasury Markets

 ¼ Debt securities

 ¼ All other business lines

 ¼ Derivatives
 ¼ Trading portfolios
 ¼ Financial Markets  
reverse repos

285

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report13. Financial instruments continued

Financial assets which have SPPI characteristics and that are held within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets to 
collect contractual cash flows (‘hold to collect’) are recorded at amortised cost. Conversely, financial assets which have SPPI characteristics 
but are held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets  
(‘hold to collect and sell’) are classified as held at FVOCI.

Both hold to collect business and a hold to collect and sell business models involve holding financial assets to collect the contractual cash 
flows. However, the business models are distinct by reference to the frequency and significance that asset sales play in meeting the objective 
under which a particular group of financial assets is managed. Hold to collect business models are characterised by asset sales that are 
incidental to meeting the objectives under which a group of assets is managed. Sales of assets under a hold to collect business model can 
be made to manage increases in the credit risk of financial assets but sales for other reasons should be infrequent or insignificant.

Cash flows from the sale of financial assets under a hold to collect and sell business model by contrast are integral to achieving the objectives 
under which a particular group of financial assets are managed. This may be the case where frequent sales of financial assets are required to 
manage the Group’s daily liquidity requirements or to meet regulatory requirements to demonstrate liquidity of financial instruments. Sales of 
assets under hold to collect and sell business models are therefore both more frequent and more significant in value than those under the 
hold to collect model.

Equity instruments designated as held at FVOCI
Non-trading equity instruments acquired for strategic purposes rather than capital gain may be irrevocably designated at initial recognition  
as held at FVOCI on an instrument by instrument basis. Dividends received are recognised in profit or loss. Gains and losses arising from 
changes in the fair value of these instruments, including foreign exchange gains and losses, are recognised directly in equity and are never 
reclassified to profit or loss, even on derecognition.

Financial assets and liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets which are not held at amortised cost or that are not held at fair value through other comprehensive income are held at fair 
value through profit or loss. Financial assets and liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss are either mandatorily classified fair value 
through profit or loss or irrevocably designated at fair value through profit or loss at initial recognition.

Mandatorily classified at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets and liabilities which are mandatorily held at fair value through profit or loss are split between two subcategories as follows:

Trading, including: 

 ¼ Financial assets and liabilities held for trading, which are those acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short-term; and

 ¼ Derivatives

Non-trading mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss, including:

 ¼ Instruments in a business which has a fair value business model (see the Group’s business model assessment) which are not trading  

or derivatives

 ¼ Hybrid financial assets that contain one or more embedded derivatives

 ¼ Financial assets that would otherwise be measured at amortised cost or FVOCI but which do not have SPPI characteristics

 ¼ Equity instruments that have not been designated as held at FVOCI

 ¼ Financial liabilities that constitute contingent consideration in a business combination

Designated at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets and liabilities may be designated at fair value through profit or loss when the designation eliminates or significantly reduces  
a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise arise from measuring assets or liabilities on a different basis (‘accounting 
mismatch’).

Interest rate swaps have been acquired by the Group with the intention of significantly reducing interest rate risk on certain debt securities 
with fixed rates of interest. To significantly reduce the accounting mismatch between assets and liabilities and measurement bases, these 
debt securities have been designated at fair value through profit or loss.

Similarly, to reduce accounting mismatches, the Group has designated certain financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss where the 
liabilities either: 

 ¼ Have fixed rates of interest and interest rate swaps or other interest rate derivatives have been entered with the intention of significantly 

reducing interest rate risk; or

 ¼ Are exposed to foreign currency risk and derivatives have been acquired with the intention of significantly reducing exposure to market 

changes; or

 ¼ Have been acquired to fund trading asset portfolios or assets

Financial liabilities may also be designated at fair value through profit or loss where they are managed on a fair value basis or have a 
embedded derivative where the Group is not able to bifurcate and separately value the embedded derivative component.

286

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements13. Financial instruments continued

Financial liabilities held at amortised cost
Financial liabilities that are not financial guarantees or loan commitments and that are not classified as financial liabilities held at fair value 
through profit or loss are classified as financial liabilities held at amortised cost.

Preference shares which carry a mandatory coupon that represents a market rate of interest at the issue date, or which are redeemable on a 
specific date or at the option of the shareholder are classified as financial liabilities and are presented in other borrowed funds. The dividends 
on these preference shares are recognised in the income statement as interest expense on an amortised cost basis using the effective 
interest method.

Financial guarantee contracts and loan commitments
The Group issues financial guarantee contracts and loan commitments in return for fees. Under a financial guarantee contract, the Group 
undertakes to meet a customer’s obligations under the terms of a debt instrument if the customer fails to do so. Loan commitments are firm 
commitments to provide credit under prespecified terms and conditions. Financial guarantee contracts and loan commitments issued at 
below market interest rates are initially recognised as liabilities at fair value, while financial guarantees and loan commitments issued at market 
rates are recorded off-balance sheet. Subsequently, these instruments are measured at the higher of the expected credit loss provision, and 
the amount initially recognised less the cumulative amount of income recognised in accordance with the principles of IFRS 15 Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers. Refer to page 275 for expected credit loss on loan commitments and financial guarantees.

Fair value of financial assets and liabilities
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market  
participants at the measurement date in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, the most 
advantageous market to which the Group has access at the date. The fair value of a liability includes the risk that the bank will not be  
able to honour its obligations.

The fair value of financial instruments is generally measured on the basis of the individual financial instrument. However, when a group of 
financial assets and financial liabilities is managed on the basis of its net exposure to either market risk or credit risk, the fair value of the  
group of financial instruments is measured on a net basis.

The fair values of quoted financial assets and liabilities in active markets are based on current prices. A market is regarded as active if 
transactions for the asset or liability take place with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.  
If the market for a financial instrument, and for unlisted securities, is not active, the Group establishes fair value by using valuation techniques.

Initial recognition
Purchases and sales of financial assets and liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss, and debt securities classified as financial assets 
held at fair value through other comprehensive income are initially recognised on the trade-date (the date on which the Group commits to 
purchase or sell the asset). Loans and advances and other financial assets held at amortised cost are recognised on the settlement date  
(the date on which cash is advanced to the borrowers).

All financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value, which is normally the transaction price, plus directly attributable transaction costs 
for financial assets which are not subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss.

In certain circumstances, the initial fair value may be based on a valuation technique which may lead to the recognition of profits or losses at 
the time of initial recognition. However, these profits or losses can only be recognised when the valuation technique used is based solely on 
observable market data. In those cases where the initially recognised fair value is based on a valuation model that uses unobservable inputs, 
the difference between the transaction price and the valuation model is not recognised immediately in the income statement but is amortised 
or released to the income statement as the inputs become observable, or the transaction matures or is terminated.

Subsequent measurement
Financial assets and financial liabilities held at amortised cost
Financial assets and financial liabilities held at amortised cost are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method 
(see Interest income and expense). Foreign exchange gains and losses are recognised in the income statement.

Where a financial instrument carried at amortised cost is the hedged item in a qualifying fair value hedge relationship, its carrying value is 
adjusted by the fair value gain or loss attributable to the hedged risk.

Financial assets held at FVOCI
Debt instruments held at FVOCI are subsequently carried at fair value, with all unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in fair value 
recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in a separate component of equity. Interest income, impairment and foreign 
exchange gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when they occur, with changes in expected credit losses accumulated in equity. 
On derecognition, the cumulative fair value gains or losses, net of the cumulative expected credit loss reserve, are transferred to the profit  
or loss.

Equity investments designated at FVOCI are subsequently carried at fair value with all unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in fair 
value (including any related foreign exchange gains or losses) recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in a separate 
component of equity. On derecognition, the cumulative reserve is transferred to retained earnings and is not recycled to profit or loss.

Financial assets and liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets and liabilities mandatorily held at fair value through profit or loss and financial assets designated at fair value through profit  
or loss are subsequently carried at fair value, with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value, including contractual interest income  
or expense, recorded in the net trading income line in the profit or loss unless the instrument is part of a cash flow hedging relationship. 

287

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report13. Financial instruments continued

Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss
Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss are held at fair value, with changes in fair value recognised in the net trading 
income line in the profit or loss, other than that attributable to changes in credit risk. Fair value changes attributable to credit risk are 
recognised in other comprehensive income and recorded in a separate category of reserves unless this is expected to create or enlarge  
an accounting mismatch, in which case the entire change in fair value of the financial liability designated at fair value through profit or loss  
is recognised in profit or loss.

Derecognition of financial instruments
Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or where the Group has 
transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. If substantially all the risks and rewards have been neither retained nor transferred 
and the Group has retained control, the assets continue to be recognised to the extent of the Group’s continuing involvement.

Where financial assets have been modified, the modified terms are assessed on a qualitative and quantitative basis to determine whether a 
fundamental change in the nature of the instrument has occurred, such as whether the derecognition of the pre-existing instrument and the 
recognition of a new instrument is appropriate.

On derecognition of a financial asset, the difference between the carrying amount of the asset (or the carrying amount allocated to the 
portion of the asset derecognised) and the sum of the consideration received (including any new asset obtained, less any new liability 
assumed) and any cumulative gain or loss that had been recognised in other comprehensive income is recognised in profit or loss except for 
equity instruments elected FVOCI (see above) and cumulative fair value adjustments attributable to the credit risk of a liability that are held in 
other comprehensive income.

Financial liabilities are derecognised when they are extinguished. A financial liability is extinguished when the obligation is discharged, 
cancelled or expires and this is evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively. However, where a financial liability has been modified,  
it is derecognised if the difference between the modified cash flows and the original cash flows is more than 10 per cent, or if less  
than 10 per cent, the Group will perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether the terms of the two instruments are  
substantially different.

If the Group purchases its own debt, it is derecognised and the difference between the carrying amount of the liability and the consideration 
paid is included in ‘Other income’ except for the cumulative fair value adjustments attributable to the credit risk of a liability that are held in 
other comprehensive income which are never recycled to the profit or loss.

Modified financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities whose original contractual terms have been modified, including those loans subject to forbearance 
strategies, are considered to be modified instruments. Modifications may include changes to the tenor, cash flows and or interest rates, 
among other factors.

Where derecognition of financial assets is appropriate (see Derecognition), the newly recognised residual loans are assessed to determine 
whether the assets should be classified as purchased or originated credit-impaired assets (POCI).

Where derecognition is not appropriate, the gross carrying amount of the applicable instruments is recalculated as the present value of the 
renegotiated or modified contractual cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate (or credit adjusted effective interest rate for 
POCI financial assets). The difference between the recalculated values and the pre-modified gross carrying values of the instruments are 
recorded as a modification gain or loss in the profit or loss.

Gains and losses arising from modifications for credit reasons are recorded as part of ‘Credit Impairment’ (see Credit impairment policy). 
Modification gains and losses arising for non-credit reasons are recognised either as part of ‘Credit impairment’ or within income, depending 
on whether there has been a change in the credit risk on the financial asset subsequent to the modification. Modification gains and losses 
arising on financial liabilities are recognised within income. The movements in the applicable expected credit loss loan positions are disclosed 
in further detail in Risk review.

Reclassifications
Financial liabilities are not reclassified subsequent to initial recognition. Reclassifications of financial assets are made when, and only when, 
the business model for those assets changes. Such changes are expected to be infrequent and arise as a result of significant external or 
internal changes such as the termination of a line of business or the purchase of a subsidiary whose business model is to realise the value  
of pre-existing held for trading financial assets through a hold to collect model.

Financial assets are reclassified at their fair value on the date of reclassification and previously recognised gains and losses are not restated. 
Moreover, reclassifications of financial assets between financial assets held at amortised cost and financial assets held at fair value through 
other comprehensive income do not affect effective interest rate or expected credit loss computations.

Reclassified from amortised cost
Where financial assets held at amortised cost are reclassified to financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss, the difference 
between the fair value of the assets at the date of reclassification and the previously recognised amortised cost is recognised in profit or loss. 

For financial assets held at amortised cost that are reclassified to fair value through other comprehensive income, the difference between the 
fair value of the assets at the date of reclassification and the previously recognised gross carrying value is recognised in other comprehensive 
income. Additionally, the related cumulative expected credit loss amounts relating to the reclassified financial assets are reclassified from loan 
loss provisions to a separate reserve in other comprehensive income at the date of reclassification.

288

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements13. Financial instruments continued

Reclassified from fair value through other comprehensive income
Where financial assets held at fair value through other comprehensive income are reclassified to financial assets held at fair value through 
profit or loss, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in other comprehensive income is transferred to the profit or loss. 

For financial assets held at fair value through other comprehensive income that are reclassified to financial assets held at amortised cost,  
the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in other comprehensive income is adjusted against the fair value of the financial asset such 
that the financial asset is recorded at a value as if it had always been held at amortised cost. In addition, the related cumulative expected 
credit losses held within other comprehensive income are reversed against the gross carrying value of the reclassified assets at the date  
of reclassification.

Reclassified from fair value through profit or loss
Where financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss are reclassified to financial assets held at fair value through other 
comprehensive income or financial assets held at amortised cost, the fair value at the date of reclassification is used to determine the 
effective interest rate on the financial asset going forward. In addition, the date of reclassification is used as the date of initial recognition  
for the calculation of expected credit losses. Where financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss are reclassified to financial  
assets held at amortised cost, the fair value at the date of reclassification becomes the gross carrying value of the financial asset.

The Group’s classification of its financial assets and liabilities is summarised in the following tables.

Assets at fair value

Non-trading 
mandatorily 
at fair value 
through 
profit or loss 
$million

Derivatives 
held for 
hedging 
$million

Designated 
at fair value 
through 
profit or loss 
$million

Fair value 
through other 
comprehensive 
income 
$million

Total 
financial 
assets at  
fair value 
$million

Assets held 
at amortised 
cost 
$million

Total 
$million

Notes

Trading 
$million

Assets

Cash and balances at 
central banks

Financial assets held at fair 
value through profit or loss

Loans and advances  
to banks1

Loans and advances 
to customers1

Reverse repurchase 
agreements and other 
similar secured lending

Debt securities, alternative 
tier one and other 
eligible bills

Equity shares

Derivative financial instruments

Loans and advances to banks1

Of which: reverse 
repurchase agreements and 
other similar secured lending

Loans and advances  
to customers1

Of which: reverse 
repurchase agreements and 
other similar secured lending

Investment securities

Debt securities, alternative 
tier one and other  
eligible bills

Equity shares

Other assets

Assets held for sale

–

198

2,886

16

–

21,877

2,208

27,169

46,424

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

14

15

16

15

16

20

21

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

788

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,330

4,010

57,604

166

152

65,262

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

87

Total as at 31 December 2019

73,593

788

65,349

1  Further analysed in Risk review and Capital review (pages 152 to 241)

–

–

–

–

278

109

387

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

243

630

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

52,728

52,728

3,528

6,896

57,604

22,321

2,469

92,818

47,212

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

53,549

3,528

6,896

57,604

22,321

2,469

92,818

47,212

53,549

1,341

1,341

268,523

268,523

1,469

1,469

129,471

129,471

13,969

143,440

291

291

–

291

129,762

129,762

13,969

143,731

–

–

–

330

36,161

36,161

90

420

129,762

270,122

425,020

695,142

289

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report13. Financial instruments continued

Assets at fair value

Non-trading 
mandatorily at 
fair value 
through  
profit or loss 
$million

Derivatives 
held for 
hedging 
$million

Designated  
at fair value 
through  
profit or loss 
$million

Fair value  
through other 
comprehensive 
income 
$million

Total financial 
assets at  
fair value 
$million

Assets held  
at amortised 
cost 
$million

Total 
$million

Notes

Trading 
$million

–

146

1,074

16

–

21,246

1,347

23,813

45,108

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

78

68,999

14

15

16

15

16

20

21

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

513

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,622

3,854

54,769

393

233

62,871

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

358

513

63,229

–

–

–

–

337

111

448

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

451

899

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

57,511

57,511

3,768

4,928

54,769

21,976

1,691

87,132

45,621

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

61,414

3,768

4,928

54,769

21,976

1,691

87,132

45,621

61,414

3,815

3,815

256,557

256,557

3,151

3,151

116,335

116,335

9,303

125,638

263

263

–

263

116,598

116,598

9,303

125,901

–

–

–

887

32,678

135

32,678

1,022

116,598

250,238

417,598

667,836

Assets

Cash and balances at 
central banks

Financial assets held at fair 
value through profit or loss

Loans and advances 
to banks1

Loans and advances 
to customers1

Reverse repurchase 
agreements and other 
similar secured lending

Debt securities, alternative 
tier one and other 
eligible bills

Equity shares

Derivative financial instruments

Loans and advances to banks1

Of which: reverse 
repurchase agreements and 
other similar secured lending

Loans and advances 
to customers1

Of which: reverse 
repurchase agreements and 
other similar secured lending

Investment securities

Debt securities, alternative 
tier one and other 
eligible bills

Equity shares

Other assets

Assets held for sale

Total as at 31 December 2018

1  Further analysed in Risk review and Capital review (pages 152 to 241)

290

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

13. Financial instruments continued

Liabilities

Financial liabilities held at fair value through profit 
or loss

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Repurchase agreements and other similar 
secured borrowing

Debt securities in issue

Short positions

Notes

Trading 
$million

16

22

–

–

–

–

4,153

4,153

Derivative financial instruments

14

46,906

1,578

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Repurchase agreements and other similar 
secured borrowing

Debt securities in issue

Other liabilities

Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds

Total as at 31 December 2019

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

16

22

23

27

Liabilities at fair value

Derivatives 
held for 
hedging 
$million

Designated 
at fair value 
through 
profit or loss 
$million

Total 
financial 
liabilities at 
fair value 
$million

Amortised 
cost 
$million

Total 
$million

1,081

6,947

1,081

6,947

46,283

46,283

8,510

–

62,821

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

8,510

4,153

66,974

48,484

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

28,562

1,081

6,947

46,283

8,510

4,153

66,974

48,484

28,562

405,357

405,357

1,935

53,025

41,149

16,207

1,935

53,025

41,149

16,207

51,059

1,578

62,821

115,458

546,235

661,693

Liabilities at fair value

Derivatives 
held for 
hedging 
$million

Designated  
at fair value 
through  
profit or loss 
$million

Total  
financial 
liabilities at  
fair value 
$million

Amortised 
cost 
$million

Total 
$million

Liabilities

Financial liabilities held at fair value through profit 
or loss

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Repurchase agreements and other similar 
secured borrowing

Debt securities in issue

Short positions

Notes

Trading 
$million

16

22

–

–

–

–

3,226

3,226

Derivative financial instruments

14

45,580

1,629

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Repurchase agreements and other similar 
secured borrowing

Debt securities in issue

Other liabilities

Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds

Liabilities included in disposal groups held for sale

–

–

–

–

–

–

198

16

22

23

27

21

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

318

6,751

318

6,751

43,000

43,000

7,405

–

57,474

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7,405

3,226

60,700

47,209

–

–

–

–

–

–

198

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

29,715

318

6,751

43,000

7,405

3,226

60,700

47,209

29,715

391,013

391,013

1,401

46,454

37,945

15,001

–

1,401

46,454

37,945

15,001

198

Total as at 31 December 2018

49,004

1,629

57,474

108,107

521,529

629,636

291

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report13. Financial instruments continued

Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the 
recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. 

In practice, for credit mitigation, the Group is able to offset assets and liabilities which do not meet the IAS 32 netting criteria set out above.  
Such arrangements include master netting arrangements for derivatives and global master repurchase agreements for repurchase and reverse 
repurchase transactions. These agreements generally allow that all outstanding transactions with a particular counterparty can be offset but  
only in the event of default or other predetermined events.

In addition, the Group also receives and pledges readily realisable collateral for derivative transactions to cover net exposure in the event of a 
default. Under repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements the Group pledges (legally sells) and obtains (legally purchases) respectively, 
highly liquid assets which can be sold in the event of a default.

The following tables set out the impact of netting on the balance sheet. This comprises derivative transactions settled through an enforceable 
netting agreement where we have the intent and ability to settle net and which are offset on the balance sheet. 

Gross amounts  
of recognised 
financial 
instruments 
$million

Impact of  
offset in the 
balance sheet 
$million

2019

Net amounts  
of financial 
instruments 
presented in the 
balance sheet 
$million

Related amount not offset  
in the balance sheet

Financial 
instruments 
$million

Financial 
collateral 
$million

Net amount 
$million

Assets 

Derivative financial instruments

63,854

(16,642)

47,212

(28,659)

(7,824)

10,729

Reverse repurchase agreements and other 
similar secured lending

As at 31 December 2019

Liabilities

63,535

127,389

(3,121)

(19,763)

60,414

107,626

–

(28,659)

(60,414)

(68,238)

–

10,729

Derivative financial instruments

65,126

(16,642)

48,484

(28,659)

(9,169)

10,656

Repurchase agreements and other similar 
secured borrowing

As at 31 December 2019

51,339

116,465

(3,121)

(19,763)

48,218

96,702

–

(28,659)

(48,218)

(57,387)

–

10,656

Gross amounts  
of recognised 
financial 
instruments 
$million

Impact of  
offset in the  
balance sheet 
$million

2018

Net amounts  
of financial 
instruments 
presented in the 
balance sheet 
$million

Related amount not offset  
in the balance sheet

Financial 
instruments 
$million

Financial  
collateral 
$million

Net amount 
$million

Assets 

Derivative financial instruments

55,274

(9,653)

45,621

(32,283)

(9,259)

Reverse repurchase agreements and other 
similar secured lending

As at 31 December 2018

Liabilities

65,191

120,465

(3,456)

(13,109)

61,735

107,356

–

(32,283)

(61,735)

(70,994)

Derivative financial instruments

56,862

(9,653)

47,209

(32,283)

(10,323)

Repurchase agreements and other similar 
secured borrowing

As at 31 December 2018

47,857

104,719

(3,456)

(13,109)

44,401

91,610

–

(32,283)

(44,401)

(54,724)

4,079

–

4,079

4,603

–

4,603

Related amounts not offset in the balance sheet comprises:

 ¼ Financial instruments not offset in the balance sheet but covered by an enforceable netting arrangement. This comprises master netting 

arrangements held against derivative financial instruments and excludes the effect of over-collateralisation

 ¼ Financial instruments where we may not have sought or been able to obtain a legal opinion evidencing enforceability of the right of offset

 ¼ Financial collateral – This comprises cash collateral pledged and received for derivative financial instruments and collateral bought and sold  

for reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements respectively and excludes the effect of over-collateralisation

292

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements13. Financial instruments continued

Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss (restated)

Carrying balance aggregate fair value

Amount contractually obliged to repay at maturity

Difference between aggregate fair value and contractually obliged to repay at maturity

Cumulative change in fair value accredited to Credit Risk difference

2019  
$million

62,821

62,505

316

17

2018  
$million

57,474

57,974

(500)

476

The net fair value loss on financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss was $1,602 million for the year (31 December 2018:  
net loss of $864 million). Further details of the Group’s own credit adjustment (OCA) valuation technique is described later in this Note.  
The net fair value loss on financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss now includes contractual interests, refer to Note 1 
Accounting policies.

Valuation of financial instruments 
The fair values of quoted financial assets and liabilities in active markets are based on current prices. A market is regarded as active if 
transactions for the asset or liability take place with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. 
Wherever possible, fair values have been calculated using unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical instruments held by 
the Group. Where quoted market prices are not available, or are unreliable because of poor liquidity, fair values have been determined using 
valuation techniques which, to the extent possible, use market observable inputs, but in some cases use non-market observable inputs. 
Valuation techniques used include discounted cash flow analysis and pricing models and, where appropriate, comparison with instruments  
that have characteristics similar to those of the instruments held by the Group.

The Valuation Control function is responsible for independent price verification, oversight of fair value and appropriate value adjustments and 
escalation of valuation issues. Independent price verification is the process of determining that the valuations incorporated into the financial 
statements are validated independent of the business area responsible for the product. The Valuation Control function has oversight of the fair 
value adjustments to ensure that the financial instruments are priced to exit. These are key controls in ensuring the material accuracy of the 
valuations incorporated in the financial statements. The market data used for price verification may include data sourced from recent trade data 
involving external counterparties or third parties such as Bloomberg, Reuters, brokers and consensus pricing providers. Valuation Control 
performs a semi-annual review of the suitability of the market data used for price testing. Price verification uses independently sourced data  
that is deemed most representative of the market the instruments trade in. To determine the quality of the market data inputs, factors such  
as independence, relevance, reliability, availability of multiple data sources and methodology employed by the pricing provider are taken  
into consideration. 

The Valuation and Benchmarks Committee (VBC) is the valuation governance forum consisting of representatives from Group Market Risk, 
Product Control, Valuation Control and the business, which meets monthly to discuss and approve the independent valuations of the inventory. 
For Principal Finance, the Investment Committee meeting is held on a quarterly basis to review investments and valuations.

Significant accounting estimates and judgements
The Group evaluates the significance of financial instruments and material accuracy of the valuations incorporated in the financial statements 
as they involve a high degree of judgement and estimation uncertainty in determining the carrying values of financial assets and liabilities at 
the balance sheet date.

 ¼ Fair value of financial instruments is determined using valuation techniques and estimates (see below) which, to the extent possible, use 
market observable inputs, but in some cases use non-market observable inputs. Changes in the observability of significant valuation 
inputs can materially affect the fair values of financial instruments

 ¼ When establishing the exit price of a financial instrument using a valuation technique, the Group estimates valuation adjustments in 

determining the fair value (page 294)

 ¼ In determining the valuation of financial instruments, the Group makes judgements on the amounts reserved to cater for model and 

valuation risks, which cover both Level 2 and Level 3 assets, and the significant valuation judgements in respect of Level 3 instruments 
(page 296)

 ¼ Where the estimated measurement of fair value is more judgemental in respect of Level 3 assets, these are valued based on models that 

use a significant degree of non-market-based unobservable inputs

293

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report13. Financial instruments continued

Valuation techniques 
Refer to the fair value hierarchy explanation – Level 1, 2 and 3 (page 296)

 ¼ Financial instruments held at fair value

–  Debt securities – asset-backed securities: Asset-backed securities are valued based on external prices obtained from consensus 
pricing providers, broker quotes, recent trades, arrangers’ quotes, etc. Where an observable price is available for a given security, it is 
classified as Level 2. In instances where third-party prices are not available or reliable, the security is classified as Level 3. The fair value  
of Level 3 securities is estimated using market standard cash flow models with input parameter assumptions which include prepayment 
speeds, default rates, discount margins derived from comparable securities with similar vintage, collateral type, and credit ratings

–  Debt securities in issue: These debt securities relate to structured notes issued by the Group. Where independent market data is 
available through pricing vendors and broker sources, these positions are classified as Level 2. Where such liquid external prices are  
not available, valuations of these debt securities are implied using input parameters such as bond spreads and credit spreads, and are 
classified as Level 3. These input parameters are determined with reference to the same issuer (if available) or proxies from comparable 
issuers or assets

–  Derivatives: Derivative products are classified as Level 2 if the valuation of the product is based upon input parameters which are 

observable from independent and reliable market data sources. Derivative products are classified as Level 3 if there are significant valuation 
input parameters which are unobservable in the market, such as products where the performance is linked to more than one underlying 
variable. Examples are foreign exchange basket options, equity options based on the performance of two or more underlying indices and 
interest rate products with quanto payouts. In most cases these unobservable correlation parameters cannot be implied from the market, 
and methods such as historical analysis and comparison with historical levels or other benchmark data must be employed

–  Equity shares – private equity: The majority of private equity unlisted investments are valued based on earning multiples – Price-to-

Earnings (P/E) or enterprise value to earnings before income tax, depreciation and amortisation (EV/EBITDA) ratios – of comparable listed 
companies. The two primary inputs for the valuation of these investments are the actual or forecast earnings of the investee companies and 
earning multiples for the comparable listed companies. To ensure comparability between these unquoted investments and the comparable 
listed companies, appropriate adjustments are also applied (for example, liquidity and size) in the valuation. In circumstances where an 
investment does not have direct comparables or where the multiples for the comparable companies cannot be sourced from reliable 
external sources, alternative valuation techniques (for example, discounted cash flow models), which use predominantly unobservable 
inputs or Level 3 inputs, may be applied. Even though earning multiples for the comparable listed companies can be sourced from 
third-party sources (for example, Bloomberg), and those inputs can be deemed Level 2 inputs, all unlisted investments (excluding those 
where observable inputs are available, for example, over-the-counter (OTC) prices) are classified as Level 3 on the basis that the valuation 
methods involve judgements ranging from determining comparable companies to discount rates where the discounted cash flow method 
is applied

–  Loans and advances: These primarily include loans in the global syndications business which were not syndicated as of the balance 
sheet date and other financing transactions within Financial Markets and loans and advances including reverse repurchase agreements 
that do not have SPPI cash flows or are managed on a fair value basis. These loans are generally bilateral in nature and, where available, 
their valuation is based on observable clean sales transactions prices or market observable spreads. If observable credit spreads are not 
available, proxy spreads based on comparable loans with similar credit grade, sector and region, are used. Where observable credit 
spreads and market standard proxy methods are available, these loans are classified as Level 2. Where there are no recent transactions  
or comparable loans, these loans are classified as Level 3

–  Other debt securities: These debt securities include convertible bonds, corporate bonds, credit and structured notes. Where quoted 

prices are available through pricing vendors, brokers or observable trading activities from liquid markets, these are classified as Level 2 and 
valued using such quotes. Where there are significant valuation inputs which are unobservable in the market, due to illiquid trading or the 
complexity of the product, these are classified as Level 3. The valuations of these debt securities are implied using input parameters such 
as bond spreads and credit spreads. These input parameters are determined with reference to the same issuer (if available) or proxied from 
comparable issuers or assets

294

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements13. Financial instruments continued

 ¼ Financial instruments held at amortised cost

The following sets out the Group’s basis for establishing fair values of amortised cost financial instruments and their classification between 
Levels 1, 2 and 3. As certain categories of financial instruments are not actively traded, there is a significant level of management judgement 
involved in calculating the fair values:

–  Cash and balances at central banks: The fair value of cash and balances at central banks is their carrying amounts

–  Debt securities in issue, subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds: The aggregate fair values are calculated based on 
quoted market prices. For those notes where quoted market prices are not available, a discounted cash flow model is used based on a 
current market related yield curve appropriate for the remaining term to maturity

–  Deposits and borrowings: The estimated fair value of deposits with no stated maturity is the amount repayable on demand. The 

estimated fair value of fixed interest-bearing deposits and other borrowings without quoted market prices is based on discounted cash 
flows using the prevailing market rates for debts with a similar Credit Risk and remaining maturity 

–  Investment securities: For investment securities that do not have directly observable market values, the Group utilises a number of 
valuation techniques to determine fair value. Where available, securities are valued using input proxies from the same or closely related 
underlying (for example, bond spreads from the same or closely related issuer) or input proxies from a different underlying (for example,  
a similar bond but using spreads for a particular sector and rating). Certain instruments cannot be proxies as set out above, and in  
such cases the positions are valued using non-market observable inputs. This includes those instruments held at amortised cost and 
predominantly relates to asset-backed securities. The fair value for such instruments is usually proxies from internal assessments of the 
underlying cash flows 

–  Loans and advances to banks and customers: For loans and advances to banks, the fair value of floating rate placements and 

overnight deposits is their carrying amounts. The estimated fair value of fixed interest-bearing deposits is based on discounted cash flows 
using the prevailing money market rates for debts with a similar Credit Risk and remaining maturity. The Group’s loans and advances to 
customers’ portfolio is well diversified by geography and industry. Approximately a quarter of the portfolio re-prices within one month,  
and approximately half re-prices within 12 months. Loans and advances are presented net of provisions for impairment. The fair value of 
loans and advances to customers with a residual maturity of less than one year generally approximates the carrying value. The estimated 
fair value of loans and advances with a residual maturity of more than one year represents the discounted amount of future cash flows 
expected to be received, including assumptions relating to prepayment rates and Credit Risk. Expected cash flows are discounted at 
current market rates to determine fair value. The Group has a wide range of individual instruments within its loans and advances portfolio 
and, as a result, providing quantification of the key assumptions used to value such instruments is impractical

–  Other assets: Other assets comprise primarily of cash collateral and trades pending settlement. The carrying amount of these financial 

instruments is considered to be a reasonable approximation of fair value as they are either short-term in nature or re-price to current market 
rates frequently

Fair value adjustments
When establishing the exit price of a financial instrument using a valuation technique, the Group considers adjustments to the modelled price 
which market participants would make when pricing that instrument. The main valuation adjustments (described further below) in determining 
fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are as follows:

Bid-offer valuation adjustment

Credit valuation adjustment

Debit valuation adjustment

Model valuation adjustment

Funding valuation adjustment

Other fair value adjustments

Total

Income deferrals

Day 1 and other deferrals

Total

01.01.19 
$million

Movement  
during the year 
$million

31.12.19 
$million

01.01.18 
$million

Movement  
during the year 
$million

31.12.18 
$million

67

196

(143)

6

60

59

245

100

100

12

(60)

100

1

(34)

(14)

5

3

3

79

136

(43)

7

26

45

250

103

103

82

229

(66)

6

79

65

395

83

83

(15)

(33)

(77)

–

(19)

(6)

(150)

17

17

67

196

(143)

6

60

59

245

100

100

Note: Bracket represents an asset and credit to the income statement

295

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report13. Financial instruments continued

Fair value adjustments continued
 ¼ Bid-offer valuation adjustment: Generally, market parameters are marked on a mid-market basis in the revaluation systems, and a 

bid-offer valuation adjustment is required to quantify the expected cost of neutralising the business’ positions through dealing away in the 
market, thereby bringing long positions to bid and short positions to offer. The methodology to calculate the bid-offer adjustment for a 
derivative portfolio involves netting between long and short positions and the grouping of risk by strike and tenor based on the hedging 
strategy where long positions are marked to bid and short positions marked to offer in the systems

 ¼ Credit valuation adjustment (CVA): The Group accounts for CVA against the fair value of derivative products. CVA is an adjustment to the 
fair value of the transactions to reflect the possibility that our counterparties may default and we may not receive the full market value of the 
outstanding transactions. It represents an estimate of the adjustment a market participant would include when deriving a purchase price to 
acquire our exposures. CVA is calculated for each subsidiary, and within each entity for each counterparty to which the entity has exposure 
and takes account of any collateral we may hold. The Group calculates the CVA by using estimates of future positive exposure, market-
implied probability of default (PD) and recovery rates. Where market-implied data is not readily available, we use market-based proxies  
to estimate the PD. Wrong-way risk occurs when the exposure to a counterparty is adversely correlated with the credit quality of that 
counterparty, and the Group has implemented a model to capture this impact for key wrong-way exposures. The Group also captures  
the uncertainties associated with wrong-way risk in the Group’s Prudential Valuation Adjustments framework

 ¼ Debit valuation adjustment (DVA): The Group calculates DVA adjustments on its derivative liabilities to reflect changes in its own credit 
standing. The Group’s DVA adjustments will increase if its credit standing worsens and conversely, decrease if its credit standing improves. 
For derivative liabilities, a DVA adjustment is determined by applying the Group’s probability of default to the Group’s negative expected 
exposure against the counterparty. The Group’s probability of default and loss expected in the event of default is derived based on bond and 
CDS spreads associated with the Group’s issuances and market standard recovery levels. The expected exposure is modelled based on the 
simulation of the underlying risk factors over the expected life of the deal. This simulation methodology incorporates the collateral posted by 
the Group and the effects of master netting agreements

 ¼ Model valuation adjustment: Valuation models may have pricing deficiencies or limitations that require a valuation adjustment.  

These pricing deficiencies or limitations arise due to the choice, implementation and calibration of the pricing model

 ¼ Funding valuation adjustment (FVA): The Group makes FVA adjustments against derivative products. FVA reflects an estimate of the 
adjustment to its fair value that a market participant would make to incorporate funding costs or benefits that could arise in relation to the 
exposure. FVA is calculated by determining the net expected exposure at a counterparty level and then applying a funding rate to those 
exposures that reflect the market cost of funding. The FVA for uncollateralised (including partially collateralised) derivatives incorporates the 
estimated present value of the market funding cost or benefit associated with funding these transactions

 ¼ Other fair value adjustments: The Group calculates the fair value on the interest rate callable products by calibrating to a set of market 

prices with differing maturity, expiry and strike of the trades

 ¼ Day one and other deferrals: In certain circumstances the initial fair value may be based on a valuation technique which may lead to the 
recognition of profits or losses at the time of initial recognition. However, these profits or losses can only be recognised when the valuation 
technique used is based primarily on observable market data. In those cases where the initially recognised fair value is based on a valuation 
model that uses inputs which are not observable in the market, the difference between the transaction price and the valuation model is not 
recognised immediately in the income statement. The difference is amortised to the income statement until the inputs become observable,  
or the transaction matures or is terminated. Other deferrals primarily represent adjustments taken to reflect the specific terms and conditions 
of certain derivative contracts which affect the termination value at the measurement date

In addition, the Group calculates OCA on its issued debt designated at fair value, including structured notes, in order to reflect changes in its own 
credit standing. The Group’s OCA reserve will increase if its credit standing worsens and conversely, decrease if its credit standing improves. 
The Group’s OCA reserve will reverse over time as its liabilities mature. For issued debt and structured notes designated at fair value, an OCA 
adjustment is determined by discounting the contractual cash flows using a yield curve adjusted for market observed secondary senior 
unsecured credit spreads. The OCA as at 31 December 2019 is $17 million, other comprehensive income loss $462 million (31 December 2018: 
$476 million, other comprehensive income gain $394 million).

Fair value hierarchy – financial instruments held at fair value
Assets and liabilities carried at fair value or for which fair values are disclosed have been classified into three levels according to the observability 
of the significant inputs used to determine the fair values. Changes in the observability of significant valuation inputs during the reporting period 
may result in a transfer of assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy. The Group recognises transfers between levels of the fair value 
hierarchy when there is a significant change in either its principal market or the level of observability of the inputs to the valuation techniques as  
at the end of the reporting period.

 ¼ Level 1: Fair value measurements are those derived from unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

 ¼ Level 2: Fair value measurements are those with quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or 

similar instruments in inactive markets and financial instruments valued using models where all significant inputs are observable

 ¼ Level 3: Fair value measurements are those where inputs which could have a significant effect on the instrument’s valuation are not based  

on observable market data

296

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements13. Financial instruments continued

Fair value hierarchy – financial instruments held at fair value continued
The following tables show the classification of financial instruments held at fair value into the valuation hierarchy:

Assets

Financial instruments held at fair value through profit or loss

Loans and advances to banks

Loans and advances to customers

Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending

Debt securities, alternative tier one and other eligible bills

Of which:

Government bonds and treasury bills

Issued by corporates other than financial institutions1

Issued by financial institutions1

Equity shares

Level 1 
$million

Level 2 
$million

Level 3 
$million

Total 
$million

–

–

–

5,963

5,656

7

300

2,241

3,163

6,453

57,604

16,158

7,898

5,090

3,170

–

365

443

–

200

–

200

–

228

3,528

6,896

57,604

22,321

13,554

5,297

3,470

2,469

Derivative financial instruments

466

46,729

17

47,212

Of which:

Foreign exchange

Interest rate

Credit

Equity and stock index options

Commodity

Investment securities

69

28

–

–

369

25,929

19,342

1,231

23

204

Debt securities, alternative tier one and other eligible bills

73,699

55,734

Of which:

Government bonds and treasury bills

Issued by corporates other than financial institutions1

Issued by financial institutions1

54,637

11,667

7,395

19,664

14,505

21,565

8

4

1

4

–

38

33

5

–

Equity shares

Total financial instruments as at 31 December 20192

30

4

82,399

185,845

257

1,548

Liabilities

Financial instruments held at fair value through profit or loss

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing

Debt securities in issue

Short positions

–

–

–

–

2,499

1,025

6,907

46,283

8,100

1,654

Derivative financial instruments

515

47,912

Of which:

Foreign exchange

Interest rate

Credit

Equity and stock index options

Commodity

97

31

–

–

387

26,824

18,891

1,892

76

229

56

40

–

410

–

57

5

9

23

20

–

26,006

19,374

1,232

27

573

129,471

74,334

26,177

28,960

291

269,792

1,081

6,947

46,283

8,510

4,153

48,484

26,926

18,931

1,915

96

616

Total financial instruments as at 31 December 20192

3,014

111,881

563

115,458

1  Includes covered bonds of $3,499 million, securities issued by Multilateral Development Banks/International Organisations of $11,894 million and State-owned agencies and 

development banks of $17,936 million 

2   The above table does not include held for sale assets of $330 million and liabilities of $nil. These are reported in Note 21 together with their fair value hierarchy

There were no significant changes to valuation or levelling approaches in 2019.

There were no significant transfers of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year.

297

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report13. Financial instruments continued

Fair value hierarchy – financial instruments held at fair value continued

Assets

Financial instruments held at fair value through profit or loss

Loans and advances to banks

Loans and advances to customers

Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending

Debt securities, alternative tier one and other eligible bills

Of which:

Government bonds and treasury bills

Issued by corporates other than financial institutions1

Issued by financial institutions1

Equity shares

Derivative financial instruments

Of which:

Foreign exchange

Interest rate

Credit

Equity and stock index options

Commodity

Investment securities

Level 1 
$million

–

–

–

8,097

6,699

178

1,220

1,364

907

149

4

–

–

754

restated 
Level 2 
$million

3,1363

4,436

54,769

13,562

6,851

3,241

3,470

–

44,702

31,242

12,237

252

89

882

Debt securities, alternative tier one and other eligible bills

67,624

48,299

Of which:

Government bonds and treasury bills

Issued by corporates other than financial institutions1

Issued by financial institutions1

Equity shares

Total financial instruments as at 31 December 20182

Liabilities

Financial instruments held at fair value through profit or loss

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing

Debt securities in issue

Short positions

Derivative financial instruments

Of which:

Foreign exchange

Interest rate

Credit

Equity and stock index options

Commodity

52,329

8,366

6,929

29

78,021

–

–

–

–

1,999

809

137

15

–

–

657

17,928

9,839

20,532

4

168,908

314

6,751

43,000

6,966

1,227

46,3353

32,655

12,9233

273

32

452

restated 
Level 3 
$million

6323

492

–

317

–

317

–

327

12

7

5

–

–

–

412

412

–

–

230

2,422

4

–

–

439

–

653

7

153

8

35

–

Total 
$million

3,768

4,928

54,769

21,976

13,550

3,736

4,690

1,691

45,621

31,398

12,246

252

89

1,636

116,335

70,669

18,205

27,461

263

249,351

318

6,751

43,000

7,405

3,226

47,209

32,799

12,953

281

67

1,109

Total financial instruments as at 31 December 20182

2,808

104,593

508

107,909

1  Includes covered bonds of $5,466 million, securities issued by Multilateral Development Banks/International Organisations of $7,432 million and State-owned agencies and 

development banks of $7,549 million. The above table does not include held for sale assets of $887 million and liabilities of $198 million

2  The above table does not include held for sale assets of $887 million and liabilities of $198 million. These are reported in Note 21 together with their fair value hierarchy

3  Prior year balances have been restated due to review of observability parameters. The impact was to reclassify $632 million from Level 2 loans and advances to banks to Level 3  

and $340 million from Level 3 interest rate derivative financial instruments liabilities to Level 2 

There were no significant transfers of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year.

298

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements13. Financial instruments continued

Fair value hierarchy – financial instruments measured at amortised cost
The following table shows the carrying amounts and incorporates the Group’s estimate of fair values of those financial assets and liabilities not 
presented on the Group’s balance sheet at fair value. These fair values may be different from the actual amount that will be received or paid on 
the settlement or maturity of the financial instrument. For certain instruments, the fair value may be determined using assumptions for which no 
observable prices are available.

Assets

Cash and balances at central banks1

Loans and advances to banks

Of which – reverse repurchase agreements and other similar 
secured lending

Loans and advances to customers

Of which – reverse repurchase agreements and other similar 
secured lending

Investment securities2

Other assets1

Assets held for sale

As at 31 December 2019

Liabilities

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing

Debt securities in issue

Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds 

Other liabilities1

As at 31 December 2019

Assets

Cash and balances at central banks1

Loans and advances to banks

Of which – reverse repurchase agreements and other similar 
secured lending

Loans and advances to customers

Of which – reverse repurchase agreements and other similar 
secured lending

Investment securities2

Other assets1

Assets held for sale

As at 31 December 2018

Liabilities

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing

Debt securities in issue

Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds 

Other liabilities1

As at 31 December 2018

Carrying value 
$million

Level 1 
$million

Level 2 
$million

Level 3 
$million

Total 
$million

Fair value

52,728

53,549

1,341

268,523

1,469

13,969

36,161

90

425,020

28,562

405,357

1,935

53,025

16,207

41,149

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

20,031

15,986

–

546,235

36,017

52,728

53,431

1,356

22,829

1,341

13,107

36,161

70

–

–

–

246,632

130

20

–

20

52,728

53,431

1,356

269,461

1,471

13,127

36,161

90

178,326

246,672

424,998

28,577

405,361

1,935

33,269

803

41,149

511,094

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

28,577

405,361

1,935

53,300

16,789

41,149

547,111

Carrying value 
$million

Level 1 
$million

Fair value

Level 2 
$million

Level 3 
$million

Total 
$million

57,511

61,414

3,815

256,557

3,151

9,303

32,678

135

417,598

29,715

391,013

1,401

46,454

15,001

37,945

521,529

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

17,009

14,505

–

31,514

57,511

61,357

3,842

18,514

2,409

8,953

32,673

135

–

–

–

238,797

744

8

–

–

179,143

238,805

29,715

391,018

1,401

29,195

23

37,945

489,297

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

57,511

61,357

3,842

257,311

3,153

8,961

32,673

135

417,948

29,715

391,018

1,401

46,204

14,528

37,945

520,811

1  The carrying amount of these financial instruments is considered to be a reasonable approximation of fair value as they are short-term in nature or reprice to current market  

rates frequently

2  Includes Government bonds and Treasury bills of $5,973 million as at 31 December 2019 and $4,716 million as at 31 December 2018

299

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report13. Financial instruments continued

Loans and advances to customers by client segment1

IFRS 9

Corporate & Institutional Banking

Retail Banking

Commercial Banking

Private Banking

Central & other items

Carrying value

Stage 1 and 
stage 2 
$million

110,006

105,896

25,607

14,522

10,098

Stage 3 
$million

1,193

472

510

219

–

2019

Total 
$million

111,199

106,368

26,117

14,741

10,098

Fair value

Stage 1 and 
stage 2 
$million

109,996

106,939

25,463

14,471

10,106

Stage 3 
$million

1,244

482

541

219

–

As at 31 December 2019

2,394

266,129

268,523

2,486

266,975

Corporate & Institutional Banking

Retail Banking

Commercial Banking

Private Banking

Central & other items

Carrying value

Stage 1 and  
stage 2 
$million

102,919

100,799

26,220

13,481

10,270

Stage 3 
$million

1,758

436

539

135

–

2018

Total 
$million

104,677

101,235

26,759

13,616

10,270

As at 31 December 2018

2,868

253,689

256,557

Fair value

Stage 1 and  
stage 2 
$million

102,791

101,810

25,989

13,442

10,228

254,260

Stage 3 
$million

1,818

447

652

134

–

3,051

Total 
$million

111,240

107,421

26,004

14,690

10,106

269,461

Total 
$million

104,609

102,257

26,641

13,576

10,228

257,311

1  Loans and advances includes reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending: carrying value $1,469 million and fair value $1,471 million (31 December 2018: 

$3,151 million and $3,153 million respectively)

300

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements13. Financial instruments continued

Fair value of financial instruments

Level 3 Summary and significant unobservable inputs
The following table presents the Group’s primary Level 3 financial instruments which are held at fair value. The table also presents the valuation 
techniques used to measure the fair value of those financial instruments, the significant unobservable inputs, the range of values for those inputs 
and the weighted average of those inputs:

Instrument

Loans and advances to banks

Loans and advances to customers

Debt securities, alternative tier one 
and other eligible securities

Government bonds and 
treasury bills

Asset-backed securities

Equity shares (includes private 
equity investments)3

Derivative financial instruments 
of which:

Foreign exchange

Interest rate

Credit

Equity and stock index

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Debt securities in issue

Value as at 
31 December 2019

Assets 
$million

Liabilities 
$million

Principal valuation  
technique

Significant unobservable  
inputs

Range1

Weighted 
average2

365

443

184

33

21

485

8

4

1

4

–

–

–

- Discounted cash flows

Price/yield

– Discounted cash flows

Price/yield

– Discounted cash flows 

Price/Yield

Recovery rates

1.0 – 15.6%

0.5% – 6.9%

18.9% – 100%

3.8% – 18.7%

10.8%

4.2%

92.1%

11.6%

– Discounted cash flows

Price/Yield

2.9% – 5.5%

3.7%

– Discounted cash flows

Price/Yield

– Comparable pricing/yield EV/EBITDA multiples

P/E multiples

P/B multiples

P/S multiples

Liquidity discount

Discounted cash flows

Discount rates

1.4% – 3.2%

3.5x – 7.3x

17.4x

0.6x – 1.0x

N/A

10.0% – 20.0%

8.4% – 16.2%

2.7%

4.6x

17.4x

0.9x

N/A

15.9%

9.5%

5 Option Pricing Model

Foreign Exchange Option 
Implied Volatility

4.4% – 18.9%

16.7%

Discounted cash flows

Foreign Exchange Curves

7.8% – 8.0%

9 Discounted cash flows

Interest rate curves

5.3% – 19.6%

Option Pricing Model

Bond Option Implied Volatility 17.0% – 28.0%

23 Discounted cash flows

Credit spreads

20 Internal pricing model

Equity Correlation

1.0% – 7.9%

1.0% – 90.0%

Equity-FX Correlation

(80.0)% – 70.0%

56 Discounted cash flows 

Credit Spreads

40 Discounted cash flows 

Credit Spreads

410 Discounted cash flows

Credit Spreads

Internal Pricing Model

Equity Correlation

1.0% – 1.8%

1.0% – 5.8%

0.1% – 1.4%

1.0% – 90.0%

Equity-FX Correlation

(80.0)% – 70.0%

7.9%

8.6%

24.0%

1.1%

58.0%

(29.0)%

1.4%

2.7%

0.9%

58.0%

(29.0)%

Total

1,548

563

1  The ranges of values shown in the above table represent the highest and lowest levels used in the valuation of the Group’s Level 3 financial instruments as at 31 December 2019.  

The ranges of values used are reflective of the underlying characteristics of these Level 3 financial instruments based on the market conditions at the balance sheet date. However, 
these ranges of values may not represent the uncertainty in fair value measurements of the Group’s Level 3 financial instruments

2  Weighted average for non-derivative financial instruments has been calculated by weighting inputs by the relative fair value. Weighted average for derivatives has been provided by 

weighting inputs by the risk relevant to that variable. N/A has been entered for the cases where weighted average is not a meaningful indicator

3  The Group has an equity investment in the Series B preferred shares of Ripple Labs, Inc., which owns a digital currency (XRP) and is being carried at a fair value based on the shares’ 

initial offering price

301

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report13. Financial instruments continued

Level 3 Summary and significant unobservable inputs continued

Instrument

Loans and advances to banks

Loans and advances to customers

Debt securities, alternative tier one 
and other eligible securities

Government bonds and 
treasury bills

Asset-backed securities

Equity shares (includes private 
equity investments)3

Derivative financial instruments 
of which:

Foreign exchange

Interest rate

Credit

Equity and stock index

Deposits by banks

Debt securities in issue

Value as at
 31 December 2018

Assets 
$million

Liabilities 
$million

Principal valuation technique

Significant unobservable inputs

restated 
Range1

restated 
Weighted 
average2

632

492

73

412

244

557

7

5

–

–

–

– Comparable pricing/yield Price/yield

1.0% – 28.5%4

17.7%4

– Comparable pricing/yield Price/yield

Discounted cash flows

Recovery rates

– Comparable pricing/yield Price/yield

N/A

25.5% – 100%

5.4% – 6.3%

N/A

94.7%

5.6%

– Discounted cash flows

Price/yield

2.9% – 38.1%

11.2%

– Discounted cash flows

Price/yield

– Comparable pricing/yield EV/EBITDA multiples

P/E multiples

P/B multiples

P/S multiples

Liquidity discount

Discounted cash flows

Discount rates

1.0% – 11.0%

5.2x – 9.1x

14.5x

0.6x – 1.0x

N/A

10.0% – 20.0%

7.3% – 13.2%

3.4%

8.5x

14.5x

1.0x

N/A

14.8%

9.6%

7 Option pricing model

Foreign exchange option 
implied volatility

5.2% – 5.4%

5.4%

Discounted cash flows

Foreign exchange curves

(0.4)% – 3.7%

15 Discounted cash flows

Interest rate curves

8 Discounted cash flows

Credit spreads

35 Internal pricing model

Equity correlation

6.4% – 16.8%

0.4% – 2.8%4

4.5% – 89.5%

Equity-FX correlation

(80.0)%– 80.0%

4 Discounted cash flows 

Credit spreads

439 Discounted cash flows 

Credit spreads

Internal pricing model

Equity correlation

1.0% – 1.0%

0.4% – 4.0%

4.5% – 89.5%

Equity FX correlation

(80.0)% – 80.0%

0.4%

8.3%

0.8%4

N/A

N/A

1.0%

1.4%

N/A

N/A

Total

2,422

508

1  The ranges of values shown in the above table represent the highest and lowest levels used in the valuation of the Group’s Level 3 financial instruments as at 31 December 2018.  

The ranges of values used are reflective of the underlying characteristics of these Level 3 financial instruments based on the market conditions at the balance sheet date. However, 
these ranges of values may not represent the uncertainty in fair value measurements of the Group’s Level 3 financial instruments

2  Weighted average for non-derivative financial instruments has been calculated by weighting inputs by the relative fair value. Weighted average for derivatives has been provided by 

weighting inputs by the risk relevant to that variable. N/A has been entered for the cases where weighted average is not a meaningful indicator

3  The Group has an equity investment in the Series B preferred shares of Ripple Labs, Inc., which owns a digital currency (XRP) and is being carried at a fair value based on the shares’ 

initial offering price

4  Prior year input ranges and weighted averages have been recalculated due to the prior year restatement of fair value hierarchy balances

302

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements13. Financial instruments continued

Level 3 Summary and significant unobservable inputs continued
The following section describes the significant unobservable inputs identified in the valuation technique table:

 ¼ Comparable price/yield is a valuation methodology in which the price of a comparable instrument is used to estimate the fair value where 
there are no direct observable prices. Yield is the interest rate that is used to discount the future cash flows in a discounted cash flow model. 
Valuation using comparable instruments can be done by calculating an implied yield (or spread over a liquid benchmark) from the price of a 
comparable instrument, then adjusting that yield (or spread) to derive a value for the instrument. The adjustment should account for relevant 
differences in the financial instruments such as maturity and/or credit quality. Alternatively, a price-to-price basis can be assumed between 
the comparable instrument and the instrument being valued in order to establish the value of the instrument (for example, deriving a fair value 
for a junior unsecured bond from the price of a senior secured bond). An increase in price, in isolation, would result in a favourable movement 
in the fair value of the asset. An increase in yield, in isolation, would result in an unfavourable movement in the fair value of the asset

 ¼ Correlation is the measure of how movement in one variable influences the movement in another variable. An equity correlation is the 

correlation between two equity instruments while an interest rate correlation refers to the correlation between two swap rates

 ¼ Credit spread represents the additional yield that a market participant would demand for taking exposure to the Credit Risk of an instrument

 ¼ Discount rate refers to the rate of return used to convert expected cash flows into present value 

 ¼ Equity-FX correlation is the correlation between equity instrument and foreign exchange instrument

 ¼ EV/EBITDA ratio multiples is the ratio of Enterprise Value (EV) to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA). 
EV is the aggregate market capitalisation and debt minus the cash and cash equivalents. An increase in EV/EBITDA multiples in isolation, will 
result in a favourable movement in the fair value of the unlisted firm

 ¼ Foreign exchange curves is the term structure for forward rates and swap rates between currency pairs over a specified period

 ¼ Interest rate curves is the term structure of interest rates and measure of future interest rates at a particular point in time

 ¼ Liquidity discounts in the valuation of unlisted investments primarily applied to the valuation of unlisted firms’ investments to reflect  
the fact that these stocks are not actively traded. An increase in liquidity discount will result in unfavourable movement in the fair value of the 
unlisted firm

 ¼ Price-Earnings (P/E) multiples is the ratio of the Market Capitalisation to the net income after tax. The multiples are determined from 

multiples of listed comparables, which are observable. An increase in P/E multiple will result in a favourable movement in the fair value of the 
unlisted firm

 ¼ Price-Book (P/B) multiple is the ratio of the market value of equity to the book value of equity. An increase in P/B multiple will result in a 

favourable movement in the fair value of the unlisted firm

 ¼ Price-Sales (P/S) multiple is the ratio of the market value of equity to sales. An increase in P/S multiple will result in a favourable movement 

in the fair value of the unlisted firm 

 ¼ Recovery rates are the expectation of the rate of return resulting from the liquidation of a particular loan. As the probability of default 
increases for a given instrument, the valuation of that instrument will increasingly reflect its expected recovery level, assuming default.  
An increase in the recovery rate, in isolation, would result in a favourable movement in the fair value of the loan 

 ¼ Volatility represents an estimate of how much a particular instrument, parameter or index will change in value over time. Generally, the higher 

the volatility, the more expensive the option will be

303

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report13. Financial instruments continued

Level 3 movement tables – financial assets
The table below analyses movements in Level 3 financial assets carried at fair value.

Held at fair value through profit or loss

Investment securities

Assets

As at 1 January 2019

Total (losses)/gains recognised in 
income statement

Net trading income

Other operating income

Total (losses)/gains recognised in other 
comprehensive income (OCI)

Fair value through OCI reserve

Exchange difference

Purchases

Sales

Settlements

Transfers out1

Transfers in2

As at 31 December 2019

Total unrealised losses recognised in the 
income statement, within net trading income, 
relating to change in fair value of assets  
held as at 31 December 2019

Loans and 
advances to 
banks 
$million

Loans and 
advances to 
customers 
$million

Debt 
securities, 
alternative 
tier one  
and other 
eligible bills 
$million

632

492

317

(25)

(25)

–

–

–

–

826

–

(1,068)

–

–

365

(31)

(31)

–

–

–

–

133

(8)

(253)

(6)

116

443

(14)

(14)

–

–

–

–

106

(248)

(3)

(86)

128

200

Equity 
shares 
$million

327

(26)

(26)

–

–

–

–

139

(153)

–

(134)

75

228

Derivative 
financial 
instruments 
$million

12

(15)

(15)

–

–

–

–

109

(26)

(5)

(75)

17

17

Debt 
securities, 
alternative 
tier one  
and other 
eligible bills 
$million

412

Equity 
shares 
$million

230

Total 
$million

2,422

(109)

(111)

2

(336)

8

(344)

1,495

(443)

(1,363)

(462)

344

–

–

–

5

12

(7)

26

(7)

–

–

3

257

1,548

2

–

2

(341)

(4)

(337)

156

(1)

(34)

(161)

5

38

–

–

(1)

–

(1)

–

–

(2)

1  Transfers out include debt securities, alternative tier one and other eligible bills, equity shares, derivative financial instruments and loans and advances where the valuation parameters 

became observable during the year and were transferred to Level 1 and Level 2. Transfers out further relates to $74 million equity shares held for sale

2  Transfers in primarily relate to debt securities, alternative tier one and other eligible bills, loans and advances, equity shares and derivative financial instruments where the valuation 

parameters become unobservable during the year

304

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements13. Financial instruments continued

Level 3 movement tables – financial assets continued
The table below analyses movements in Level 3 financial assets carried at fair value.

Held at fair value through profit or loss

Investment securities

restated 
Loans and 
advances to 
banks 
$million

Loans and 
advances to 
customers 
$million

Reverse 
repurchase 
agreements 
and other 
similar 
secured 
lending 
$million

Debt 
securities, 
alternative  
tier one  
and other 
eligible bills 
$million

Assets

Debt 
securities, 
alternative  
tier one  
and other 
eligible bills 
$million

Derivative 
financial 
instruments 
$million

40

(3)

(3)

–

–

–

–

70

(40)

(14)

(43)

2

12

318

22

–

22

(2)

–

(2)

445

–

(210)

(161)

–

412

Equity  
shares 
$million

1,100

(10)

(10)

–

–

–

–

143

(176)

–

(743)

13

327

Equity  
shares 
$million

150

restated 
Total 
$million

2,827

–

–

–

40

41

(1)

38

(5)

–

(1)

8

230

(21)

(43)

22

38

41

(3)

1,731

(690)

(562)

(1,123)

222

2,422

431

(44)

(44)

–

–

–

–

120

(215)

(6)

(8)

39

317

As at 1 January 2018

71

717

Total gains/(losses) recognised in 
income statement

Net trading income

Other operating income

Total (losses)/gains recognised in 
other comprehensive income 
(OCI)

Fair value through OCI reserve

Exchange difference

Purchases

Sales

Settlements

Transfers out1

Transfers in2

As at 31 December 2018

Total unrealised (losses)/gains 
recognised in the income 
statement, within net trading 
income, relating to change in 
fair value of assets held as at 
31 December 2018

13

1

–

–

–

–

5323

–

(71)

–3

99

632

13

13

–

–

–

–

328

(254)

(261)

(112)

61

492

-

(2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

55

–

–

(55)

–

–

-

-

22

(3)

-

-

17

1  Transfers out include equity shares, debt securities, alternative tier one and other eligible bills, loans and advances, reverse repurchase agreements, and derivative financial 

instruments where the valuation parameters became observable during the year, and were transferred to Level 1 and Level 2. Transfers out further relates to $743 million equity  
shares held for sale

2  Transfers in primarily relate to loans and advances, debt securities, alternative tier one and other eligible bills, equity shares and derivative financial instruments where the valuation 

parameters become unobservable during the year

3  Prior year movements have been restated due to the prior year restatement of fair value hierarchy balances

305

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report13. Financial instruments continued

Level 3 movement tables – financial liabilities

Deposits  
by banks 
$million

Customer 
accounts 
$million

2019

Debt
 securities  
in issue 
$million

Derivative 
financial 
instruments 
$million

As at 1 January 2019

Total (gains)/losses recognised in income statement –  
net trading income

Issues

Settlements

Transfers out1

Transfers in2

As at 31 December 2019

Total unrealised (gains)/losses recognised in the income 
statement, within net trading income, relating to change in 
fair value of liabilities held as at 31 December 2019

4

(1)

53

–

–

–

56

–

As at 1 January 2018

Total losses/(gains) recognised in income statement –  
net trading income

Issues

Settlements

Transfers out1

Transfers in2

As at 31 December 2018

Total unrealised (gains)/losses recognised in the income  
statement, within net trading income, relating to change in  
fair value of liabilities held as at 31 December 2018

–

(2)

41

–

–

1

40

(2)

439

22

592

(522)

(121)

–

410

16

2018

65

45

436

(561)

(13)

85

57

2

Deposits  
by banks 
$million

Debt
 securities  
in issue 
$million

restated 
Derivative  
financial 
instruments 
$million

69

1

4

(70)

–

–

4

–

442

(22)

167

(148)

–

–

439

(5)

25

83

213

(3)3

(2)

16

65

8

Total 
$million

508

64

1,122

(1,083)

(134)

86

563

16

restated 
Total 
$million

536

(13)

192

(221)

(2)

16

508

3

1  Transfers out during the year primarily relate to debt securities in issue and derivative financial instruments where the valuation parameters became observable during the year and 

were transferred to Level 2 financial liabilities

2  Transfers in during the year primarily relate to derivative financial instruments and customer accounts where the valuation parameters become unobservable during the year

3  Prior year movements have been restated due to the prior year restatement of fair value hierarchy balances

306

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statementsSensitivities in respect of the fair values of Level 3 assets and liabilities
Sensitivity analysis is performed on products with significant unobservable inputs. The Group applies a 10 per cent increase or decrease on the 
values of these unobservable inputs, to generate a range of reasonably possible alternative valuations. The percentage shift is determined by 
statistical analysis performed on a set of reference prices based on the composition of the Group’s Level 3 inventory as the measurement date. 
Favourable and unfavourable changes (which show the balance adjusted for input change) are determined on the basis of changes in the value 
of the instrument as a result of varying the levels of the unobservable parameters. The Level 3 sensitivity analysis assumes a one-way market 
move and does not consider offsets for hedges.

Held at fair value through profit or loss

Fair value through other comprehensive income

Net exposure 
$million

Favourable 
changes 
$million

Unfavourable 
changes 
$million

Net exposure 
$million

Favourable 
changes 
$million

Unfavourable 
changes 
$million

Financial instruments held at fair value 

Loans and advances

Asset backed securities

Debt securities, alternative tier one and  
other eligible bills

Equity shares

Derivative financial instruments

Customer accounts

Deposits by banks

Debt securities in issue

As at 31 December 2019

Financial instruments held at fair value 

Loans and advances

Asset backed securities2

Debt securities, alternative tier one and  
other eligible bills

Equity shares

Derivative financial instruments

Deposits by banks

Debt securities in issue

As at 31 December 2018

808

21

179

228

(40)

(40)

(56)

(410)

690

1,1241

244

73

327

(53)1

(4)

(439)

1,272

820

21

189

255

(34)

(40)

(56)

(379)

776

1,1491

246

78

360

(40)1

(4)

(417)

1,372

787

21

170

201

(46)

(40)

(56)

(441)

596

1,0951

242

68

294

(66)1

(4)

(461)

1,168

–

–

38

257

–

–

–

–

–

–

38

283

–

–

–

–

–

–

38

231

–

–

–

–

295

321

269

–

–

412

230

–

–

–

–

–

415

253

–

–

–

642

668

–

–

409

207

–

–

–

616

1  Prior year sensitivities have been recalculated due to the prior year restatement of fair value hierarchy balances

2  Asset backed securities are now presented separately. In the prior year these were included in debt securities and other eligible bills

Reasonably possible alternatives could have increased or decreased the fair values of financial instruments held at fair value through profit or 
loss and those classified as fair value through other comprehensive income by the amounts disclosed below.

Financial instruments

Held at fair value through profit or loss

Fair value through other comprehensive income

Fair value changes

Possible increase

Possible decrease

Possible increase

Possible decrease

2019 
$million

86

(94)

26

(26)

2018 
$million

100

(104)

26

(26)

307

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report14. Derivative financial instruments

Accounting policy
Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their value in response to changes in interest rates, financial instrument prices, commodity 
prices, foreign exchange rates, credit risk and indices. Derivatives are categorised as trading unless they are designated as hedging 
instruments.

Derivatives are initially recognised and subsequently measured at fair value, with revaluation gains recognised in profit or loss (except where 
cash flow or net investment hedging has been achieved, in which case the effective portion of changes in fair value is recognised within other 
comprehensive income).

Fair values may be obtained from quoted market prices in active markets, recent market transactions, and valuation techniques, including 
discounted cash flow models and option pricing models, as appropriate. Where the initially recognised fair value of a derivative contract is 
based on a valuation model that uses inputs which are not observable in the market, it follows the same initial recognition accounting policy 
as for other financial assets and liabilities. All derivatives are carried as assets when fair value is positive and as liabilities when fair value is 
negative.

Hedge accounting
Under certain conditions, the Group may designate a recognised asset or liability, a firm commitment, highly probable forecast transaction  
or net investment of a foreign operation into a formal hedge accounting relationship with a derivative that has been entered to manage 
interest rate and/or foreign exchange risks present in the hedged item. The Group continues to apply the hedge accounting requirements  
of IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, and has early adopted the amendments to IAS 39 in respect of interest rate 
benchmark reform. There are three categories of hedge relationships:

 ¼ Fair value hedge: to manage the fair value of interest rate and/or foreign currency risks of recognised assets or liabilities or firm 

commitments

 ¼ Cash flow hedge: to manage interest rate or foreign exchange risk of highly probable future cash flows attributable to a recognised asset 

or liability, or a forecasted transaction

 ¼ Net investment hedge: to manage the structural foreign exchange risk of an investment in a foreign operation

The Group formally documents at the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as  
well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. This is described in more detail in the categories  
of hedges below. 

The Group assesses, both at hedge inception and on a quarterly basis, whether the derivatives designated in hedge relationships are highly 
effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. Hedges are considered to be highly effective if all the following 
criteria are met:

 ¼ At inception of the hedge and throughout its life, the hedge is prospectively expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes 

in fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk

 ¼ Actual results of the hedge are within a range of 80–125 per cent. This is tested using regression analysis

 ¼ The regression co-efficient (R squared), which measures the correlation between the variables in the regression, is at least 80 per cent

 ¼ In the case of the hedge of a forecast transaction, the transaction must have a high probability of occurring and must present an exposure 
to variations in cash flows that are expected to affect reported profit or loss. The Group assumes that any interest rate benchmarks on 
which hedged item cash flows are based are not altered by IBOR reform

The Group discontinues hedge accounting in any of the following circumstances:

 ¼ The hedging instrument is not, or has ceased to be, highly effective as a hedge

 ¼ The hedging instrument has expired, is sold, terminated or exercised

 ¼ The hedged item matures, is sold or repaid

 ¼ The forecast transaction is no longer deemed highly probable

 ¼ The Group elects to discontinue hedge accounting voluntarily

For interest rate benchmarks deemed in scope of IBOR reform, if the actual result of a hedge is outside the 80-125 per cent range, but it can 
be demonstrated that this is caused by interest rate benchmark uncertainty and the hedge passes the prospective assessment, then the 
Group will not de-designate the hedge relationship.

Fair value hedge
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedging instruments are recorded in net trading income, 
together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk. If the hedge no longer  
meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged item for which the effective interest method is 
used is amortised to the income statement over the remaining term to maturity of the hedged item. If the hedged item is sold or repaid, the 
unamortised fair value adjustment is recognised immediately in the income statement. For financial assets classified as fair value through 
other comprehensive income, the hedge accounting adjustment is included in other comprehensive income.

308

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements14. Derivative financial instruments continued

Cash flow hedge
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedging instruments are initially 
recognised in other comprehensive income, accumulating in the cash flow hedge reserve within equity. These amounts are subsequently 
recycled to the income statement in the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss. Both the derivative fair value movement and  
any recycled amount are recorded in the ‘Cashflow hedges’ line item in other comprehensive income. 

The Group assesses hedge effectiveness using the hypothetical derivative method, which creates a derivative instrument to serve as a  
proxy for the hedged transaction. The terms of the hypothetical derivative match the critical terms of the hedged item and it has a fair value  
of zero at inception. The hypothetical derivative and the actual derivative are regressed to establish the statistical significance of the hedge 
relationship. Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in the net trading income immediately.

For interest rate benchmarks deemed in scope of IBOR reform, the Group will retain the cumulative gain or loss in the cash flow hedge 
reserve for designated cash flow hedges, even though there is uncertainty arising from these reforms with respect to the timing and amount 
of the cash flows of the hedged items. Should the Group consider that the hedged future cash flows are no longer expected to occur due to 
reasons other than IBOR reform, the cumulative gain or loss will be immediately reclassified to profit or loss.

Net investment hedge
Hedges of net investments are accounted for in a similar manner to cash flow hedges, with gains and losses arising on the effective portion 
of the hedges recorded in the line ‘Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations’ in other comprehensive income, accumulating 
in the translation reserve within equity. These amounts remain in equity until the net investment is disposed of. The ineffective portion of the 
hedges is recognised in the net trading income immediately.

The tables below analyse the notional principal amounts and the positive and negative fair values of derivative financial instruments.  
Notional principal amounts are the amounts of principal underlying the contract at the reporting date.

Derivatives

Foreign exchange derivative contracts:

Forward foreign exchange contracts

Currency swaps and options

Interest rate derivative contracts:

Swaps

Forward rate agreements and options

Exchange traded futures and options

Credit derivative contracts

Equity and stock index options 

Commodity derivative contracts

Gross total derivatives

Offset

Total derivatives

2019

2018

Notional  
principal 
amounts 
$million

2,290,781

806,226

3,097,007

4,046,209

284,973

359,031

4,690,213

80,972

3,412

79,458

7,951,062

–

7,951,062

Assets 
$million

Liabilities 
$million

16,281

9,725

26,006

34,011

1,826

179

36,016

1,232

27

573

63,854

(16,642)

47,212

16,396

10,530

26,926

33,351

2,061

161

35,573

1,915

96

616

65,126

(16,642)

48,484

Notional  
principal  
amounts 
$million

2,080,513

856,660

2,937,173

3,693,897

489,943

775,518

4,959,358

39,343

2,960

69,601

8,008,435

–

8,008,435

Assets 
$million

Liabilities 
$million

16,457

14,941

31,398

20,378

1,400

121

21,899

252

89

1,636

55,274

(9,653)

45,621

17,264

15,535

32,799

20,909

1,586

111

22,606

281

67

1,109

56,862

(9,653)

47,209

The Group limits exposure to credit losses in the event of default by entering into master netting agreements with certain market counterparties. 
As required by IAS 32, exposures are only presented net in these accounts where they are subject to legal right of offset and intended to be 
settled net in the ordinary course of business.

The Group may enter into economic hedges that do not qualify for IAS 39 hedge accounting treatment, including derivative such as interest rate 
swaps, interest rate futures and cross currency swaps to manage interest rate and currency risks of the Group. These derivatives are measured 
at fair value, with fair value changes recognised in net trading income: refer to Market Risk (page 191).

The Derivatives and Hedging sections of the Risk review and Capital review (page 177) explain the Group’s risk management of derivative 
contracts and application of hedging.

309

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report14. Derivative financial instruments continued

Derivatives held for hedging
The Group enters into derivative contracts for the purpose of hedging interest rate, currency and structural foreign exchange risks inherent  
in assets, liabilities and forecast transactions. The table below summarises the notional principal amounts and carrying values of derivatives 
designated in hedge accounting relationships at the reporting date.

2019

2018

Derivatives designated as fair 
value hedges:

Interest rate swaps

Currency swaps

Derivatives designated as cash 
flow hedges:

Interest rate swaps

Forward foreign exchange contracts 

Currency swaps

Derivatives designated as net 
investment hedges:

Forward foreign exchange contracts

Total derivatives held for hedging

Notional  
principal 
amounts 
$million

69,121

8,405

77,526

9,277

289

5,254

14,820

5,103

97,449

Assets 
$million

Liabilities 
$million

617

47

664

53

6

34

93

31

788

589

774

1,363

74

20

51

145

70

1,578

Notional  
principal  
amounts 
$million

63,675

8,963

72,638

10,733

184

2,701

13,618

5,200

91,456

Assets 
$million

Liabilities 
$million

306

30

336

59

–

57

116

61

513

573

942

1,515

67

18

22

107

7

1,629

Fair value hedges 
The Group issues various long-term fixed rate debt issuances that are measured at amortised cost, including some denominated in foreign 
currency, such as unsecured senior and subordinated debt (see Notes 22 and 27). The Group also holds various fixed rate debt securities  
such as government and corporate bonds, including some denominated in foreign currency (see Note 13). These assets and liabilities held are 
exposed to changes in fair value due to movements in market interest and foreign currency rates.

The Group uses interest rate swaps to exchange fixed rates for floating rates on funding to match floating rates received on assets, or exchange 
fixed rates on assets to match floating rates paid on funding. The Group further uses cross currency swaps to match the currency of the issued 
debt or held asset with that of the entity’s functional currency. 

Hedge ineffectiveness from fair value hedges is driven by cross currency basis risk. The amortisation of fair value hedge adjustments for hedged 
items no longer designated is recognised in net trading income. In future periods hedge relationships linked to an interest rate benchmark 
deemed in scope of benchmark reform may experience ineffectiveness due to market participants’ expectations for when the change from  
the existing IBOR benchmark to an alternative risk-free rate will occur, since the transition may occur at different times for the hedged item and 
hedging instrument.

As at 31 December 2019 the Group held the following interest rate and cross currency swaps as hedging instruments in fair value hedges of 
interest and currency risk.

Hedging instruments and ineffectiveness

Interest rate and currency risk1

Interest rate swaps – issued notes

Cross currency swaps – subordinated notes issued

Interest rate swaps – loans and advances

Interest rate swaps – debt securities and other eligible bills

Cross currency swaps – debt securities and other eligible bills

Total as at 31 December 2019

2019

Carrying amount

Asset 
$million

559

17

1

57

30

664

Liability 
$million

44

751

24

521

23

1,363

Change in fair 
value used to 
calculate hedge 
ineffectiveness 
$million

Ineffectiveness 
gain/(loss) 
recognised in net 
trading income 
$million

511

32

(22)

(589)

(18)

(86)

–

6

(1)

12

1

18

Notional 
$million

22,029

5,451

1,410

45,682

2,954

77,526

1  Interest rate swaps are designated in hedges of the fair value of interest rate risk attributable to the hedged item. Cross currency swaps are used to hedge both interest rate and 

currency risks. All of the hedging instruments are derivatives, with changes in fair value, including hedge ineffectiveness recorded within net trading income

310

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements14. Derivative financial instruments continued

Fair value hedges continued

Interest rate and currency risk1

Interest rate swaps – issued notes

Cross currency swaps – subordinated notes issued

Interest rate swaps – loans and advances

Interest rate swaps – debt securities and other eligible bills

Cross currency swaps – debt securities and other eligible bills

Total as at 31 December 2018

Notional 
$million

19,112

7,349

1,757

42,806

1,614

72,638

2018

Carrying amount

Asset 
$million

270

–

4

32

30

336

Liability 
$million

310

938

7

256

4

1,515

Change in fair  
value used to 
calculate hedge 
ineffectiveness 
$million

Ineffectiveness 
gain/(loss) 
recognised in net 
trading income 
$million

(73)

(622)

(6)

(164)

14

(851)

–

(93)

–

(3)

1

(95)

1  Interest rate swaps are designated in hedges of the fair value of interest rate risk attributable to the hedged item. Cross currency swaps are used to hedge both interest rate and 

currency risks. All of the hedging instruments are derivatives, with changes in fair value, including hedge ineffectiveness recorded within net trading income

Hedged items in fair value hedges

2019

Carrying amount

Accumulated amount of fair value 
hedge adjustments included in the 
carrying amount

Asset 
$million

–

49,190

1,431

50,621

Liability 
$million

27,921

–

–

27,921

Asset 
$million

–

373

22

395

2018

Liability 
$million

271

–

–

271

Change in  
fair value used  
for calculating 
hedge 
ineffectiveness 
$million

(537)

620

21

104

Carrying amount

Asset 
$million

–

44,885

1,147

46,032

Liability 
$million

26,646

–

–

26,646

Accumulated amount of fair value  
hedge adjustments included in the 
carrying amount

Asset 
$million

–

129

5

134

Liability 
$million

982

–

–

982

Change in  
fair value used  
for calculating 
hedge 
ineffectiveness 
$million

602

155

1

758

Cumulative 
balance of  
fair value 
adjustments  
from  
de-designated 
hedge 
relationships1
$million

611

(120)

–

491

Cumulative  
balance of  
fair value 
adjustments  
from  
de-designated 
hedge  
relationships1
$million

443

37

7

487

Issued notes

Debt securities and other eligible bills

Loans and advances to customers

Total as at 31 December 2019

Issued notes

Debt securities and other eligible bills

Loans and advances to customers

Total as at 31 December 2018

1  This represents a credit/(debit) to the balance sheet value

Income statement impact of fair value hedges

Change in fair value of hedging instruments

Change in fair value of hedged risks attributable to hedged items

Net ineffectiveness gain/(loss) to net trading income

Amortisation (loss)/gain to net interest income

2019 
Income/(expense)  
$million

2018 
Income/(expense) 
$million

(86)

104

18

(5)

(851)

758

(93)

27

311

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report14. Derivative financial instruments continued

Cash flow hedges
The Group has exposure to market movements in future interest cash flows on portfolios of customer accounts, debt securities and loans and 
advances to customers. The amounts and timing of future cash flows, representing both principal and interest flows, are projected on the basis 
of contractual terms and other relevant factors, including estimates of prepayments and defaults.

The hedging strategy of the Group involves using interest rate swaps to manage the variability in future cash flows on assets and liabilities that 
have floating rates of interest by exchanging the floating rates for fixed rates. It also uses foreign exchange contracts and currency swaps to 
manage the variability in future exchange rates on its assets and liabilities and costs in foreign currencies. This is done on both a micro basis 
whereby a single interest rate or cross currency swap is designated in a separate relationship with a single hedged item (such as a floating rate 
loan to a customer), and on a portfolio basis whereby each hedging instrument is designated against a group of hedged items that share the 
same risk (such as a group of customer accounts). 

The hedged risk is determined as the variability of future cash flows arising from changes in the designated benchmark interest rate,  
e.g. one-month or three-month LIBOR. 

Hedging instruments and ineffectiveness

Interest rate risk

Interest rate swaps

Currency risk

Forward foreign exchange contracts

Cross currency swaps

Total as at 31 December 2019

Interest rate risk

Interest rate swaps

Currency risk

Forward foreign exchange contracts

Cross currency swaps

Total as at 31 December 2018

Carrying amount

Notional 
$million

Asset 
$million

Liability 
$million

2019

Change in fair 
value used  
to calculate 
hedge 
ineffectiveness 
$million

Ineffectiveness 
gain/(loss) 
recognised in 
net trading 
income 
$million

Amount 
reclassified 
from 
reserves to 
income 
$million

Gain/(loss) 
recognised 
in OCI 
$million

9,277

53

74

(87)

(87)

289

5,254

14,820

6

34

93

20

51

145

6

(5)

(86)

6

(5)

(86)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(2)

(2)

Carrying amount

Notional 
$million

Asset 
$million

Liability 
$million

10,733

59

67

184

2,701

13,618

–

57

116

18

22

107

2018

Change in fair 
value used  
to calculate 
hedge 
ineffectiveness 
$million

Ineffectiveness 
gain/(loss) 
recognised in  
net trading 
income 
$million

Amount 
reclassified 
from  
reserves to 
income 
$million

Gain/(loss) 
recognised  
in OCI 
$million

17

9

57

83

17

9

57

83

–

–

–

–

(1)

–

8

7

312

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements14. Derivative financial instruments continued
Hedged items in cash flow hedges

Customer accounts

Debt securities and other eligible bills

Loans and advances to customers

Forecast cashflow currency hedge

Intragroup lending currency hedge

Total as at 31 December 2019

Customer accounts

Debt securities and other eligible bills

Loans and advances to customers

Total as at 31 December 2018

Impact of cash flow hedges on profit and loss and other comprehensive income

Cash flow hedge reserve balance as at 1 January

(Loss)/gain recognised in other comprehensive income on effective portion of changes in fair value of  
hedging instruments 

Gain transferred to net trading income on hedging instruments no longer in a hedging relationship

Gain/(loss) reclassified to income statement when hedged item affected net profit

Taxation charge relating to cash flow hedges

Cash flow hedge reserve balance as at 31 December

2019

Change in  
fair value used  
for calculating 
hedge 
ineffectiveness 
$million

Cash flow  
hedge reserve 
$million

Cumulative 
balance in the 
cash flow hedge 
reserve from 
de-designated 
hedge 
relationships 
$million

86

(3)

(28)

40

(9)

86

(58)

1

(10)

–

(6)

(73)

2018

(4)

–

(4)

–

–

(8)

Change in  
fair value used  
for calculating 
hedge 
ineffectiveness 
$million

(66)

(9)

(9)

(84)

Cash flow  
hedge reserve 
$million

18

(3)

(39)

(24)

Cumulative  
balance in the  
cash flow hedge 
reserve from 
de-designated 
hedge  
relationships 
$million

33

(1)

(12)

20

2019 
Income/(expense)  
$million

2018 
Income/(expense)  
$million

(10)

(64)

10

11

(6)

(59)

(45)

34

8

(1)

(6)

(10)

313

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report14. Derivative financial instruments continued

Net investment hedges
Foreign currency exposures arise from investments in subsidiaries that have a different functional currency from that of the presentation currency 
of the Group. This risk arises from the fluctuation in spot exchange rates between the functional currency of the subsidiaries and the Group’s 
presentation currency, which causes the value of the investment to vary.

The Group’s policy is to hedge these exposures only when not doing so would be expected to have a significant impact on the regulatory ratios 
of the Group and its banking subsidiaries. The Group uses foreign exchange forwards to manage the effect of exchange rates on its net 
investments in foreign subsidiaries.

Hedging instruments and ineffectiveness

Forward foreign exchange contracts1

Forward foreign exchange contracts1

2019

Change in  
fair value used 
to calculate 
hedge 
ineffectiveness 
$million

Ineffectiveness 
gain/(loss) 
recognised in 
net trading 
income 
$million

Amount 
reclassified 
from 
reserves to 
income 
$million

Gain 
recognised 
in OCI 
$million

Carrying amount

Asset 
$million

Liability 
$million

31

70

98

98

–

–

Notional 
$million

5,103

Notional 
$million

5,200

Carrying amount

Asset 
$million

61

Liability 
$million

7

2018

Change in  
fair value used  
to calculate 
hedge 
ineffectiveness 
$million

Ineffectiveness 
gain/(loss) 
recognised in  
net trading  
income 
$million

Amount 
reclassified 
from  
reserves to  
income 
$million

Gain 
recognised  
in OCI 
$million

54

54

–

–

1  These derivative forward currency contracts have a maturity of less than one year. The hedges are rolled on a periodic basis

Hedged items in net investment hedges

2019

Translation 
reserve 
$million

Balances 
remaining in the 
translation 
reserve from 
de-designated 
hedge 
relationships 
$million

Change in  
fair value used  
for calculating 
hedge 
ineffectiveness 
$million

Net investments

(98)

98

–

Net investments

Impact of net investment hedges on other comprehensive income

Gains recognised in other comprehensive income

2018

Translation  
reserve 
$million

54

Balances  
remaining in the 
translation  
reserve from 
de-designated 
hedge  
relationships 
$million

–

Change in  
fair value used  
for calculating 
hedge  
ineffectiveness 
$million

(54)

2019 
Income/(expense)  
$million

2018 
Income/(expense)  
$million

191

282

314

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements14. Derivative financial instruments continued

Maturity of hedging instruments

Fair value hedges

Interest rate swap

Notional

Average fixed interest rate

Cross currency swap

Notional

Average fixed interest rate (to USD)

Average exchange rate

Cash flow hedges

Interest rate swap

Notional

Average fixed interest rate

Cross currency swap

Notional

Average fixed interest rate

Average exchange rate

Forward foreign exchange contracts

Notional

Average exchange rate

Net investment hedges

Foreign exchange derivatives

Notional

Average exchange rate

1 Offshore currency

2019

More than  
one month  
and less than  
one year

Less than  
one month

One to  
five years 

More than  
five years

433

12,032

46,229

10,427

2.78%

2.50%

2.47%

4.05%

92

–

–

(0.16)%

–

–

4,267

3,379

667

4.00%

5.38%

(0.17)%

0.74

0.55

2.61%

4.71%

–

0.77

0.63

–

–

4.38%

–

–

0.62

–

107.90

109.90

$million

USD

$million

EUR

GBP

JPY

EUR/USD

GBP/USD

JPY/USD

$million

193

4,440

3,891

753

HKD

USD

1.91%

–

1.95%

2.72%

1.80%

1.65%

–

2.46%

$million

403

4,121

730

CNY1

HKD

INR1

KRW1

CNY1/USD

HKD/USD

INR1/USD

KRW1/USD

$million

INR1/USD

INR/USD

GBP/USD

3.22%

–

–

–

6.86

–

–

–

196

81.20

81.01

0.80

$million

5,103

CNY/USD

KRW/USD

TWD/USD

6.90

1,188.90

30.56

3.49%

2.52%

4.32%

1.25%

6.93

7.84

69.43

1,201.23

93

–

–

0.79

–

–

–

–

3.94%

–

3.85%

–

7.08

–

68.85

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

315

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report14. Derivative financial instruments continued

Maturity of hedging instruments continued

2018

More than  
one month  
and less than  
one year

Less than  
one month

One to  
five years 

More than  
five years

$million

323

15,692

40,698

6,962

EUR

GBP

USD

–

0.71%

2.00%

–

0.97%

2.53%

0.38%

1.67%

3.09%

1.16%

1.50%

4.37%

$million

1,030

1,451

4,550

1,932

EUR

GBP

JPY

EUR/USD

JPY/USD

GBP/USD

$million

HKD

USD

4.13%

–

–

0.79

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.10)%

–

110.54

–

3.10%

5.44%

–

0.75

–

0.57

3.13%

4.69%

–

0.80

–

0.61

6,549

2,811

1,373

1.92%

2.62%

2.64%

1.86%

–

2.42%

$million

400

2,220

CNY1

TWD

KRW

CNY1/USD

KRW1/USD

TWD1/USD

$million

INR1/USD

INR/USD

$million

CNY/USD

INR/USD

KRW/USD

TWD/USD

4.01%

–

1.10%

6.45

1,064.68

–

–

–

–

5,200

6.72

70.26

1,111.10

30.14

3.87%

(0.45)%

1.70%

6.62

1,151.14

30.72

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

81

–

–

0.89%

–

1,165.30

–

184

81.20

81.03

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Fair value hedges

Interest rate swap

Notional

Average fixed interest rate

Cross currency swap

Notional

Average fixed interest rate (to USD)

Average exchange rate

Cash flow hedges

Interest rate swap

Notional

Average fixed interest rate

Cross currency swap

Notional

Average fixed interest rate

Average exchange rate

Foreign exchange derivatives

Notional

Average exchange rate

Net investment hedges

Foreign exchange derivatives

Notional

Average exchange rate

1 Offshore currency

316

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements14. Derivative financial instruments continued

Interest rate benchmark reform
As explained in Note 1 on page 262, the Group has early adopted the ‘Interest Rate Benchmark Reform Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and 
IFRS 7’ which allow the Group to assume that the interest rate benchmark on which cash flows for the hedged item and/or hedging instrument 
are based is are altered as a result of IBOR reform for the following activities:

 ¼ Prospective hedge assessment

 ¼ Determining whether a cash flow or forecast transaction for a cash flow hedge is highly probable. However, the Group otherwise assesses 

whether the cash flows are considered highly probable

 ¼ Determining when cumulative balances in the cash flow hedge reserve from de-designated hedges should be recycled to the income 

statement

For retrospective hedge assessment, the Group will not de-designate a hedge relationship if the actual result is outside the required 80-125% 
range, but it can be demonstrated that this is solely caused by interest rate benchmark uncertainty and the hedge passes the prospective 
assessment. Any hedge ineffectiveness continues to be recorded in net trading income.

For hedges of non-contractually specified benchmark portions of an interest rate (such as fair value hedges of interest rate risk on fixed rate debt 
instruments) the Group only assesses whether the designated benchmark is separately identifiable at hedge inception. The choice of designated 
benchmark is not revisited for existing hedge relationships.

In applying these amendments the Group has made the following key assumptions for the period end, to be reviewed on an ongoing basis:

 ¼ The interest rate benchmarks applicable to the Group that are in scope of the IFRS amendments are USD LIBOR, GBP LIBOR, JPY LIBOR 
and Singapore Swap Offer Rate (SGD SOR), which is dependent on USD LIBOR and expected to be replaced by the Singapore Overnight 
Rate Average (SORA) for derivative financial instruments

 ¼ EURIBOR is not in scope of the IFRS amendments because its revised methodology incorporates market transaction data, hence the 

benchmark is expected to continue to exist in future reporting periods

 ¼ The Group believes it is too early to reliably estimate when interest rate benchmark uncertainty will be resolved for all benchmarks assumed  
to be in scope of the amendments. It therefore assumes that the uncertainty arising from interest rate benchmark reform will be present until 
31 December 2021, at which time the amendments to IFRS no longer apply

The Group has established an IBOR Transition Programme that is overseen by the Group’s Chief Operating Officer, and updates a number of 
committees including the Board Risk Committee and Group Risk Committee regularly updated. The programme comprises a series of business 
and function workstreams, with oversight and coordination of the specific areas and risks provided by a central project team. The key objectives 
of these workstreams include identifying all contracts in scope of benchmark reform, upgrading internal systems to support business in the 
alternative RFR product suite, identifying and communicating to customers with whom repricing and/or re-papering IBOR-referenced contracts 
is required and executing the necessary change in contracts. Workstreams actively participate in industry-wide working groups to ensure they 
are kept informed of the latest developments and are consistent with the approaches of other market participants.

As at 31 December 2019, the following populations of derivative instruments designated in fair value or cash flow hedge accounting relationships 
were linked to IBOR reference rates:

Fair value hedges

Cash flow hedges

Notional 
designated  
up to 
31 December 
2021 
$million

Notional 
designated 
beyond 
31 December 
2021 
$million

Notional 
designated  
up to 
31 December 
2021 
$million

Notional 
designated 
beyond 
31 December 
2021 
$million

Total 
$million

Weighted 
average 
exposure 
years

Interest rate swaps

USD LIBOR

GBP LIBOR

JPY LIBOR

SGD SOR

Cross currency swaps

26,159

613

1,429

563

28,764

25,622

4,049

569

132

30,372

950

2,559

55,290

– 

–

–

 –

–

–

4,662

1,998

695

950

2,559

62,645

USD LIBOR vs Fixed rate foreign currency

6,216

2,189

Total notional of hedging instruments  
in scope of IFRS amendments

34,980

32,561

–

950

–

8,405

2,559

71,050

2.7

5.5

2.4

1.7

 2.9

2.7

2.9

The Group’s primary exposure is to USD LIBOR due to the extent of fixed rate debt security assets and issued notes denominated in USD that 
are designated in fair value hedge relationships. Where fixed rate instruments are in other currencies, cross currency swaps are used to achieve 
an equivalent floating USD exposure. 

317

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report15. Loans and advances to banks and customers

Accounting policy
Refer to Note 13 Financial instruments for the relevant accounting policy.

Loans and advances to banks

Expected credit loss

Loans and advances to customers

Expected credit loss

Total loans and advances to banks and customers

2019 
$million

53,558

(9)

53,549

274,306

(5,783)

268,523

322,072

2018 
$million

61,420

(6)

61,414

262,985

(6,428)

256,557

317,971

The Group has outstanding residential mortgage loans to Korea residents of $17.8 billion (31 December 2018: $16.9 billion) and Hong Kong 
residents of $29.9 billion (31 December 2018: $27.8 billion).

Analysis of loans and advances to customers by geographic region and client segments and related impairment provisions is set out within the 
Risk review and Capital review (pages 162).

16. Reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements including other similar secured lending 
and borrowing

Accounting policy
The Group purchases securities (a reverse repurchase agreement – ‘reverse repo’) typically with financial institutions subject to a 
commitment to resell or return the securities at a predetermined price. These securities are not included in the balance sheet as the Group 
does not acquire the risks and rewards of ownership; however, they are recorded off-balance sheet as collateral received. Consideration paid 
(or cash collateral provided) is accounted for as a loan asset at amortised cost, unless it is managed on a fair value basis or designated at fair 
value through profit or loss. In the majority of cases through the contractual terms of a reverse repo arrangement, the Group as the transferee 
of the security collateral has the right to sell or repledge the asset concerned.

The Group also sells securities (a repurchase agreement – ‘repo’) subject to a commitment to repurchase or redeem the securities at a 
predetermined price. The securities are retained on the balance sheet as the Group retains substantially all the risks and rewards of 
ownership and these securities are disclosed as pledged collateral. Consideration received (or cash collateral received) is accounted for as  
a financial liability at amortised cost, unless it is either mandatorily classified as fair value through profit or loss or irrevocably designated at  
fair value through profit or loss at initial recognition. 

Financial assets are pledged as collateral as part of sales and repurchases, securities borrowing and securitisation transactions under terms 
that are usual and customary for such activities. The Group is obliged to return equivalent securities.

Repo and reverse repo transactions typically entitle the Group and its counterparties to have recourse to assets similar to those provided  
as collateral in the event of a default. Securities sold subject to repos, either by way of a Global Master Repurchase Agreement (GMRA), or 
through a securities sale and Total Return Swap (TRS) continue to be recognised on the balance sheet as the Group retains substantially  
the associated risks and rewards of the securities (the TRS is not recognised). The counterparty liability is included in deposits by banks or 
customer accounts, as appropriate. Assets sold under repurchase agreements are considered encumbered as the Group cannot pledge 
these to obtain funding.

Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending

Banks

Customers

Of which:

Fair value through profit or loss

Banks

Customers

Held at amortised cost

Banks

Customers

318

2019 
$million

19,610

40,804

60,414

57,604

18,269

39,335

2,810

1,341

1,469

2018 
$million

20,698

41,037

61,735

54,769

16,883

37,886

6,966

3,815

3,151

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements16. Reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements including other similar secured lending 
and borrowing continued

Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending continued
Under reverse repurchase and securities borrowing arrangements, the Group obtains securities on terms which permit it to repledge or resell 
the securities to others. Amounts on such terms are:

Securities and collateral received (at fair value)

Securities and collateral which can be repledged or sold (at fair value)

Amounts repledged/transferred to others for financing activities, to satisfy liabilities under sale and repurchase 
agreements (at fair value)

Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing

Banks

Customers

Of which:

Fair value through profit or loss

Banks

Customers

Held at amortised cost

Banks

Customers

2019 
$million

86,308

85,415

2018 
$million

84,557

82,534

44,530

40,552

2019 
$million

7,789

40,429

48,218

46,283

7,401

38,882

1,935

388

1,547

2018 
$million

4,984

39,417

44,401

43,000

4,777

38,223

1,401

207

1,194

The tables below set out the financial assets provided as collateral for repurchase and other secured borrowing transactions:

Collateral pledged against repurchase agreements

On-balance sheet

2019

Fair value 
through  
profit or loss 
$million

Fair value 
through other 
comprehensive 
income 
$million

Amortised cost 
$million

Off-balance 
sheet 
$million

Total 
$million

Debt securities, alternative tier one and other eligible bills

1,036

2,137

1,023

–

4,196

Off-balance sheet

Repledged collateral received

As at 31 December 2019

Collateral pledged against repurchase agreements

On-balance sheet

Debt securities, alternative tier one and other eligible bills

Off-balance sheet

Repledged collateral received

As at 31 December 2018

–

1,036

–

2,137

–

1,023

44,530

44,530

44,530

48,726

2018

Fair value  
through  
profit or loss 
$million

Fair value  
through other 
comprehensive 
income 
$million

Amortised cost 
$million

Off-balance  
sheet 
$million

Total 
$million

2,060

–

2,060

1,974

–

1,974

49

–

49

–

4,083

40,552

40,552

40,552

44,635

319

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report17. Goodwill and intangible assets

Accounting policy
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets and 
contingent liabilities of the acquired subsidiary, associate or joint venture at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is 
included in intangible assets. Goodwill on acquisitions of associates is included in Investments in associates. Goodwill included in intangible 
assets is assessed at each balance sheet date for impairment and carried at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Gains and 
losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold. Detailed calculations are performed 
based on discounting expected cash flows of the relevant cash generating units (CGUs) and discounting these at an appropriate discount 
rate, the determination of which requires the exercise of judgement. Goodwill is allocated to CGUs for the purpose of impairment testing. 
CGUs represent the lowest level within the Group which generate separate cash inflows and at which the goodwill is monitored for internal 
management purposes. These are equal to or smaller than the Group’s reportable segments (as set out in Note 2) as the Group views its 
reportable segments on a global basis. The major CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated are set out in the CGU table (page 322).

Significant accounting estimates and judgements
The carrying amount of goodwill is based on the application of judgements including the basis of goodwill impairment calculation 
assumptions. Judgement is also applied in determination of cash generating units.

Estimates include forecasts used for determining cash flows for CGUs and discount rates which factor in country risk-free rates and 
applicable risk premiums. The Group undertakes an annual assessment to evaluate whether the carrying value of goodwill on-balance sheet 
is impaired. The estimation of future cash flows and the level to which they are discounted is inherently uncertain and requires significant 
judgement and is subject to potential change over time.

Acquired intangibles
At the date of acquisition of a subsidiary or associate, intangible assets which are deemed separable and that arise from contractual or other 
legal rights are capitalised and included within the net identifiable assets acquired. These intangible assets are initially measured at fair value, 
which reflects market expectations of the probability that the future economic benefits embodied in the asset will flow to the entity, and are 
amortised on the basis of their expected useful lives (4 to 16 years). At each balance sheet date, these assets are assessed for indicators of 
impairment. In the event that an asset’s carrying amount is determined to be greater than its recoverable amount, the asset is written down 
immediately.

Computer software
Acquired computer software licences are capitalised on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific software. 

Internally generated software represents substantially all of the total software capitalised. Direct costs of the development of separately 
identifiable internally generated software are capitalised where it is probable that future economic benefits attributable to the asset will flow 
from its use (internally generated software). These costs include salaries and wages, materials, service providers and contractors, and  
directly attributable overheads. Costs incurred in the ongoing maintenance of software are expensed immediately when incurred. Internally 
generated software is amortised over a three to five year time period. On an annual basis, software assets’ residual values and useful lives 
are reviewed, including assessing for indicators of impairment. Indicators of impairment include loss of business relevance, obsolescence of 
asset, exit of the business to which the software relates, technological changes, change in use of the asset, reduction in useful life, plans to 
reduce usage or scope.

For capitalised software, judgement is required to determine which costs relate to research (and are therefore expensed) and which costs 
relate to development (capitalised). Further judgement is required to determine the technical feasibility of completing the software such that it 
will be available for use. Estimates are used to determine how the software will generate probable future economic benefits. These estimates 
include: cost savings, income increases, balance sheet improvements, improved functionality or improved asset safeguarding.

320

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements17. Goodwill and intangible assets continued

Cost

At 1 January

Exchange translation differences

Additions

Disposals

Impairment

Amounts written off

Classified as held for sale

At 31 December

Provision for amortisation

At 1 January

Exchange translation differences

Amortisation

Impairment charge

Disposals

Amounts written off

At 31 December

Net book value 

2019

2018

Goodwill 
$million

Acquired 
intangibles 
$million

Computer 
software 
$million

Total 
$million

Goodwill 
$million

Acquired 
intangibles 
$million

Computer 
software 
$million

Total 
$million

3,116

(10)

–

–

(27)

–

–

3,079

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,079

510

2,835

6,461

(5)

1

(1)

–

(44)

–

461

458

(5)

9

–

(1)

(30)

431

30

26

753

(3)

–

(372)

–

11

754

(4)

(27)

(416)

–

3,239

6,779

947

6

436

12

–

(343)

1,058

2,181

1,405

1

445

12

(1)

(373)

1,489

5,290

3,252

(105)

–

–

–

–

(31)

3,116

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,116

578

(24)

1

–

–

(5)

(40)

510

470

(22)

10

–

–

–

458

52

2,529

6,359

(67)

695

–

–

(322)

–

(196)

696

–

–

(327)

(71)

2,835

6,461

876

(21)

363

46

–

(317)

947

1,888

1,346

(43)

373

46

–

(317)

1,405

5,056

At 31 December 2019, accumulated goodwill impairment losses incurred from 1 January 2005 amounted to $2,828 million (31 December 2018: 
$2,801 million), of which $27 million was recognised in 2019 (31 December 2018: nil).

Goodwill
CGU structure
During the year, the Group reviewed its CGU structure. In determining the level at which management monitor goodwill and level at which 
independent cash flows are generated, the Group determined that CIB as a global business segment should be a single CGU and combined 
the prior period Corporate Finance and Transaction Banking product level CGUs. As a result of the change, CIB and Private Banking are 
considered global CGUs which are managed on a Global basis, while Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, Central, including Treasury Market 
activities are managed on a country basis.

Testing of goodwill for impairment
An annual assessment is made as to whether the current carrying value of goodwill is impaired. For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill 
is allocated at the date of acquisition to a CGU. Goodwill is considered to be impaired if the carrying amount of the relevant CGU exceeds its 
recoverable amount. Indicators of impairment include changes in the economic performance and outlook of the region, including geopolitical 
changes, changes in market value of regional investments, large credit defaults and strategic decisions to exit certain regions. The recoverable 
amounts for all the CGUs were measured based on value-in-use (ViU). The calculation of ViU for each CGU is calculated using five-year cash 
flow projections and an estimated terminal value based on a perpetuity value after year five. The cash flow projections are based on forecasts 
approved by management up to 2024. The perpetuity terminal value amount is calculated using year five cash flows using long-term GDP 
growth rates. All cash flows are discounted using discount rates which reflect market rates appropriate to the CGU. 

321

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report17. Goodwill and intangible assets continued

Goodwill continued
The goodwill allocated to each CGU and key assumptions used in determining the recoverable amounts are set out below and are solely 
estimates for the purposes of assessing impairment of acquired goodwill.

2019

restated 2018

Goodwill 
$million

Pre-tax  
discount rate 
per cent

Long-term 
forecast GDP 
growth rates 
per cent

Goodwill 
$million

Pre-tax  
discount rate 
per cent

Long-term  
forecast GDP 
growth rates 
per cent

900

358

542

512

188

204

120

706

259

342

105

961

84

877

3,079

10.6

13.2

31.4

8.5

2.4

2.0

4.0

2.5

8.9–16.6

2.5–4.9

23.2

12.2

7.3

1.9

13.8–17.3

3.3–7.3

11.4

11.9

3.5

3.5

887

357

530

520

194

204

122

734

262

339

133

975

84

891

3,116

13.2

13.0

22.8

9.0

3.0

2.1

3.4

3.3

10.6–19.0

2.6–5.3

19.9

15.9

7.7

2.7

15.4–20.5

4.4–7.0

10.3

10.3

3.6

3.6

Cash generating unit

Country CGUs

Greater China & North Asia

Hong Kong

Taiwan

Africa & Middle East

Pakistan

UAE

Others (5)1

ASEAN & South Asia

India

Singapore

Others (6)2

Global CGUs

Global Private Banking 

Global Corporate & Institutional Banking3

1  Bahrain, Ghana, Jordan, Oman and Qatar

2  Bangladesh, Brunei, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Vietnam

3  Global Corporate Finance and Global Transaction Banking CGUs are now combined into a single Global Corporate & Institutional Banking CGU

Three country CGUs; Sri Lanka, Nepal and Oman have had all of the goodwill allocated to them written off, totalling $27 million. This was a result 
of insufficient cash flows in the ViU calculation such that the carrying amount of each CGU, which included goodwill, was greater than the 
recoverable amount. 

The Group has performed sensitivity analysis on the key assumptions for each CGU’s recoverable amount. The following CGUs are considered 
sensitive to the key variables and any individual movements on the estimates (cashflow, discount rate and GDP growth rate) up to the levels 
disclosed below would eliminate the current headroom.

Taiwan

India

Pakistan

2019

Goodwill 
$million

Headroom 
$million

Cash flow 
reduction 
per cent

Discount rate 
increase 
per cent

GDP growth  
rate decline 
per cent

542

259

188

63

11

16

4

1

6

1

1

1

1

1

2

Acquired intangibles
These primarily comprise those items recognised as part of the acquisitions of Union Bank (now amalgamated into Standard Chartered Bank 
(Pakistan) Limited), Hsinchu (now amalgamated into Standard Chartered Bank (Taiwan) Limited), Pembroke, American Express Bank and 
ABSA’s custody business in Africa. Maintenance intangible assets represent the value in the difference between the contractual right under 
acquired leases to receive aircraft in a specified maintenance condition at the end of the lease and the actual physical condition of the aircraft  
at the date of acquisition.

The acquired intangibles are amortised over periods from four years to a maximum of 16 years. The constituents are as follows:

Acquired intangibles comprise:

Aircraft maintenance

Core deposits

Customer relationships

Licences

Net book value

322

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

10

1

12

7

30

24

2

19

7

52

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements18. Property, plant and equipment

Accounting policy
All property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost includes expenditure that is 
directly attributable to the acquisition of the assets. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or are recognised as a 
separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and  
the cost of the item can be measured reliably. 

At each balance sheet date the assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, including assessing for 
indicators of impairment. In the event that an asset’s carrying amount is determined to be greater than its recoverable amount, the asset is 
written down to the recoverable amount. Gains and losses on disposals are included in the income statement. 

Repairs and maintenance are charged to the income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.

Land and buildings comprise mainly branches and offices. Freehold land is not depreciated although it is subject to impairment testing. 

Depreciation on other assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost to their residual values over their estimated 
useful lives, as follows: 

 ¼ Buildings  

up to 50 years

 ¼ Leasehold improvements life of lease   up to 50 years

 ¼ Equipment and motor vehicles  

three to 15 years

 ¼ Aircraft   

 ¼ Ships    

up to 18 years

up to 15 years

Where the Group is a lessee of a right-of-use asset, the leased assets are capitalised and included in Property, plant and equipment with a 
corresponding liability to the lessor recognised in Other liabilities, in accordance with the Group’s leased assets accounting policy in Note 19.

All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.

Premises 
$million

Equipment 
$million

2019

Operating  
lease assets 
$million

Leased  
premises  
assets3
$million

Leased 
equipment 
assets3
$million

Cost or valuation

At 1 January 

Exchange translation differences 

Additions 

Disposals and fully depreciated assets 
written off 

Transfers to assets held for sale

As at 31 December

Depreciation

Accumulated at 1 January 

Exchange translation differences 

Charge for the year

Impairment (release)/charge

Attributable to assets sold, transferred or 
written off

Transfers to assets held for sale

Accumulated at 31 December

2,070

(31)

961

(62)2

(15)

2,058

706

(7)

77

1

(35)2

(5)

737

Net book amount at 31 December

1,321

766

(17)

1231

(72)2

–

800

494

(10)

106

–

(72)2

–

518

282

6,323

(5)

299

(694)

(1,462)

4,461

1,469

(5)

263

121

(155)

(626)

1,067

3,394

1,408

(35)

128

(8)

–

1,493

–

7

283

–

(4)

–

286

1,207

13

–

10

–

–

23

1

–

6

–

–

–

7

16

Total 
$million

10,580

(88)

656

(836)

(1,477)

8,835

2,670

(15)

735

122

(266)

(631)

2,615

6,220

1  Refer to the cash flow statement under cash flows from investing activities section for the purchase of property, plant and equipment during the year of $219 million on page 258

2  Disposals for property, plant and equipment during the year of $119 million in the cash flow statement would include the gains and losses incurred as part of other operating income 

(Note 6) on disposal of assets during the year and the net book value disposed

3  Leased premises assets and leased equipment assets were newly recognised on 1 January 2019 due to the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases (refer to Note 1). The Group applied the 
modified retrospective transition approach, such that the right-of-use asset recognised equals the lease liability, adjusted for prepayments and accruals recognised under IAS 17  
as of 31 December 2018

323

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report 
 
 
 
 
 
18. Property, plant and equipment continued

Cost or valuation

At 1 January 

Exchange translation differences 

Additions 

Disposals and fully depreciated assets written off 

Transfers to assets held for sale

As at 31 December

Depreciation

Accumulated at 1 January 

Exchange translation differences 

Charge for the year

Impairment (release)/charge

Attributable to assets sold, transferred or written off

Transfers to assets held for sale

Accumulated at 31 December

Net book amount at 31 December

2018

Premises 
$million

Equipment 
$million

Operating  
lease assets 
$million

2,216

(80)

461

(92)2

(20)

2,070

753

(25)

86

(5)

(91)2

(12)

706

1,364

767

(38)

1251

(87)2

(1)

766

513

(26)

94

–

(86)2

(1)

494

272

7,000

(8)

866

(1,244)

(291)

6,323

1,506

(9)

304

155

(358)

(129)

1,469

4,854

Total 
$million

9,983

(126)

1,037

(1,423)

(312)

9,159

2,772

(60)

484

150

(535)

(142)

2,669

6,490

1  Refer to the cash flow statement under cash flows from investing activities section for the purchase of property, plant and equipment during the year of $171 million on page 258

2  Disposals for property, plant and equipment during the year of $85 million in the cash flow statement would include the gains and losses incurred as part of other operating income 

(Note 6) on disposal of assets during the year and the net book value disposed

Operating lease assets
Assets leased to customers under operating leases consist of commercial aircraft which is included within property, plant and equipment. The 
leases are classified as operating leases as they do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to the ownership of the assets, 
and rental income from operating lease assets is disclosed in Note 6. At 31 December 2019, these assets had a net book value of $3,394 million 
(31 December 2018: $4,854 million).

2019 
Minimum lease 
receivables 
under operating 
leases  
falling due: 
$million

2018 
Minimum lease 
receivables  
under operating  
leases  
falling due: 
$million

473

451

403

337

82

789

527

499

467

405

341

997

2,535

3,236

Within one year

One to two years

Two to three years

Three to four years

Four to five years

After five years

324

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements19. Leased assets

Accounting policy
The Group assesses whether a contract is a lease in scope of this policy by determining whether the contract gives it the right to use a 
specified underlying physical asset for a lease term greater than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value.

Where the Group is a lessee and the lease is deemed in scope, it recognises a liability equal to the present value of lease payments over  
the lease term, discounted using the incremental borrowing rate applicable in the economic environment of the lease. The liability is 
recognised in ‘Other liabilities’. A corresponding right-of-use asset equal to the liability, adjusted for any lease payments made at or before  
the commencement date, is recognised in ‘Property, plant and equipment’. The lease term includes any extension options contained in the 
contract that the Group is reasonably certain it will exercise.

The Group subsequently depreciates the right-of-use asset using the straight-line method over the lease term and measures the lease liability 
using the effective interest method. Depreciation on the asset is recognised in ‘Depreciation and amortisation’, and interest on the lease 
liability is recognised in ‘Interest expense’.

The judgements in determining lease balances are the determination of whether the Group is reasonably certain that it will exercise extension 
options present in lease contracts. On initial recognition, the Group considers a range of characteristics such as premises function, regional 
trends and the term remaining on the lease to determine whether it is reasonably certain that a contractual right to extend a lease will be 
exercised. Where a change in assumption is confirmed by the local property management team, a remeasurement is performed in the 
Group-managed vendor system.

The estimates were the determination of incremental borrowing rates in the respective economic environments. The Group uses third party 
broker quotes to estimate its USD cost of senior unsecured borrowing, then uses cross currency swap pricing information to determine the 
equivalent cost of borrowing in other currencies. Quotes from different brokers are compared to ensure they are reflective of prevailing 
market conditions.

Prior period information is not restated, i.e. it is presented, as previously reported, under IAS 17 and related interpretations in which the Group as 
lessee recognised lease payments in operating expenses on a straight-line basis and disclosed future minimum lease payments. The difference 
between operating lease commitments of $907 million disclosed in the Group’s 2018 Annual Report and newly recognised lease liabilities of 
$1,421 million on 1 January 2019 is driven by different requirements between the old and new standard on which expected cash flows to 
include. IFRS 16 requires the lease term used to measure lease liabilities to include “reasonably certain” renewal options, whereas previously  
IAS 17 required disclosure of “non-cancellable” lease commitments. The consequences of this are:

 ¼ Under IFRS 16, for some leases the Group includes lease renewal options which it is reasonably certain will be exercised in the measurement 
of lease liabilities. The cash flows associated with renewal options were not included in the previous operating lease commitment disclosures

 ¼ In certain jurisdictions, the Group has a unilateral right to cancel building leases with notice of fewer than three months without incurring a 
significant financial penalty. In previous disclosures, the Group would exclude cash flows beyond the non-cancellable period as permitted 
under IAS 17, but under IFRS 16 the Group would only exclude these cashflows from lease measurement if it was reasonably certain the 
termination clause would be exercised

Existing lease liabilities may change in future periods due to changes in assumptions or decisions to exercise lease renewal or termination 
options, changes in payments due to renegotiations of market rental rates as permitted by those contracts and changes to payments due to 
rent being contractually linked to an inflation index. In general the remeasurement of a lease liability under these circumstances leads to an equal 
change to the right-of-use asset balance, with no immediate effect on the income statement.

The total cash outflow during the year for premises and equipment leases was $397 million.

The total expense during the year in respect of leases with a term less than or equal to 12 months was $20 million.

The right-of-use asset balances and depreciation charges are disclosed in Note 18. The lease liability balances are disclosed in Note 23 and the 
interest expense on lease liabilities is disclosed in Note 3. 

Maturity analysis
The maturity profile for lease liabilities associated with leased premises and equipment assets is as follows:

Other liabilities – lease liabilities

One year  
or less  
$million

24

Between  
one year and  
two years  
$million

Between  
two years and 
five years  
$million

53

326

More than  
five years  
$million

892

Total  
$million

1,295

325

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report20. Other assets

Accounting policy
Refer to Note 13 Financial instruments for the relevant accounting policy.

Commodities represent physical holdings where the Group has title and exposure to the market risk associated with the holding. 
Commodities are fair valued with the fair value derived from observable spot or short-term futures prices from relevant exchanges.

Other assets include:

Financial assets held at amortised cost (Note 13)

Hong Kong SAR Government certificates of indebtedness (Note 23)1

Cash collateral

Acceptances and endorsements2

Unsettled trades and other financial assets

Non-financial assets:

Commodities3

Other assets

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

6,911

9,169

5,518

14,563

36,161

5,465

396

42,022

5,964

10,323

4,923

11,468

32,678

2,488

235

35,401

1  The Hong Kong SAR Government certificates of indebtedness are subordinated to the claims of other parties in respect of bank notes issued

2  Trade finance whereby the Group offers a guarantee of payment between trade counterparties for a fee

3  Commodities are carried at fair value and classified as Level 2

21. Assets held for sale and associated liabilities

Accounting policy
Financial instruments can be reclassified as held for sale if they are non-current assets or if they are part of a disposal group; however, the 
measurement provisions for the financial instruments remain governed by the requirements of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. Refer to Note 13 
Financial instruments for the relevant accounting policy.

Non-current assets are classified as held for sale and measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell when: 

a) Their carrying amounts will be recovered principally through sale

b) They are available for immediate sale in their present condition

c) Their sale is highly probable

Immediately before the initial classification as held for sale, the carrying amounts of the assets are measured in accordance with the 
applicable accounting policies related to the asset or liability before reclassification as held for sale.

The assets below have been presented as held for sale following the approval of Group management and the transactions are expected to 
complete in 2020.

Following a decision by the Board of directors to exit the ship leasing business within CIB, the shipping portfolio has been moved to held  
for sale.

The financial assets reported below are classified under Level 1 $70 million (31 December 2018: $82 million), Level 2 nil (31 December 2018: 
$14 million) and Level 3 $260 million (31 December 2018: $791 million).

326

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements21. Assets held for sale and associated liabilities continued

Assets held for sale

Debt securities

Equity shares

Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss1

Loans and advances to banks

Loans and advances to customers

Debt securities held at amortised cost

Financial assets held at amortised cost

Interests in joint venture

Goodwill and intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment2

Others

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

–

330

330

–

32

58

90

800

–

833

–

14

873

887

112

23

–

135

–

71

170

65

2,053

1,328

1  Principal Finance assets of $330 million (31 December 2018: $887 million), classified as financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss is expected to be disposed of by the end 

of 2020

2  Aircraft classified as held for sale by Pembroke Air Leasing Finance $50 million (31 December 2018: $162 million) and vessels classified as held for sale $769 million (31 December 

2018: Nil) totalling to $819 million is included within property, plant and equipment

Interests in joint venture

As at 1 January

Exchange translation difference

Expected credit loss, net1

Share of profit

Share of FVOCI and other reserves

As at 31 December

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

717

32

–

48

3

800

775

(49)

(33)

26

(2)

717

1  IFRS 9 transition impact from joint venture is reported here

The Group’s principal joint venture is PT Bank Permata Tbk (Permata). The Group has a 44.56 per cent (31 December 2018: 44.56 per cent) 
equity investment in Permata. The Group has determined that it has joint control of Permata through its shareholding, which is held alongside a 
third party that holds the same percentage. The Group has made the judgement that, through these equity holdings, and in making decisions 
pertaining to Permata, that both parties require each other’s unanimous consent when making decisions over the relevant activities of Permata. 
Permata is based in Indonesia and provides financial services to consumer and commercial banking clients. The Group’s share of profit of 
Permata amounts to $48 million (31 December 2018: $26 million) and the Group’s share of net assets was $800 million (31 December 2018: 
$717 million). Permata is listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange with a share price of IDR1265 as at 30 December 2019, resulting in a share 
capitalisation value of the Group’s investment of $1,140 million.

327

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report21. Assets held for sale and associated liabilities continued

Interests in joint venture continued
The following table sets out the summarised financial statements of PT Bank Permata Tbk prior to the Group’s share of joint ventures being 
applied:

Cash and balances at central banks

Loans and advances to banks

Loans and advances to customers

Other assets

Total Assets

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Other financial liabilities

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Total Equity

Operating income

Of which:

Interest income

Interest expense

Expenses

Of which:

Depreciation and amortisation

Impairment 

Operating profit

Taxation

Profit after tax

The financial statements of PT Bank Permata Tbk includes the following:

Other comprehensive profit/(loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Dividends received from PT Bank Permata Tbk were nil (2018: nil).

2019 
$million

749

1,281

7,621

1,780

11,431

557

8,886

6

436

9,885

1,546

550

830

(426)

(333)

(13)

(72)

145

(37)

108

6

114

2018 
$million

766

929

6,862

1,882

10,439

171

8,171

8

648

8,998

1,441

517

779

(399)

(312)

(5)

(117)

88

(23)

65

(8)

57

Reconciliation of the net assets above to the carrying amount of the investments in PT Bank Permata Tbk recognised in the consolidated 
financial statements:

Net assets of PT Bank Permata Tbk

Proportion of the Group’s ownership interest in joint ventures

Notional goodwill

Other adjustments1

Carrying amount of the Group’s interest in PT Bank Permata Tbk

1  Relates to IFRS 9 transition adjustments

2019 
$million

1,546

688

112

–

800

2018 
$million

1,441

642

108

(33)

717

In December 2019 the Group signed a conditional share purchase agreement to sell their 44.56 per cent equity interest in Permata, subject  
to regulatory and purchaser shareholder approvals. The purchase price will be 1.77 times Permata’s Book Value based on the most recent 
financial results published prior to completion. The estimated consideration payable to SCB in cash is approximately $1.3 billion. Upon 
completion of the transaction, SCB will cease to have any equity interest in Permata. The Group has classified its interest in the joint venture 
as held for sale.

328

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements21. Assets held for sale and associated liabilities continued

Liabilities held for sale
As at 31 December 2019, there were no held for sale financial liabilities associated with the Principal Finance business (31 December 2018: 
$198 million).

Derivative financial instruments

Financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss

Other liabilities

Provisions for liabilities and charges

2019 
$million

–

–

9

–

9

2018 
$million

 1981 

198

48

1

247

1  The derivative liability was a fixed price forward sale contract to sell the Principal Finance assets, which settled during 2019

22. Debt securities in issue

Accounting policy
Refer to Note 13 Financial instruments for the relevant accounting policy.

Certificates of 
deposit of 
$100,000 or more 
$million

2019

Other debt 
securities  
in issue 
$million

Debt securities in issue

22,242

30,783

Certificates of 
deposit of  
$100,000 or more 
$million

20,949

Total 
$million

53,025

2018

Other debt 
securities  
in issue 
$million

25,505

Debt securities in issue included within:

Financial liabilities held at fair value through 
profit or loss (Note 13)

Total debt securities in issue

–

22,242

8,510

39,293

8,510

61,535

–

20,949

7,405

32,910

In 2019, the Company issued a total of $6.1 billion senior notes for general business purposes of the Group as shown below:

Securities

$1,500 million callable floating rate senior notes due 2022 (callable 2021)

$1,250 million callable fixed rate senior notes due 2022 (callable 2021)

$1,000 million callable fixed rate senior notes due 2025 (callable 2024)

$1,000 million callable fixed rate senior notes due 2030 (callable 2029)

EUR 500 million callable fixed rate senior notes due 2027 (callable 2026)

AUD 600 million callable fixed rate senior notes due 2025 (callable 2024)

AUD 400 million callable fixed rate senior notes due 2025 (callable 2024)

$100 million zero coupon callable bond due 2049 (callable 2024)

Total senior notes issued

In 2018, the Company issued a total of $4.6 billion senior notes for general business purposes of the Group as shown below:

Securities 

$1,400 million callable fixed rate senior notes due 2023 (callable 2022)

$1,250 million callable fixed rate senior notes due 2024 (callable 2023)

JPY 111 billion callable fixed rate senior notes due 2024 (callable 2023)

$600 million callable floating rate senior notes due 2024 (callable 2023)

JPY 18.9 billion fixed rate senior notes due 2025

$28 million fixed rate senior notes due 2026

JPY 10 billion callable fixed rate senior notes due 2029 (callable 2028)

Total senior notes issued

Where a debt instrument is callable, the issuer has the right to call.

Total 
$million

46,454

7,405

53,859

$million

1,500

1,250

1,000

1,000

567

417

278

100

6,112

$million

1,400

1,250

1,011

600

172

28

91

4,552

329

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report23. Other liabilities

Accounting policy
Refer to Note 13 Financial instruments for the relevant accounting policy for financial liabilities, Note 19 Leased assets for the accounting 
policy for leases and Note 31 Share-based payments for the accounting policy for cash-settled share-based payments.

Financial liabilities held at amortised cost (Note 13)

Notes in circulation1

Acceptances and endorsements2

Cash collateral

Property leases3

Equipment leases3

Unsettled trades and other financial liabilities

Non-financial liabilities

Cash-settled share-based payments

Other liabilities

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

6,911

5,518

7,824

1,275

20

19,601

41,149

50

384

5,964

4,923

9,259

–

–

17,799

37,945

32

332

41,583

38,309

1  Hong Kong currency notes in circulation of $6,911 million (31 December 2018: $5,964 million) that are secured by the Government of Hong Kong SAR certificates of indebtedness  

of the same amount included in other assets (Note 20)

2  Trade finance whereby the Group offers a guarantee of payment between trade counterparties for a fee

3  Other financial liabilities now include the present value of lease liabilities, as required by IFRS 16 from 1 January 2019, refer to Note 19

24. Provisions for liabilities and charges

Accounting policy
The Group recognises a provision for a present legal or constructive obligation resulting from a past event when it is more likely than not that 
it will be required to transfer economic benefits to settle the obligation and the amount of the obligation can be estimated reliably. Where a 
liability arises based on participation in a market at a specified date, the obligation is recognised in the financial statements on that date and  
is not accrued over the period.

Significant accounting estimates and judgements
The recognition and measurement of provisions for liabilities and charges requires significant judgement and the use of estimates about 
uncertain future conditions or events. 

Estimates include the best estimate of the probability of outflow of economic resources, cost of settling a provision and timing of settlement. 
Judgements are required for inherently uncertain areas such as legal decisions (including external advice obtained), and outcome of regulator 
reviews.

At 1 January 

Exchange translation differences

Transfer

Charge against profit

Provisions utilised

At 31 December 

Provision  
for credit 
commitments 
$million

281

5

–

35

(4)

317

2019

Other  
provisions 
$million

1,049

4

–

239

(1,160)

132

Total 
$million

1,330

9

–

274

(1,164)

449

Provision  
for credit 
commitments 
$million

2018

Other  
provisions 
$million

Total 
$million

359

(10)

39

995

(53)

100

(1)

39

956

(45)

1,049

1,330

259

(9)

–

39

(8)

281

Provision for credit commitment comprises those undrawn contractually committed facilities where there is doubt as to the borrowers’ ability to 
meet their repayment obligations.

Other provisions consist mainly of provisions for regulatory settlements and legal claims, the nature of which are described in Note 26  
(page 332).

330

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements25. Contingent liabilities and commitments

Accounting policy
Contingent liabilities are possible obligations arising from past events, whose existence will be confirmed only by uncertain future events or 
present obligations arising from past events that are not recognised because either an outflow of economic benefits is not probable or the 
amount of the obligation cannot be reliably measured. Contingent liabilities are not recognised but information about them is disclosed 
unless the possibility of any outflow of economic benefits in settlement is remote.

Where the Group undertakes to make a payment on behalf of its customers for guarantees issued such as for performance bonds or as 
irrevocable letters of credit as part of the Group’s Transaction Banking business, for which an obligation to make a payment has not arisen  
at the reporting date, those are included in these financial statements as contingent liabilities.

Other contingent liabilities primarily include revocable letters of credit and bonds issued on behalf of customers to customs officials, for bids 
or offers and as shipping guarantees.

Commitments are where the Group has confirmed its intention to provide funds to a customer or on behalf of a customer in the form of 
loans, overdrafts, future guarantees, whether cancellable or not, or letters of credit, and the Group has not made payments at the balance 
sheet date; those instruments are included in these financial statement as commitments. Commitments and contingent liabilities are 
generally considered on demand as the Group may have to honour them, or client may draw down at any time.

Capital commitments are contractual commitments the Group has entered into to purchase non-financial assets.

The table below shows the contract or underlying principal amounts of unmatured off-balance sheet transactions at the balance sheet date.  
The contract or underlying principal amounts indicate the volume of business outstanding and do not represent amounts at risk.

Contingent liabilities

Guarantees and irrevocable letters of credit

Other contingent liabilities

Commitments

Documentary credits and short-term trade-related transactions

Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines and other commitments to lend

One year and over

Less than one year

Unconditionally cancellable

Capital commitments

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

37,007

5,425

42,432

36,511

5,441

41,952

4,282

3,982

64,450

34,925

41,819

145,476

71,467

37,041

39,220

151,710

Contracted capital expenditure approved by the directors but not provided for in these accounts1

419

450

1  Of which the Group has commitments totalling $400 million to purchase aircraft for delivery in 2020 (31 December 2018: $439 million). No pre-delivery payments have been made in 

respect of these commitments (2018: $5 million)

The Group’s share of contingent liabilities and commitments relating to joint ventures is $251 million (31 December 2018: $205 million). As set  
out in Note 26, the Group has contingent liabilities in respect of certain legal and regulatory matters for which it is not practicable to estimate the 
financial impact as there are many factors that may affect the range of possible outcomes.

331

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report26. Legal and regulatory matters

Accounting policy
Where appropriate, the Group recognises a provision for liabilities when it is probable that an outflow of economic resources embodying 
economic benefits will be required and for which a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation. The uncertainties inherent in legal  
and regulatory matters affect the amount and timing of any potential outflows with respect to which provisions have been established.  
These uncertainties also mean that it is not possible to give an aggregate estimate of contingent liabilities arising from such legal and 
regulatory matters.

Claims and other proceedings
The Group receives legal claims against it in a number of jurisdictions and is subject to regulatory and enforcement investigations and 
proceedings from time to time. 

Apart from the matters described below, the Group currently considers none of these claims, investigations or proceedings to be material. 
However, in light of the uncertainties involved in such matters there can be no assurance that the outcome of a particular matter or matters 
currently not considered to be material may not ultimately be material to the Group’s results in a particular reporting period depending on, 
among other things, the amount of the loss resulting from the matter(s) and the results otherwise reported for such period.

Investigations into, and resolutions with respect to, historical sanctions and financial crime control issues
In April 2019, the Group announced that it had resolved the previously disclosed investigations by (i) the New York Department of Financial 
Services (NYDFS), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the New York County District 
Attorney’s Office (DANY) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (together the ‘US Authorities’) concerning historical violations of US sanctions 
laws and regulations from 2007 through to 2014 and (ii) the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) concerning the effectiveness and governance of 
historical financial crime controls in the Group’s UK correspondent banking business and in its UAE branches (the 2019 Resolutions). Under the 
terms of the 2019 Resolutions, the Group agreed to pay a total of $947 million in monetary penalties to the US Authorities and £102 million to  
the FCA. As part of the 2019 Resolutions, the Group’s Deferred Prosecution Agreements, which were originally entered into with the DOJ and 
DANY (and subsequently extended) as part of settlements in 2012 with the US Authorities relating to US sanctions compliance, were further 
extended to 9 April 2021. The monitorship previously imposed by the DOJ expired on 31 March 2019. As of 31 December 2019, the term of  
the independent consultant appointed by the NYDFS terminated and the business restrictions previously imposed by the NYDFS are no longer 
in effect. 

Other proceedings
Since November 2014, a number of lawsuits have been filed in the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New 
York against a number of banks (including Standard Chartered Bank) on behalf of plaintiffs who are, or are relatives of, victims of various terrorist 
attacks in Iraq. Five of the lawsuits were filed in late December 2018. The plaintiffs allege that the defendant banks aided and abetted the 
unlawful conduct of US sanctioned parties in breach of the US Anti-Terrorism Act. In March and September 2019, the New York District Courts 
ruled in favour of the banks’ motion to dismiss two lawsuits. Following those rulings, in one lawsuit the plaintiffs are seeking to amend their 
complaint, and in the other the plaintiffs have filed an appeal against the dismissal. Two other lawsuits will likely join in that appeal and the 
remaining lawsuits are still at an early procedural stage. Based on the facts currently known, it is not possible for the Group to predict the 
outcome of these lawsuits.

In January 2020, a shareholder derivative complaint was filed by the City of Philadelphia in the New York State Court against 45 current and 
former directors and senior officers of the Group. The complaint purports to be brought on behalf of all shareholders of Standard Chartered PLC 
(SC PLC). It is alleged that the individuals breached their duties to the Group and caused a waste of corporate assets by permitting the conduct 
that gave rise to the costs and losses to the Group of the 2019 Resolutions. SC PLC, Standard Chartered Holdings Limited and Standard 
Chartered Bank are each named as “nominal defendants” in the complaint. The case is at a very early stage, as the complaint is yet to  
be served. 

In February 2019, the Kenyan Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and related agencies in Kenya commenced an investigation into five banks, 
including Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited (SCBK), in connection with the alleged theft of funds from Kenya’s National Youth Service. 
This investigation followed fines imposed on the banks, including SCBK, by the Central Bank of Kenya regarding adequacy of controls related  
to the processing of the allegedly stolen funds. Following the investigation, the DPP announced that it had received recommendations from the 
Kenyan Directorate of Criminal Investigations that charges should be brought against the five banks, plus bank officials and other individuals.  
In December 2019, SCBK agreed a settlement of this matter with the DPP. Under the terms of SCBK’s settlement, the DPP agreed to defer 
prosecution against both SCBK and any persons affiliated with SCBK and the DPP imposed a penalty of KES100 million ($964,000) on SCBK. 

332

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements27. Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds 

Accounting policy 
Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds are classified as financial instruments. Refer to Note 13 Financial instruments for the 
accounting policy.

All subordinated liabilities are unsecured, unguaranteed and subordinated to the claims of other creditors including without limitation, 
customer deposits and deposits by banks. The Group has the right to settle these debt instruments in certain circumstances as set out  
in the contractual agreements. Where a debt instrument is callable, the issuer has the right to call.

Subordinated loan capital – issued by subsidiary undertakings

£675 million 5.375 per cent undated step up subordinated notes (callable 2020)1

£200 million 7.75 per cent subordinated notes (callable 2022)1

$750 million 5.875 per cent subordinated notes due 20202

$700 million 8.0 per cent subordinated notes due 20311

BWP 127.26 million 8.2 per cent subordinated notes 20223

BWP 70 million floating rate subordinated notes 20213

BWP 50 million floating rate notes 20223

Subordinated loan capital – issued by the Company4

Primary capital floating rate notes:

$400 million floating rate undated subordinated notes

$300 million floating rate undated subordinated notes (Series 2)

$400 million floating rate undated subordinated notes (Series 3)

$200 million floating rate undated subordinated notes (Series 4)

£150 million floating rate undated subordinated notes

£900 million 5.125 per cent subordinated notes due 2034

$2 billion 5.7 per cent subordinated notes due 2044

$2 billion 3.95 per cent subordinated notes due 2023

$1 billion 5.7 per cent subordinated notes due 2022

$1 billion 5.2 per cent subordinated notes due 2024

$750 million 5.3 per cent subordinated notes due 2043

€1.25 billion 4 per cent subordinated notes due 2025 (callable 2020)

€750 million 3.625 per cent subordinated notes due 2022

€500 million 3.125 per cent subordinated notes due 2024

SGD 700 million 4.4 per cent subordinated notes due 2026 (callable 2021)

$1.25 billion 4.3 per cent subordinated notes due 2027

$1 billion 3.516 per cent subordinated notes due 2030 (callable 2025)

$500 million 4.886 per cent subordinated notes due 2033 (callable 2028)

Other subordinated borrowings – issued by Company5

Total

1  Issued by Standard Chartered Bank

2  Issued by Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

3  Issued by Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Limited

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

298

53

754

429

 – 

 – 

 – 

296

53

754

405

12

7

5

1,534

1,532

16

69

50

26

16

855

2,379

2,009

1,002

1,069

786

1,421

884

585

525

1,214

996

499

272

16

69

50

26

15

797

2,387

1,941

1,003

1,001

787

1,472

907

587

516

1,129

–

498

268

14,673

16,207

13,469

15,001

4  In the balance sheet of the Company, the amount recognised is $14,588 million (2018: $13,436 million), with the difference being the effect of hedge accounting achieved on  

a Group basis

5  Other subordinated borrowings includes irredeemable preference shares which are classified as debt

333

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report27. Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds continued

Fixed rate subordinated debt

Floating rate subordinated debt

Total

Fixed rate subordinated debt

Floating rate subordinated debt

Total

USD 
$million

11,137

161

11,298

USD 
$million

9,905

161

10,066

GBP 
$million

1,478

16

1,494

GBP 
$million

1,414

15

1,429

2019

EUR 
$million

2,890

–

2,890

2018

EUR 
$million

2,966

–

2,966

Others 
$million

525

–

525

Others 
$million

528

12

540

Total 
$million

16,030

177

16,207

Total 
$million

14,813

188

15,001

Redemptions and repurchases during the year
On 27 June 2019, Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Limited exercised its right to redeem BWP 127.26 million 8.2 per cent subordinated 
notes 2022 (callable 2017).

On 27 March 2019, Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Limited exercised its right to redeem BWP 50 million floating rate notes 2022 (callable 
2017).

On 12 February 2019, Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Limited exercised its right to redeem BWP 70 million floating rate subordinated  
notes 2021 (callable 2016).

Issuance during the year
On 12 November 2019, Standard Chartered PLC issued $1 billion 3.516 per cent subordinated debt 2030 (callable 2025).

28. Share capital, other equity instruments and reserves

Accounting policy
Financial instruments issued are classified as equity when there is no contractual obligation to transfer cash, other financial assets or issue 
available number of own equity instruments. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity 
as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. 

Securities which carry a discretionary coupon and have no fixed maturity or redemption date are classified as other equity instruments. 
Interest payments on these securities are recognised, net of tax, as distributions from equity in the period in which they are paid. 

Where the Company or other members of the consolidated Group purchase the Company’s equity share capital, the consideration paid is 
deducted from the total shareholders’ equity of the Group and/or of the Company as treasury shares until they are cancelled. Where such 
shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received is included in shareholders’ equity of the Group and/or the Company.

Number of 
ordinary shares 
millions

Ordinary  
share capital1
$million

Ordinary  
share premium 
$million

Preference  
share premium2
$million

3,296

1,648

3,955

1,494

2

10

3,308

4

(116)

3,196

1

5

1,654

2

(58)

1,598

(1)

9

–

–

3,963

1,494

23

–

–

–

3,986

1,494

Total share 
capital and  
share premium 
$million

7,097

–

14

7,111

25

(58)

7,078

Other equity 
instruments 
$million

4,961

–

–

4,961

552

–

5,513

At 1 January 2018

Capitalised on scrip dividend

Shares issued

At 31 December 2018

Shares issued

Cancellation of shares including share 
buy-back

At 31 December 2019

1  Issued and fully paid ordinary shares of 50 cents each

2  Includes preference share capital of $75,000

334

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements28. Share capital, other equity instruments and reserves continued

Share buy-back
On 1 May 2019, the Group commenced a share buy-back of its ordinary shares of $0.50 each up to a maximum consideration of $1 billion.  
This was completed on 25 September 2019. 

The buy-back reduced the number of outstanding ordinary shares and was debited against the Group’s retained earnings. Further, the nominal 
value of the shares was transferred from the share capital to the Capital Redemption Reserve account within equity. The Group repurchased 
116,103,483 ordinary shares for an aggregate consideration of approximately $1 billion at a volume-weighted average price of 686.3p per 
ordinary share. The nominal value of ordinary shares purchased during the buy-back was $58 million. The shares were subsequently cancelled, 
reducing the total issued share capital by 3.5 per cent.

Month

Share buy-back of 2019

May – 2019

Jun – 2019

Jul – 2019

Aug – 2019

Sep – 2019

Number  
of ordinary 
shares

Highest  
price paid  
per share 
£

Lowest  
price paid  
per share 
£

Average  
price paid  
per share 
£

Average GBP 
USD FX rate  
per share

Aggregate  
price paid 
$

27,546,739

27,338,417

32,126,639

18,022,387

11,069,301

116,103,483

7.1740

7.1580

7.4260

7.0980

7.0400

6.6160

6.6960

6.8200

5.9840

6.2320

6.8586

6.9581

7.1412

6.3264

6.7076

1.2821

242,225,052

1.2678

241,168,240

1.2474

286,175,164

1.2151

138,541,855

1.2375

91,881,038

999,991,3491

1  The aggregate price paid in pounds sterling was GBP 796,844,949

The above excludes $6m transaction costs which were taken against equity

Ordinary share capital 
In accordance with the Companies Act 2006 the Company does not have authorised share capital. The nominal value of each ordinary share is 
50 cents.

During the period 3,368,576 shares were issued under employee share plans at prices between nil and 620 pence.

Preference share capital
At 31 December 2019, the Company has 15,000 $5 non-cumulative redeemable preference shares in issue, with a premium of $99,995 making 
a paid up amount per preference share of $100,000. The preference shares are redeemable at the option of the Company and are classified in 
equity.

The available profits of the Company are distributed to the holders of the issued preference shares in priority to payments made to holders of  
the ordinary shares and in priority to, or pari passu with, any payments to the holders of any other class of shares in issue. On a winding up, the 
assets of the Company are applied to the holders of the preference shares in priority to any payment to the ordinary shareholders and in priority 
to, or pari passu with, the holders of any other shares in issue, for an amount equal to any dividends payable (on approval of the board) and the 
nominal value of the shares together with any premium as determined by the Board. The redeemable preference shares are redeemable at  
the paid up amount (which includes premium) at the option of the Company in accordance with the terms of the shares. The holders of the 
preference shares are not entitled to attend or vote at any general meeting, except where any relevant dividend due is not paid in full or where  
a resolution is proposed varying the rights of the preference shares.

Other equity instruments
On 2 April 2015, Standard Chartered PLC issued $2,000 million Fixed Rate Resetting Perpetual Subordinated Contingent Convertible Securities 
as Additional Tier 1 (AT1) securities, raising $1,987 million after issue costs. On 18 August 2016, Standard Chartered PLC issued $2,000 million 
Fixed Rate Resetting Perpetual Subordinated Contingent Convertible Securities as AT1 securities, raising $1,982 million after issue costs.  
On 18 January 2017, Standard Chartered PLC issued $1,000 million Fixed Rate Resetting Perpetual Subordinated Contingent Convertible 
Securities as AT1 securities, raising $992 million after issue costs. On 3 July 2019, Standard Chartered PLC issued SGD 750 million Fixed Rate 
Resetting Perpetual Subordinated Contingent Convertible Securities as AT1 securities, raising $552 million after issue costs. All issuances are 
made for general business purposes and to increase the regulatory capital base of the Group.

The principal terms of the AT1 securities are described below:

 ¼ The securities are perpetual and redeemable, at the option of Standard Chartered PLC in whole but not in part, on the first interest reset date 

and each date falling five years after the first reset date

 ¼ The securities are also redeemable for certain regulatory or tax reasons on any date at 100 per cent of their principal amount together with 
any accrued but unpaid interest up to (but excluding) the date fixed for redemption. Any redemption is subject to Standard Chartered PLC 
giving notice to the relevant regulator and the regulator granting permission to redeem

 ¼ The interest rate in respect of the securities issued on 2 April 2015 for the period from (and including) the issue date to (but excluding) 2 April 
2020 is a fixed rate of 6.50 per cent per annum. The first reset date for the interest rate is 2 April 2020 and each date falling five, or an integral 
multiple of five years after the first reset date

 ¼ The interest rate in respect of the securities issued on 18 August 2016 for the period from (and including) the issue date to (but excluding) 

2 April 2022 is a fixed rate of 7.50 per cent per annum. The first reset date for the interest rate is 2 April 2022 and each date falling five years,  
or an integral multiple of five years, after the first reset date

 ¼ The interest rate in respect of the securities issued on 18 January 2017 for the period from (and including) the issue date to (but excluding) 

2 April 2023 is a fixed rate of 7.75 per cent per annum. The first reset date for the interest rate is 2 April 2023 and each date falling five years,  
or an integral multiple of five years, after the first reset date

335

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report28. Share capital, other equity instruments and reserves continued

Other equity instruments continued
 ¼ The interest rate in respect of the securities issued on 3 July 2019 for the period from (and including) the issue date to (but excluding) 

3 October 2024 is a fixed rate of 5.375 per cent per annum. The first reset date for the interest rate is 3 October 2024 and each date falling  
five years, or an integral multiple of five years, after the first reset date

 ¼ The interest on each of the USD securities will be payable semi-annually in arrears on 2 April and 2 October in each year, accounted for as  

a dividend. The interest on the SGD security will be payable semi-annually in arrears on 3 April and 3 October in each year, accounted for as  
a dividend

 ¼ Interest on the securities is due and payable only at the sole and absolute discretion of Standard Chartered PLC, subject to certain additional 
restrictions set out in the terms and conditions. Accordingly, Standard Chartered PLC may at any time elect to cancel any interest payment  
(or part thereof) which would otherwise be payable on any interest payment date

 ¼ The securities convert into ordinary shares of Standard Chartered PLC, at a predetermined price detailed in the table below, should the fully 

loaded Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of the Group fall below 7.0 per cent. Approximately 641 million ordinary shares would be required to satisfy 
the conversion of all the securities mentioned above

Issuance date

2 April 2015

18 August 2016

18 January 2017

3 July 2019

Nominal value

USD 2,000 million

USD 2,000 million

USD 1,000 million

SGD 750 million

Conversion price  
per ordinary share

USD 10.865

USD 7.732

USD 7.732

SGD 10.909

The securities rank behind the claims against Standard Chartered PLC of: (a) unsubordinated creditors; (b) which are expressed to be 
subordinated to the claims of unsubordinated creditors of Standard Chartered PLC but not further or otherwise; or (c) which are, or are 
expressed to be, junior to the claims of other creditors of Standard Chartered PLC, whether subordinated or unsubordinated, other than  
claims which rank, or are expressed to rank, pari passu with, or junior to, the claims of holders of the AT1 securities in a winding–up occurring 
prior to the conversion trigger.

Reserves
The constituents of the reserves are summarised as follows:

 ¼ The capital reserve represents the exchange difference on redenomination of share capital and share premium from sterling to US dollars in 

2001. The capital redemption reserve represents the nominal value of preference shares redeemed

 ¼ Merger reserve represents the premium arising on shares issued using a cash box financing structure, which required the Company to create 
a merger reserve under section 612 of the Companies Act 2006. Shares were issued using this structure in 2005 and 2006 to assist in the 
funding of certain acquisitions, in 2008, 2010 and 2015 for the shares issued by way of a rights issue, primarily for capital maintenance 
requirements and for the shares issued in 2009 by way of an accelerated book build, the proceeds of which were used in the ordinary course 
of business of the Group. The funding raised by the 2008, 2010 and 2015 rights issues and 2009 share issue was fully retained within the 
Company

 ¼ Own credit adjustment reserve represents the cumulative gains and losses on financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss 
relating to own credit. Gains and losses on financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss relating to own credit in the year 
have been taken through other comprehensive income into this reserve. On derecognition of applicable instruments, the balance of any OCA 
will not be recycled to the income statement, but will be transferred within equity to retained earnings

 ¼ Fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) debt reserve represents the unrealised fair value gains and losses in respect of 
financial assets classified as FVOCI, net of expected credit losses and taxation. Gains and losses are deferred in this reserve and are 
reclassified to the income statement when the underlying asset is sold, matures or becomes impaired. FVOCI equity reserve represents 
unrealised fair value gains and losses in respect of financial assets classified as FVOCI, net of taxation. Gains and losses are recorded in  
this reserve and never recycled to the income statement

 ¼ Cash flow hedge reserve represents the effective portion of the gains and losses on derivatives that meet the criteria for these types of 

hedges. Gains and losses are deferred in this reserve and are reclassified to the income statement when the underlying hedged item affects 
profit and loss or when a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur

 ¼ Translation reserve represents the cumulative foreign exchange gains and losses on translation of the net investment of the Group in foreign 
operations. Since 1 January 2004, gains and losses are deferred to this reserve and are reclassified to the income statement when the 
underlying foreign operation is disposed. Gains and losses arising from derivatives used as hedges of net investments are netted against  
the foreign exchange gains and losses on translation of the net investment of the foreign operations

 ¼ Retained earnings represents profits and other comprehensive income earned by the Group and Company in the current and prior periods, 
together with the after tax increase relating to equity-settled share options, less dividend distributions, own shares held (treasury shares) and 
share buy-backs

A substantial part of the Group’s reserves is held in overseas subsidiary undertakings and branches, principally to support local operations or  
to comply with local regulations. The maintenance of local regulatory capital ratios could potentially restrict the amount of reserves which can  
be remitted. In addition, if these overseas reserves were to be remitted, further unprovided taxation liabilities might arise.

As at 31 December 2019, the distributable reserves of Standard Chartered PLC (the Company) were $14.3 billion (31 December 2018: 
$15.1 billion). These comprised retained earnings and $12.5 billion of the merger reserve account. Distribution of reserves is subject to 
maintaining minimum capital requirements.

336

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements28. Share capital, other equity instruments and reserves continued

Own shares
Computershare Trustees (Jersey) Limited is the trustee of the 2004 Employee Benefit Trust (‘2004 Trust’) and Ocorian Trustees (Jersey) Limited 
(formerly known as Bedell Trustees Limited) is the trustee of the 1995 Employees’ Share Ownership Plan Trust (‘1995 Trust’). The 2004 Trust is 
used in conjunction with the Group’s employee share schemes and the 1995 Trust is used for the delivery of other employee share-based 
payments (such as upfront shares and fixed pay allowances). Group companies fund these trusts from time to time to enable the trustees to 
acquire shares to satisfy these arrangements.

Except as disclosed, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has bought, sold or redeemed any securities of the Company listed on  
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited during the period. Details of the shares purchased and held by the trusts are set out below.

Number of shares

1995 Trust

2019

2018

2004 Trust

2019

Shares purchased during the year

646,283

1,017,941

24,065,354

2018

–

–

Total

2019

2018

24,711,637

1,017,941

206

8

Market price of shares purchased ($million)

Shares held at the end of the year

Maximum number of shares held during 
the year

5

–

8

201

2,354,820

5,113,455

16,755

5,113,455

2,371,575

15,070,923

3,787,015

Changes in share capital and other equity instruments of Standard Chartered PLC subsidiaries
The table below details the transactions in equity instruments (including convertible and hybrid instruments) of the Group’s subsidiaries,  
including issuances, conversions, redemptions, purchase or cancellation. This is required under the Hong Kong Listing requirements,  
appendix 16 paragraph 10.

Subsidiary Undertakings 

Name and registered address 

The following companies have the address of 
1 Basinghall Avenue, London, EC2V 5DD, 
United Kingdom

Country of 
incorporation

Description of shares

Issued/(redeemed) 
capital

Issued/(redeemed) 
shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held  
(%)

FinVentures UK Limited

SCMB Overseas Limited

Standard Chartered Bank

United Kingdom $1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom £0.10 Ordinary shares

$140,000,000

£22,400,000

140,000,000

224,000,000

United Kingdom $1.00 Ordinary shares

($7,500,000,000)

(7,500,000,000)

Standard Chartered Holdings Limited

United Kingdom $2.00 Ordinary shares

($2,600,000,000)

(1,300,000,000)

Standard Chartered I H Limited

United Kingdom $1.00 Ordinary shares

$141,000,000

141,000,000

Standard Chartered NEA Limited

United Kingdom $1.00 Ordinary shares

$1,593,884,872

1,593,884,872

Standard Chartered UK Holdings Limited

United Kingdom £10.00 Ordinary shares

£21,692,310

2,169,231

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

The following company has the address of  
8th Floor, 20 Farringdon Street, London,  
EC4A 4AB, United Kingdom

SC Ventures G.P. Limited

United Kingdom £1.00 Ordinary shares

£1.00

1

100

The following company has the address of Rua 
Gamal Abdel Nasser, Edificio Tres Torres, Eixo 
Viario, Distrito Urbano da Ingombota, Municipio 
de Luanda, Provincia de Luanda, Angola

Standard Chartered Bank Angola S.A.

Angola

The following company has the address of 
Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 3600 – 7° andar,  
conj 72 04538-132, São Paulo, Brazil.

AOK8,742.05 Ordinary 
shares

AOK6,475.62 Ordinary 
shares

AOK8,742,050,000

1,000,000

(AOK6,475,620,000)

(1,000,000)

60

60

Standard Chartered Representação Ltda

Brazil

BRL1.00 Ordinary shares

BRL3,800,000

3,800,000

100

The following company has the address of 
Walkers Corporate Limited, Cayman Corporate 
Centre, 27 Hospital Road George Town,  
Grand Cayman KY1-9008, Cayman Islands

Standard Chartered Principal Finance (Cayman) 
Limited

Cayman Islands

$0.0001 Ordinary shares

$500

5,000,000

100

The following company has the address of 
Taunusanlage 16, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, 
Germany

Standard Chartered Bank AG

Germany 

€ Ordinary shares

€175,000,001

175,000,001

100

337

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report28. Share capital, other equity instruments and reserves continued

Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Country of 
incorporation

Description of shares

Issued/(redeemed) 
capital

Issued/(redeemed) 
shares

Hong Kong

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$39,000,001

39,000,001

HKD10.00 Ordinary 
shares

(HKD10.00)

(1)

Proportion 
of shares 
held  
(%)

100

100

Name and registered address 

The following company has the address of  
14th Floor, One Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, 
Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

Standard Chartered PF Real Estate (Hong 
Kong) Limited

The following company has the address of  
25/F, Standard Chartered Bank Building,  
4-4A Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong

SC Digital Solutions Limited

Hong Kong

HKD10.00 Ordinary 
shares

HKD1,610,920,000

161,092,000

65.1

The following company has the address of 
3/F Standard Chartered Bank Building,  
4-4A Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong

Standard Chartered Private Equity Limited

Hong Kong

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$185,000,000

185,000,000

100

The following company has the address of  
32/F, Standard Chartered Bank Building,  
4-4A Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited Hong Kong

$ D Ordinary shares

$3,010,485,610

3,010,485,610

$ C Ordinary shares

$2,698,156,122

341,971,625

100

100

The following company has the address of 
Second Floor, Indiqube Edge, Khata No. 
571/630/6/4, Sy.No.6/4, Ambalipura Village, 
Varthur Hobli, Marathahalli Sub-Division,  
Ward No. 150, Bengaluru, 560102, India

Standard Chartered Research and Technology 
India Private Limited

India

INR10.00 Ordinary 
shares

INR350,000,000

35,000,000

100

The following company has the address of 1st 
Floor, Goldie House, 1-4 Goldie Terrace, Upper 
Church Street, Douglas, IM1 1EB, Isle of Man

Standard Chartered Insurance Limited

Isle of Man

$1.00 Ordinary shares

($4,180,300)

(4,180,300)

100

The following company has the address of 17/F, 
100, Gongpyeong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 
Korea, Republic of

Ascenta II

Korea,  
Republic of

KRW1,000,000.00 
Partnership interest

(KRW100,000,000)

(100)

100

The following company has the address of  
SGG Corporate Services (Mauritius) Ltd, 33, 
Edith Cavell St, Port Louis, 11324, Mauritius

Actis Asia Real Estate (Mauritius) Limited

Mauritius

Class A $1.00 Ordinary 
shares

Class B $1.00 Ordinary 
shares

($9,757,406)

(9,757,406)

($9,757,406)

(9,757,406)

The following companies have the address of 
c/o Abax Corporate Services Ltd, 6/F, Tower A, 
1 CYBERCITY, Ebene, Mauritius

Standard Chartered Financial Holdings

Standard Chartered Private Equity (Mauritius) II 
Limited

Standard Chartered Private Equity (Mauritius) lll 
Limited

Mauritius

Mauritius

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$6,000,000

6,000,000

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$17,000,000

17,000,000

Mauritius

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$168,000,000

168,000,000

100

100

100

100

100

338

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements28. Share capital, other equity instruments and reserves continued

Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Country of 
incorporation

Description of shares

Issued/(redeemed) 
capital

Issued/(redeemed) 
shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held  
(%)

Name and registered address 

The following companies have the address of  
1 Basinghall Avenue, London, EC2V 5DD, 
United Kingdom

Standard Chartered Holdings (International) B.V. Netherlands

€4.50 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered MB Holdings B.V.

Netherlands

€4.50 Ordinary shares

EUR45,000

EUR45,000

10,000

10,000

100

100

The following company has the address of 
142 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, 
Lagos, Nigeria

Cherroots Nigeria Limited

Nigeria

The following company has the address of 
8 Marina Boulevard, Level 23, Marina Bay 
Financial Centre, Tower 1, 018981, Singapore

Standard Chartered Private Equity (Singapore) 
Pte. Ltd

Singapore

The following companies have the address of 
8 Marina Boulevard, Level 27, Marina Bay 
Financial Centre, Tower 1, 018981, Singapore

NGN1.00 Ordinary 
Shares

(NGN12,500)

(12,500)

100

$ Ordinary shares

nil

49,000,000

100

Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited

Singapore

SGD Preference shares

SGD750,000,000

3,750

$ Ordinary shares

$2,590,000,000

2,590,000,000

$ Preference shares

$500,000,000

2,500

Singapore

$ Ordinary shares

$2,590,000,000

2,590,000,000

Standard Chartered Holdings (Singapore) 
Private Limited

The following companies has the address of 
Abogado Pte Ltd, No. 8 Marina Boulevard, 
#05-02 MBFC Tower 1, 018981, Singapore

Standard Chartered PF Managers Pte. Limited

Singapore

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Singapore

$1.00 Ordinary shares

SGD1.00 Ordinary shares

(SGD1)

$8,312,499

$39,000,001

8,312,499

39,000,001

(1)

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Standard Chartered Real Estate Investment 
Holdings (Singapore) Private Limited

The following company has the address of 
Vistra Corporate Services Centre, Wickhams 
Cay II, Road Town, Tortola, VG1110, Virgin 
Islands, British

Sky Harmony Holdings Limited

The following company has the address of 
Deloitte LLP, Hill House, 1 Little New Street, 
London, EC4A 3TR, United Kingdom

Virgin Islands, 
British

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1

1

100

Standard Chartered APR Limited

United Kingdom $1.00 Ordinary shares

($21,971,714)

(21,971,714)

100

Please see Note 22 Debt securities in issue for issuances and redemptions of senior notes.

Please see Note 27 Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds for issuance and redemptions of subordinated liabilities and AT1 securities

Please see Note 40 Related undertakings of the Group for subsidiaries liquidated, dissolved or sold during the year.

339

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report29. Non-controlling interests

Accounting policy
Non-controlling interests are measured either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable 
net assets.

At 1 January 2018

Income in equity attributable to non-controlling interests

Profits attributable to non-controlling interests

Comprehensive income for the year

Distributions

Other increases1

At 31 December 2018

Income in equity attributable to non-controlling interests

Profits attributable to non-controlling interests

Comprehensive income for the year

Distributions

Other increases2

At 31 December 2019

$million

333

(21)

55

34

(97)

3

273

(17)

37

20

(35)

55

313

1  Mainly due to additional shares issued by Standard Chartered Bank Angola S.A.

2  Comprises $72 million of non-controlling interest in SC Digital Solutions offset by $17 million disposal of non-controlling interest of Phoon Huat Ltd, Sirat Holdings Limited and  

Ori Private Limited

30. Retirement benefit obligations

Accounting policy
The Group operates pension and other post-retirement benefit plans around the world, which can be categorised into defined contribution 
plans and defined benefit plans. 

For defined contribution plans, the Group pays contributions to publicly or privately administered pension plans on a statutory or contractual 
basis, and such amounts are charged to operating expenses. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have 
been paid.

For funded defined benefit plans, the liability recognised in the balance sheet is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the 
balance sheet date less the fair value of plan assets. For unfunded defined benefit plans, the liability recognised at the balance sheet date  
is the present value of the defined benefit obligation. 

The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit method. 

Actuarial gains and losses that arise are recognised in shareholders’ equity and presented in the statement of other comprehensive income 
in the period they arise. The Group determines the net interest expense on the net defined benefit liability for the year by applying the 
discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the annual period to the net defined benefit liability, taking 
into account any changes in the net defined benefit liability during the year as a result of contributions and benefit payments. Net interest 
expense, the cost of the accrual of new benefits, benefit enhancements (or reductions) and administration expenses met directly from plan 
assets are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they were incurred.

Accounting estimates and judgements
There are many factors that affect the measurement of the retirement benefit obligations of the UK Fund and Overseas Plans. This 
measurement requires the use of estimates, such as discount rates, inflation, pension increases, salary increases, and life expectancies 
which are inherently uncertain. Discount rates are determined by reference to market yields at the end of the reporting period on high quality 
corporate bonds (or, in countries where there is no deep market in such bonds, government bonds) of a currency and term consistent with 
the currency and term of the post-employment benefit obligations. This is the approach adopted across our geographies. Where there are 
inflation-linked bonds available (e.g. United Kingdom and the eurozone), the Group derives inflation based on the market on those bonds, 
with the market yield adjusted in respect of the United Kingdom to take account of the fact that liabilities are linked to Consumer Price Index 
inflation, whereas the reference bonds are linked to Retail Price Index inflation. Where no inflation-linked bonds exist, we determine inflation 
assumptions based on long-term forecasts. Salary growth assumptions reflect the Group’s long-term expectations, taking into account 
future business plans and macroeconomic data (primarily expected future long-term inflation). Demographic assumptions, including mortality 
and turnover rates, are typically set based on the assumptions used in the most recent actuarial funding valuation, and will generally use 
industry standard tables, adjusted where appropriate to reflect recent historic experience and/or future expectations. The sensitivity of the 
liabilities to changes in these assumptions is shown on page 342.

340

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements30. Retirement benefit obligations continued

Retirement benefit obligations comprise:

Defined benefit plans obligation

Defined contribution plans obligation

Net obligation

Retirement benefit charge comprises:

Defined benefit plans

Defined contribution plans

Charge against profit (Note 7)

2019 
$million

458

11

469

2019 
$million

73

299

372

2018 
$million

386

13

399

2018 
$million

81

284

365

The Group operates over 50 defined benefit plans across its geographies, many of which are closed to new entrants who now join defined 
contribution arrangements. The aim of all these plans is, as part of the Group’s commitment to financial wellbeing for employees, to give 
employees the opportunity to save appropriately for retirement in a way that is consistent with local regulations, taxation requirements and 
market conditions. The defined benefit plans expose the Group to currency risk, interest rate risk, investment risk and actuarial risks such as 
longevity risk.

The material holdings of government and corporate bonds shown on page 343 partially hedge movements in the liabilities resulting from interest 
rate and inflation changes. Setting aside movements from other drivers such as currency fluctuation, the reductions in discount rates in most 
geographies over 2019 have led to higher liabilities. These have been somewhat offset by increases in the value of bonds held and good stock 
market performance. These movements are shown as actuarial losses versus gains respectively in the tables below. Contributions into a 
number of plans in excess of the amounts required to fund benefits accruing have also helped to reduce the net deficit over the year.

The disclosures required under IAS 19 have been calculated by independent qualified actuaries based on the most recent full actuarial 
valuations updated, where necessary, to 31 December 2019.

UK Fund
The Standard Chartered Pension Fund (the ‘UK Fund’) is the Group’s largest pension plan, representing 60 per cent (31 December 2018: 
58 per cent) of total pension liabilities. The UK Fund is set up under a trust that is legally separate from the Bank (its formal sponsor) and, as 
required by UK legislation, at least one third of the trustee directors are nominated by members; the remainder are appointed by the Bank.  
The trustee directors have a fiduciary duty to members and are responsible for governing the UK Fund in accordance with its Trust Deed  
and Rules.

The UK Fund was closed to new entrants from 1 July 1998 and new employees were offered membership of a defined contribution plan.  
The UK Fund was closed to the accrual of new benefits from 1 April 2018: there was no accounting impact as a result of the closure as the 
liabilities represented by the benefits already accrued are not expected to be significantly altered by the closure. 

The financial position of the UK Fund is regularly assessed by an independent qualified actuary. The funding valuation as at 31 December 2017 
was completed in December 2018 by the Scheme Actuary, A Zegleman of Willis Towers Watson, using assumptions different from those on 
page 342. and agreed with the UK Fund trustee. It revealed a past service deficit of $210 million (£159 million). To repair the deficit, four annual 
cash payments of $43.5 million (£32.9 million) were agreed, with the first two of these having been paid in December 2018 and December 2019. 
The agreement allows that, if the funding position improves to being at or near a surplus in future years, the two payments from December 2020 
will be reduced or eliminated. In addition, an escrow account of $145 million (£110 million) exists to provide security for future contributions. 

As at 31 December 2019, the weighted average duration of the UK Fund was 16 years (31 December 2018: 14 years).

The Group is not required to recognise any additional liability under IFRIC 14 or the 2015 exposure draft of proposed amendments to it, as the 
Bank has control of any pension surplus under the Trust Deed and Rules.

341

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report30. Retirement benefit obligations continued

Overseas plans
The principal overseas defined benefit arrangements operated by the Group are in Germany, Hong Kong, India, Jersey, Korea, Taiwan,  
United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States of America (US).

Key assumptions
The principal financial assumptions used at 31 December 2019 were:

Discount rate

Price inflation

Salary increases

Pension increases

Funded plans

UK Fund

Overseas Plans1

31.12.19 
%

31.12.18 
%

2.0

2.1

n/a

2.1

2.8

2.1

n/a

2.1

31.12.19 
%

0.7 – 3.4

1.0 – 3.0

3.0 – 4.0

1.4 – 3.0

31.12.18 
%

0.9 – 4.4

1.0 – 3.2

2.1 – 4.0

1.4 – 3.2

1  The range of assumptions shown is for the main defined benefit overseas plans in Germany, Hong Kong, Jersey, Korea, Taiwan, UAE and the US. These comprise over 85 per cent  

of the total liabilities of overseas defined benefit plans

Discount rate

Price inflation

Salary increases

Pension increases

Post-retirement medical rate

US post-retirement medical 

Other1

Unfunded plans

31.12.19 
%

31.12.18 
%

3.4

2.5

N/A

N/A

4.4

2.5

N/A

N/A

31.12.19 
%

1.5 – 7.0

2.0 – 4.0

3.5 – 7.0

0.0 – 2.1

31.12.18 
%

2.7 – 7.6

2.0 – 5.0

3.5 – 7.0

0.0 – 2.1

8% in 2019 
reducing by 
1% per annum 
to 5% in 2022

9% in 2018 
reducing by  
1% per annum 
to 5% in 2022

N/A

N/A

1  The range of assumptions shown is for the main unfunded plans in India, Korea, Thailand, UAE and the UK. They comprise over 90 per cent of the total liabilities of other 

unfunded plans

The principal non-financial assumptions are those made for UK life expectancy. The assumptions for life expectancy for the UK Fund are that  
a male member currently aged 60 will live for 28 years (31 December 2018: 28 years) and a female member for 29 years (31 December 2018:  
29 years) and a male member currently aged 40 will live for 31 years (31 December 2018: 30 years) and a female member for 30 years 
(31 December 2018: 30 years) after their 60th birthdays.

Both financial and non-financial assumptions can be expected to change in the future, which would affect the value placed on the liabilities.  
For example, changes at the reporting date to one of the relevant actuarial assumptions, holding other assumptions constant, would have 
affected the defined benefit obligation by the amounts shown below:

 ¼ If the discount rate increased by 25 basis points, the liability would reduce by approximately $65 million for the UK Fund (31 December 2018: 

$55 million) and $35 million for the other plans (31 December 2018: $30 million)

 ¼ If the rate of inflation increased by 25 basis points, the liability, allowing for the consequent impact on pension and salary increases, would 
increase by approximately $45 million for the UK Fund (31 December 2018: $40 million) and $25 million for the other plans (31 December 
2018: $20 million)

 ¼ If the rate salaries increase compared with inflation increased by 25 basis points, the liability would increase by nil for the UK Fund 

(31 December 2018: nil) and approximately $15 million for the other plans (31 December 2018: $15 million)

 ¼ If longevity expectations increased by one year, the liability would increase by approximately $60 million for the UK Fund (31 December 2018: 

$45 million) and $15 million for the other plans (31 December 2018: $15 million)

Although this analysis does not take account of the full distribution of cash flows expected under the UK Fund, it does provide an  
approximation of the sensitivity to the main assumptions. While changes in other assumptions would also have an impact, the effect  
would not be as significant.

342

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements30. Retirement benefit obligations continued
Key assumptions continued
Fund values: 

The fair value of assets and present value of liabilities of the plans attributable to defined benefit members were:

31.12.19

31.12.18

Funded plans

Unfunded plans

Funded plans

Unfunded plans

UK Fund  
$million

Overseas 
plans  
$million

Post-
retirement 
medical  
$million

Other  
$million

UK Fund  
$million

Overseas 
plans  
$million

Post-
retirement 
medical  
$million

Other  
$million

102

956

189

158

100

37

–

75

13

77

8

1,715

349

196

121

–

–

–

–

32

3

163

31

895

(1,832)

(1,010)

(117)

(115)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

(16)

(16)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

(210)

(210)

166

762

147

147

110

36

15

44

(7)

136

9

1,565

(1,615)

(50)

310

176

87

–

–

–

–

14

3

221

34

845

(974)

(129)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

(17)

(17)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

(190)

(190)

At 31 December 

Equities 

Government bonds 

Corporate bonds 

Absolute Return Fund

Hedge funds1

Insurance linked funds1

Opportunistic credit1

Property

Derivatives

Cash and equivalents

Others1

Total fair value of assets2

Present value of liabilities

Net pension plan obligation

1  Unquoted assets

2  Self-investment is monitored closely and is less than $1 million of Standard Chartered equities and bonds for 2019 (31 December 2018: less than $1 million). Self-investment is only 

allowed where it is not practical to exclude it – for example through investment in index-tracking funds where the Group is a constituent of the relevant index

The pension cost for defined benefit plans was:

2019

Current service cost1

Past service cost and curtailments2

Settlement cost

Interest income on pension plan assets

Interest on pension plan liabilities

Total charge to profit before deduction of tax

Net gain on plan assets3

Losses on liabilities

Total losses/(gains) recognised directly in statement  
of comprehensive income before tax

Deferred taxation

Total losses/(gains) after tax

Funded plans

Unfunded plans

UK Fund 
$million

Overseas  
plans 
$million

Post-  
retirement 
medical 
$million

Other 
$million

Total 
$million

–

–

–

(43)

44

1

(86)

196

110

5

115

49

2

–

(26)

29

54

(88)

77

(11)

–

(11)

–

–

–

–

1

1

–

(2)

(2)

–

(2)

12

(1)

–

–

6

17

–

27

27

–

27

61

1

–

(69)

80

73

(174)

298

124

5

129

1  Includes administrative expenses paid out of plan assets of $1 million (31 December 2018: $2 million)

2  Past service costs arose primarily due to plan changes in Thailand and US, and were largely offset by past service credits due to plan changes in UAE

3  The actual return on the UK Fund assets was a gain of $129 million and on overseas plan assets was a gain of $114 million

343

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report30. Retirement benefit obligations continued
Key assumptions continued
The pension cost for defined benefit plans was:

2018

Current service cost1

Past service cost and curtailments2

Settlement cost3

Interest income on pension plan assets

Interest on pension plan liabilities

Total charge to profit before deduction of tax

Losses on plan assets excluding interest income4

(Gains)/Losses on liabilities

Total (gains)/losses recognised directly in statement  
of comprehensive income before tax

Deferred taxation

Total losses/(gains) after tax

Funded plans

Unfunded plans

UK Fund 
$million

Overseas  
plans 
$million

Post-  
retirement  
medical 
$million

Other 
$million

Total 
$million

1

2

–

(41)

44

6

67

(76)

(9)

2

(7)

54

–

–

(27)

29

56

46

(17)

29

(8)

21

–

–

–

–

1

1

–

(2)

(2)

–

(2)

12

–

1

–

5

18

–

1

1

–

1

67

2

1

(68)

79

81

113

(94)

19

(6)

13

1  Includes administrative expenses paid out of plan assets of $2 million (31 December 2017: $1 million)

2  The past service cost in the UK Fund is due to the impact of the Lloyds judgement on 26 October 2018 confirming the requirement for UK defined benefit pension schemes  

to equalise the impact of Guaranteed Minimum Pensions (GMPs) for males and females

3  The costs arise primarily from the settlement of benefits in Thailand

4  The actual return on the UK Fund assets was a loss of $26 million and on overseas plan assets was a loss of $19 million

Movement in the defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement medical deficit during the year comprise:

Deficit as at 1 January 2019

Contributions

Current service cost1

Past service cost and curtailments

Settlement costs and transfers impact

Net interest on the net defined benefit asset/liability

Actuarial (losses)/gains

Exchange rate adjustment

Deficit as at 31 December 20192

Funded plans

Unfunded plans

UK Fund 
$million

Overseas  
plans 
$million

(50)

44

–

–

–

(1)

(110)

–

(117)

(129)

73

(49)

(2)

–

(3)

11

(16)

(115)

Post-  
retirement  
medical 
$million

(17)

–

–

–

–

(1)

2

–

(16)

Other 
$million

Total 
$million

(190)

20

(12)

1

–

(6)

(27)

4

(210)

(386)

137

(61)

(1)

–

(11)

(124)

(12)

(458)

1  Includes administrative expenses paid out of plan assets of $1 million (31 December 2018: $2 million)

2  The deficit total of $458 million is made up of plans in deficit of $486 million (31 December 2018: $421 million) net of plans in surplus with assets totalling $28 million (31 December 

2018: $35 million)

Movement in the defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement medical deficit during the year comprise:

Funded plans

Unfunded plans

Deficit as at 1 January 2018

Contributions

Current service cost1

Past service cost and curtailments

Settlement costs and transfers impact

Net interest on the net defined benefit asset/liability

Actuarial (losses)/gains

Exchange rate adjustment

Deficit as at 31 December 20182

UK Fund 
$million

(120)

62

(1)

(2)

–

(3)

9

5

(50)

Overseas  
plans 
$million

(111)

64

(54)

–

–

(2)

(29)

3

(129)

Post-  
retirement  
medical 
$million

(18)

–

–

–

–

(1)

2

–

Other 
$million

(194)

17

(12)

–

(1)

(5)

(1)

6

Total 
$million

(443)

143

(67)

(2)

(1)

(11)

(19)

14

(17)

(190)

(386)

1  Includes administrative expenses paid out of plan assets of $2 million (31 December 2017: $1 million)

2  Deficit at 31 December 2018 of $386 million is made up of plans in deficit of $421 million (2017: $483 million) net of plans in surplus with assets totalling $35 million (2017: $40 million)

344

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements30. Retirement benefit obligations continued
Key assumptions continued
The Group’s expected contribution to its defined benefit pension plans in 2020 is $112 million.

As at 1 January 

Contributions1

Current service cost2

Past service cost and curtailments

Settlement costs

Interest cost on pension plan liabilities

Interest income on pension plan assets

Benefits paid out2

Actuarial (losses)/gains3

Exchange rate adjustment

As at 31 December

Assets 
$million

2,410

137

–

–

(7)

–

69

(165)

174

(8)

2,610

2019

Obligations 
$million

(2,796)

–

(61)

(1)

7

(80)

–

165

(298)

(4)

(3,068)

Total 
$million

(386)

137

(61)

(1)

–

(80)

69

–

(124)

(12)

(458)

Assets 
$million

2,592

144

–

–

–

–

68

(168)

(113)

(113)

2,410

2018

Obligations 
$million

(3,035)

(1)

(67)

(2)

(1)

(79)

–

168

94

127

Total 
$million

(443)

143

(67)

(2)

(1)

(79)

68

–

(19)

14

(2,796)

(386)

1  Includes employee contributions of nil (31 December 2018: $1 million)

2  Includes administrative expenses paid out of plan assets of $1 million (31 December 2018: $2 million)

3  Actuarial loss on obligation comprises $267 million loss (31 December 2018: $114 million gain) from financial assumption changes, $4 million loss (31 December 2018: nil) from 

demographic assumption changes and $18 million loss (31 December 2018: $20 million loss) from experience

31. Share-based payments

Accounting policy
The Group operates equity-settled and cash-settled share-based compensation plans. The fair value of the employee services (measured by 
the fair value of the options granted) received in exchange for the grant of the shares and options is recognised as an expense. For deferred 
share awards granted as part of an annual performance award, the expense is recognised over the period from the start of the performance 
period to the vesting date. For example, the expense for awards granted in 2020 in respect of 2019 performance, which vest in 2021-2023,  
is recognised as an expense over the period from 1 January 2019 to the vesting dates in 2021-2023. For all other awards, the expense is 
recognised over the period from the date of grant to the vesting date.

For equity-settled awards, the total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is determined by reference to the fair value of the shares 
and options at the date of grant, which excludes the impact of any non-market vesting conditions (for example, profitability and growth 
targets). The fair value of equity instruments granted is based on market prices, if available, at the date of grant. In the absence of market 
prices, the fair value of the instruments is estimated using an appropriate valuation technique, such as a binomial option pricing model. 
Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of shares and options that are expected to vest.

At each balance sheet date, the Group revises its estimates of the number of shares and options that are expected to vest. It recognises the 
impact of the revision of original estimates, if any, in the income statement, and a corresponding adjustment to equity over the remaining 
vesting period. Forfeitures prior to vesting attributable to factors other than the failure to satisfy service conditions and non-market vesting 
condition are treated as a cancellation and the remaining unamortised charge is debited to the income statement at the time of cancellation. 
The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium 
when the options are exercised. 

Cash-settled awards are revalued at each balance sheet date and a liability recognised on the balance sheet for all unpaid amounts, with  
any changes in fair value charged or credited to staff costs in the income statement until the awards are exercised. Where forfeitures occur 
prior to vesting that are attributable to factors other than a failure to satisfy service conditions or market-based performance conditions, the 
cumulative charge incurred up to the date of forfeiture is credited to the income statement. Any revaluation related to cash-settled awards is 
recorded as an amount due from subsidiary undertakings.

The Group operates a number of share-based arrangements for its executive directors and employees. Details of the share-based payment 
charge are set out below.

Deferred share awards

Other share awards

Total share-based payments

1  No forfeiture assumed

31.12.191

31.12.181

Cash  
$million

Equity  
$million

Total  
$million

Cash  
$million

Equity  
$million

Total  
$million

13

12

25

88

53

141

101

65

166

3

(3)

–

89

77

166

92

74

166

345

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report31. Share-based payments continued

2011 Standard Chartered Share Plan (the ‘2011 Plan’)
The 2011 Plan was approved by shareholders in May 2011 and is the Group’s main share plan. Since approval, it has been used to deliver 
various types of share awards: 

 ¼ Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) awards: granted with vesting subject to performance measures. Performance measures attached to awards 
granted previously include: total shareholder return (TSR); return on equity (RoE) and return on tangible equity (RoTE) (in the case of both RoE 
and RoTE, with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) underpin); strategic measures; earnings per share (EPS) growth; and return on risk-weighted 
assets (RoRWA). Each measure is assessed independently over a three-year period. Awards granted from 2016 have an individual conduct 
gateway requirement that results in the award lapsing if not met

 ¼ Deferred awards are used to deliver the deferred portion of variable remuneration, in line with both market practice and regulatory 

requirements. These awards vest in instalments on anniversaries of the award date specified at the time of grant. Deferred awards are not 
subject to any plan limit. This enables the Group to meet regulatory requirements relating to deferral levels, and is in line with market practice

 ¼ Restricted share awards, made outside of the annual performance process as replacement buy-out awards to new joiners who forfeit awards 
on leaving their previous employers, vest in instalments on the anniversaries of the award date specified at the time of grant. This enables  
the Group to meet regulatory requirements relating to buy-outs, and is in line with market practice. In line with similar plans operated by our 
competitors, restricted share awards are not subject to an annual limit and do not have any performance measures

Under the 2011 Plan, no grant price is payable to receive an award. The remaining life of the 2011 Plan during which new awards can be made  
is two years.

Valuation – LTIP awards
The vesting of awards granted in both 2018 and 2019 is subject to relative TSR performance measures and achievement of a strategic 
scorecard. The vesting of awards granted in 2018 is subject to the satisfaction of RoE, and the vesting of awards granted in 2019 is subject  
to the satisfaction of RoTE, in both cases subject to a capital CET1 underpin. The fair value of the TSR component is calculated using the 
probability of meeting the measures over a three-year performance period, using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The number of shares 
expected to vest is evaluated at each reporting date, based on the expected performance against the RoE and strategic measures in the 
scorecard, to determine the accounting charge.

No dividend equivalents accrue for the LTIP awards made in 2018 or 2019 and the fair value takes this into account, calculated by reference  
to market consensus dividend yield.

Grant date

Share price at grant date (£)

Vesting period (years)

Expected divided yield (%)

Fair value (RoTE) (£)

Fair value (TSR) (£)

Fair value (Strategic) (£)

31.12.19

11 March

31.12.18

9 March

6.11

3–7

4.2

2.02, 2.02

0.97, 0.91

2.02, 2.02

7.78

3–7

5.0

2.59, 2.59

1.14, 1.11

2.59, 2.59

Valuation – deferred shares and restricted shares 
The fair value for deferred awards which are not granted to material risk takers is based on 100 per cent of the face value of the shares at the 
date of grant as the share price will reflect expectations of all future dividends. For awards granted to material risk takers in 2019, the fair value  
of awards takes into account the lack of dividend equivalents, calculated by reference to market consensus dividend yield.

31.12.19

24 June

7.03

Expected 
dividend  
yield  
(%)

Fair value  
(£)

11 March

6.11

Expected 
dividend  
yield  
(%)

Fair value  
(£)

N/A,4.2,4.2 7.03,6.47,6.21

N/A,4.2,4.2 6.11,5.62,5.40

–

–

–

–

4.2,4.2

4.2,4.2

5.29,5.40

4.77,4.97

Deferred share awards

Grant date

Share price at grant date (£)

Vesting period (years)

1-3 years

1-5 years

3-7 years

346

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements31. Share-based payments continued

Grant date

Share price at grant date (£)

Vesting period (years)

1-3 years

1-5 years

3-7 years

Other restricted share awards

31.12.18

18 June

7.12

Expected  
dividend  
yield  
(%)

Fair value  
(£)

9 March

7.78

Expected  
dividend  
yield  
(%)

Fair value  
(£)

N/A, 5.0, 5.0

7.12,6.45,6.15

N/A, 5.0, 5.0

7.78,7.06,6.73

5.0

–

6.00

–

5.0,5.0

5.0,5.0

6.74,6.58

6.11,5.82

Grant date

Share price at grant date (£)

28 November

7.04

1 October

6.84

24 June

7.03

11 March

6.11

31.12.19

Vesting period (years)

Expected 
dividend 
yield  
(%)

Fair value  
(£)

Expected 
dividend 
yield  
(%)

Fair value  
(£)

Expected 
dividend 
yield  
(%)

Fair value  
(£)

Expected 
dividend 
yield  
(%)

Fair value  
(£)

1 year

2 years

2-3 years

3 years

4 years

5 years

4.2

4.2

–

4.2

–

–

6.75

6.48

–

6.22

–

–

4.2

4.2

–

4.2

4.2

4.2

6.57

6.30

–

6.05

5.80

5.57

31.12.18

4.2

4.2

–

4.2

4.2

4.2

6.74

6.47

–

6.21

5.96

5.72

Grant date

Share price at grant date (£)

28 November

6.11

2 October

6.16

18 June

7.12

4.2 5.86, 5.62, 
5.74

4.2 5.62, 5.40

–

5.40

5.18

–

–

4.2

4.2

–

9 March

7.78

Vesting period (years)

1 year

2 years

2-3 years

3 years

4 years

5 years

Expected 
dividend  
yield (%)

Fair value  
(£)

Expected 
dividend  
yield  
(%)

Fair value  
(£)

Expected 
dividend  
yield  
(%)

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

–

–

5.82

5.54

5.41

5.28

–

–

5.0

5.0

–

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.86

5.58

–

5.32

5.06

4.82

5.0

5.0

–

5.0

5.0

–

Fair value  
(£)

6.78,6.45

6.45,6.15

–

6.15,5.85

5.57

–

Expected 
dividend  
yield  
(%)

Fair value  
(£)

5.0

5.0

–

5.0

5.0

5.0

7.41

7.06

–

6.72

6.40

6.10

2001 Performance Share Plan (2001 PSP) – closed
The Group’s previous plan for delivering performance shares was the 2001 PSP. There are no outstanding vested awards under this plan.  
This plan is closed and no further awards will be granted under this plan.

All Employee Sharesave Plans
2013 Sharesave Plan
Under the 2013 Sharesave Plan, employees may open a savings contract. Within a maturity period of six months after the third anniversary, 
employees may save up to £250 per month over three years to purchase ordinary shares in the Company at a discount of up to 20 per cent on 
the share price at the date of invitation (this is known as the ‘option exercise price’). There are no performance measures attached to options 
granted under the 2013 Sharesave Plan and no grant price is payable to receive an option. In some countries in which the Group operates, it is 
not possible to operate Sharesave plans, typically due to securities law and regulatory restrictions. In these countries, where possible, the Group 
offers an equivalent cash-based plan to its employees. 

The 2013 Sharesave Plan was approved by shareholders in May 2013 and all future Sharesave invitations are made under this plan.  
The remaining life of the 2013 Sharesave Plan is three years.

347

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report31. Share-based payments continued

All Employee Sharesave Plans continued
Valuation – Sharesave
Options under the Sharesave plans are valued using a binomial option-pricing model. The same fair value is applied to all employees, including 
executive directors. The fair value per option granted and the assumptions used in the calculation are as follows:

All Employee Sharesave Plan (Sharesave)

Grant date

Share price at grant date (£)

Exercise price (£)

Vesting period (years)

Expected volatility (%)

Expected option life (years)

Risk-free rate (%)

Expected dividend yield (%)

Fair value (£)

31.12.19

31.12.18

1 October

2 October

6.84

4.98

3

25.3

3.33

0.26

4.2

1.62

6.16

5.13

3

33.8

3.33

0.87

5.0

1.39

The expected volatility is based on historical volatility over the last three years, or three years prior to grant. The expected life is the average 
expected period to exercise. The risk-free rate of return is the yield on zero-coupon UK Government bonds of a term consistent with the 
assumed option life. The expected dividend yield is based on historical dividend for three years prior to grant.

Limits
An award shall not be granted under the 2011 Plan in any calendar year if, at the time of its proposed grant, it would cause the number of 
Standard Chartered PLC ordinary shares allocated in the period of 10 calendar years ending with that calendar year under the 2011 Plan and 
under any other discretionary share plan operated by Standard Chartered PLC to exceed such number as represents 5 per cent of the ordinary 
share capital of Standard Chartered PLC in issue at that time.

An award shall not be granted under the 2011 Plan or 2013 Sharesave Plan in any calendar year if, at the time of its proposed grant, it would 
cause the number of Standard Chartered PLC ordinary shares allocated in the period of 10 calendar years ending with that calendar year under 
the 2011 Plan or 2013 Sharesave Plan and under any other employee share plan operated by Standard Chartered PLC to exceed such number 
as represents 10 per cent of the ordinary share capital of Standard Chartered PLC in issue at that time.

An award shall not be granted under the 2011 Plan or 2013 Sharesave Plan in any calendar year if, at the time of its proposed grant, it would 
cause the number of Standard Chartered PLC ordinary shares which may be issued or transferred pursuant to awards then outstanding under 
the 2011 Plan or 2013 Sharesave Plan as relevant to exceed such number as represents 10 per cent of the ordinary share capital of Standard 
Chartered PLC in issue at that time.

The number of Standard Chartered PLC ordinary shares which may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2011 Plan in any 12-month 
period must not exceed such number as represents 1 per cent of the ordinary share capital of Standard Chartered PLC in issue at that time. 
The number of Standard Chartered PLC ordinary shares which may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2013 Sharesave Plan in 
any 12-month period must not exceed such number as represents 1 per cent of the ordinary share capital of Standard Chartered PLC in issue 
at that time. 

Issuances

Reason for issuance

2015 Sharesave3

2016 Sharesave3

2017 Sharesave3

2018 Sharesave3

Discretionary award4

Total

Number of  
shares issued

Aggregate  
nominal value  
(USD)1

2,192,633 

1,096,317 

5,404 

393 

2,035 

2,702 

197 

1,018 

1,168,111 

584,056 

3,368,576 

1,684,290

Option  
exercise price  
per share  
(GBP)

Total  
issuance  
price  
(USD)1

Sum of  
funds raised  
(USD)2

5.58 

5.30 

6.20 

5.13 

 N/A 

 15,599,018 

 15,599,018 

36,532 

3,108 

13,316 

36,532 

3,108 

13,316 

584,056 

584,056 

16,236,030

16,236,030

1  All issuances above are of Standard Chartered PLC ordinary shares, nominal value USD 0.50 per share (‘Shares’), and took place between January and May 2019

2  Funds received from the payment of Sharesave option exercise prices were applied on behalf of the Sharesave participants in subscribing for Shares in accordance with the rules of 

the Standard Chartered 2013 Sharesave Plan. The subscription price of USD 0.50 per Share paid by trustees of the 2004 employee benefit trust was applied on behalf of participants 
in the 2011 Standard Chartered Plan in subscribing for Shares in accordance with the rules of the 2011 Standard Chartered Share Plan

3   Sharesave options were granted to employees under the Standard Chartered 2013 Sharesave Plan, which was approved by shareholders on 8 May 2013. The closing share price on 

7 May 2013 was GBP 16.1806. Details of each grant are disclosed in the share-based payments note to the annual report for each year of grant

4  Discretionary awards were granted to employees under the 2011 Standard Chartered Share Plan, which was approved by shareholders on 5 May 2011. The closing share price on 
4 May 2011 was GBP 15.2668. Details of each grant are disclosed in the share-based payments note to the annual report for each year of grant. The trustees of the 2004 employee 
benefit trust subscribed for Shares on behalf of participants who received Shares through the exercise of discretionary awards at a price of USD 0.50 per Share in accordance with the 
rules of the 2011 Standard Chartered Share Plan

348

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements31. Share-based payments continued
Reconciliation of share award movements for the year to 31 December 2019

Outstanding at 1 January 2019

Granted2,3

Lapsed

Exercised

2011 Plan1

Deferred/
Restricted  
shares

LTIP

27,003,333

26,612,980

2,777,179

15,140,609

(2,824,549)

(1,441,046)

PSP1

4,270

–

–

Sharesave

13,724,361

5,025,310

(1,821,467)

(6,043,284)

(12,077,082)

(4,270)

(4,325,362)

Outstanding at 31 December

20,912,679

28,235,461

Total number of securities available for issue under the plan

20,912,679

28,235,461 

Percentage of the issued shares this represents as at 
31 December

Exercisable as at 31 December

Range of exercise prices (£)3

Intrinsic value of vested but not exercised options ($ million)

Weighted average contractual remaining life (years)

Weighted average share price for awards exercised during 
the period (£)

1  Employees do not contribute towards the cost of these awards

0.7% 

0.9%

53,986

2,539,752

–

0.51

6.85

6.37

–

24.13

8.25

6.33

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

12,602,842

12,602,842

0.4%

1,231,333

4.98 – 6.20

3.06

2.44

6.95

 6.72 

Weighted 
average 
Sharesave 
exercise  
price  
(£)

5.48

–

5.50

5.49

5.28

5.30

2   14,346,920 (DRSA/RSA) granted on 11 March 2019, 186,955 (DRSA/RSA) granted as notional dividend on 08 March 2019, 2,530,325 (LTIP) granted on 11 March 2019, 232,895 (LTIP) 
granted as notional dividend on 08 March 2019, 278,813 (DRSA/RSA) granted on 24 June 2019, 74,125 (DRSA/RSA) granted as notional dividend on 09 August 2019, 13,959 (MLTIP/
LTIP) granted as notional dividend on 09 August 2019, 151,751 (RSA) granted on 01 October 2019, 5,025,310 (Sharesave) granted on 01 October 2019 and 102,045 (RSA) granted on 
28 November 2019

3  For Sharesave granted in 2019, the exercise price is £4.98 per share, which was a 20 per cent discount to the closing share price on 30 August 2019. The closing share price on 

30 August 2019 was £6.22

Reconciliation of share award movements for the year to 31 December 2018

Outstanding at 1 January 2018

25,477,368 23,311,221

17,222

185,943

1,249 12,818,234

2011 Plan1

Performance 
shares

Deferred/
Restricted 
shares

PSP1

RSS1

SRSS1

Sharesave

Granted2,3

Lapsed

Exercised

Outstanding at 31 December

Exercisable as at 31 December

Range of exercise prices (£)3

Intrinsic value of vested but not exercised options ($ million)

Weighted average contractual remaining life (years)

Weighted average share price for awards exercised during 
the period (£)

0.04

7.43

7.18

2.59

8.18

7.17

1  Employees do not contribute towards the cost of these awards

2,481,485 13,649,191

(935,037)

(1,375,715)

(553)

(50,484)

4,769,917

(2,995,333)

(20,483)

(8,971,717)

(12,399)

(135,459)

(1,249)

(868,457)

27,003,333 26,612,980

43,241

3,657,278

–

–

–

0

4,270

4,270

0.02

0.48

6.76

7.84

7.85

– 13,724,361

–

3,483,196

5.13 – 6.20

–

0

–

2.04

6.20

Weighted 
average 
Sharesave 
exercise  
price  
(£)

6.06

5.13

7.36

5.57

5.48

5.57

2  12,508,120 (DRSA/RSA) granted on 9 March 2018, 39,945 (notional dividend) granted on 11 March 2018, 63,350 (notional dividend) granted on 13 March 2018, 37,774 (notional 
dividend) granted on 19 March 2018, 2,076,370 (LTIP) granted on 9 March 2018, 216,127 (notional dividend) granted on 11 March 2018, 22,317 (notional dividend) granted on  
13 March 2018, 815 (notional dividend) granted on 19 March 2018, 246,367 (DRSA/RSA) granted on 18 June 2018, 165,856 (LTIP) and 75755 (DRSA/RSA) granted on 22 Aug 2018, 
and 423,038 (DRSA/RA) and 4,769,917 (Sharesave) granted on 2 October 2018, and 254,842 (DRSA/RSA) granted on 28 November 2018

3  For Sharesave granted in 2018, the exercise price is £5.13 per share, which was the average of the closing prices over the five days to the invitation date of 3 September. The closing 

share price on 31 August 2018 was £6.271

349

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report32. Investments in subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and associates

Accounting policy
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are all entities, including structured entities, which the Group controls. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, and 
has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. 
The assessment of power is based on the Group’s practical ability to direct the relevant activities of the entity unilaterally for the Group’s own 
benefit and is subject to reassessment if and when one or more of the elements of control change. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from 
the date on which the Group effectively obtains control. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases, and where any interest  
in the subsidiary remains, this is remeasured to its fair value and the change in carrying amount is recognised in the income statement. 

Associates and joint arrangements
Joint arrangements are where two or more parties either have rights to the assets, and obligations of the joint arrangement (joint operations), 
or have rights to the net assets of the joint arrangement (joint venture). The Group evaluates the contractual terms of joint arrangements  
to determine whether a joint arrangement is a joint operation or a joint venture. The Group does not have any contractual interest in  
joint operations.

An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant influence.

Investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted for by the equity method of accounting and are initially recognised at cost.  
The Group’s investment in associates and joint ventures includes goodwill identified on acquisition (net of any accumulated impairment loss). 

The Group’s share of its associates’ and joint ventures’ post-acquisition profits or losses is recognised in the income statement, and its  
share of post-acquisition movements in other comprehensive income is recognised in reserves. The cumulative post-acquisition movements 
are adjusted against the carrying amount of the investment. When the Group’s share of losses in an associate or a joint venture equals or 
exceeds its interest in the associate, including any other unsecured receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has 
incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate or joint venture.

Unrealised gains and losses on transactions between the Group and its associates and joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of the 
Group’s interest in the associates and joint ventures. At each balance sheet date, the Group assesses whether there is any objective 
evidence of impairment in the investment in associates and joint ventures. Such evidence includes a significant or prolonged decline in  
the fair value of the Group’s investment in an associate or joint venture below its cost, among other factors.

Significant accounting estimates and judgements
The Group applies judgement in determining if it has control, joint control or significant influence over subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associates respectively. These judgements are based upon identifying the relevant activities of counterparties, being those activities  
that significantly affect the entities returns, and further making a decision of if the Group has control over those entities, joint control,  
or has significant influence (being the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions but not control them). 

These judgements are at times determined by equity holdings, and the voting rights associated with those holdings. However, further 
considerations including but not limited to board seats, advisory committee members and specialist knowledge of some decision-makers 
are also taken into account. Further judgement is required when determining if the Group has de-facto control over an entity even though  
it may hold less than 50 per cent of the voting shares of that entity. Judgement is required to determine the relative size of the Group’s 
shareholding when compared with the size and dispersion of other shareholders. 

Impairment testing of investments in associates and joint ventures is performed if there is a possible indicator of impairment. Judgement  
is used to determine if there is objective evidence of impairment. Objective evidence may be observable data such as losses incurred on  
the investment when applying the equity method, the granting of concessions as a result of financial difficulty, or breaches of contracts/
regulatory fines of the associate or joint venture. Further judgement is required when considering broader indicators of impairment such  
as losses of active markets or ratings downgrades across key markets in which the associate or joint venture operate. 

Impairment testing is based on estimates, including forecasting the expected cash flows from the investments, growth rates, terminal values 
and the discount rate used in calculation of the present values of those cash flows. The estimation of future cash flows and the level to which 
they are discounted is inherently uncertain and requires significant judgement.

350

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements32. Investments in subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and associates continued

Accounting policy continued
Business combinations
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group. The cost of an acquisition is 
measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange, together 
with the fair value of any contingent consideration payable. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of  
the identifiable net assets and contingent liabilities acquired is recorded as goodwill (see Note 17 for details on goodwill recognised by the 
Group). If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets and contingent liabilities of the subsidiary acquired, the difference 
is recognised directly in the income statement.

Where the fair values of the identifiable net assets and contingent liabilities acquired have been determined provisionally, or where contingent 
or deferred consideration is payable, adjustments arising from their subsequent finalisation are not reflected in the income statement if: (i) they 
arise within 12 months of the acquisition date (or relate to acquisitions completed before 1 January 2014); and (ii) the adjustments arise from 
better information about conditions existing at the acquisition date (measurement period adjustments). Such adjustments are applied as at 
the date of acquisition and, if applicable, prior year amounts are restated. All changes that are not measurement period adjustments are 
reported in income other than changes in contingent consideration not classified as financial instruments, which are accounted for in 
accordance with the appropriate accounting policy, and changes in contingent consideration classified as equity, which is not remeasured.

Changes in ownership interest in a subsidiary, which do not result in a loss of control, are treated as transactions between equity holders  
and are reported in equity. Where a business combination is achieved in stages, the previously held equity interest is remeasured at the 
acquisition date fair value with the resulting gain or loss recognised in the income statement.

In the Company’s financial statements, investment in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are held at cost less impairment and 
dividends from pre-acquisition profits received prior to 1 January 2009, if any. Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains 
and losses on transactions between Group companies are eliminated in the Group accounts.

Investments in subsidiary undertakings

As at 1 January

Additions

As at 31 December

2019 
$million

34,853

23,1841

58,037

2018 
$million

34,853

–

34,853

1  Includes internal Additional Tier 1 issuances of $900 million by Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and $500 million and SGD750 million by Standard Chartered Bank 

(Singapore) Limited 

At 31 December 2019, the principal subsidiary undertakings, all indirectly held except for Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited,  
and principally engaged in the business of banking and provision of other financial services, were as follows: 

Country and place of incorporation or registration

Main areas of operation

Standard Chartered Bank, England and Wales

United Kingdom, Middle East, South Asia, Asia Pacific,  
Americas and, through Group companies, Africa

Standard Chartered Bank (China) Limited, China

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Hong Kong

Standard Chartered Bank Korea Limited, Korea

Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad, Malaysia

Standard Chartered Private Equity Limited, Hong Kong

Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited, Nigeria

Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited, Singapore

Standard Chartered Bank (Taiwan) Limited, Taiwan

Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited, Pakistan

Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) Public Company Limited, Thailand

Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited, Kenya

A complete list of subsidiary undertaking is included in Note 40.

China

Hong Kong

Korea

Malaysia

Hong Kong

Nigeria

Singapore

Taiwan

Pakistan

Thailand

Kenya

Group interest  
in ordinary  
share capital  
%

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

98.99

99.87

74.30

The Group does not have any material non-controlling interests in any of its subsidiaries except the 25.7 per cent non-controlling interest in 
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited. This contributes $20 million (31 December 2018: $21 million) of the profit attributable to non-controlling 
interests and $111 million (31 December 2018: $108 million) of the equity attributable to non-controlling interests.

While the Group’s subsidiaries are subject to local statutory capital and liquidity requirements in relation to foreign exchange remittance, these 
restrictions arise in the normal course of business and do not significantly restrict the Group’s ability to access or use assets and settle liabilities 
of the Group. 

351

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report32. Investments in subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and associates continued

The Group does not have significant restrictions on its ability to access or use its assets and settle its liabilities other than those resulting from  
the regulatory framework within which the banking subsidiaries operate. These frameworks require banking operations to keep certain levels  
of regulatory capital, liquid assets, exposure limits and comply with other required ratios. These restrictions are summarised below:

Regulatory and liquidity requirements
The Group’s subsidiaries are required to maintain minimum capital, leverage ratios, liquidity and exposure ratios which therefore restrict the 
ability of these subsidiaries to distribute cash or other assets to the parent company.

The subsidiaries are also required to maintain balances with central banks and other regulatory authorities in the countries in which they operate. 
At 31 December 2019, the total cash and balances with central banks was $53 billion (31 December 2018: $58 billion) of which $10 billion 
(31 December 2018: $8 billion) is restricted. 

Statutory requirements 
The Group’s subsidiaries are subject to statutory requirements not to make distributions of capital and unrealised profits to the parent company, 
generally to maintain solvency. These requirements restrict the ability of subsidiaries to remit dividends to the Group. Certain subsidiaries  
are also subject to local exchange control regulations which provide for restrictions on exporting capital from the country other than through 
normal dividends.

Contractual requirements
The encumbered assets in the balance sheet of the Group’s subsidiaries are not available for transfer around the Group. Encumbered assets  
are disclosed in Risk review and Capital review (page 198).

Share of profit from investment in associates and joint ventures comprises:

Profit from investment in joint ventures

Profit from investment in associates

Total

Interests in joint ventures

As at 1 January

Exchange translation difference

Expected credit loss, net1

Share of profit

Disposals

Share of fair value through other comprehensive income/available-for-sale and Other reserves

Transfer to held for sale assets2

As at 31 December

1  Relates to IFRS 9 transition adjustments

2  Refer to Note 21 Assets held for sale and associated liabilities where our joint venture PT Bank Permata Tbk (Permata) is disclosed

Interests in associates 

As at 1 January

Exchange translation differences

Expected credit loss, net1

Additions

Share of profits

Dividends received

Share of fair value through other 
comprehensive income/available-for-sale 
and Other reserves

As at 31 December

1  IFRS 9 transition impact from associates is reported here

China Bohai Bank

2019 
$million

1,551

(17)

–

–

247

–

22

1,803

2018 
$million

1,489

(95)

(19)

–

205

(64)

35

1,551

Other

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

39

–

–

64

5

(3)

–

105

35

–

–

–

7

(3)

–

39

2019 
$million

48

252

300

2019 
$million

717

32

–

48

–

3

 (800)

–

Total

2019 
$million

1,590

(17)

–

64

252

(3)

22

1,908

2018 
$million

29

212

241

2018 
$million

783

(49)

(33)

29

(11)

(2)

–

717

2018 
$million

1,524

(95)

(19)

–

212

(67)

35

1,590

352

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements32. Investments in subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and associates continued

A complete list of the Group’s interest in associates is included in Note 40. The Group’s principal associate is:

Associate

China Bohai Bank

Nature of 
activities

Banking

Main areas of 
operation

Group interest in 
ordinary share 
capital %

China

19.99

The Group’s investment in China Bohai Bank is less than 20 per cent but it is considered to be an associate because of the significant influence 
the Group is able to exercise over the management and financial and operating policies. The Group applies the equity method of accounting for 
investments in associates. The reported financials up to November 2019 of this associate are within three months of the Group’s reporting date.

The following table sets out the summarised financial statements of China Bohai Bank prior to the Group’s share of the associates being applied:

Cash and balances at central banks

Loans and advances to banks

Loans and advances to customers

Other assets

Total Assets

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Debt securities in issue

Other financial liabilities

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity

Operating income

Of which:

Interest income

Interest expense

Expenses

Of which:

Depreciation and amortisation

Impairment 

Operating profit 

Taxation

Profit after tax

The financial statements of China Bohai Bank include the following:

Other comprehensive profit for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

China Bohai Bank

30 Nov 2019 
$million

30 Nov 2018 
$million

12,532

3,297

97,133

43,467

156,429

14,502

89,917

4,913

36,970

1,105

18,358

3,719

78,050

47,632

147,759

18,674

84,426

1,912

34,735

252

147,407

140,000

9,022

3,769

6,717

(3,783)

(2,394)

(5)

(1,275)

1,375

(212)

1,163

(63)

1,100

7,759

3,427

6,699

(4,430)

(2,244)

(5)

(971)

1,183

(160)

1,023

175

1,198

During the year, there were no indicators of impairment for the Group’s investment in China Bohai Bank. The carrying value of the investment as 
of 31 December 2019 was $1,803 million (31 December 2018: $1,551 million).

353

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report33. Structured entities

Accounting policy
A structured entity is an entity that has been designed so that voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in deciding who controls  
the entity. Contractual arrangements determine the rights and therefore relevant activities of the structured entity. Structured entities are 
generally created to achieve a narrow and well-defined objective with restrictions around their activities. Structured entities are consolidated 
when the substance of the relationship between the Group and the structured entity indicates the Group has power over the contractual 
relevant activities of the structured entity, is exposed to variable returns, and can use that power to affect the variable return exposure.

In determining whether to consolidate a structured entity to which assets have been transferred, the Group takes into account its ability to 
direct the relevant activities of the structured entity. These relevant activities are generally evidenced through a unilateral right to liquidate the 
structured entity, investment in a substantial proportion of the securities issued by the structured entity or where the Group holds specific 
subordinate securities that embody certain controlling rights. The Group may further consider relevant activities embedded within contractual 
arrangements such as call options which give the practical ability to direct the entity, special relationships between the structured entity and 
investors, and if a single investor has a large exposure to variable returns of the structured entity.

Judgement is required in determining control over structured entities. The purpose and design of the entity is considered, along with a 
determination of what the relevant activities are of the entity and who directs these. Further judgements are made around which investor is 
exposed to, and absorbs the variable returns of the structured entity. The Group will have to weigh up all of these facts to consider whether 
the Group, or another involved party is acting as a principal in its own right or as an agent on behalf of others. Judgement is further required 
in the ongoing assessment of control over structured entities, specifically if market conditions have an effect on the variable return exposure 
of different investors.

The Group has involvement with both consolidated and unconsolidated structured entities, which may be established by the Group as a 
sponsor or by a third-party.

Interests in consolidated structured entities: A structured entity is consolidated into the Group’s financial statements where the Group 
controls the structured entity, as per the determination in the accounting policy above. 

The following table presents the Group’s interests in consolidated structured entities.

Aircraft and ship leasing

Principal and other structured finance

Total 

2019 
$million

4,312

816

5,128

2018 
$million

5,2001

1,452

6,652

1  Re-presented to include total non-Group assets. Previously, only operating lease assets were disclosed

Interests in unconsolidated structured entities: Unconsolidated structured entities are all structured entities that are not controlled by  
the Group. The Group enters into transactions with unconsolidated structured entities in the normal course of business to facilitate customer 
transactions and for specific investment opportunities. An interest in a structured entity is contractual or non-contractual involvement which 
creates variability of the returns of the Group arising from the performance of the structured entity.

The table below presents the carrying amount of the assets recognised in the financial statements relating to variable interests held in 
unconsolidated structured entities, the maximum exposure to loss relating to those interests and the total assets of the structured entities. 
Maximum exposure to loss is primarily limited to the carrying amount of the Group’s on-balance sheet exposure to the structured entity.  
For derivatives, the maximum exposure to loss represents the on-balance sheet valuation and not the notional amount. For commitments  
and guarantees, the maximum exposure to loss is the notional amount of potential future losses.

Asset-
backed 
securities 
$million

Structured 
finance 
$million

2019

Principal 
Finance 
funds 
$million

Other 
activities 
$million

Total 
$million

Asset-
backed 
securities 
$million

Structured 
finance 
$million

2018

Principal 
Finance 
funds 
$million

Other 
activities 
$million

Total 
$million

1,055

–

105

181

1,341

1,094

–

72

247

1,413

4,939

2,020

343

251

7,553

2,556

1,403

252

190

4,401

3,158

–

–

–

9,152

2,020

65

572

2,592

6,594

–

289

737

109

846

–

–

3,158

289

432

12,341

–

746

432

13,087

3,812

–

7,462

116

7,578

3,028

7,976

171,546

205,837

–

–

1,403

553

1,956

2,785

–

336

660

79

739

–

–

437

–

3,812

336

9,962

748

437

10,710

3,395

11,872

223,889

Group’s interest – assets

Financial assets held at fair value 
through profit or loss

Loans and advances/Investment 
securities at amortised cost

Investment securities (fair value 
through other comprehensive 
income)

Other assets

Total assets 

Off-balance sheet

Group’s maximum exposure to loss

9,217

Total assets of structured entities

153,948

354

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements33. Structured entities continued

The main types of activities for which the Group utilises unconsolidated structured entities cover synthetic credit default swaps for managed 
investment funds (including specialised Principal Finance funds), portfolio management purposes, structured finance and asset-backed 
securities. These are detailed as follows:

 ¼ Asset-backed securities (ABS): The Group also has investments in asset-backed securities issued by third-party sponsored and 

managed structured entities. For the purpose of market making and at the discretion of ABS trading desk, the Group may hold an immaterial 
amount of debt securities from structured entities originated by credit portfolio management. This is disclosed in the ABS column above

 ¼ Portfolio management (Group sponsored entities): For the purposes of portfolio management, the Group purchased credit protection 
via synthetic credit default swaps from note-issuing structured entities. This credit protection creates credit risk which the structured entity  
and subsequently the end investor absorbs. The referenced assets remain on the Group’s balance sheet as they are not assigned to these 
structured entities. The Group continues to own or hold all of the risks and returns relating to these assets. The credit protection obtained from 
the regulatory-compliant securitisation only serves to protect the Group against losses upon the occurrence of eligible credit events and the 
underlying assets are not derecognised from the Group’s balance sheet. The Group does not hold any equity interests in the structured 
entities, but may hold an insignificant amount of the issued notes for market making purposes. This is disclosed in the ABS section above. 
The proceeds of the notes’ issuance are typically held as cash collateral in the issuer’s account operated by a trustee or invested in AAA-rated 
government-backed securities to collateralise the structured entities swap obligations to the Group, and to repay the principal to investors at 
maturity. The structured entities reimburse the Group on actual losses incurred, through the use of the cash collateral or realisation of the 
collateral security. Correspondingly, the structured entities write down the notes issued by an equal amount of the losses incurred, in reverse 
order of seniority. All funding is committed for the life of these vehicles and the Group has no indirect exposure in respect of the vehicles’ 
liquidity position. The Group has reputational risk in respect of certain portfolio management vehicles and investment funds either because 
the Group is the arranger and lead manager or because the structured entities have Standard Chartered branding

 ¼ Structured finance: Structured finance comprises interests in transactions that the Group or, more usually, a customer has structured, 

using one or more structured entities, which provide beneficial arrangements for customers. The Group’s exposure primarily represents the 
provision of funding to these structures as a financial intermediary, for which it receives a lender’s return. The transactions largely relate to real 
estate financing and the provision of aircraft leasing and ship finance

 ¼ Principal Finance Fund: The Group’s exposure to Principal Finance Funds represents committed or invested capital in unleveraged 

investment funds, primarily investing in pan-Asian infrastructure, real estate and private equity

 ¼ Other activities: Other activities include structured entities created to support margin financing transactions, the refinancing of existing credit 

and debt facilities, as well as setting up of bankruptcy remote structured entities

34. Cash flow statement

Adjustment for non-cash items and other adjustments included within income statement

Amortisation of discounts and premiums of investment securities

Interest expense on subordinated liabilities

Interest expense on senior debt securities in issue

Other non-cash items

Pension costs for defined benefit schemes

Share-based payment costs

Impairment losses on loans and advances and other credit risk provisions

Dividend income from subsidiaries

Other impairment

Net gain on derecognition of investment in associate

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Total

Change in operating assets

Decrease in derivative financial instruments

(Increase)/decrease in debt securities, treasury bills and equity shares held  
at fair value through profit or loss

Increase in loans and advances to banks and customers

Net increase in prepayments and accrued income

Net increase in other assets

Total

Group

2019 
$million

(818)

756

677

792

73

166

908

–

163

–

2018 
$million

(375)

767

606

796

81

166

653

–

182

–

(300)

2,417

(241)

2,635

Company

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

–

688

606

(75)

–

–

–

–

673

503

91

–

–

–

(17,979)

(1,035)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(16,760)

232

Group

Company

2019 
$million

(1,603)

(5,579)

(19,108)

(199)

(8,796)

(35,285)

2018 
$million

1,051

4,171

(16,883)

(252)

(924)

(12,837)

2019 
$million

(220)

(4,502)

–

–

(751)

(5,473)

2018 
$million

61

–

–

–

–

61

355

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report34. Cash flow statement continued

Change in operating liabilities

Increase/(decrease) in derivative financial instruments

Net increase/(decrease) in deposits from banks, customer accounts, debt 
securities in issue, Hong Kong notes in circulation and short positions

(Decrease)/increase in accruals and deferred income

Net increase/(decrease) in other liabilities

Total

Disclosures

Subordinated debt (including accrued interest):

Opening balance 

Proceeds from the issue

Interest paid

Repayment

Foreign exchange movements

Fair value changes

Other

Closing balance

Senior debt (including accrued interest):

Opening balance 

Proceeds from the issue

Interest paid

Repayment

Foreign exchange movements

Fair value changes

Other

Closing balance

35. Cash and cash equivalents

Group

Company

2019 
$million

1,290

27,850

(15)

810

29,935

Group

2019 
$million

15,227

1,000

(603)

(23)

(2)

227

619

2018 
$million

(493)

31,216

3

3,133

33,859

2018 
$million

17,550

500

(602)

(2,097)

(220)

(373)

469

2019 
$million

(390)

1,131

(18)

(4,905)

(4,182)

Company

2019 
$million

13,648

1,000

(547)

–

(14)

147

503

2018 
$million

636

(22)

6

(1,082)

(462)

2018 
$million

14,109

500

(507)

(474)

(237)

(248)

505

16,445

15,227

14,737

13,648

21,998

9,169

(797)

(7,692)

(1)

360

852

23,889

19,738

9,766

(507)

(7,030)

(347)

(904)

1,282

21,998

17,361

6,012

(740)

(3,780)

(1)

283

714

16,307

4,552

(355)

(3,141)

(199)

(182)

379

19,849

17,361

Accounting policy
For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash, on demand and overnight balances with central 
banks (unless restricted) and balances with less than three months’ maturity from the date of acquisition, including treasury bills and other 
eligible bills, loans and advances to banks, and short-term government securities.

The following balances with less than three months’ maturity from the date of acquisition have been identified by the Group as being cash and 
cash equivalents. 

Cash and balances at central banks 

Less: restricted balances

Treasury bills and other eligible bills 

Loans and advances to banks 

Trading securities 

Amounts owed by and due to subsidiary undertakings 

Total

Group

Company

2019 
$million

52,728

(9,843)

10,078

21,556

2,935

–

77,454

2018 
$million

57,511

(8,152)

15,393

30,449

2,299

–

97,500

2019 
$million

2018 
$million

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

11,622

11,622

17,606

17,606

Restricted balances comprise minimum balances required to be held at central banks.

356

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements36. Related party transactions

Directors and officers
Details of directors’ remuneration and interests in shares are disclosed in the Directors’ remuneration report.

IAS 24 Related party disclosures requires the following additional information for key management compensation. Key management comprises 
non-executive directors, executive directors of Standard Chartered PLC, the Court directors of Standard Chartered Bank and the persons 
discharging managerial responsibilities (PDMR) of Standard Chartered PLC.

Salaries, allowances and benefits in kind1 

Share-based payments

Bonuses paid or receivable

Total

31.12.19 
$million

31.12.18 
$million

37

28

4

69

33

29

10

72

1  Cash bonus for 2019 receivable within 12 months have been included as short-term employee benefits alongside salaries, allowances and benefits in kind in accordance with IAS 24

Transactions with directors and others
At 31 December 2019, the total amounts to be disclosed under the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) and the Listing Rules of the Hong Kong Stock 
Exchange Limited (HK Listing Rules) about loans to directors were as follows:

Directors

31.12.19

Number

$million

3

–

31.12.18

Number

1

$million

–

The loan transactions provided to the directors of Standard Chartered PLC were a connected transaction under Chapter 14A of the HK Listing 
Rules. It was fully exempt as financial assistance under Rule 14A.87(1), as it was provided in our ordinary and usual course of business and on 
normal commercial terms.

As at 31 December 2019, Standard Chartered Bank had created a charge over $86 million (31 December 2018: $83 million) of cash assets in 
favour of the on-consolidated independent trustee of its employer financed retirement benefit scheme.

Other than as disclosed in the Annual Report, there were no other transactions, arrangements or agreements outstanding for any director, 
connected person or officer of the Company which have to be disclosed under the Act, the rules of the UK Listing Authority or the  
HK Listing Rules.

Company
The Company has received $1,006 million (31 December 2018: $965 million) of net interest income from its subsidiaries. The Company issues 
debt externally and lends proceeds to Group companies.

The Company has an agreement with Standard Chartered Bank that, in the event of Standard Chartered Bank defaulting on its debt  
coupon interest payments, where the terms of such debt requires it, the Company shall issue shares as settlement for non-payment of the 
coupon interest.

31.12.2019

Standard 
Chartered Bank 
(Hong Kong) 
Limited 
$million

Standard 
Chartered Bank 
$million

Others1
$million

Standard  
Chartered Bank 
$million

31.12.2018

Standard  
Chartered Bank 
(Hong Kong) 
Limited 
$million

11,068

212

13,665

24,945

26

738

764

32

17

3,953

4,002

 – 

 – 

–

346

 – 

548

894

 – 

 – 

–

17,030

9

11,537

28,576

 – 

1,126

1,126

 – 

 – 

 – 

–

 – 

 – 

–

Others1
$million

399

 – 

 – 

399

 – 

 – 

–

Assets

Due from subsidiaries2

Derivative financial instruments

Debt securities2

Total assets 

Liabilities

Due to subsidiaries

Derivative financial instruments2

Total liabilities

1  Prior year comparatives have been re-presented

2  Others include Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited, Standard Chartered Holdings Limited and Standard Chartered I H Limited

357

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report36. Related party transactions continued

Associate and joint ventures
The following transactions with related parties are on an arm’s-length basis:

2019

2018

China  
Bohai Bank 
$million

Clifford 
Capital 
$million

PT Bank 
Permata  
$million

Seychelles 
International 
Mercantile 
Banking 
Corporation 
Limited 
$million

China  
Bohai Bank 
$million

Clifford  
Capital 
$million

PT Bank 
Permata  
$million

–
–
–
–

193
193
–
2

 – 
21
–
21

–
–
50
2

2
58
–
60

29
29
3
5

–
–
–
–

3
3
–
–

–
–
2
2

266
266
–
6

22
–
–
22

–
–
–
–

2
56
–
58

35
35
–
6

Seychelles 
International 
Mercantile 
Banking 
Corporation 
Limited 
$million

–
–
–
–

11
11
–
–

Assets
Loans and advances1
Debt securities1
Derivative assets
Total assets 

Liabilities
Deposits
Total liabilities
Loan commitments and other guarantees2
Total net income

1  Prior year comparatives have been re-presented

2  The maximum loan commitments and other guarantees during the year was $53 million

37. Post balance sheet events

On 14 January 2020, Standard Chartered PLC issued $2,000 million 2.8190 per cent senior debt due 2026 (callable 2025).

On 16 January 2020, Standard Chartered PLC issued €750 million 0.850 per cent senior debt due 2028 (callable 2027).

A final dividend for 2019 of 20 cents per ordinary share was declared by the directors after 31 December 2019.

The existence of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) was confirmed in early 2020 and has spread across mainland China and beyond, causing 
disruptions to businesses and economic activity. The Group considers this outbreak to be a non-adjusting post balance sheet event. As the 
situation is fluid and rapidly evolving, we do not consider it practicable to provide a quantitative estimate of the potential impact of this outbreak 
on the Group. The impact of this outbreak on the macroeconomic forecasts will be incorporated into the Group’s IFRS9 estimates of expected 
credit loss provisions in 2020.

38. Auditor’s remuneration

Auditor’s remuneration is included within other general administration expenses. The amounts paid by the Group to their principal auditor,  
KPMG LLP and its associates (together KPMG), are set out below. All services are approved by the Group Audit Committee and are subject  
to controls to ensure the external auditor’s independence is unaffected by the provision of other services.

Audit fees for the Group statutory audit
Fees payable to KPMG for other services provided to the Group:

Audit of Standard Chartered PLC subsidiaries

Total audit fees
Audit-related services
Other assurance services
Tax compliance and advisory services
Corporate finance services
Total fees payable

2019  
$million
10.0

2018  
$million
9.2

8.4
18.4
7.6
0.1
–
0.6
26.7

8.3
17.5
7.0
0.3
0.1
 0.2
25.1

The following is a description of the type of services included within the categories listed above:

 ¼ Audit fees for the Group statutory audit are in respect of fees payable to KPMG LLP for the statutory audit of the consolidated financial 

statements of the Group and the separate financial statements of Standard Chartered PLC 

 ¼ Audit-related fees consist of fees such as those for services required by law or regulation to be provided by the auditor, reviews of interim 
financial information, reporting on regulatory returns, reporting to a regulator on client assets and extended work performed over financial 
information and controls authorised by those charged with governance

 ¼ Other assurance services include agreed-upon procedures in relation to statutory and regulatory filings

 ¼ Tax services include services which are not prohibited by the European Directive on Statutory Audits of Annual and Consolidated Accounts 

and the Regulation on Statutory Audits of Public Interest Entities

 ¼ Corporate finance services are fees payable to KPMG for issuing comfort letters 

 ¼ Included within the Group statutory audit fees is $0.4 million of fees related to the 2018 year-end audit and $0.2 million related to the transition 

of the audit to EY

Expenses incurred during the provision of services and which have been reimbursed by the Group are not included within auditor’s 
remuneration. Expenses incurred for 2019 were $1.1 million (2018: $0.6 million).

358

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements39. Standard Chartered PLC (Company)

Group reorganisation
The Board of the Group approved in 2018 an in-principle group reorganisation which would result in Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) 
transferring its ordinary shares in Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (SCB HK), Standard Chartered Bank (China) Limited  
(SCB China), Standard Chartered NEA Limited (SC NEA) and Standard Chartered Bank (Taiwan) Limited (SCB TW) to other entities within  
the Standard Chartered PLC Group, subject to the receipt of appropriate regulatory approvals.

On 4 March 2019, SCB transferred via a dividend in specie its ordinary shares in SCB HK to Standard Chartered Holdings Limited (SCH).  
SCH in turn transferred via a dividend in specie 100 per cent of the ordinary shares of SCB HK to Standard Chartered PLC (SC PLC), the 
Group’s ultimate parent.

On 1 June 2019, the Company transferred its shareholding in SCB China to SCB HK in exchange for ordinary shares in SCB HK. On 3 June 
2019, the Company transferred via dividend in specie such SCB HK shares to SCH and in turn, SCH transferred via dividend in specie such 
SCB HK shares to SC PLC.

On 1 October 2019, the Company transferred its ordinary shares in SC NEA, the holding company of Standard Chartered Bank Korea Limited, 
to SCB HK, and on the same day, its ordinary shares in SCB TW to SC NEA.

All of the transfers were done on a fair value basis in the Standard Chartered PLC (Company) accounts. The result of these transfers was an 
increase in Investment in Subsidiaries and corresponding dividend income of $20,989 million. This resulted in an increase to retained earnings 
but no change to distributable reserves.

In addition to the group reorganisation, Additional Tier 1 issuances of $900 million by Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and 
$500 million and SGD750 million by Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited have increased Investments in Subsidiaries.

Classification and measurement of financial instruments

Financial assets

Derivatives

Investment securities

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings

Total 

2019

2018

Derivatives 
held for 
hedging 
$million

Amortised 
cost 
$million

Non-trading 
mandatorily 
at fair value 
through 
profit or loss 
$million

229

–

–

229

–

13,665

11,622

25,287

–

 4,5021 

–

4,502

Derivatives 
held for 
hedging 
$million

9

–

–

9

Amortised 
cost 
$million

–

11,537

17,606

29,143

Total 
$million

229

18,167

11,622

30,018

Total 
$million

9

11,537

17,606

29,152

1  Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited issued Loss Absorbing Capacity (LAC) eligible debt securities (2018: nil)

Instruments classified as amortised cost are recorded in stage 1.

Derivatives held for hedging are held at fair value and are classified as Level 2 while the counterparty is Standard Chartered Bank.

Debt securities comprise corporate securities issued by Standard Chartered Bank and have a fair value equal to carrying value of 
$13,665 million (31 December 2018: $11,537 million).

In 2019 and 2018, amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings have a fair value equal to carrying value.

Financial liabilities

Derivatives

Debt securities in issue

Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings

2019

Derivatives 
held for 
hedging 
$million

Amortised 
cost 
$million

738

–

–

–

–

19,713

 14,588 

26

Designated 
at fair value 
through 
profit or loss  
$million

–

112

–

–

Derivatives 
held for 
hedging 
$million

1,128

–

–

–

Total 
$million

738

19,825

14,588

26

2018

Amortised 
cost 
$million

–

17,202

13,436

–

Total 
$million

1,128

17,202

13,436

–

Total

738

34,327

112

35,177

1,128

30,638

31,766

Derivatives held for hedging are held at fair value and are classified as Level 2 while the counterparty is Standard Chartered Bank.

The fair value of debt securities in issue is $19,713 million (31 December 2018: $17,202 million) and have fair value equal to carrying value.

The fair value of subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds is $15,238 million (31 December 2018: $14,314 million).

359

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report39. Standard Chartered PLC (Company) continued

Derivative financial instruments

2019

2018

Derivatives

Foreign exchange derivative contracts:

Forward foreign exchange

Currency swaps 

Other foreign exchange (OTC)

Interest rate derivative contracts:

Swaps 

Total

Credit risk
Maximum exposure to credit risk

Derivative financial instruments

Debt securities

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings

Total

Notional  
principal 
amounts 
$million

–

5,114

1,564

13,201

19,879

Assets 
$million

Liabilities 
$million

17

–

34

178

229

–

642

–

96

738

Notional  
principal  
amounts 
$million

–

6,864

–

10,939

17,803

Assets 
$million

Liabilities 
$million

–

–

–

9

9

2019 
$million

229

18,167

11,622

30,018

–

818

–

310

1,128

2018 
$million

9

11,537

17,606

29,152

In 2019 and 2018, amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings were neither past due nor impaired; the Company had no individually  
impaired loans.

In 2019 and 2018, the Company had no impaired debt securities. The debt securities held by the Group are issued by Standard Chartered 
Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary undertaking with credit ratings of A+/A/A1.

There is no material expected credit loss on these instruments as they are stage 1 assets, short term in nature and of a high quality.

Liquidity risk 
The following table analyses the residual contractual maturity of the assets and liabilities of the Company on a discounted basis:

Between 
one month 
and three 
months 
$million

Between 
three 
months and 
six months 
$million

Between  
six months 
and nine 
months 
$million

Between 
nine months 
and one year 
$million

Between 
one year  
and two 
years 
$million

Between 
two years 
and five 
years 
$million

More than 
five years 
and undated 
$million

One month 
or less 
$million

Total 
$million

2019

Assets

Derivative financial instruments

34

Investment securities

Amount owed by subsidiary 
undertakings

Investments in subsidiary 
undertakings 

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities 

Derivative financial instruments

Senior debt

Amount owed to subsidiary 
undertakings

Other liabilities

Subordinated liabilities and  
other borrowed funds

Total liabilities

Net liquidity gap

–

–

–

–

34

–

–

–

298

–

298

(264)

–

–

5

–

–

5

–

–

–

86

–

86

(81)

1

–

2,104

–

–

2,105

3

2,104

–

68

–

2,175

(70)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7

–

7

(7)

360

–

–

–

–

–

–

286

–

–

20

–

8

–

52

134

229

7,024

11,143

18,167

1,025

5,249

3,239

11,622

–

–

–

–

58,037

58,037

15

15

1,033

12,325

72,568

88,070

229

2,547

127

7,734

93

738

7,328

19,713

–

–

–

–

–

26

36

5,478

13,339

(1,014)

9,110

16,593

55,975

26

515

14,588

35,580

52,490

306

(306)

2,776

(1,743)

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements39. Standard Chartered PLC (Company) continued

Liquidity risk continued

Between  
one month 
and three 
months 
$million

Between  
three  
months and 
six months 
$million

Between  
six months 
and nine 
months 
$million

Between  
nine months 
and one year 
$million

Between  
one year  
and two  
years 
$million

Between  
two years  
and five  
years 
$million

More than  
five years  
and undated 
$million

One month  
or less 
$million

Total 
$million

2018

–

–

1,318

–

–

1,318

83

1,031

201

–

1,315

3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

91

–

91

(91)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

59

–

59

(59)

–

–

2,759

–

–

2,759

9

2,731

–

–

2,740

19

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

21

–

21

(21)

3

–

6

9

1,698

3,960

5,879

11,537

2,093

7,070

4,366

17,606

–

–

–

–

34,853

34,853

–

–

3,794

11,030

45,104

64,005

260

2,079

–

1,472

3,811

(17)

324

5,402

–

4,368

10,094

936

452

5,959

19

7,596

14,026

31,078

1,128

17,202

391

13,436

32,157

31,848

Assets

Derivative financial instruments

Investment securities

Amount owed by subsidiary 
undertakings

Investments in subsidiary 
undertakings

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities 

Derivative financial instruments

Senior debt

Other liabilities

Subordinated liabilities and  
other borrowed funds

Total liabilities

Net liquidity gap

Financial liabilities on an undiscounted basis

Between 
one month 
and three 
months 
$million

Between 
three 
months and 
six months 
$million

Between  
six months 
and nine 
months 
$million

Between 
nine months 
and one year 
$million

Between 
one year  
and two 
years 
$million

Between 
two years 
and five 
years 
$million

More than 
five years 
and undated 
$million

One month 
or less 
$million

2019

Derivative financial instruments

Debt securities in issue 

Subordinated liabilities and  
other borrowed funds 

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

–

–

–

172

172

–

18

–

86

–

2,331

221

68

104

2,620

–

18

26

7

51

–

250

361

20

631

2018

Between  
one month 
and three 
months 
$million

Between  
three  
months and 
six months 
$million

Between  
six months 
and nine 
months 
$million

Between  
nine months 
and one year 
$million

One month  
or less 
$million

Derivative financial instruments

Debt securities in issue 

Subordinated liabilities and  
other borrowed funds 

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

83

1,031

–

201

1,315

–

7

–

91

98

–

172

221

59

452

9

2,765

–

–

2,774

–

241

362

21

624

Total 
$million

–

–

–

–

3,030

8,879

8,145

22,671

618

–

7,002

14,166

22,394

–

13

366

3,648

15,881

22,324

45,431

Between  
one year  
and two  
years 
$million

260

2,408

Between  
two years  
and five  
years 
$million

324

6,175

More than  
five years  
and undated 
$million

452

6,633

Total 
$million

1,128

19,432

2,055

5,975

12,789

21,402

–

–

20

392

4,723

12,474

19,894

42,354

361

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report40. Related undertakings of the Group

As at 31 December 2019, the Group’s interests in related undertakings are disclosed below. Unless otherwise stated, the share capital  
disclosed comprises ordinary or common shares which are held by subsidiaries of the Group. Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, 
Standard Chartered Funding (Jersey) Limited, Stanchart Nominees Limited, Standard Chartered Holdings Limited and Standard Chartered 
Nominees Limited are directly held subsidiaries, all other related undertakings are held indirectly. Unless otherwise stated, the principal country 
of operation of each subsidiary is the same as its country of incorporation. Note 32 details undertakings that have a significant contribution to  
the Group’s net profit or net assets.

Subsidiary Undertakings

Name and registered address 

The following companies have the address of 1 Basinghall Avenue, London, 
EC2V 5DD, United Kingdom

Country of 
incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

BWA Dependents Limited

FinVentures UK Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing (UK) Limited

SC (Secretaries) Limited

SC Transport Leasing 1 Limited

SC Transport Leasing 2 Limited

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

$1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

SC Ventures Innovation Investment L.P.

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

SCMB Overseas Limited

Stanchart Nominees Limited

Standard Chartered Africa Limited

Standard Chartered Bank

Standard Chartered Foundation1

Standard Chartered Health Trustee (UK) Limited

Standard Chartered Holdings Limited

Standard Chartered I H Limited

Standard Chartered Leasing (UK) 2 Limited

Standard Chartered Leasing (UK) 3 Limited

Standard Chartered Leasing (UK) Limited

United Kingdom

£0.10 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

$0.01 Non-Cumulative Irredeemable 
Preference shares

$5.00 Non-Cumulative Redeemable 
Preference shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

Guarantor

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

$2.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

$1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

$1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

$1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Masterbrand Licensing Limited

United Kingdom

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered NEA Limited

Standard Chartered Nominees Limited

United Kingdom

$1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Nominees (Private Clients UK) Limited

United Kingdom

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Overseas Holdings Limited

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Securities (Africa) Holdings Limited

United Kingdom

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Trustees (UK) Limited

Standard Chartered UK Holdings Limited

The SC Transport Leasing Partnership 1

The SC Transport Leasing Partnership 2

The SC Transport Leasing Partnership 3

The SC Transport Leasing Partnership 4

The BW Leasing Partnership 1 LP1

The BW Leasing Partnership 2 LP1

The BW Leasing Partnership 3 LP1

The BW Leasing Partnership 4 LP1

The BW Leasing Partnership 5 LP1

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

£10.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

 100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

362

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Name and registered address 

The following companies have the address of 2 More London Riverside, 
London SE1 2JT, United Kingdom

Country of 
incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

Bricks (C&K) LP1

Bricks (C) LP1

Bricks (M) LP

Bricks (P) LP1

Bricks (T) LP1

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

United Kingdom

Limited Partnership interest

The following company has the address of 8th Floor, 20 Farringdon Street, 
London, EC4A 4AB, United Kingdom.

SC Ventures G.P. Limited

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Rua Gamal Abdel Nasser, 
Edificio Tres Torres, Eixo Viario, Distrito Urbano da Ingombota, Municipio  
de Luanda, Provincia de Luanda, Angola

Standard Chartered Bank Angola S.A.

Angola

AOK8,742.05 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Level 5, 345 George St, Sydney 
NSW 2000, Australia

Standard Chartered Grindlays Pty Limited

Australia

AUD Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of 5th Floor Standard House 
Bldg, The Mall, Queens Road, PO Box 496, Gaborone, Botswana

Standard Chartered Bank Insurance Agency (Proprietary) Limited

Standard Chartered Investment Services (Proprietary) Limited

Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Limited

Standard Chartered Botswana Education Trust2

Standard Chartered Botswana Nominees (Proprietary) Limited

The following company has the address of Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 
3600 – 7th floor, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 04538-132, Brazil

Botswana

Botswana

Botswana

Botswana

Botswana

BWP Ordinary shares

BWP Ordinary shares

BWP Ordinary shares

Interest in trust

BWP Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Bank (Brasil) S.A. – Banco de Investimento

Brazil

BRL Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima,  
3600 – 7° andar, conj 72 04538-132, São Paulo, Brazil.

Standard Chartered Representação Ltda

Brazil

BRL1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 51-55 Jalan Sultan, Complex 
Jalan sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan, BS8811, Brunei Darussalam 

Standard Chartered Finance (Brunei) Bhd

Brunei Darussalam BND1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of G01-02, Wisma Haji Mohd Taha 
Building, Jalan Gadong, BE4119, Brunei Darussalam 

Standard Chartered Securities (B) Sdn Bhd

Brunei Darussalam BND1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 1155, Boulevard de la Liberté, 
Douala, B.P. 1784, Cameroon

Standard Chartered Bank Cameroon S.A

Cameroon

XAF10,000.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 20 Adelaide Street, Suite 1105 , 
Toronto ON M5C 2T6 Canada

Standard Chartered (Canada) Limited

Canada

CAD1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Maples Corporate Services 
Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman KY1-1104, 
Cayman Islands

Cerulean Investments LP

Cayman Islands

Limited Partnership interest

The following company has the address of Maples Finance Limited,  
PO Box 1093 GT, Queensgate House, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, 
Cayman Islands

SCB Investment Holding Company Limited

Cayman Islands

$1,000.00 A Ordinary shares

$1.00 Class X shares

100

100

100

100

100

100

60

100

100

100

75.8

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

363

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ reportCountry of 
incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Name and registered address 

The following companies have the address of Walkers Corporate Limited, 
Cayman Corporate Centre, 27 Hospital Road George Town, Grand Cayman 
KY1-9008, Cayman Islands

Sirat Holdings Limited

Cayman Islands

$0.01 Ordinary shares

$0.01 Preference shares

Standard Chartered Principal Finance (Cayman) Limited4

Cayman Islands

$0.0001 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Mourant Ozannes Corporate 
Services (Cayman) Limited, Harbour Centre, 42 North Church Street, 
PO Box 1348, Grand Cayman KY1-1108, Cayman Islands

Sunflower Cayman SPC

Cayman Islands

$1.00 Management shares

The following company has the address of Maples Corporate Services 
Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman KY1-1104, 
Cayman Islands

Standard Chartered Saadiq Mudarib Company Limited

Cayman Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of No. 1034, Managed by Tianjin 
Dongjiang Secretarial Services , Co., Ltd., Room 202, Office Area of 
Inspection Warehouse, No.6262 Ao Zhou Road, Dongjiang Free Trade  
Port Zone, Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone, China

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing (Tianjin) Limited3

China 

$1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of No. 1035, Managed by Tianjin 
Dongjiang Secretarial Services , Co., Ltd., Room 202, Office Area of 
Inspection Warehouse, No.6262 Ao Zhou Road, Dongjiang Free Trade  
Port Zone, Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone, China

100

100

100

100

100

100

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing Tianjin 1 Limited3

China 

CNY1.00 Ordinary shares

100

The following company has the address of No. 1036, Managed by Tianjin 
Dongjiang Secretarial Services , Co., Ltd., Room 202, Office Area of 
Inspection Warehouse, No.6262 Ao Zhou Road, Dongjiang Free Trade  
Port Zone, Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone, China

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing Tianjin 2 Limited3

China 

CNY1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Standard Chartered Tower, 
201 Century Avenue, Pudong, Shanghai 200120, China

Standard Chartered Bank (China) Limited3

China

CNY Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 26F, Fortune Financial Centre, 
#5, Dong San Huan Zhong Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, P. R. China.

Standard Chartered Corporate Advisory Co. Ltd3

China

$1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of No. 188 Yeshen Rd, 11F, A-1161 
RM, Pudong New District, Shanghai 31201308, China

Standard Chartered Trading (Shanghai) Limited3

China

$15,000,000.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of No. 35, Xinhuanbei Road, TEDA, 
Tianjin, 300457, China

Standard Chartered Global Business Services Co. Limited3

China

$ Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Standard Chartered Bank  
Cote d’Ivoire, 23 Boulevard de la République, Abidjan 17, 17 B.P. 1141,  
Cote d’Ivoire

Standard Chartered Bank Cote d’ Ivoire SA

Cote d’Ivoire

XOF100,000.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Standard Chartered Bank 
France, 32 Rue de Monceau,75008, Paris, France

Pembroke Lease France SAS

France

€1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 8 Ecowas Avenue, PMB 259 
Banjul, The Gambia

Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Limited

The Gambia

GMD1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Taunusanlage 16, 60325, 
Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Standard Chartered Bank AG

Germany 

€ Ordinary shares

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

74.8

100

364

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Name and registered address 

The following companies have the address of Standard Chartered Bank 
Building, 87 Independence Avenue, P.O. Box 768, Accra,Ghana

Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Limited

Standard Chartered Ghana Nominees Limited

The following companies have the address of Bordeaux Court, 
Les Echelons, South Esplanade, St.Peter Port, Guernsey

Birdsong Limited

Nominees One Limited

Nominees Two Limited

Songbird Limited

Standard Chartered Secretaries (Guernsey) Limited

Standard Chartered Trust (Guernsey) Limited

The following company has the address of 15/F, Standard Chartered Tower, 
388 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Country of 
incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

Ghana

Ghana

Guernsey

Guernsey

Guernsey

Guernsey

Guernsey

Guernsey

GHS Ordinary shares

GHS0.52 Preference shares

GHS Ordinary shares

£1.00 Ordinary shares

£1.00 Ordinary shares

£1.00 Ordinary shares

£1.00 Ordinary shares

£1.00 Ordinary shares

£1.00 Ordinary shares

Horsford Nominees Limited

Hong Kong

HKD Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of 14th Floor, One Taikoo Place, 
979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

Kozagi Limited

Majestic Legend Limited

Ori Private Limited

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

HKD Ordinary shares

HKD Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ A Ordinary shares

$ B Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered PF Real Estate (Hong Kong) Limited

Hong Kong

$ Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of 25/F, Standard Chartered 
Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong

Marina Acacia Shipping Limited

Marina Amaryllis Shipping Limited

Marina Amethyst Shipping Limited

Marina Ametrine Shipping Limited

Marina Angelite Shipping Limited

Marina Apollo Shipping Limited

Marina Beryl Shipping Limited

Marina Carnelian Shipping Limited

Marina Emerald Shipping Limited

Marina Flax Shipping Limited

Marina Gloxinia Shipping Limited

Marina Hazel Shipping Limited

Marina Honor Shipping Limited

Marina Ilex Shipping Limited

Marina Iridot Shipping Limited

Marina Kunzite Shipping Limited

Marina Leasing Limited

Marina Mimosa Shipping Limited

Marina Moonstone Shipping Limited

Marina Peridot Shipping Limited

Marina Sapphire Shipping Limited

Marina Splendor Shipping Limited

Marina Tourmaline Shipping Limited

SC Digital Solutions Limited

Standard Chartered Leasing Group Limited

Standard Chartered Trade Support (HK) Limited

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

HKD Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

HKD Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

HKD Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

HKD Ordinary shares

69.4

87.0

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

90.7

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

65.1

100

100

365

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Name and registered address 

The following company has the address of 3/F Standard Chartered Bank 
Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong

Country of 
incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

Standard Chartered Private Equity Limited

Hong Kong

HKD Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 13/F, Standard Chartered Bank 
Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong

Standard Chartered Trust (Hong Kong) Limited

Hong Kong

HKD Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 3/F Standard Chartered Bank 
Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong

Standard Chartered Private Equity Managers (Hong Kong) Limited

Hong Kong

HKD Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 15/F, Two International Finance 
Centre, No. 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong

Standard Chartered Securities (Hong Kong) Limited

Hong Kong

HKD Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 21/F, Standard Chartered Tower, 
388 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Standard Chartered Asia Limited

Hong Kong

HKD Deferred shares

The following companies have the address of 32/F, Standard Chartered 
Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong

Standard Chartered Sherwood (HK) Limited

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

HKD Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

HKD Ordinary shares

HKD A Ordinary shares

HKD B Ordinary shares

$ D Ordinary shares

$ C Ordinary shares

$ Preference shares

The following company has the address of 1st Floor, Europe Building, No.1, 
Haddows Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, 600 006, India

Standard Chartered Global Business Services Private Limited

India

INR10.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 90 M.G.Road, II Floor, Fort, 
Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400 001, India

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Standard Chartered Finance Private Limited

India

INR10.00 Ordinary shares

98.7

The following companies have the address of Crescenzo, 6th Floor, Plot No 
38-39, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, 
Maharashtra, 400051, India

Standard Chartered (India) Modeling and Analytics Centre Private Limited India

Standard Chartered Investments and Loans (India) Limited

St Helen’s Nominees India Private Limited

India

India

INR10.00 Ordinary shares

INR10.00 Ordinary shares

INR10.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Crescenzo, 7th Floor, Plot  
No 38-39, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, 
Maharashtra, 400051, India

Standard Chartered Private Equity Advisory (India) Private Limited

India

INR1,000.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Second Floor, Indiqube Edge, 
Khata No. 571/630/6/4, Sy.No.6/4, Ambalipura Village, Varthur Hobli, 
Marathahalli Sub-Division, Ward No. 150, Bengaluru, 560102, India.

Standard Chartered Research and Technology India Private Limited

India

INR10.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 2nd Floor, 23-25 M.G. Road, 
Fort, Mumbai, 400 001, India

Standard Chartered Securities (India) Limited

India

INR10.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of No. 157–157 A, Jakarta Barat, 
11130, Indonesia.

PT. Price Solutions Indonesia (dalam likuidasi)

Indonesia

$100.00 Ordinary shares

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

366

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Name and registered address 

The following companies have the address of 32 Molesworth Street,  
Dublin 2, D02 Y512, Ireland

Country of 
incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

Inishbrophy Leasing Limited

Inishcannon Leasing Limited

Inishcrean Leasing Limited

Inishdawson Leasing Limited

Inisherkin Leasing Limited

Inishlynch Leasing Limited

Inishoo Leasing Limited

Nightjar Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 1 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 2 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 3 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 4 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 5 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 6 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 7 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 8 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 9 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 10 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 11 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 12 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 13 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 14 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 15 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing 16 Limited

Pembroke Aircraft Leasing Holdings Limited

Pembroke Capital Limited

Pembroke Capital Shannon Limited

Skua Limited

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

€1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

€1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

€1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

€1.00 Ordinary shares

€1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

€1.25 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

€1.25 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of First Names House, Victoria 
Road, Douglas, IM2 4DF, Isle of Man 

Pembroke Group Limited5

Isle of Man

$0.01 Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of 1st Floor, Goldie House,  
1-4 Goldie Terrace, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 1EB, Isle of Man

Standard Chartered Assurance Limited

Isle of Man

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Insurance Limited6

Isle of Man

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Redeemable Preference shares

The following company has the address of 21/F, Sanno Park Tower,  
2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-6155, Japan

Standard Chartered Securities (Japan) Limited

Japan

JPY50,000 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 15 Castle Street, St Helier,  
JE4 8PT, Jersey

SCB Nominees (CI) Limited

The following company has the address of IFC 5, St Helier, JE1 1ST, Jersey

Standard Chartered Funding (Jersey) Limited6

Jersey

Jersey

$1.00 Ordinary shares

£1.00 Ordinary shares

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

367

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Name and registered address 

The following companies have the address of 
StandardChartered@Chiromo, Number 48, Westlands Road,  
P. O. Box 30003 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Standard Chartered Investment Services Limited

Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited

Standard Chartered Securities (Kenya) Limited

Standard Chartered Financial Services Limited

Standard Chartered Insurance Agency Limited

Standard Chartered Kenya Nominees Limited

Country of 
incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

Kenya

Kenya

Kenya

Kenya

Kenya

Kenya

KES20.00 Ordinary shares

KES5.00 Ordinary shares

KES5.00 Preference shares

KES10.00 Ordinary shares

KES20.00 Ordinary shares

KES100.00 Ordinary shares

KES20.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of M6-2701, West 27Fl, Suha-dong, 
26, Eulji-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea, Republic of

Resolution Alliance Korea Ltd4

Korea, Republic of

KRW5,000.00 Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of 2/F, 47 Jongno, Jongno-gu, 
Seoul, 110-702, Korea, Republic of

Standard Chartered Bank Korea Limited

Korea, Republic of

KRW5,000.00 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Securities Korea Limited

Korea, Republic of

KRW5,000.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 17/F, 100, Gongpyeong-dong, 
Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea, Republic of

Ascenta II

Korea, Republic of

Partnership interest

The following company has the address of Atrium Building, Maarad Street, 
3rd Floor, P.O.Box: 11-4081 Riad El Solh, Beirut, Beirut Central District, 
Lebanon

Standard Chartered Metropolitan Holdings SAL

Lebanon

$10.00 Ordinary A shares

The following companies have the address of Level 16, Menara  
Standard Chartered, 30, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Cartaban (Malaya) Nominees Sdn Berhad

Cartaban Nominees (Asing) Sdn Bhd

Cartaban Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd

Golden Maestro Sdn Bhd

Popular Ambience Sdn Bhd

Price Solutions Sdn Bhd

SCBMB Trustee Berhad

Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad

Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad

The following companies have the address of Brumby Centre, Lot 42,  
Jalan Muhibbah, 87000 Labuan F.T., Malaysia

Marina Morganite Shipping Limited7

Marina Moss Shipping Limited7

Marina Tanzanite Shipping Limited7

Pembroke Leasing (Labuan) 3 Berhad

Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia

RM Ordinary shares

RM Ordinary shares

RM Ordinary shares

RM Ordinary shares

RM Ordinary shares

RM Ordinary shares

RM Ordinary shares

RM Irredeemable Cumulative 
Preference shares

RM Ordinary shares

RM Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of N8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala 
Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia

Resolution Alliance Sdn Bhd1

Malaysia

RM Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Level 7, Wisma  
Standard Chartered, Jalan Teknologi 8, Taman Teknologi Malaysia,  
57000 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia

Standard Chartered Global Business Services Sdn Bhd

Malaysia

RM Ordinary shares

368

100

74.3

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

91

100

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Name and registered address 

The following companies have the address of Trust Company Complex, 
Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, MH96960, Marshall Islands

Country of 
incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

Marina Alysse Shipping Limited7

Marina Amandier Shipping Limited7

Marina Ambroisee Shipping Limited7

Marina Angelica Shipping Limited7

Marina Aventurine Shipping Limited7

Marina Buxus Shipping Limited7

Marina Celsie Shipping Limited7

Marina Citrine Shipping Limited7

Marina Dahlia Shipping Limited7

Marina Dittany Shipping Limited7

Marina Dorado Shipping Limited7

Marina Lilac Shipping Limited7

Marina Lolite Shipping Limited7

Marina Obsidian Shipping Limited7

Marina Pissenlet Shipping Limited7

Marina Protea Shipping Limited7

Marina Quartz Shipping Limited7

Marina Remora Shipping Limited7

Marina Turquoise Shipping Limited7

Marina Zircon Shipping Limited7

The following companies have the address of SGG Corporate Services 
(Mauritius) Ltd, 33, Edith Cavell St, Port Louis, 11324, Mauritius

Actis Asia Real Estate (Mauritius) Limited

Actis Treit Holdings (Mauritius) Limited1

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Mauritius

Mauritius

$1.00 Class A shares

$1.00 Class B shares

$1.00 Class A shares

$1.00 Class B shares

The following company has the address of 6/F, Standard Chartered Tower, 
19, Bank Street, Cybercity, Ebene, 72201, Mauritius

Standard Chartered Bank (Mauritius) Limited

Mauritius

$ Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of c/o Abax Corporate Services 
Ltd, 6/F, Tower A, 1 CYBERCITY, Ebene, Mauritius

Standard Chartered Financial Holdings

Standard Chartered Private Equity (Mauritius) II Limited

Standard Chartered Private Equity (Mauritius) Limited

Mauritius

Mauritius

Mauritius

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Private Equity (Mauritius) lll Limited

Mauritius

$1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 5/F, Ebene Esplanade, 24 Bank 
Street, Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius

Subcontinental Equities Limited

Mauritius

$1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Standard Chartered Bank Nepal 
Limited, Madan Bhandari Marg, Ward No.34, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, 
Kathmandu District, Bagmati Zone, Kathmandu, Nepal

$ Redeemable Preference shares

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

62

62

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited

Nepal

NPR100.00 Ordinary shares

70.2

The following company has the address of Hoogoorddreef 15, 1101 BA, 
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Pembroke Holland B.V.

Netherlands

€450.00 Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of 1 Basinghall Avenue, London, 
EC2V 5DD, United Kingdom

Standard Chartered Holdings (Africa) B.V.6

Standard Chartered Holdings (Asia Pacific) B.V.6

Standard Chartered Holdings (International) B.V.6

Standard Chartered MB Holdings B.V.6

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

€4.50 Ordinary shares

€4.50 Ordinary shares

€4.50 Ordinary shares

€4.50 Ordinary shares

100

100

100

100

100

369

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Name and registered address 

The following companies have the address of 142 Ahmadu Bello Way, 
Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

Country of 
incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

Cherroots Nigeria Limited

Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited

Nigeria

Nigeria

NGN1.00 Ordinary Shares

NGN1.00 Irredeemable Non 
Cumulative Preference shares

NGN1.00 Ordinary shares

NGN1.00 Redeemable Preference 
shares

Standard Chartered Capital & Advisory Nigeria Limited

Standard Chartered Nominees (Nigeria) Limited

Nigeria

Nigeria

NGN1.00 Ordinary shares

NGN1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 3/F Main SCB Building,  
I.I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi, Sindh, 74000, Pakistan

Price Solution Pakistan (Private) Limited

Pakistan

PKR10.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of P.O. Box No. 5556 I.I. Chundrigar 
Road, Karachi, 74000, Pakistan

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited

Pakistan

PKR10.00 Ordinary shares

98.9

The following company has the address of ul. Towarowa 25A, 00-869 
Warszawa, Poland

Standard Chartered Global Business Services spólka z ograniczona 
odpowiedzialnoscia

The following company has the address of Offshore Chambers, PO Box 
217, Apia, Western Samoa

Poland

PLN50.00 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Nominees (Western Samoa) Limited

Samoa

$1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Al Faisaliah Office Tower, 7/F, 
King Fahad Highway, Olaya District, Riyadh P.O box 295522, Riyadh, 11351, 
Saudi Arabia

Standard Chartered Capital (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

SAR10.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 9 & 11, Lightfoot Boston Street, 
Freetown, Sierra Leone

Standard Chartered Bank Sierra Leone Limited

Sierra Leone

SLL1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 8 Marina Boulevard, Level 23, 
Marina Bay Financial Centre, Tower 1, 018981, Singapore

Standard Chartered Private Equity (Singapore) Pte. Ltd

Singapore

$ Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of 8 Marina Boulevard, Level 26, 
Marina Bay Financial Centre, Tower 1, 018981, Singapore

Marina Aquata Shipping Pte. Ltd.

Marina Aruana Shipping Pte. Ltd.

Marina Aster Shipping Pte. Ltd.

Marina Cobia Shipping Pte. Ltd.

Marina Daffodil Shipping Pte. Ltd.

Marina Fatmarini Shipping Pte. Ltd.

Marina Frabandari Shipping Pte. Ltd.

Marina Freesia Shipping Pte. Ltd.

Marina Gerbera Shipping Pte. Ltd.

Marina Mars Shipping Pte. Ltd.

Marina Mercury Shipping Pte. Ltd.

Marina Opah Shipping Pte. Ltd.

Marina Partawati Shipping Pte. Ltd.

Marina Poise Shipping Pte. Ltd.

370

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

$ Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

100

100

100

80.7

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Name and registered address 

The following companies have the address of 9 Raffles Place, #27-00 
Republic Plaza, 048619, Singapore.

Actis RE Investment 1 Private Limited1

Actis RE Investment 2 Private Limited1

Actis RE Investment 3 Private Limited1

Actis RE Investment 4 Private Limited1

Actis Treit Holdings No.1 (Singapore) Private Limited1

Actis Treit Holdings No.2 (Singapore) Private Limited1

The following company has the address of 7 Changi Business Park 
Crescent, #03-00 Standard Chartered @ Changi, 486028, Singapore

Country of 
incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

SGD Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

Raffles Nominees (Pte.) Limited

Singapore

SGD Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of 8 Marina Boulevard, Level 27, 
Marina Bay Financial Centre, Tower 1, 018981, Singapore

SCTS Capital Pte. Ltd

SCTS Management Pte. Ltd.

Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Standard Chartered Trust (Singapore) Limited

Standard Chartered Holdings (Singapore) Private Limited

Singapore

Singapore

SGD Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

SGD Preference shares

$ Ordinary shares

$ Preference shares

SGD Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of Abogado Pte Ltd, No. 8 
Marina Boulevard, #05-02 MBFC Tower 1, 018981, Singapore

Standard Chartered IL&FS Management (Singapore) Pte. Limited

Standard Chartered PF Managers Pte. Limited

Standard Chartered Real Estate Investment Holdings (Singapore)  
Private Limited

The following company has the address of 9 Battery Road, #15-01 Straits 
Trading Building, 049910, Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

$ Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

Singapore

$ Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Nominees (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Singapore

SGD Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 5/F, 4 Sandown Valley Crescent, 
Sandton, Gauteng, 2196, South Africa

CMB Nominees (RF) PTY Limited

South Africa

ZAR1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 2nd Floor, 115 West Street, 
Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa

Standard Chartered Nominees South Africa Proprietary Limited (RF)

South Africa

ZAR Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 10F, No. 168/170 &, 
8F, 12F, No.168, Tun Hwa N. Rd., Songshan Dist., Taipei, 105, Taiwan

Standard Chartered Bank (Taiwan) Limited

Taiwan

TWD10.00 Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of 1 Floor, International House, 
Shaaban Robert Street / Garden Avenue, PO Box 9011, Dar Es Salaam, 
Tanzania, United Republic of

Standard Chartered Bank Tanzania Limited

Standard Chartered Tanzania Nominees Limited

The following company has the address of 100 North Sathorn Road, Silom, 
Bangrak Bangkok , 10500, Thailand

Tanzania, United 
Republic of

Tanzania, United 
Republic of

TZS1,000.00 Ordinary shares

TZS1,000.00 Preference shares

TZS1,000.00 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) Public Company Limited

Thailand

THB10.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Buyukdere Cad. Yapi Kredi Plaza 
C Blok, Kat 15, Levent, Istanbul, 34330, Turkey

Standard Chartered Yatirim Bankasi Turk Anonim Sirketi

Turkey

TRL0.10 Ordinary shares

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

50

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

99.9

100

371

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Name and registered address 

The following company has the address of Standard Chartered Bank Bldg, 
5 Speke Road, PO Box 7111, Kampala, Uganda

Country of 
incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Limited

Uganda

UGS1,000.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 505 Howard St. #201,  
San Francisco, CA 94105, United States

SC Studios, LLC

United States

Membership Interest

The following company has the address of Standard Chartered Bank, 37F, 
1095 Avenue of the Americas, New York 10036, United States

Standard Chartered Bank International (Americas) Limited

United States

$1,000.00 Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of Corporation Trust Centre, 
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE 19801, United States

Standard Chartered Holdings Inc.

Standard Chartered Capital Management (Jersey), LLC

Standard Chartered Securities (North America) LLC

StanChart Securities International LLC

Standard Chartered International (USA) LLC

The following company has the address of 50 Fremont Street,  
San Francisco CA 94105, United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

$100.00 Common shares

$ Ordinary shares

Membership Interest

Membership Interest

Membership Interest

Standard Chartered Overseas Investment, Inc.

United States

$10.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of C/O Corporation Service 
Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, United States

Standard Chartered Trade Services Corporation

United States

$0.01 Common shares

The following company has the address of Room 1810-1815, Level 18, 
Building 72, Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower, Pham Hung Road, Cau 
Giay New Urban Area, Me Tri Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi10000, 
Vietnam

Standard Chartered Bank (Vietnam) Limited

Vietnam

VND Charter Capital shares

The following companies have the address of Vistra Corporate Services 
Centre, Wickhams Cay II, Road Town, Tortola, VG1110, Virgin Islands, British

Sky Favour Investments Limited7

Sky Harmony Holdings Limited7

Virgin Islands, British $1.00 Ordinary shares

Virgin Islands, British $1.00 Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of Standard Chartered House, 
Cairo Road, Lusaka, PO BOX 32238, Zambia

Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc

Standard Chartered Zambia Securities Services Nominees Limited

The following companies have the address of Africa Unity Square Building, 
68 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe

Zambia

Zambia

ZMW0.25 Ordinary shares

ZMW1.00 Ordinary shares

Africa Enterprise Network Trust2

Standard Chartered Bank Zimbabwe Limited

Standard Chartered Nominees Zimbabwe (Private) Limited

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Interest in Trust

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$2.00 Ordinary shares

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

90

100

100

100

100

1  The Group has determined that these undertakings are excluded from being consolidated into the Group’s accounts, and do not meet the definition of a Subsidiary under IFRS. See 

Notes 32 and 33 for the consolidation policy and disclosure of the undertaking

2  No share capital by virtue of being a trust

3  Limited liability company

4  The Group has determined the principle country of operation to be Singapore

5  The Group has determined the principle country of operation to be Ireland

6  The Group has determined the principle country of operation to be the United Kingdom

7  The Group has determined the principle country of operation to be Hong Kong

372

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

Joint ventures

Name

Country of 
Incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

The following company has the address of WTC II Building, Jalan Jenderal 
Sudirman Kav29-31, Jakarta, 12920’ Indonesia

PT Bank Permata Tbk

Indonesia

IDR125.00 B shares

44.6

The following company has the address of 100/36 Sathorn Nakorn Tower,  
Fl 21 North Sathorn Road, Silom Sub-District, Bangrak District, Bangkok, 
10500, Thailand

Resolution Alliance Limited

Thailand

THB10.00 Ordinary shares

49

Associates

Name

Country of 
Incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

The following company has the address of 3 More London 
Riverside,London, England, SE1 2AQ, United Kingdom

Trade Information Network Limited

United Kingdom

$1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Bohai Bank Building, No.218  
Hai He Dong Lu, Hedong District, Tianjin, China, 300012, China

China Bohai Bank Co. Ltd

China

CNY Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of 17/F, 100, Gongpyeong-dong, 
Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea, Republic of

Ascenta IV

Korea, Republic of

Partnership Interest

The following company has the address of C/o CIM Corporate Services Ltd, 
Les Cascades, Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis, Mauritius

FAI Limited

Mauritius

$1.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Victoria House, State House 
Avenue, Victoria, MAHE, Seychelles

Seychelles International Mercantile Banking Corporation Limited

Seychelles

SCR1,000.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 1 Raffles Quay, #23-01,  
One Raffles Quay, 048583, Singapore

Clifford Capital Pte. Ltd

Singapore

$1.00 Ordinary shares

16.7

19.9

39.1

25

22

9.9

Significant investment holdings and other related undertakings

Name

The following company has the address of 65A Basinghall Street, London, 
EC2V 5DZ, United Kingdom

Country of 
Incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

Cyber Defence Alliance Limited

United Kingdom

Membership interest

The following company has the address of Intertrust Corporate Services 
(Cayman) Limited, 190 Elgin Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman, 
KY1-9005, Cayman Islands

ATSC Cayman Holdco Limited

Cayman Islands

$0.01 A Ordinary shares

$0.01 B Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of Harbour Centre #42 North 
Church Street, , PO Box 1348, Grand Cayman, KY1-1108 Cayman Islands, 
Cayman Islands

Standard Chartered IL&FS Asia Infrastructure (Cayman) Limited

Cayman Islands

$0.01 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered IL&FS Asia Infrastructure Growth Fund  
Company Limited

Cayman Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered IL&FS Asia Infrastructure Growth Fund, L.P.

Cayman Islands

Partnership interest

The following company has the address of 3, Floor 1, No.1, Shiner 
Wuxingcaiyuan, West Er Huan Rd, Xi Shan District, Kunming, Yunnan 
Province, PRC, China

Yunnan Golden Shiner Property Development Co., Ltd.

China

CNY1.00 Ordinary shares

25

5.3

100

50

50

38.6

42.5

373

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ reportCountry of 
Incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

Significant investment holdings and other related undertakings continued

Name

The following companies have the address of Unit 605-08, 6/F Wing On 
Centre, 111 Connaught Rd, Central Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Actis Carrock Holdings (HK) Limited

Actis Jack Holdings (HK) Limited

Actis Rivendell Holdings (HK) Limited

Actis Temple Stay Holdings (HK) Limited

Actis Young City Holdings (HK) Limited

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

$ Class A shares

$ Class B shares

$ Class A shares

$ Class B shares

$ Class A shares

$ Class B shares

$ Class A shares

$ Class B shares

$ Class A shares

$ Class B shares

The following company has the address of 1221 A, Devika Tower, 12th Floor, 
6 Nehru Place, New Delhi 110019, New Delhi, 110019, India

Mikado Realtors Private Limited

The following company has the address of Elphinstone Building, 2nd 
Floor,10 Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Mumbai -400001, Maharashtra, India

TRIL IT4 Private Limited

The following company has the address of 4/F, 274, Chitalia House,  
Dr. Cawasji Hormusji Road, Dhobi Talao, Mumbai City, Maharashtra,  
India 400 002, Mumbai, 400 002, India

India

India

INR10.00 Ordinary shares

INR10.00 Ordinary shares

Industrial Minerals and Chemical Co. Pvt. Ltd

India

INR100.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of TRIO Building, 8/F, Jl, Kebon 
Sirih Raya Kav, 63, Jakarta, 10340, Indonesia

39.7

39.7

39.7

39.7

39.7

39.7

39.7

39.7

39.7

39.7

26

26

26

PT Trikomsel Oke Tbk

Indonesia

IDR50.00 Series B shares

29.2

The following companies have the address of 4/F St Pauls Gate,  
22-24 New Street, St Helier, JE1 4TR, Jersey

Standard Jazeera Limited 

Jersey

$1.00 Class C Redeemable 
Preference Shares

$1.00 Ordinary Shares

Standard Topaz Limited

Jersey

$1,000.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Class C Redeemable 
Preference Shares

The following company has the address of 17/F (Gongpyung-dong), 100, 
Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea, Republic of

Ascenta III

Korea, Republic of

Partnership interest

The following company has the address of 1 Venture Avenue, #07-07 
Big Box, 608521, Singapore

Omni Centre Pte. Ltd.

The following company has the address of 152 Beach Road, #28-00 
Gateway East, Singapore, 189721

Singapore

SGD Redeemable Convertible 
Preference shares

Socash Pte. Ltd.

Singapore

$ Class B Preference shares

The following company has the address of 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, 
New Castle DE 19808, United States

100

20

20.1

100

31

100

33.3

Paxata, Inc.

United States

$0.0001 Series C2 Preferred Stock

40.7

374

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

In liquidation

Subsidiary Undertakings

Name

The following companies have the address of Deloitte LLP, Hill House, 
1 Little New Street, London, EC4A 3TR, United Kingdom

SC Leaseco Limited

Standard Chartered APR Limited

Standard Chartered Capital Markets Limited

Standard Chartered Debt Trading Limited

Compass Estates Limited

Chartered Financial Holdings Limited

Country of 
Incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

United Kingdom

$1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

$1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

£5.00 Ordinary shares

£1.00 Preference shares

The following company has the address of Cra 7 Nro 71-52 TA if 702, 
Bogata, Colombia

Sociedad Fiduciaria Extebandes S.A.

Colombia

COP1.00 Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of Schottegatweg Oost, 44, 
Curacao, Netherlands Antilles

American Express International Finance Corp.N.V. 

Ricanex Participations N.V. 

Curaçao

Curaçao

$1,000.00 Ordinary shares

$1,000.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of L5 The Forum, Exchange 
Square, 8 Connaught Place,Central, Hong Kong

Standard Chartered Global Trading Investments Limited

Hong Kong

HKD Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 13/F, Standard Chartered Tower, 
388 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

SC Learning Limited

Hong Kong

HKD Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 8/Floor, Gloucester Tower,  
The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong

Leopard Hong Kong Limited 

Hong Kong

$ Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Menara Standard Chartered,  
3rd floor, Jl. Prof. DR. Satrio No. 164, Jakarta, 12930, Indonesia

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

PT Solusi Cakra Indonesia 

Indonesia

IDR23,809,600.00 Ordinary shares

99

The following company has the address of Standard Chartered@Chiromo, 
Number 48, Westlands Road, P. O. Box 30003 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Standard Chartered Management Services Limited

Kenya

KES20.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 30 Rue Schrobilgen, 2526, 
Luxembourg

Standard Chartered Financial Services (Luxembourg) S.A.

Luxembourg

€25.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Level 16, Menara  
Standard Chartered, 30, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Amphissa Corporation Sdn Bhd

Malaysia

RM1.00 Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of Brumby Centre, Lot 42,  
Jalan Muhibbah, 87000 Labuan F.T., Malaysia

Pembroke Leasing (Labuan) 2 Berhad

Pembroke Leasing (Labuan) Pte Limited

Malaysia

Malaysia

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

The following companies have the address of 1 Basinghall Avenue, London, 
EC2V 5DD, United Kingdom

Smart Application Investment B.V.

Netherlands

€45.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Jiron Huascar 2055, Jesus 
Maria, Lima 15072, Peru

Banco Standard Chartered en Liquidacion 

Peru

$75.133 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of 8 Marina Boulevard, Level 27, 
Marina Bay Financial Centre, Tower 1, 018981, Singapore

Standard Chartered (2000) Limited

Singapore

SGD Ordinary shares

$ Class A Preference shares

£ Class B Preference shares

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

375

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ report40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

In liquidation continued

Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Name

The following company has the address of Quai du General Guisan 38, 
8022, Zurich, Switzerland, Switzerland

Country of 
Incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

Standard Chartered Bank (Switzerland) S.A. 

Switzerland

CHF1,000.00 Ordinary shares

CHF100.00 Participation Capital 
shares

The following company has the address of 6/F, Hewlett Packard Building, 
337 Fu Hsing North Road, Taipei, Taiwan

Kwang Hua Mocatta Company Ltd.

Taiwan

TWD1,000.00 Ordinary shares

The following company has the address of Luis Alberto de Herrera 1248, 
Torre II, Piso 11, Esc. 1111, Uruguay

Standard Chartered Uruguay Representacion S.A. 

Uruguay

UYU1.00 Ordinary shares

100

100

97.9

100

Significant investment holdings and other related undertakings

Name

The following company has the address of Lot 6.05, Level 6, KPMG Tower, 
8 First Avenue, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Country of 
Incorporation

Description of shares

Proportion 
of shares 
held (%)

House Network SDN BHD

Malaysia

RM1.00 Ordinary shares

25

Liquidated/dissolved/sold

Subsidiary Undertakings

Name

SC Overseas Investments Limited

Standard Chartered (GCT) Limited

Ocean Horizon Holdings South Ltd

Country of 
Incorporation

Description of shares

United Kingdom

AUD1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

£1.00 Ordinary shares

Cayman Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Corporate Private Equity (Cayman) Limited

Cayman Islands

$0.001 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered International Partners

Cayman Islands

$0.001 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Private Equity (Cayman) Limited

Cayman Islands

$0.001 Ordinary shares

Pembroke 7006 Leasing Limited

Pembroke Alpha Limited

Ocean Horizon Holdings East Limited

Ocean Horizon Holdings West Limited

Ireland

Ireland

Jersey

Jersey

€1.25 Ordinary shares

€1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Standard Chartered Private Equity Managers (Korea) Limited

Korea, Republic of

KRW5,000.00 Ordinary shares

Marina Aquamarine Shipping Limited

Marina Poseidon Shipping Limited

Marina Zeus Shipping Limited

Actis Place Holdings (Mauritius) Limited

Pembroke B717 Holdings B.V.

Actis Mahi Holdings (Singapore) Private Limited

Augusta Viet Pte. Ltd.

Greenman Pte. Ltd.

Phoon Huat Pte. Ltd.

Redman Pte. Ltd.

Standard Chartered Private Equity Managers (Singapore) Pte. Ltd

Actis Place Holdings No.1 (Singapore) Private Limited

Actis Place Holdings No.2 (Singapore) Private Limited

Standard Chartered (Thailand) Company Limited

Standard Chartered Asset Management Limited

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Marshall Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Mauritius

$1.00 Class A Ordinary shares

$1.00 Class B Ordinary shares

Netherlands

€1.00 Ordinary shares

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore 

Singapore 

Singapore 

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Thailand

Zimbabwe

SGD 1.00 Ordinary shares

$1.00 Ordinary shares

SGD1.00 Class A Preferred shares

SGD1.00 Class B Preferred shares

SGD1.00 Ordinary shares

SGD1.00 Ordinary shares

SGD1.00 Ordinary shares

$ Ordinary shares

SGD 1.00 Ordinary shares

SGD 1.00 Ordinary shares

THB10.00 Ordinary shares

$0.001 Ordinary shares

376

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Financial statementsNotes to the  financial statements40. Related undertakings of the Group continued

Joint ventures

Name

Canas Leasing Limited

Elviria Leasing Limited

Associates

Name

McAshback Limited 

Significant investment holdings and other related undertakings

Name

Greathorse Chemical Limited

Asia Trading Holdings Limited

Joyville Shapoorji Housing Private Limited

Mahindra Homes Private Limited

Northern Arc Capital Limited

PT Travira Air

Daiyang Metal Company Ltd

Country of 
Incorporation

Ireland

Ireland

Description of shares

$1 Ordinary shares

$1 Ordinary shares

Country of 
Incorporation

Description of shares

United Kingdom

£0.01 Ordinary shares

Country of 
Incorporation

Description of shares

Cayman Islands

$1.00 Ordinary shares

Cayman Islands

$0.01 Ordinary shares

India

India

India

INR10.00 Common Equity shares

INR10.00 Compulsorily Convertible 
Preference shares

INR10.00 A Ordinary shares

INR10.00 B Ordinary shares

INR20.00 Compulsorily Convertible 
Preference shares

INR10.00 Equity shares

Indonesia

IDR1,000,000.00 Ordinary shares

Korea, Republic of

KRW 500 Ordinary shares

KRW 500 Preferred shares

KRW 500 Convertible Preference 
shares

Haram Trade Co. Ltd.

Korea, Republic of

KRW 1,000,000,000 Ordinary shares

KRW 1,000,000,000 redeemable 
convertible preferred shares

Maesong Trading Co. Ltd.

Korea, Republic of

KRW 1,000,000,000 Ordinary shares

Sameun Trade Co. Ltd.

Korea, Republic of

KRW 500,000,000 Ordinary shares

KRW 1,000,000,000 redeemable 
convertible preferred shares

KRW 500,000,000 redeemable 
convertible preferred shares

Taebong Prime Co. Ltd

Korea, Republic of

KRW 10,000,000,000 Ordinary shares

KRW 10,000,000,000 redeemable 
convertible preferred shares

Crystal Jade Group Holdings Pte Ltd

MMI Technoventures Pte Ltd

Singapore

Singapore

$ Ordinary shares

SGD Ordinary shares

Polaris Limited

THSC Investments Pte. Ltd.

New Lifestyle Service Corporation

Online Mobile Services Joint Stock Company

Singapore

Singapore 

Vietnam

Vietnam

SGD 0.01 Redeemable Preference 
shares

SGD Ordinary shares

SGD0.50 Ordinary Shares

VND Dividend Preference shares

VND Redeemable Preference shares

VND10,000 Class A1 Redeemable 
Preference shares

VND10,000 Class A1 Dividend 
Preference shares

VND10,000 Class C Dividend 
Preference shares

Ecoplast Technologies Inc

Virgin Islands, British $0.0001 Class C Preferred shares

377

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSupplementary informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ reportSTAFF  PHOTO  COMPETITION

What sustainability  
means to  
our employees

We ran our staff photo competition for the third year 
running, this year asking participants to send in 
photographs that represent our three sustainability pillars: 
Sustainable Finance, Being a Responsible Company and 
Inclusive Communities. The winning images from each 
category are displayed here.

Jude Wellington
Chennai, India

Sustainable finance
Saving money is one of the most important 
aspects of having a secure financial foundation. 
One of the ways we can empower the next 
generation is by teaching children about money 
from a young age.

Jude Wellington highlights the importance of 
speaking with children about money and the 
importance of saving – the subject doesn’t have 
to be scary or taboo. By giving children the 
opportunity to ask questions about money,  
we can teach them its value and the importance  
of hard work. 

This winning photograph shows that you’re  
never too young to start saving!

378

Standard Chartered 
Annual Report 2019

i

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379

Md. Ahidul Hassan
Dhaka, Bangladesh

Responsible company
We strive to manage our business sustainably  
and responsibly. It is our strong belief that a  
culture of inclusivity is the key to harnessing  
our unique diversity.

Md. Ahidul Hassan has captured a moment during 
the Hindu festival ‘Holi’, popularly known as the 
Indian festival of ‘spring’, ‘colours’ or ‘love’. 

The festival signifies the arrival of spring, the end 
of winter, the blossoming of love, and for many a 
festive day to meet with others – regardless of age, 
race, gender or religion – to play and laugh, forget 
and forgive, and repair broken relationships. 

This winning photograph depicts hands of different 
colours joining together in union.

SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION  (UNAUDITED)

380   Supplementary financial 

information

400   Supplementary people 

information

402   Supplementary sustainability 

information

407  Shareholder information

409  Major awards 2019

411  Glossary

Janath Batuwangala
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Inclusive communities
Our Sri Lanka-based Cash Management 
Services team visited two remote schools in the 
Anuradhapura District to carry out a corporate 
social responsibility project in 2018. 

The two schools, Aluthwewa Kumara Maha 
Vidyala in Srawasthipura and Selesthimaduwa 
Vidyala in Nachchadoowa, were in desperate  
need of basic educational tools.

To help meet the school’s need, we donated 
photocopy machines, ceiling fans, story books, 
educational books, other stationary items, sports 
equipment and paint to colourwash the buildings, 
among other items.

This winning photograph shows the joy this project 
brought to the children of these schools.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplementary financial information

Five-year summary1

Operating profit before impairment losses and taxation

Impairment losses on loans and advances and other credit 
risk provisions

Other impairment

Profit/(loss) before taxation

Profit/(loss) attributable to shareholders

Loans and advances to banks2

Loans and advances to customers2

Total assets

Deposits by banks2

Customer accounts2

Shareholders’ equity

Total capital resources3

Information per ordinary share

Basic earnings/(loss) per share 

Underlying earnings/(loss) per share

Dividends per share4

Net asset value per share

Net tangible asset value per share

Return on assets5

Ratios

Statutory return on ordinary shareholders’ equity

Statutory return on ordinary shareholders’ tangible equity

Underlying return on ordinary shareholders’ equity

Underlying return on ordinary shareholders’ tangible equity

Statutory cost to income ratio (excluding UK Bank levy)

Statutory cost to income ratio (including UK Bank levy)

Underlying cost to income ratio (excluding UK Bank levy)

Underlying cost to income ratio (including UK Bank levy)

Capital ratios:

(CET1)/ Tier 1 capital6

Total capital6

2019 
$million

4,484

(908)

(136)

3,713

2,303

53,549

268,523

720,398

28,562

405,357

44,835

66,868

57.0c

75.7c

22.0c

1,358.3c

1,192.5c

0.3%

4.2%

4.8%

5.6%

6.4%

68.7%

70.9%

65.9%

68.2%

13.8%

21.2%

2018 
$million

3,142

(653)

(182)

2,548

1,054

61,414

256,557

688,762

29,715

391,013

45,118

65,353

18.7c

61.4c

17.0c

1,319.3c

1,167.7c

0.3%

1.4%

1.6%

4.6%

5.1%

76.6%

78.8%

67.7%

69.9%

14.2%

21.6%

2017 
$million

4,008

(1,362)

(179)

2,415

1,219

78,188

282,288

663,501

30,945

370,509

46,505

68,983

23.5c

47.2c

–

1,366.9c

1,214.7c

0.2%

1.7%

2.0%

3.5%

3.9%

70.7%

72.2%

69.3%

70.8%

13.6%

21.0%

2016 
$million

3,849

(2,791)

(612)

409

(247)

72,609

252,719

646,692

32,872

338,185

44,368

68,181

(14.5)c

3.4c

–

1,307.8c

1,163.9c

0.0%

(1.1)%

(1.2)%

0.3%

0.3%

69.9%

72.6%

69.5%

72.2%

13.6%

21.3%

2015 
$million

4,116

(4,976)

(855)

(1,523)

(2,194)

64,494

257,356

640,483

28,727

337,606

46,204

70,364

(91.9)c

(6.6)c

13.71c

1,366.0c

1,244.1c

(0.3)%

(5.3)%

(5.9)%

(0.4)%

(0.4)%

70.2%

73.1%

65.0%

67.8%

12.6%

19.5%

1  The amounts for the three financial years ended 2015 to 2017 are presented in line with IAS 39 and, therefore, not on a comparable basis to the current financial year presented in 

accordance with IFRS 9

2  Excludes amounts held at fair value through profit or loss

3  Shareholders’ funds, non-controlling interests and subordinated loan capital

4  Dividend paid during the year per share

5  Represents profit attributable to shareholders divided by the total assets of the Group

6  Unaudited

380

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationSupplementary  financial informationAnalysis of underlying performance by key market

The following tables provide information for key markets in which the Group operates. The numbers are prepared on a management view.  
Refer to Note 2 for details.

Operating income

Operating expenses

Operating profit before 
impairment losses 
and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and 
joint ventures

Underlying profit before 
taxation

Hong Kong 
$million

Korea 
$million

China 
$million

Singapore 
$million

India 
$million

Indonesia 
$million

UAE 
$million

UK 
$million

US 
$million

2019

3,755

(1,934)

972

(769)

872

(666)

1,639

(986)

1,041

(672)

1,821

(111)

(5)

–

203

(15)

1

–

1,705

189

206

(81)

–

247

372

653

(91)

–

–

562

369

(290)

–

–

79

273

(180)

93

(87)

–

–

6

617

(423)

762

(678)

759

(587)

194

(48)

–

–

84

(33)

–

–

172

(63)

–

–

146

51

109

Total assets employed

159,725

54,408

30,293

85,155

28,163

4,795

20,301

150,103

60,373

Of which: loans and 
advances to customers 
including FVTPL

Total liabilities employed

Of which: customer 
accounts

Operating income

Operating expenses

Operating profit before 
impairment losses 
and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and 
joint ventures

Underlying profit/(loss) 
before taxation

77,277

149,703

34,469

47,420

14,772

27,005

45,951

80,006

15,674

18,437

2,098

3,188

10,406

42,179

12,905

142,804

17,038

66,357

123,330

38,533

21,797

60,821

13,800

2,320

10,078

82,036

34,733

2018

China 
$million

Singapore 
$million

India 
$million

Indonesia 
$million

Hong Kong 
$million

3,752

(1,944)

Korea 
$million

1,009

(797)

821

(675)

1,547

(1,009)

949

(677)

272

(130)

(1)

–

UAE 
$million

637

(453)

UK 
$million

819

(671)

US 
$million

667

(621)

184

(196)

–

–

(12)

148

(51)

17

–

114

46

(36)

–

–

10

260

(179)

81

(39)

–

26

68

1,808

(57)

(109)

–

212

(1)

1

–

1,642

212

146

(30)

–

205

321

538

(115)

–

–

423

141

Total assets employed

153,372

51,306

30,272

81,882

29,886

4,990

19,847

136,967

48,706

Of which: loans and 
advances to customers 
including FVTPL

Total liabilities employed

Of which: customer 
accounts

71,971

139,332

33,435

45,347

12,894

27,158

46,342

80,200

16,567

20,554

2,536

3,110

10,749

13,679

41,248

148,041

13,464

42,301

116,999

36,894

21,801

58,415

16,306

2,061

10,517

93,096

16,218

381

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportAnalysis of underlying performance by Retail Banking and Commercial Banking segments

Retail Banking

2019

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

Europe & 
Americas 
$million

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

3,003

(2,015)

988

(153)

–

835

(47)

788

72,759

98,434

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

2,886

(1,959)

927

(72)

(5)

850

(18)

832

67,718

95,086

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

1,432

(1,097)

335

(136)

–

199

(7)

192

27,934

35,959

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

1,352

(1,083)

269

(135)

–

134

(20)

114

27,812

32,120

700

(619)

81

(47)

2

36

(9)

27

5,320

8,585

765

(668)

97

(60)

–

37

(30)

7

5,595

8,433

Total 
$million

5,171

(3,754)

1,417

(336)

2

1,083

(63)

1,020

Total 
$million

5,041

(3,736)

1,305

(267)

(5)

1,033

(68)

965

36

(23)

13

–

–

13

–

13

38

(26)

12

–

–

12

–

12

510

1,052

101,635

136,691

557

1,067

106,570

144,045

2018

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

Europe &  
Americas 
$million

2019

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

594

(386)

208

(22)

186

(7)

179

13,174

20,590

559

(310)

249

(38)

211

(2)

209

8,779

10,250

2018

325

(211)

114

(63)

51

(2)

49

4,733

3,243

Greater China & 
North Asia 
$million

ASEAN &  
South Asia 
$million

Africa &  
Middle East 
$million

584

(389)

195

(23)

172

(7)

165

13,926

22,011

523

(330)

193

(73)

120

(3)

117

9,118

9,720

284

(204)

80

(148)

(68)

(2)

(70)

4,227

3,129

Total 
$million

1,478

(907)

571

(123)

448

(11)

437

26,686

34,083

Total 
$million

1,391

(923)

468

(244)

224

(12)

212

27,271

34,860

Operating income

Operating expenses

Operating profit before impairment losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Underlying profit before taxation

Restructuring

Statutory profit before taxation

Loans and advances to customers including FVTPL

Customer accounts

Operating income

Operating expenses

Operating profit before impairment losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Other impairment

Underlying profit before taxation

Restructuring

Statutory profit before taxation

Loans and advances to customers including FVTPL

Customer accounts

Commercial Banking

Operating income

Operating expenses

Operating profit before impairment losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Underlying profit before taxation

Restructuring

Statutory profit before taxation

Loans and advances to customers including FVTPL

Customer accounts

Operating income

Operating expenses

Operating profit before impairment losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Underlying profit/(loss) before taxation

Restructuring

Statutory profit/(loss) before taxation

Loans and advances to customers including FVTPL

Customer accounts

382

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationSupplementary  financial informationAnalysis of operating income by product and segment

The following tables provide a breakdown of the Group’s underlying operating income by product and client segment.

Corporate & 
Institutional 
Banking 
$million

Retail  
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

2019

Transaction Banking

Trade
Cash Management
Securities Services

Financial Markets 

Foreign Exchange
Rates
Commodities
Credit and Capital Markets
Capital Structuring Distribution Group
DVA
Other Financial Markets

Corporate Finance1
Lending and Portfolio Management
Wealth Management
Retail Products

CCPL and other unsecured lending
Deposits
Mortgage and Auto
Other Retail Products

Treasury
Other
Total underlying operating income

2,992
721
1,929
342
2,617
950
664
140
564
302
(100)
97
1,048
553
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(25)
7,185

19
19
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,514
3,629
1,251
1,797
472
109
–
9
5,171

838
360
477
1
299
178
32
25
13
27
–
24
93
239
2
6
–
6
–
–
–
1
1,478

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
2
–
362
214
–
179
36
(1)
–
(1)
577

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,090
(230)
860

Total 
$million

3,849
1,100
2,406
343
2,916
1,128
696
165
577
329
(100)
121
1,143
792
1,878
3,849
1,251
1,982
508
108
1,090
(246)
15,271

1  In December 2018, it was decided to discontinue the ship operating lease business and any future profits and losses will be reported as restructuring. Prior periods have not  

been restated

Corporate & 
Institutional  
Banking 
$million

Retail  
Banking 
$million

Commercial 
Banking 
$million

Private  
Banking 
$million

Central &  
other items 
$million

2018

Transaction Banking

Trade
Cash Management
Securities Services

Financial Markets 

Foreign Exchange
Rates
Commodities
Credit and Capital Markets
Capital Structuring Distribution Group
DVA
Other Financial Markets

Corporate Finance1
Lending and Portfolio Management1
Wealth Management
Retail Products

CCPL and other unsecured lending
Deposits
Mortgage and Auto
Other Retail Products

Treasury
Other
Total underlying operating income

2,887
729
1,825
333
2,328
829
527
168
312
285
77
130
1,098
542
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
5
6,860

20
20
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,491
3,535
1,310
1,603
537
85
–
(5)
5,041

811
374
437
–
284
172
28
24
12
24
–
24
88
213
3
4
–
4
–
–
–
(12)
1,391

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
305
211
–
175
36
–
–
–
516

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,223
(63)
1,160

1  There has been a reorganisation of certain product teams between Corporate Finance and Lending and Portfolio Management. Prior periods have been restated

Total 
$million

3,718
1,123
2,262
333
2,612
1,001
555
192
324
309
77
154
1,186
755
1,799
3,750
1,310
1,782
573
85
1,223
(75)
14,968

383

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportAverage balance sheets and yields and volume and price variances

Average balance sheets and yields
As explained in Note 1 to the financial statements on (page 262) the Group has changed its accounting policies for net interest income and net 
trading income such that contractual interest on financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss is recorded in net trading 
income. For the purposes of calculating net interest margin the following adjustments are made:

 ¼ Statutory net interest income is adjusted to remove interest expense on amortised cost liabilities used to provide funding to the Financial 

Markets business

 ¼ Financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss are reclassified as non-interest earning

In the Group’s view this results in a net interest margin that is more reflective of banking book performance.

The following tables set out the average balances and yields for the Group’s assets and liabilities for the periods ended 31 December 2019 and 
31 December 2018 under the revised definition of net interest margin. For the purpose of these tables, average balances have been determined 
on the basis of daily balances, except for certain categories, for which balances have been determined less frequently. The Group does not 
believe that the information presented in these tables would be significantly different had such balances been determined on a daily basis.

Average assets

Cash and balances at central banks

Gross loans and advances to banks

Gross loans and advances to customers

Impairment provisions against loans and advances to banks  
and customers

Investment securities

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Prepayments, accrued income and other assets

Investment associates and joint ventures 

Average 
non-interest 
earning  
balance 
$million

17,544

26,639

49,662

–

29,188

11,217

84,965

2,608

Average  
interest  
earning  
balance 
$million

29,177

61,040

274,970

(4,786)

134,355

–

–

–

2019

Interest  
income 
$million

329

1,834

10,775

–

3,611

–

–

–

Gross yield  
interest  
earning  
balance 
%

Gross yield  
total
 balance 
%

1.13

3.00

3.92

–

2.69

–

–

–

0.70

2.09

3.32

–

2.21

–

–

–

Total average assets

221,823

494,756

16,549

3.34

2.31

Cash and balances at central banks

Gross loans and advances to banks

Gross loans and advances to customers

Impairment provisions against loans and advances to banks  
and customers

Investment securities

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Prepayments, accrued income and other assets

Investment associates and joint ventures 

Total average assets

Average 
non-interest  
earning  
balance 
$million

24,724

21,639

40,302

–

23,958

10,660

78,361

2,458

202,102

Average  
interest  
earning  
balance 
$million

32,730

65,727

261,595

(5,701)

121,763

–

–

–

2018

Interest  
income 
$million

364

1,783

10,038

–

2,965

–

–

–

Gross yield  
interest  
earning  
balance 
%

Gross yield  
total
 balance 
%

1.11

2.71

3.84

–

2.44

–

–

–

0.63

2.04

3.32

–

2.03

–

–

–

476,114

15,150

3.18

2.23

384

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationSupplementary  financial informationAverage balance sheets and yields and volume and price variances continued

Average liabilities

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts:

Current accounts and savings deposits

Time and other deposits

Debt securities in issue

Accruals, deferred income and other liabilities

Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds

Non-controlling interests

Shareholders’ funds

Average 
non-interest 
bearing  
balance 
$million

17,561

38,804

59,094

9,335

95,461

–

31

50,215

270,501

Average  
interest  
bearing  
balance 
$million

27,619

183,323

167,904

49,351

1,336

15,062

–

–

2019

Interest 
 expense 
$million

739

2,114

4,088

1,120

65

756

–

–

444,595

8,882

Adjustment for Financial Markets funding costs

Total average liabilities and shareholders’ funds

270,501

444,595

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts:

Current accounts and savings deposits

Time and other deposits

Debt securities in issue

Accruals, deferred income and other liabilities

Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds

Non-controlling interests

Shareholders’ funds

Average 
non-interest  
bearing  
balance 
$million

10,950

38,909

52,081

5,986

95,214

–

48

50,241

253,429

Average  
interest  
bearing  
balance 
$million

29,867

178,454

157,928

48,138

–

15,780

–

–

(340)

8,542

2018

Interest  
expense 
$million

594

1,667

3,339

988

–

767

–

–

430,167

7,355

Rate paid
interest  
bearing  
balance 
%

Rate paid
total  
balance 
%

2.68

1.15

2.43

2.27

4.87

5.02

–

–

2.00

1.64

0.95

1.80

1.91

0.07

5.02

–

–

1.24

1.92

1.19

Rate paid
interest  
bearing  
balance 
%

1.99

Rate paid
total  
balance 
%

1.46

0.93

2.11

2.05

–

4.86

–

–

1.71

0.77

1.59

1.83

–

4.86

–

–

1.08

Adjustment for Financial Markets funding costs

Total average liabilities and shareholders’ funds

253,429

430,167

(237)

7,118

1.65

1.04

Net interest margin (NIM)

Interest income (statutory)

Average interest earning assets

Gross yield (%)

Interest expense (statutory)

Adjustment for Financial Markets funding costs

Adjusted interest expense used to fund financial instruments held at fair value

Average interest-bearing liabilities

Rate paid (%)

Net yield (%)

Net interest income adjusted for Financial Markets funding costs

Net interest margin (%)

1  The Group has changed its accounting policies for net interest income and net trading income. Refer to Note 1

2  Restated as per Net interest margin, defined under Alternative performance measures in the Strategic report (page 64)

2019 
$million

16,549

494,756

3.34

8,882

(340)

8,542

restated
20181
$million

15,150

476,114

3.18

7,355

(237)

7,118

444,595

430,167

1.92

1.42

8,007

1.62

1.65

1.53

8,032

1.692

385

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportVolume and price variances

The following table analyses the estimated change in the Group’s net interest income attributable to changes in the average volume of interest-
earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and changes in their respective interest rates for the years presented. Volume and rate variances 
have been determined based on movements in average balances and average exchange rates over the year and changes in interest rates on 
average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities.

2019 versus 2018

(Decrease)/increase  
in interest due to:

Volume 
$million

Rate 
$million

Net (decrease)/
increase in 
interest 
$million

(40)

(141)

333

336

488

(36)

(60)

56

247

28

235

5

192

404

310

911

25

205

391

502

104

(35)

51

737

646

1,399

(11)

145

447

749

132

1,227

1,462

2018 versus 2017

(Decrease)/increase  
in interest due to:

Volume 
$million

(53)

(462)

(825)

(219)

(1,559)

(69)

(233)

123

(877)

(78)

(1,134)

Rate 
$million

130

290

1,935

(81)

2,274

88

(64)

481

1,420

310

2,235

Net increase/
(decrease) in 
interest 
$million

77

(172)

1,110

(300)

715

19

(297)

604

543

232

1,101

Interest earning assets

Cash and unrestricted balances at central banks 

Loans and advances to banks 

Loans and advances to customers 

Investment securities 

Total interest earning assets 

Interest-bearing liabilities

Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts:

Current accounts and savings deposits 

Time and other deposits 

Debt securities in issue 

Total interest-bearing liabilities 

Interest earning assets

Cash and unrestricted balances at central banks 

Loans and advances to banks 

Loans and advances to customers 

Investment securities 

Total interest earning assets 

Interest-bearing liabilities

Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts:

Current accounts and savings deposits 

Time and other deposits 

Debt securities in issue 

Total interest-bearing liabilities 

386

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationSupplementary  financial informationConvenience translation of selected financial statements into Indian Rupees

In compliance with Regulation 71(3) read with Schedule IV part B of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and 
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, as amended, the Consolidated financial statements pages 387 to 393 are presented in Indian 
rupees (INR) using a US dollar/Indian rupee exchange rate of 71.2740 as at 31 December 2019 as published by the Reserve Bank of India. 
Amounts have been translated using the said exchange rate including totals and sub-totals and any discrepancies in any table between totals 
and sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding.

Consolidated income statement (translated to INR)

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Interest income

Interest expense 

Net interest income

Fees and commission income

Fees and commission expense

Net fee and commission income

Net trading income

Other operating income

Operating income

Staff costs

Premises costs

General administrative expenses

Depreciation and amortisation

Operating expenses

Operating profit before impairment losses and taxation

Credit impairment

Goodwill impairment

Other impairment

Profit from associates and joint ventures

Profit before taxation

Taxation

Profit for the year

Profit attributable to:

Non-controlling interests

Parent company shareholders 

Profit for the year

Earnings per share:

Basic earnings per ordinary share

Diluted earnings per ordinary share

1  Refer to Accounting policies section (Note 1). The Group has changed its accounting policies for net interest income and net trading income

2019 
Rs.million

1,179,513

(633,056)

546,458

293,007

(41,980)

251,027

238,768

62,579

restated 
20181 
Rs.million

1,079,801

(524,220)

555,581

287,163

(38,274)

248,889

191,086

58,516

1,098,831

1,054,071

(507,613)

(29,935)

(157,587)

(84,103)

(779,239)

319,593

(64,717)

(1,924)

(9,693)

21,382

264,640

(97,860)

166,781

(504,192)

(56,306)

(208,548)

(61,082)

(830,128)

223,943

(46,542)

–

(12,972)

17,177

181,606

(102,563)

79,042

2,637

164,144

166,781

3,920

75,123

79,042

Rupees

Rupees

40.6

40.2

13.3

13.2

387

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportConsolidated statement of comprehensive income (translated to INR)

For the year ended 31 December 2019 

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive (loss)/income

Items that will not be reclassified to income statement:

Own credit (losses)/gains on financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss

Equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Actuarial losses on retirement benefit obligations

Taxation relating to components of other comprehensive income

2019 
Rs.million

166,781

(37,847)

(32,929)

927

(8,838)

2,994

2018 
Rs.million

79,043

27,227

28,082

2,566

(1,354)

(2,067)

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to income statement:

9,337

(84,745)

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations:

Net losses taken to equity

Net gains on net investment hedges

Share of other comprehensive income from associates and joint ventures

Debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income:

Net valuation gains/(losses) taken to equity 

Reclassified to income statement

Net impact of expected credit losses

Cashflow hedges:

Net (losses)/gains taken to equity

Reclassified to income statement 

Taxation relating to components of other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive loss for the year, net of taxation

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Non-controlling interests

Parent company shareholders

Total comprehensive income for the year

(27,512)

(104,203)

13,613

1,782

39,557

(12,117)

499

(4,562)

1,497

(3,421)

(28,510)

138,272

1,426

136,846

138,272

20,099

2,352

(9,123)

2,210

–

2,423

499

998

(57,518)

21,525

2,423

19,101

21,525

388

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationSupplementary  financial informationConsolidated balance sheet (translated to INR)

As at 31 December 2019

Assets

Cash and balances at central banks

Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss

Derivative financial instruments

Loans and advances to banks1

Loans and advances to customers2

Investment securities

Other assets

Current tax assets

Prepayments and accrued income 

Interests in associates and joint ventures

Goodwill and intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax assets

Assets classified as held for sale

Total assets

Liabilities

Deposits by banks

Customer accounts

Repurchase agreements and other similar secured borrowing

Financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss

Derivative financial instruments

Debt securities in issue

Other liabilities

Current tax liabilities

Accruals and deferred income 

Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds

Deferred tax liabilities

Provisions for liabilities and charges 

Retirement benefit obligations

Liabilities included in disposal groups held for sale

Total liabilities 

Equity

Share capital and share premium account

Other reserves

Retained earnings

Total parent company shareholders’ equity

Other equity instruments

Total equity excluding non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Total equity and liabilities

2019 
Rs.million

2018 
Rs.million

3,758,135

6,615,510

3,364,988

3,816,651

4,099,039

6,210,246

3,251,591

4,377,221

19,138,708

18,285,844

10,244,283

2,995,076

8,973,468

2,523,171

38,417

192,440

135,991

377,039

443,324

78,758

146,326

35,067

178,541

164,429

360,361

462,568

74,624

94,652

51,345,647

49,090,823

2,035,728

2,117,907

28,891,415

27,869,061

137,915

4,773,505

3,455,649

3,779,304

2,963,787

50,106

382,670

99,855

4,326,332

3,364,774

3,310,962

2,730,436

48,181

384,381

1,155,138

1,069,181

43,548

32,002

33,428

641

40,127

94,794

28,438

17,605

47,734,835

45,502,034

504,477

832,837

1,858,256

3,195,570

392,934

506,829

846,593

1,862,318

3,215,740

353,590

3,588,503

3,569,331

22,309

19,458

3,610,812

3,588,788

51,345,647

49,090,823

1  Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending balances held at amortised cost of Rs.95,578 million (31 December 2018: Rs.271,910 million) has been included 

with loans and advances to banks

2  Reverse repurchase agreements and other similar secured lending balances held at amortised cost of Rs.104,702 million (31 December 2018: Rs.224,584 million) has been included 

with loans and advances to customers

389

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportCompany statement of changes in equity (translated to INR) 

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Ordinary 
share 
capital 
and share 
premium 
account 
Rs.million

Preference 
share 
capital and 
share 
premium 
account 
Rs.million

Capital and 
merger 
reserves
Rs.million

Own credit 
adjust-
ment 
reserve 
Rs.million

Fair value 
through 
other 
compre-
hensive 
income 
reserve 
– debt 
Rs.million

Fair value 
through 
other 
compre-
hensive 
income 
reserve 
– equity 
Rs.million

Cash flow 
hedge 
reserve 
Rs.million

Translation 
reserve 
Rs.million

Retained 
earnings 
Rs.million

Parent 
company 
share-
holders’ 
equity 
Rs.million

Other 
equity 
instruments 
Rs.million

Non-
controlling 
interests 
Rs.million

Total 
Rs.million

As at 1 January 2018

399,348

106,483 1,220,8521

3,849

(5,488)

3,778

(3,207)

(317,454) 1,845,640 3,253,801

353,590

23,734 3,631,125

Profit after tax

Other comprehensive 
income/(loss)

Distributions

Shares issued, net of 
expenses3

Treasury shares purchased

Treasury shares issued

Share option expense, net 
of taxation

Dividends on ordinary 
shares

Dividends on preference 
shares and AT1 securities

Other movements

–

–

–

998

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

75,123

75,123

25,516

(5,987)

4,775

2,495

(82,535)

(285)2

(56,021)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(570)

641

–

998

(570)

641

11,261

11,261

(38,417)

(38,417)

(31,075)

(31,075)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,920

79,043

(1,497)

(57,518)

(6,914)

(6,914)

–

–

–

–

–

–

998

(570)

641

11,261

(38,417)

(31,075)

2144

214

As at 31 December 2018

400,346

106,483 1,220,852

29,365 (11,475)

8,553

(713)

(399,990) 1,862,318 3,215,740

353,590

19,458 3,588,788

Profit after tax

Other comprehensive 
(loss)/income

Distributions

Shares issued, net of 
expenses3

Other equity instruments 
issued, net of expenses

Treasury shares purchased

Treasury shares issued

Share option expense,  
net of taxation

Dividends on ordinary 
shares

Dividend on preference 
shares and AT1 securities

–

–

–

1,782

–

–

–

–

–

–

Share buy-back5

Other movements

(4,134)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,134

–

–

–

–

–

–

164,144

164,144

(29,222) 25,516

2,138

(3,492)

(12,829)

(9,408)2

(27,298)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,782

–

–

–

–

39,343

(14,682)

(14,682)

499

499

9,907

9,907

(51,317)

(51,317)

(31,931)

(31,931)

(71,702)

(71,702)

4286

428

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,637

166,781

(1,212)

(28,510)

(2,495)

(2,495)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,782

39,343

(14,682)

499

9,907

(51,317)

(31,931)

(71,702)

3,9207

4,348

As at 31 December 2019

397,994

106,483 1,224,986

143

14,041 10,691

(4,205)

(412,819) 1,858,256 3,195,570

392,934

22,309 3,610,812

1  Includes capital reserve of Rs.356 million, capital redemption reserve of Rs.927 million and merger reserve of Rs.1,219,569 million

2  Comprises actuarial loss, net of taxation and share from associates and joint ventures Rs. 9,408 million (Rs. 285 million for the year ending 31 December 2018)

3  Comprises share capital of shares issued to fulfil discretionary awards Rs.71 million, share capital of shares issued to fulfil employee Sharesave options Rs.71 million (Rs.356 million  

for the year ended 31 December 2018) and share premium of shares issued to fulfil employee Sharesave options exercised Rs.1,640 million (Rs.641 million for the year ended 
31 December 2018)

4  Movement is mainly due to additional share capital issued by Standard Chartered Bank Angola S.A. subscribed by its non-controlling interest without change in shareholding 

percentage

5  On 1 May 2019, the Group commenced a share buy-back of its ordinary shares of Rs.36 each up to a maximum consideration of Rs.71,274 million. Nominal value of share purchases 
is Rs.4,134 million for the year ended 31 December 2019 and the total consideration paid was Rs.71,702 million which includes share buy-back expenses of Rs.428 million. The total 
number of shares purchased was 116,103,483 representing 3.51% of the ordinary shares in issue. The nominal value of the shares was transferred from the share capital to the capital 
redemption reserve account

6  Comprises Rs.713 million disposals of non-controlling interest of Phoon Huat Pte Ltd offset by Rs. 285 million withholding tax on capitalisation of revenue reserves for Standard 

Chartered Bank Ghana Limited 

7  Comprises Rs.5,132 million of non-controlling interest in SC Digital Solutions offset by Rs.1,212 million disposal of non-controlling interest in Phoon Huat Pte Ltd, Sirat Holdings Limited 

and Ori Private Limited

390

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationSupplementary  financial informationCash flow statement (translated to INR)

For the year ended 31 December 2019 

Cash flows from operating activities:

Profit before taxation

Adjustments for non-cash items and other adjustments included within 
income statement

Change in operating assets

Change in operating liabilities

Contributions to defined benefit schemes

UK and overseas taxes paid

Net cash (used in)/from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Disposal of property, plant and equipment

Dividends received from subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

Disposal of subsidiaries

Purchase of investment securities

Disposal and maturity of investment securities

Net cash (used in)/from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Issue of ordinary and preference share capital, net of expenses

Exercise of share options

Purchase of own shares

Cancellation of shares including share buy-back

Premises and equipment lease liability principal payment

Gross proceeds from issue of subordinated liabilities

Interest paid on subordinated liabilities

Repayment of subordinated liabilities

Proceeds from issue of senior debts

Repayment of senior debts

Interest paid on senior debts

Investment from non-controlling interests

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests, preference shareholders  
and AT1 securities

Dividends paid to ordinary shareholders

Net cash (used in)/from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

Group

Company

2019 
Rs.million

2018 
Rs.million

2019 
Rs.million

2018 
Rs.million

264,640

181,606

1,589,838

56,306

172,269

(2,514,903)

187,807

(914,944)

2,133,587

2,413,266

(9,765)

(101,280)

(10,192)

(54,881)

(1,194,552)

(390,083)

(298,068)

–

–

16,536

4,348

(32,929)

–

–

(55,451)

1,802,662

(292,865)

44,261

(15,609)

8,482

214

–

(12,188)

6,058

4,775

499

(18,493,679)

(19,699,278)

17,219,798

18,815,124

(1,280,794)

(885,009)

41,125

499

(14,682)

(71,702)

(23,663)

71,274

(42,978)

(1,639)

653,511

(548,240)

(56,805)

3,991

(34,425)

(51,317)

(75,052)

(1,411,296)

6,949,215

998

641

(570)

–

–

35,637

(42,907)

(149,462)

696,062

(501,056)

(36,136)

–

(37,989)

(38,417)

(73,198)

844,454

6,217,302

–

–

–

–

320,305

73,769

–

(540,471)

75,907

144,259

41,125

499

(14,682)

(71,702)

–

71,274

(38,987)

–

428,499

(269,416)

(52,743)

–

(31,931)

(51,317)

10,620

(426,504)

1,254,850

–

–

–

44,261

118,030

998

641

(570)

–

–

35,637

(36,136)

(33,784)

324,439

(223,872)

(25,302)

–

(31,075)

(38,417)

(27,440)

134,850

1,120,000

–

Effect of exchange rate movements on cash and cash equivalents

(17,462)

(112,542)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

5,520,456

6,949,215

828,346

1,254,850

391

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportCompany balance sheet (translated to INR)

As at 31 December 2019

Non-current assets

Investments in subsidiary undertakings

Current assets

Derivative financial instruments

Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss

Investment securities

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings

Taxation

Total current assets

Current liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings

Financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss

Other creditors

Total current liabilities

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Debt securities in issue

Subordinated liabilities and other borrowed funds

Total non-current liabilities

Total assets less liabilities

Equity

Share capital and share premium account

Other reserves

Retained earnings

Total shareholders’ equity

Other equity instruments

Total equity

2019 
Rs.million

2018 
Rs.million

4,136,529

2,484,113

16,322

320,876

973,959

828,346

1,069

641

–

822,288

1,254,850

855

2,140,572

2,078,635

52,600

1,853

7,983

28,723

91,159

2,049,413

6,185,942

1,405,024

1,039,745

2,444,769

3,741,172

504,477

1,224,273

1,619,488

3,348,239

392,934

3,741,172

80,397

–

–

28,723

109,120

1,969,514

4,453,627

1,226,055

957,637

2,183,693

2,269,934

506,829

1,220,852

188,663

1,916,344

353,590

2,269,934

392

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationSupplementary  financial informationCompany statement of changes in equity (translated to INR)

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Share capital  
and share 
premium  
account 
Rs.million

Capital and 
merger reserve 
Rs.million

Own credit 
adjustment 
Rs.million

As at 1 January 2018

Profit for the year

Shares issued, net of expenses

Treasury shares purchased

Treasury shares issued

Share option expense, net of taxation

Capitalised on scrip dividend

Dividends on ordinary shares

Dividends on preference share and 
AT1 securities

As at 31 December 2018

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive loss

Shares issued, net of expenses

Other equity instruments issued,  
net of expenses

Treasury shares purchased

Treasury shares issued

Share option expense, net of taxation

Dividends on ordinary shares

Dividends on preference share and 
AT1 securities

Cancellation of shares including share 
buy-back3

505,832

1,220,8521

–

998

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

506,829

1,220,852

–

–

1,782

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(4,134)

4,134

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(713)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Retained 
earnings 
Rs.million

189,874

56,948

–

(570)

641

11,261

1,568

(39,985)

(31,075)

188,662

1,590,0522

–

–

–

(14,682)

499

9,907

(51,317)

(31,931)

(71,702)

Other equity 
instruments 
Rs.million

Total 
Rs.million

353,590

2,270,148

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

56,948

998

(570)

641

11,261

1,568

(39,985)

(31,075)

353,590

2,269,934

–

–

–

1,590,052

(713)

1,782

39,343

–

–

–

–

–

–

39,343

(14,682)

499

9,907

(51,317)

(31,931)

(71,702)

As at 31 December 2019

504,477

1,224,986

(713)

1,619,488

392,934

3,741,172

1  Includes capital reserve of Rs.356 million, capital redemption reserve of Rs.927 million and merger reserve of Rs.1,219,569 million

2  Includes dividend received of Rs.1,495,970 million from Standard Chartered Holding Limited. Of this amount, Rs.1,281,364 million was a dividend in specie of Standard Chartered 
Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and Standard Chartered Bank (China) Limited, while Rs.214,535 million was a cash dividend related to the sale of Standard Chartered NEA Limited and 
Standard Chartered Bank (Taiwan) Limited

3  On 1 May 2019, the Group commenced a share buy-back of its ordinary shares of Rs.35.64 each up to a maximum consideration of Rs.71,274 million. Nominal value of share 

purchases is Rs.4,134 million for the year ended 31 December 2019 and the total consideration paid was Rs.71,702 million which includes share buy-back expenses of Rs.428 million. 
The total number of shares purchased was 116,103,483 representing 3.51% of the ordinary shares in issue. The nominal value of the shares was transferred from the share capital to 
the capital redemption reserve account

393

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportSummary of significant 
differences between Indian 
GAAP and IFRS

The condensed consolidated interim financial 
statements of the Group for the year ended 
31 December 2019 with comparatives as  
at 31 December 2018 are prepared in 
accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS) and IFRS 
Interpretations Committee interpretations  
as adopted by the European Union.

IFRS differs in certain significant respects 
from Indian Generally Accepted Accounting 
Principles (GAAP). Such differences involve 
methods for measuring the amounts shown 
in the financial statements of the Group, as 
well as additional disclosures required by 
Indian GAAP.

Set out below are descriptions of certain 
accounting differences between IFRS and 
Indian GAAP that could have a significant 
effect on profit or loss attributable to parent 
company shareholders for the period ended 
31 December 2019 and 31 December 2018 
and total parent company shareholders’ 
equity as at the same dates. This section 
does not provide a comprehensive analysis 
of such differences. In particular, this 
description considers only those Indian 
GAAP pronouncements for which adoption 
or application is required in financial 
statements for years ended on or prior to 
31 December 2019. The Group has not 
quantified the effect of differences between 
IFRS and Indian GAAP, nor prepared 
consolidated financial statements under 
Indian GAAP, nor undertaken a reconciliation 
of IFRS and Indian GAAP financial 
statements. Had the Group undertaken  
any such quantification or preparation or 
reconciliation, other potentially significant 
accounting and disclosure differences may 
have come to its attention which are not 
identified below. Accordingly, the Group  
does not provide any assurance that the 
differences identified below represent all  
the principal differences between IFRS  
and Indian GAAP relating to the Group. 
Furthermore, no attempt has been made  
to identify future differences between IFRS 
and Indian GAAP. In addition, no attempt  
has been made to identify all differences 
between IFRS and Indian GAAP that may 
affect the financial statements as a result  
of transactions or events that may occur in 
the future.

In making an investment decision, potential 
investors should consult their own 
professional advisers for an understanding  
of the differences between IFRS and Indian 
GAAP and how those differences may  
have affected the financial results of the 
Group. The summary does not purport  
to be complete and is subject to and  
qualified in its entirety by reference to the 
pronouncements of the International 
Accounting Standards Board (IASB),  
together with the pronouncements of the 
Indian accounting profession.

Changes in accounting policy

IFRS (IAS 8 Accounting Policies, 
Changes in Accounting Estimates 
and Errors)
Changes in accounting policy are applied 
retrospectively. Comparatives are restated 
and the effect of period(s) not presented is 
adjusted against opening retained earnings of 
the earliest year presented. Policy changes 
made on the adoption of a new standard are 
made in accordance with that standard’s 
transitional provisions.

Indian GAAP (AS 5 Net Profit or Loss  
for the Period, Prior Period Items and 
Changes in Accounting Policies)
The cumulative amount of the change is 
included in the income statement for the 
period in which the change is made except 
as specified in certain standards (transitional 
provision) where the change during the 
transition period resulting from adoption of 
the standard has to be adjusted against 
opening retained earnings and the impact 
disclosed.

Where a change in accounting policy has  
a material effect in the current period, the 
amount by which any item in the financial 
statements is affected by such change 
should also be disclosed to the extent 
ascertainable. Where such an amount is not 
ascertainable, this fact should be indicated.

Functional and presentation 
currency

IFRS (IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in 
Foreign Exchange Rates)
An entity may present its financial statements 
in any currency (or currencies). If the 
presentation currency differs from the  
entity’s functional currency, it translates  
its results and financial position into the 
presentation currency.

Monetary assets and liabilities are translated 
at the closing rate at the date of that 
statement of financial position. Income 
statement items are translated at the 
exchange rate at the date of transaction or  
at average rates. The functional currency  
is the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which an entity operates.  
The functional and presentation currency  
of the Group is US dollars.

Indian GAAP (AS 11 The Effects of 
Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates)
There is no concept of functional or 
presentation currency. Entities in India have  
to prepare their financial statements in  
Indian rupees.

A foreign currency transaction should be 
recorded, on initial recognition in the reporting 
currency, by applying to the foreign currency 
amount, the exchange rate between the 
reporting currency and the foreign currency 
at the date of the transaction.

At each balance sheet date:

 ¼ Foreign currency monetary items should 

be reported using the closing rate

 ¼ Non-monetary items which are carried  

in terms of historical cost denominated in  
a foreign currency should be reported 
using the exchange rate at the date of  
the transaction

 ¼ Non-monetary items which are carried  
at fair value or other similar valuation 
denominated in a foreign currency should 
be reported using the exchange rates that 
existed when the values were determined

Consolidation

IFRS (IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial 
Statements)
Entities are consolidated when the Group 
controls an entity. The Group controls an 
entity when it is exposed to or has rights to 
direct relevant activities, or has the right to 
variable returns from its involvement with  
the entity and has the ability to affect those 
returns through its power over the investee. 
This also includes entities where control is  
not derived through voting rights such as 
structured entities.

Indian GAAP (AS 21 Consolidated 
Financial Statements)
Guidance is based on the power through the 
ability to govern the financial and operating 
policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits 
while not taking into consideration potential 
voting rights.

No specific guidance is given by Indian GAAP 
on consolidation of structured entities.

394

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationSupplementary  financial informationBusiness combinations

IFRS (IFRS 3 Business Combinations)
All business combinations are treated as 
acquisitions. Assets, liabilities and contingent 
liabilities acquired are measured at their fair 
values with the excess over this fair value 
when compared with the acquisition cost 
recognised as goodwill.

For acquisitions occurring on or after 
1 January 2004, IFRS 3 requires that,  
when assessing the value of the assets of  
an acquired entity, certain identifiable 
intangible assets must be recognised and,  
if considered to have a finite life, amortised 
through the income statement over an 
appropriate period.

Adjustments to provisional fair values are 
permitted provided those adjustments are 
made within 12 months from the date of 
acquisition, with a corresponding adjustment 
to goodwill. After re-assessment of respective 
fair values of net assets acquired, any excess 
of acquirer’s interest in the net fair values of 
acquirer’s identifiable assets is recognised 
immediately in the income statement. 

The Group’s policy for non-controlling 
interests is generally not to recognise 
non-controlling interests at their fair value,  
but to recognise them based on their 
proportionate share of the fair value of the 
identifiable net assets acquired.

Indian GAAP (AS 14 Accounting for 
Amalgamations)
Treatment of a business combination 
depends on whether the acquired entity  
is held as a subsidiary, whether it is an 
amalgamation or whether it is an acquisition 
of a business. For an entity acquired and held 
as a subsidiary, the business combination is 
accounted for as an acquisition. The assets 
and liabilities acquired are incorporated at 
their existing carrying amounts.

For an amalgamation of an entity, either 
pooling of interests or acquisition accounting 
may be used. The assets and liabilities 
amalgamated are incorporated at their 
existing carrying amounts or, alternatively,  
if acquisition accounting is adopted, the 
consideration can be allocated to individual 
identifiable assets (which may include 
intangible assets) and liabilities on the basis  
of their fair values.

Adjustments to the value of acquired or 
amalgamated balances are not permitted 
after initial recognition. Any excess of 
acquirer’s interest in the net fair values of 
acquirer’s identifiable assets is recognised as 
capital reserve, which is neither amortised 
nor available for distribution to shareholders. 
However, in the case of an amalgamation 
accounted under the purchase method, the 
fair value of intangible assets with no active 
market is reduced to the extent of capital 
reserve, if any, arising on the amalgamation. 
Minority interests arising on the acquisition of 
a subsidiary are recognised at their share of 
the historical book value.

Goodwill

IFRS (IFRS 3 Business Combinations 
and IAS 38 Intangible Assets)
IFRS 3 requires that goodwill arising on all 
acquisitions by the Group and associated 
undertakings is capitalised but not amortised 
and is subject to an annual review for 
impairment. Goodwill is tested annually  
for impairment. Any impairment losses 
recognised may not be reversed in 
subsequent accounting periods.

Indian GAAP (AS 14 Accounting  
for Amalgamations and AS 26  
Intangible Assets)
Goodwill arising on amalgamations is 
capitalised and amortised over useful life not 
exceeding five years, unless a longer period 
can be justified. For goodwill arising on 
acquisition of a subsidiary or a business, 
there is no specific guidance. In practice, 
there is either no amortisation or amortisation 
does not exceed 10 years. Goodwill is 
reviewed for impairment whenever an 
indicator of impairment exists. Impairment 
losses recognised may be reversed  
under exceptional circumstances only in 
subsequent accounting periods through  
the income statement.

Acquired and internally 
generated intangible assets

IFRS (IAS 38 Intangible Assets)
Intangible assets are recognised if they are 
deemed separable and arise from contractual 
or other legal rights. Assets with a finite  
useful life are amortised on a systematic  
basis over their useful life. An asset with an 
indefinite useful life should be tested for 
impairment annually.

Indian GAAP (AS 26 Intangible Assets)
Intangible assets are capitalised if specific 
criteria are met and are amortised over their 
useful life, generally not exceeding 10 years. 
The recoverable amount of an intangible 
asset that is not available for use or is being 
amortised over a period exceeding 10 years 
should be reviewed at least at each financial 
year end even if there is no indication that the 
asset is impaired.

Property, plant and equipment

IFRS (IAS 16 Property, Plant and 
Equipment, IAS 23 Borrowing Costs)
The Group’s policy is to hold all property, 
plant, aviation, shipping and equipment  
fixed assets at cost less depreciation and 
consequently tangible fixed assets are not 
subject to revaluation. Fixed assets are, 
however, subject to impairment testing. 

Foreign exchange gains or losses relating  
to the procurement of property, plant and 
equipment can be capitalised as part of the 
asset. Depreciation is recorded over the 
asset’s estimated useful life. Borrowing costs 
that are directly attributable to the acquisition 
or construction of an asset must be 
capitalised as part of that asset.

Indian GAAP (AS 10 Fixed Assets,  
AS 16 Borrowing Cost and AS 6 
Depreciation Accounting)
Fixed assets are recorded at historical costs 
or revalued amounts. Relevant borrowing 
costs are capitalised if certain criteria in  
AS 16 are met. Depreciation is recorded over 
the asset’s useful life. Schedule II (Part C)  
of the Companies Act 2013 and Banking 
Regulations prescribe minimum rates of 
depreciation and these are typically used  
as the basis for determining useful life.

Recognition and measurement 
of financial instruments

IFRS – IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
Classification and measurement
Accounting policy
The Group classifies its financial assets into 
the following measurement categories: 
amortised cost; fair value through other 
comprehensive income; and fair value 
through profit or loss. Financial liabilities are 
classified as either amortised cost, or held at 
fair value through profit or loss. Management 
determines the classification of its financial 
assets and liabilities at initial recognition of the 
instrument or, where applicable, at the time  
of reclassification.

395

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportRecognition and measurement 
of financial instruments continued

Financial assets held at amortised  
cost and fair value through other 
comprehensive income
Debt instruments held at amortised cost or 
held at fair value through comprehensive 
income (FVOCI) have contractual terms  
that give rise to cash flows that are solely 
payments of principal and interest (SPPI 
characteristics). Principal is the fair value of 
the financial asset at initial recognition but this 
may change over the life of the instrument  
as amounts are repaid. Interest consists of 
consideration for the time value of money, for 
the credit risk associated with the principal 
amount outstanding during a particular 
period and for other basic lending risks  
and costs, as well as a profit margin.

Whether financial assets are held at 
amortised cost or at FVOCI depends on the 
objectives of the business models under 
which the assets are held. A business model 
refers to how the Group manages financial 
assets to generate cash flows.

The Group makes an assessment of the 
objective of a business model in which an 
asset is held at the individual product 
business line, and where applicable within 
business lines depending on the way the 
business is managed and information is 
provided to management.

Financial assets that have SPPI 
characteristics and which are held within a 
business model whose objective is to hold 
financial assets to collect contractual cash 
flows (‘hold to collect’) are recorded at 
amortised cost.

Conversely, financial assets that have SPPI 
characteristics but are held within a business 
model whose objective is achieved by both 
collecting contractual cash flows and selling 
financial assets (‘hold to collect and sell’) are 
classified as FVOCI.

Equity instruments designated  
as FVOCI
Non-trading equity instruments acquired for 
strategic purposes rather than capital gain 
may be irrevocably designated at initial 
recognition at FVOCI on an instrument-by-
instrument basis. Gains and losses arising 
from changes in the fair value of these 
instruments, including foreign exchange  
gains and losses, are recognised directly in 
equity and are never reclassified to profit or 
loss, even on derecognition.

Financial assets and liabilities held at 
fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets that are not held at 
amortised cost or which are not held at fair 
value through other comprehensive income 
are held at fair value through profit or loss. 
Financial assets and liabilities held at fair value 
through profit or loss are either mandatorily 
classified fair value through profit or loss or 
irrevocably designated at fair value through 
profit or loss at initial recognition.

Financial guarantee contracts and  
loan commitments
Financial guarantee contracts and loan 
commitments issued at below market interest 
rates are initially recognised as liabilities at  
fair value and subsequently at the higher  
of the expected credit loss provision, and  
the amount initially recognised less the 
cumulative amount of income recognised in 
accordance with the principles of IFRS 15 
Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

Mandatorily classified at fair value 
through profit or loss
Financial assets and liabilities that are 
mandatorily held at fair value through profit  
or loss include:

 ¼ Financial assets and liabilities held for 
trading, which are those acquired 
principally for the purpose of selling in the 
short term

 ¼ Hybrid financial assets that contain one or 

more embedded derivatives

 ¼ Financial assets that would otherwise be 

measured at amortised cost or FVOCI but 
which do not have SPPI characteristics

 ¼ Equity instruments that have not been 

designated as held at FVOCI

 ¼ Financial liabilities that constitute 

contingent consideration in a business 
combination

Designated at fair value through profit 
or loss
Financial assets and liabilities may be 
designated at fair value through profit or  
loss when the designation eliminates or 
significantly reduces a measurement or 
recognition inconsistency that would 
otherwise arise from measuring assets or 
liabilities on a different basis (‘accounting 
mismatch’).

Financial liabilities may also be designated at 
fair value through profit or loss where they  
are managed on a fair value basis or have a 
bifurcately embedded derivative where the 
Group is not able to separately value the 
embedded derivative component.

Financial liabilities held at  
amortised cost
Financial liabilities that are not financial 
guarantees or loan commitments and that 
are not classified as financial liabilities held at 
fair value through profit or loss are classified 
as financial liabilities held at amortised cost.

Fair value of financial assets  
and liabilities
Fair value is the price that would be received 
to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability  
in an orderly transaction between market 
participants at the measurement date in the 
principal market for the asset or liability, or in 
the absence of a principal market, the most 
advantageous market to which the Group 
has access at that date. The fair value of a 
liability includes the risk that the Group will  
not be able to honour its obligations.

Initial recognition
Purchases and sales of financial assets and 
liabilities held at fair value through profit or 
loss, and debt securities classified as financial 
assets held at FVOCI are initially recognised 
on the trade-date (the date on which the 
Group commits to purchase or sell the asset). 
Loans and advances and other financial 
assets held at amortised cost are recognised 
on the settlement date (the date on which 
cash is advanced to the borrowers).

All financial instruments are initially recognised 
at fair value, which is normally the transaction 
price, plus directly attributable transaction 
costs for financial assets that are not 
subsequently measured at fair value through 
profit or loss.

Subsequent measurement
Financial assets and financial liabilities 
held at amortised cost
Financial assets and financial liabilities held  
at amortised cost are subsequently carried  
at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method. Foreign exchange gains and losses 
are recognised in the income statement.

Financial assets held at FVOCI
Debt instruments held at FVOCI are 
subsequently carried at fair value, with all 
unrealised gains and losses arising from 
changes in fair value (including any related 
foreign exchange gains or losses) recognised 
in other comprehensive income and 
accumulated in a separate component of 
equity. Foreign exchange gains and losses on 
the amortised cost are recognised in income. 
Changes in expected credit losses are 
recognised in the profit or loss and are 
accumulated in a separate component  
of equity. 

396

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationSupplementary  financial informationRecognition and measurement 
of financial instruments continued

Equity investments designated at FVOCI are 
subsequently carried at fair value with all 
unrealised gains and losses arising from 
changes in fair value (including any related 
foreign exchange gains or losses) recognised 
in other comprehensive income and 
accumulated in a separate component  
of equity. 

Financial assets and liabilities mandatorily 
held at fair value through profit or loss and 
financial assets designated at fair value 
through profit or loss are subsequently 
carried at fair value, with gains and losses 
arising from changes in fair value recorded  
in the net trading income line in the income 
statement unless the instrument is part of  
a cash flow hedging relationship.

Financial liabilities designated at fair value 
through profit or loss
Financial liabilities designated at fair value 
through profit or loss are held at fair value, 
with changes in fair value recognised in the 
net trading income line in the profit or loss, 
other than that attributable to changes in 
credit risk. Fair value changes attributable  
to credit risk are recognised in other 
comprehensive income and recorded in a 
separate category of reserves unless this is 
expected to create or enlarge an accounting 
mismatch, in which case the entire change in 
fair value of the financial liability designated 
fair value through profit or loss is recognised 
in profit or loss.

Indian GAAP (AS 13 Investments)
For investments and loans & advances,  
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) outlines 
classification criteria and measurement 
requirements which differ from those set  
out in IFRS. 

AS 13 requires investments to be categorised 
as follows:

 ¼ Current investments, which are those 

readily realisable and intended to be held 
for less than one year, are carried at the 
lower of cost and fair value, with changes 
in fair value taken directly to profit or loss

 ¼ Long-term investments, which are those 
investments not classified as current, are 
carried at cost unless there is a permanent 
diminution in value, in which case a 
provision for diminution is required to be 
made by the entity

Loans & advances are recognised at 
transaction or originated value only. 

Financial liabilities are usually carried at cost. 
There is no ability to designate instruments at 
fair value. 

Derivatives

IFRS (IFRS 9/IAS 39 Financial 
Instruments: Recognition and 
Measurement)
IFRS 9 requires that all derivatives be 
recognised on-balance sheet at fair value. 
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that 
are not hedges are reported in the income 
statement. Changes in the fair value of 
derivatives that are designated as hedges are 
either offset against the change in fair value of 
the hedged asset or liability through earnings, 
or recognised directly in equity until the 
hedged item is recognised in earnings, 
depending on the nature of the hedge.  
The ineffective portion of the hedge’s change 
in fair value is immediately recognised in 
earnings. A derivative may only be classified 
as a hedge if an entity meets stringent 
qualifying criteria in respect of documentation 
and hedge effectiveness.

The Group continues to apply the hedge 
accounting requirements of IAS 39 rather 
than the requirements of IFRS 9.

Indian GAAP
Foreign exchange contracts held for trading 
or speculative purposes are carried at fair 
value, with gains and losses recognised in the 
income statement. In the absence of specific 
guidance, equity options are carried at the 
lower of cost or market value.

For banks, there are guidelines prescribed  
by RBI on measurement and accounting  
of interest rate swaps and forward rate 
agreements entered into for hedging 
purposes.

Impairment of financial assets

Under IFRS 9 the impairment of financial 
assets is as follows:

Measurement
Expected credit losses are computed as 
unbiased, probability-weighted amounts 
which are determined by evaluating a range 
of reasonably possible outcomes, the  
time value of money, and considering all 
reasonable and supportable information 
including that which is forward-looking.

For material portfolios, the estimate of 
expected cash shortfalls is determined by 
multiplying the probability of default (PD) with 
the loss given default (LGD) with the expected 
exposure at the time of default (EAD). For less 
material Retail Banking loan portfolios, the 
Group has adopted simplified approaches 
based on historical roll rates or loss rates.

For credit-impaired financial instruments, the 
estimate of cash shortfalls may require the 
use of expert credit judgement. As a practical 
expedient, the Group may also measure 
credit impairment on the basis of an 
instrument’s fair value using an observable 
market price.

Cash shortfalls are discounted using the 
effective interest rate on the financial 
instrument as calculated at initial recognition, 
or if the instrument has a variable interest rate, 
the current effective interest rate determined 
under the contract.

Location of expected 
credit loss provisions

Loss provisions: netted 
against gross carrying 
value

Other comprehensive 
income (FVOCI 
expected credit loss 
reserve) 

Provisions for liabilities 
and charges

Provisions for liabilities 
and charges

Instruments

Financial assets held 
at amortised cost

Financial assets held 
at FVOCI – Debt 
instruments

Loan commitments

Financial guarantees

Recognition

12 months expected credit losses  
(stage 1)
Expected credit losses are recognised at  
the time of initial recognition of a financial 
instrument and represent the lifetime cash 
shortfalls arising from possible default events 
up to 12 months into the future from the 
balance sheet date. Expected credit losses 
continue to be determined on this basis until 
there is either a significant increase in the 
credit risk of an instrument or the instrument 
becomes credit-impaired. If an instrument is 
no longer considered to exhibit a significant 
increase in credit risk, expected credit  
losses will revert to being determined on  
a 12-month basis.

Significant increase in credit risk 
(stage 2)
If a financial asset experiences a significant 
increase in credit risk (SICR) since initial 
recognition, an expected credit loss provision 
is recognised for default events that may 
occur over the lifetime of the asset.

Significant increase in credit risk is assessed 
by comparing the risk of default of an 
exposure at the reporting date to the risk of 
default at origination (after taking into account 
the passage of time). Significant does not 
mean statistically significant nor is it assessed 
in the context of changes in expected credit 
loss. Whether a change in the risk of default is 
significant or not is assessed using a number 
of quantitative and qualitative factors, the 
weight of which depends on the type of 
product and counterparty. Financial assets 
that are 30 or more days past due and not 
credit-impaired will always be considered to 
have experienced a significant increase in 
credit risk. For less material portfolios where  
a loss rate or roll rate approach is applied to 
compute expected credit loss, significant 
increase in credit risk is primarily based on  
30 days past due.

397

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportRecognition continued

Credit-impaired (or defaulted) 
exposures (stage 3)
Financial assets that are credit-impaired (or in 
default) represent those that are at least 90 
days past due in respect of principal and/or 
interest. Financial assets are also considered 
to be credit-impaired where the obligors are 
unlikely to pay on the occurrence of one  
or more observable events that have a 
detrimental impact on the estimated future 
cash flows of the financial asset. It may not  
be possible to identify a single discrete event 
but instead the combined effect of several 
events may cause financial assets to become 
credit-impaired.

Irrevocable lending commitments to a 
credit-impaired obligor that have not yet been 
drawn down are also included within the 
stage 3 credit impairment provision to the 
extent that the commitment cannot be 
withdrawn.

Loss provisions against credit-impaired 
financial assets are determined based on an 
assessment of the recoverable cash flows 
under a range of scenarios, including the 
realisation of any collateral held where 
appropriate. The loss provisions held 
represent the difference between the present 
value of the cash flows expected to be 
recovered, discounted at the instrument’s 
original effective interest rate, and the gross 
carrying value of the instrument prior to any 
credit impairment. 

Indian GAAP (AS 13 Investments)
Long-term investments are written down 
when there is a decline in fair value which is 
deemed to be other than temporary.

Impairments may be reversed through the 
income statement in subsequent periods if 
the investment rises in value or the reasons 
for the impairment no longer exist.

For loans and advances, the RBI regulations 
stipulate minimum provision based on  
days past due along with other factors. 
Additionally, RBI regulations require banks to 
hold provisions in respect of standard assets 
and for specific country risk exposures.

Derecognition of financial instruments 
– IFRS 9
Financial assets are derecognised when the 
rights to receive cash flows from the financial 
assets have expired or where the Group  
has transferred substantially all risks and 
rewards of ownership. If substantially all  
the risks and rewards have been neither 
retained nor transferred and the Group has 
retained control, the assets continue to be 
recognised to the extent of the Group’s 
continuing involvement.

Where financial assets have been modified, 
the modified terms are assessed on a 
qualitative and quantitative basis to determine 
whether a fundamental change in the nature 
of the instrument has occurred, such as 
whether the derecognition of the pre-existing 
instrument and the recognition of a new 
instrument is appropriate.

On derecognition of a financial asset, the 
difference between the carrying amount of 
the asset (or the carrying amount allocated  
to the portion of the asset derecognised)  
and the sum of the consideration received 
(including any new asset obtained less any 
new liability assumed) and any cumulative 
gain or loss that had been recognised in 
other comprehensive income is recognised  
in profit or loss except for equity instruments 
elected FVOCI (see above) and cumulative 
fair value adjustments attributable to the 
credit risk of a liability that are held in other 
comprehensive income.

Financial liabilities are derecognised when 
they are extinguished. A financial liability  
is extinguished when the obligation is 
discharged, cancelled or expires and this is 
evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively. 
However, where a financial liability has been 
modified, it is derecognised if the difference 
between the modified cash flows and the 
original cash flows is more than 10 per cent, 
or if less than 10 per cent, the Group will 
perform a qualitative assessment to 
determine whether the terms of the two 
instruments are substantially different.

If the Group purchases its own debt, it is 
derecognised and the difference between  
the carrying amount of the liability and the 
consideration paid is included in ‘Other 
income’ except for the cumulative fair value 
adjustments attributable to the credit risk of a 
liability that are held in other comprehensive 
income which are never recycled to the profit 
or loss.

IFRS – classification debt/equity 
The substance of a financial instrument, 
rather than its legal form, governs its 
classification. A financial instrument is 
classified as a liability where there is a 
contractual obligation to deliver either cash or 
another financial asset to the holder of that 
instrument, regardless of the manner in which 
the contractual obligation will be settled. 
Preference shares, which carry a mandatory 
coupon or are redeemable on a specific  
date or at the option of the shareholder  
are classified as financial liabilities and  
are presented in other borrowed funds.  
The dividends on these preference shares 
are recognised in the income statement as 
interest expense on an amortised cost basis 
using the effective interest method.

Indian GAAP 
Classification is based on the legal form 
rather than substance.

Provisions for liabilities and 
charges

IFRS (IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent 
Liabilities and Contingent Assets) 
The amount recognised as a provision is the 
best estimate at the balance sheet date of the 
expenditure required to settle the obligation, 
discounted using a pre-tax market discount 
rate if the effect is material.

Indian GAAP (AS 29 Provisions, 
Contingents Liabilities and  
Contingent Assets)
Provisions are recognised and measured  
on a similar basis to IFRS, except that there is 
no requirement for discounting the provision 
or liability.

Pension obligations

IFRS (IAS 19 Employee Benefits)
For defined contribution plans, contributions 
are charged to operating expenses. For 
funded defined benefit plans, the liability 
recognised in the balance sheet is the 
present value of the defined benefit obligation 
at the balance sheet date less the fair value  
of plan assets. For unfunded defined  
benefit plans the liability recognised at the 
balance sheet date is the present value of  
the defined benefit obligation. The defined 
benefit obligation is calculated annually by 
independent actuaries using the projected 
unit method. The present value of the  
defined benefit obligation is determined  
by discounting the estimated future cash 
outflows using an interest rate equal to  
the yield on high-quality corporate bonds. 
Actuarial gains and losses that arise are 
recognised in shareholders’ equity and 
presented in the statement of other 
comprehensive income in the period they 
arise. The net interest expense on the net 
defined liability for the year is determined by 
applying the discount rate used to measure 
the defined benefit obligation at the beginning 
of the annual period to the then net defined 
benefit liability, taking into account any 
changes in the net defined benefit liability 
during the year as a result of contributions 
and benefit payment. Net interest expense 
and other expense related to defined  
benefit plans are recognised in the  
income statement.

398

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationSupplementary  financial informationDividends

IFRS (IAS 10 Events After the  
Reporting Date)
Dividends to holders of equity instruments, 
when proposed or declared after the balance 
sheet date, should not be recognised  
as a liability on the balance sheet date.  
A company, however, is required to disclose 
the amount of dividends that were proposed 
or declared after the balance sheet date  
but before the financial statements were 
authorised for issue.

Indian GAAP
Accounting and disclosure of dividends is 
similar to IFRS with effect from 1 April 2016.

Leases

Indian GAAP (AS 19 Leases)
As per AS 19, Leases are classified as 
Operating or Finance leases. Leases are 
classified as finance leases where the 
significant risk and rewards of ownership  
of the leased item are transferred to the 
lessee but the title remains with the lessor. 
Lease payments under operating leases  
are recognised as an expense on a straight-
line basis over the lease term.

Pension obligations continued

Indian GAAP (AS 15 Employee Benefits)
The discount rate to be used for determining 
defined benefit obligations is established by 
reference to market yields at the balance 
sheet date on government bonds. The 
expected return on plan assets is based on 
market expectation for the returns over the 
entire life of the related obligation. Actuarial 
gains or losses are recognised immediately  
in the statement of income.

Share-based compensation

IFRS (IFRS 2 Share-based Payments)
IFRS 2 requires that all share-based 
payments are accounted for using a fair  
value method. The fair value of the employee 
services received in exchange for the grant  
of the options is recognised as an expense. 
For equity-settled awards, the total amount  
to be expensed over the vesting period must 
be determined by reference to the fair value  
of the options granted (determined using an 
option pricing model), excluding the impact  
of any non-market vesting conditions (for 
example, profitability and growth targets). 
Non-market vesting conditions must be 
included in assumptions about the number  
of options that are expected to become 
exercisable. At each balance sheet date, the 
Group revises its estimates of the number  
of options that are expected to become 
exercisable. It recognises the impact of the 
revision of original estimates, if any, in the 
income statement, and a corresponding 
adjustment to equity over the remaining 
vesting period. The proceeds received net  
of any directly attributable transaction costs 
are credited to share capital (nominal value) 
and share premium when the options  
are exercised.

Cash-settled awards are revalued to fair  
value at each balance sheet date and a 
liability recognised on the balance sheet for  
all unpaid amounts, with any changes in fair 
value charged or credited to staff costs in  
the income statement until the awards  
are exercised.

Indian GAAP
Entities may either follow the intrinsic value 
method or the fair value method for 
determining the costs of benefits arising from 
share-based compensation plans. Although 
the fair value approach is recommended, 
entities may use the intrinsic value method 
and provide fair value disclosures.

Deferred tax is not recognised as it is not 
considered to represent a timing difference.

Entities are also permitted the option of 
recognising the related compensation cost 
over the service period for the entire award 
(that is, over the service period of the last 
separately vesting portion of the award), 
provided that the amount of compensation 
cost recognised at any date at least equals 
the fair value of the vested portion of the 
award at that date.

Deferred taxation

IFRS (IAS 12 Income Taxes)
Deferred tax is determined based on 
temporary differences, being the difference 
between the carrying amount and tax base  
of assets and liabilities, subject to certain 
exceptions.

Deferred tax assets are recognised if it is 
probable (more likely than not) that sufficient 
future taxable profits will be available to utilise 
to deferred tax assets.

Indian GAAP (AS 22 Accounting for 
Taxes on Income)
Deferred tax is determined based on timing 
differences, being the difference between 
accounting income and taxable income for  
a period that is capable of reversal in one  
or more subsequent periods.

Deferred tax assets are recognised where  
it is probable that future taxable profit will  
be available against which the temporary 
differences can be utilised.

Interest income and expense

IFRS (IFRS 9)
Interest income and expense is recognised  
in the income statement using the effective 
interest method. The effective interest rate is 
the rate that discounts estimated future cash 
payments or receipts through the expected 
life of the financial instrument. When 
calculating the effective interest rate, the 
Group estimates cash flows considering all 
contractual terms of the financial instrument 
but does not consider future credit losses. 
The calculation includes all fees and points 
paid or received between parties to the 
contract that are an integral part of the 
effective interest rate, transaction costs  
and all other premiums or discounts.

Indian GAAP (AS 9 Revenue 
Recognition)
As per AS 9, interest is recognised on a time 
proportion basis taking into account the 
amount outstanding and the rate applicable. 
There is no specific effective interest rate 
requirement for loans and investments. 

399

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportSupplementary people information

Global

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

Headcount (year end)

Employed workers

Fixed-term workers

Non-employed workers

Headcount (12-month average)

Male

FTE

Headcount

Female

FTE

Headcount

Nationalities

Position type

Executive and non-executive director

Female executive and non-executive director

Senior management2

Female senior management

Rest of employees

Female rest of employees

Employment type

Business FTE

Business headcount

Business female headcount

Support services FTE

Support services headcount

Female support services headcount

Region

GCNA FTE

GCNA headcount

GCNA female headcount

ASA FTE

ASA headcount

ASA female headcount

AME FTE

AME headcount

AME female headcount

EA FTE

EA headcount

EA female headcount

400

2019

 84,332 

 84,398 

 82,494 

 1,904 

 11,104 

 83,938 

 45,504 

 45,518 

 38,828 

 38,880 

 129 

2019

 13 

 4 

 4,076 

 1,162 

 80,322 

 37,718 

2019

 37,091 

 37,117 

 19,254 

 47,241 

 47,281 

 19,626 

2019

 20,842 

 20,857 

 13,244 

 47,597 

 47,619 

 18,909 

 11,579 

 11,581 

 4,966 

 4,314 

 4,341 

 1,761 

2018

 85,336 

 85,402 

 82,827 

 2,575 

 12,064 

 86,269 

 46,139 

 46,153 

 39,198 

 39,249 

% change1

 (1.2)

 (1.2)

 (0.4)

 (26.1)

 (8.0)

 (2.7)

 (1.4)

 (1.4)

 (0.9)

 (0.9)

 125 

 3.2 

2018

% change

13

 4 

4094

 1,135 

 81,308 

 38,114 

 – 

 – 

 (0.4)

 2.4 

 (1.2)

 (1.0)

2018

% change

 38,598 

 38,621 

 19,586 

 46,739 

 46,781 

 19,663 

 (3.9)

 (3.9)

 (1.7)

 1.1 

 1.1 

 (0.2)

2018

% change

 20,757 

 20,771 

 13,128 

 47,350 

 47,371 

 18,748 

 13,182 

 13,184 

 5,594 

 4,047 

 4,076 

 1,779 

 0.4 

 0.4 

 0.9 

 0.5 

 0.5 

 0.9 

 (12.2)

 (12.2)

 (11.2)

 6.6 

 6.5 

 (1.0)

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationSupplementary  people informationAge

< 30 years FTE

< 30 years headcount

< 30 years female headcount

30-50 years FTE

30-50 years headcount

30-50 years female headcount

> 50 years FTE

> 50 years headcount

> 50 years female headcount

Talent management

Global voluntary turnover rate (%)

Global turnover rate (%)

Male (%)

Female (%)

GCNA (%)

ASA (%)

AME (%)

EA (%)

< 30 years (%)

30-50 years (%)

> 50 years (%)

Average tenure (years) – male

Average tenure (years) – female

Roles filled internally3 (%)

of which filled by females (%)

New female employees (%)

Employees with completed performance appraisal (%)

Absenteeism rate4 (%)

Learning

Employees receiving training (%)

Employees receiving training (excluding mandatory learning) (%)

Senior management2 (%)

Average number of training days per employee (including mandatory learning)

Average cost of training per employee5

Health & Safety

Fatalities6

Major injuries7

2019

 19,079 

 19,087 

 10,163 

 59,027 

 59,063 

 25,965 

 6,226 

 6,248 

 2,752 

2018

 20,812 

 20,819 

 10,962 

 58,652 

 58,692 

 25,647 

 5,872 

 5,891 

 2,640 

% change1

 (8.3)

 (8.3)

 (7.3)

 0.6 

 0.6 

 1.2 

 6.0 

 6.1 

 4.2 

% change

 (3.5)

 (1.8)

 0.4 

 (4.4)

 (8.6)

 (4.0)

 19.5 

 10.3 

 (1.6)

 (0.5)

 4.7 

 3.8 

 4.2 

 (4.4)

 (2.6)

 (3.2)

 0.2 

 2.1 

% change

 (2.4)

 12.1 

 (0.9)

 (2.4)

 0.6 

2018

13.2

16.4

16.7

16.0

16.5

17.7

12.3

13.9

23.9

13.7

14.6

6.4

6.7

35.8

43.7

46.7

99.7

1.48

2018

95.6

82.7

97.0

2.88

769

2018

 3 

 68 

% change

 – 

 (34.3)

2019

12.7

16.1

16.8

15.3

15.1

17.0

14.7

15.4

23.6

13.6

15.3

 6.7 

 7.0 

34.2

42.6

45.2

99.9

1.51

2019

93.3

92.7

96.1

 2.81 

 773 

2019

 3 

 44 

1  For all metrics expressed as a percentage, percentage change means percentage point change

2  Senior management is defined as Managing Directors and bands 4 (including Management Team). 2018 has been updated for comparison

3  Roles filled internally has been updated in 2019 to reflect whole year rather than quarterly. 2018 updated for comparison

4  Excludes Korea. Absenteeism rate has been updated to include other sickness leave types. 2018 updated for comparison

5  Average cost of training per employee updated to include cost of learning management system. 2018 updated for comparison

6  Road traffic accidents were the sole cause of fatalities in 2019 and 2018. Figures include accidents that occurred during commuting (employees’ direct travel to and from work)

7  As per the UK Health and Safety Executive definition

401

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportSupplementary sustainability information

Business: Sustainable Finance 

Employees trained in environmental and social risk management

Employees trained

Environmental and social risk management

Number of transactions reviewed

Equator Principles

2019

1,149

2019

1,127

2018

1,308

2018

827

2017

568

2017

487

Total 2017

Total 2018

Total 2019

2019

Sector

Mining

Infrastructure

Oil & Gas

Renewables

Telecoms

Power

Other

Region

Greater China

North East Asia

South Asia

ASEAN

MENAP

Africa

Americas

Europe

Designation4

Designated

Non-designated

Independent review

Yes

No

Project finance mandates

Project-related corporate loans 

Cat A1

Cat B2

Cat C3

Cat A

Cat B

Cat C

Project advisory 
mandates

1

4

5

–

–

1

1

–

3

–

–

–

1

1

3

–

–

–

–

5

5

–

9

 7

7

–

2

2

2

–

1

–

–

–

–

2

3

1

1

–

1

6

7

–

1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1

–

2

–

–

1

–

–

1

–

–

–

–

–

2

–

–

–

–

2

2

–

2

–

1

–

–

1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1

–

1

–

1

–

–

–

2

–

2

–

–

–

–

–

–

2

–

–

–

–

–

–

2

–

–

2

1

3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1  ’Cat A’ or Category A are projects with potential significant adverse environmental and social risks and/or impacts that are diverse, irreversible or unprecedented

2  ’Cat B’ or Category B are projects with potential limited adverse environmental and social risks and/or impacts that are few in number, generally site-specific, largely reversible and 

readily addressed through mitigation measures

3  ’Cat C’ or Category C are projects with minimal or no adverse environmental and social risks and/or impact

4  ’Designation’ is split into designated and non-designated countries. Designated countries are deemed by the Equator Principles to have robust environmental and social governance, 
legislation systems and institutional capacity designed to protect their people and the natural environment. Non-designated countries are countries that are not found on the list of 
designated countries. The list of countries can be found at www.equator-principles.com

402

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationSupplementary  sustainability informationOperations: Responsible Company

Environment

Offices reporting

Net internal area of occupied property (m2)

Green lease clause inclusion1 (%)

Occupied net internal area where data is collected (%)

Headcount2

Annual operating income from 1 October to 30 September ($m)

Greenhouse gas emissions – Absolute (tonnes CO2eq/year)
Scope 1 emissions (combustion of fuels)

Scope 2 emissions (purchased electricity)

Scope 1 & 2 emissions

2019

2018

2017

Measured Scaled up

Measured

Scaled up

Measured

Scaled up

164

–

174

 –

188

–

825,088 1,154,999

822,623 1,185,929

814,886  1,194,363 

82

71

–

–

78

69

 –

 –

76

85

–

–

73,094

84,398

62,420

–

15,200

 –

85,402

14,958

64,648

86,021

–

14,614

3,435

4,542

4,467

8,584

5,870

7,922

98,383

141,771

104,267

139,366

113,908

180,014

101,818

146,313

108,734

147,950

119,777

187,936

Scope 3 emissions with distance uplift (air travel)3

87,295

96,196

106,636

124,966

102,257

120,710

189,113 242,509

215,370

272,917

222,034

308,646

–

46,362

 –

21,523

–

 23,904 

Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions

Scope 3 emissions (Global Data Centre)4

Greenhouse gas emissions – Intensity

Scope 1 & 2 emissions/m2 (kg CO2eq/m2/year)
Scope 1 & 2 emissions/headcount (tonnes CO2eq/headcount/year)
Scope 3 emissions/headcount with distance uplift  
(tonnes CO2eq/headcount/year)
Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions/m2 (kg CO2eq/m2/year)
Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions/headcount (tonnes CO2eq/headcount/year)
Scope 1 & 2 emissions/$m operating income (tonnes CO2eq/$m/year)
Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions/$m operating income (tonnes CO2eq/$m/year)
Environmental resource efficiency

Energy

123

1.39

1.14

229

2.53

–

–

127

1.73

1.14

210

2.87

9.63

15.95

Indirect non-renewable energy consumption5 (GWh/year)

154

223

Indirect renewable energy consumption6 (GWh/year)

Direct non-renewable energy consumption7 (GWh/year)

Direct renewable energy consumption8 (GWh/year)

On-site renewable energy consumption9 (MWh/year)

Energy consumption (GWh/year)

Energy consumption/headcount (kWh/headcount/year)

Energy consumption/m2 (kWh/m2/year)

Water

Water consumption (ML/year)

Water consumption/headcount (m3/headcount/year)

Water consumption/m2 (kL/m2/year)

Paper

Print paper consumption (ktonnes/year)

Print paper consumption/headcount (kg/headcount/year)

Waste10

Waste (ktonnes/year)

Waste/FTE (kg/headcount/year)

Waste reused or recycled (%)

Retired IT equipment reused or recycled (ktonnes/year)

16

14

–

537

184

17

19

–

555

258

2,522

3,061

223

224

425

6

0.51

1.41

16.96

4.8

66

35

0.33

654

8

0.57

1.41

–

–

–

–

–

132

1.74

1.46

262

3.21

 –

 –

162

17

18

 –

458

198

3,167

240

605

10

0.74

1.05

17.70

5.1

81

46

0.19

125

1.73

1.46

230

3.20

9.89

18.25

224

17

31

 –

458

272

3,187

230

916

11

0.77

1.49

–

–

–

–

–

147

1.85

1.40

272

3.26

–

–

157

2.18

1.40

258

3.59

12.86

21.12

168

277

21

24

–

330

213

3,291

261

649

10

0.80

1.62

21.97

4.8

74

24

0.19

19

32

–

330

327

3,807

274

1,149

13

0.96

1.89

–

–

–

–

–

1  Percentage of green lease clause inclusion in all new and renewed leases within the reporting year. Refer to the eco-efficiency criteria for more information

2  Reflects the Group’s headcount (formerly labelled full-time employees or FTE) at 31 December 2019

3  In 2019, we updated our Scope 3 methodology to reflect the impact of radiative forcing. As a result, we have restated Scope 3 emissions for 2018 and 2017

4  Scope 3 emissions calculated from total energy consumption from our outsourced global data centres

5  Indirect non-renewable energy refers to purchased electricity from non-renewable sources 

6  Indirect renewable energy refers to purchased electricity from off-site renewable sources

7  Direct non-renewable energy refers to the gross calorific values of fuels consumed on-site

8  Direct renewable energy refers to the gross calorific values of renewable fuels consumed on-site

9  On-site renewable energy refers to renewable energy generated and consumed on-site

10 In 2019, we reviewed our methodology for measured and scaled-up waste. Scaled-up waste data is not representative and is therefore not shown

403

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ report2020 Sustainability 
Aspirations

Additional notes on environment data

The emissions within our inventory correspond to a reporting period of 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2019. This is to allow sufficient time for 
independent assurance to be gained prior to the publication of results. Accordingly, the operating income used in this inventory corresponds to 
the same period rather than the calendar year used in financial reporting. This is consistent with international carbon reporting practice.

We use measured data to calculate our energy and water use from across our properties. We then scale up to reflect the portion of the portfolio 
from which we do not gather measurements. Measured data is collected from Global Environment Management System (GEMS) properties, 
defined as all properties that are over 10,000 square feet for energy and water. For paper and business travel, it is defined per full-time employee.

Scaled-up data represents measured data taken from a sample of branches, which is then extrapolated to reflect the Group’s total property 
footprint in energy and water. For business travel, it is defined per full-time employee (as at the end of the reporting period).

Carbon abatement benefit from indirect renewable energy is not taken into account.

Total energy use is normalised to reflect periods of vacancy in certain sites during the reporting period.

Net internal areas used for water use intensity do not include sites that have reported zero water consumption in demised areas.

Warehouses, empty land, car parks, unoccupied sites for business continuity purposes, residential properties, space occupied by automated 
teller machines, vaults and space sub-let to tenants are excluded from this extrapolation.

Scope 3 emissions are drawn from reliable data collected from 32 countries, based on seating class and distance flown. As we operate largely 
outside of the UK, all flights domestic or international with flight distance of less than 785km have had the ‘short haul’ emissions calculation 
factor applied. All flights with distance flown over 785km have had the ‘international’ emissions calculation factor applied.

Global Documentation is our independent third-party assurance provider for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2019, our measured Scope 1 
and Scope 2 emissions, as well as water and waste data, were assured by Global Documentation, ensuring the accuracy and credibility of  
our reporting.

Read our Carbon Emission Criteria at  
sc.com/environmentcriteria

Review our Independent Assurance Report at  
sc.com/environmentalassurance

Financial crime prevention

Staff completing anti-money laundering (AML) e-learning1

Staff completing anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) e-learning1

Staff completing sanctions e-learning1

1  Includes employees who are yet to complete training, but who remain within the allotted time allowed for completion

Communities: Inclusive Communities

Community expenditure

Total ($million)

Cash contributions

Employee time (non-cash item)

Gifts in kind (non-cash item)1

Management costs

Total (direct investment by the Group)

Leverage2

Total (incl. leverage)

Percentage of prior year operating profit (PYOP)

1  Gifts In kind comprises all non-monetary donations 

2  Leverage data relates to the proceeds from staff and other fundraising activity 

2019 
%

99.9

99.9

99.9

2019

27.5

16.9

0.3

4.5

49.2

1.9

51.1

2.01

2018 
%

99.9

99.9

99.9

2018

22.9

18.8

0.1

4.5

46.3

2.9

49.2

2.04

2017 
%

99.2

99.3

99.6

2017

22.1

18.1

0.1

4.5

44.8

5.0

49.8

12.18

404

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary information 
 
2020 Sustainability Aspirations

Our Sustainability Aspirations build on our three sustainability pillars with measurable targets to show how we are achieving sustainable outcomes 
across our business. These also allow us to demonstrate how we support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Pillar one: Sustainable Finance

Aspirations

Targets: We will work with our clients to:

Infrastructure
Everyone should have access to safe, reliable  
and affordable power and infrastructure which 
transforms lives and strengthens economies 

Climate change
Climate change is one of today’s greatest 
challenges and addressing it is essential to 
promote sustainable economic growth 

Target date

Jan 2020 – Dec 2024

 ¼ Provide project financing services for $40 billion of infrastructure 
projects that promote sustainable development that align to our 
verified Green and Sustainable Product Framework

 ¼ Catalyse $5 billion of finance via blended finance transactions

Jan 2020 – Dec 2024

 ¼ Provide $35 billion worth of project financing services, M&A 

Jan 2020 – Dec 2024

advisory, debt structuring, transaction banking and lending services 
for renewable energy that align to our verified Green and Sustainable 
Product Framework

 ¼ Develop a methodology to measure, manage and ultimately reduce 

Jan 2019 – Dec 2020 

the CO2 emissions from the activities we finance
 ¼ Only provide financial services to clients who are: 

Jan 2020 – Jan 2030

–  By Jan 2021, less than 100% dependent on earnings from 

thermal coal (based on % EBITDA at group level)

–  By Jan 2025, less than 60% dependent on earnings from thermal 

coal (based on % EBITDA at group level)

–  By Jan 2027, less than 40% dependent on earnings from thermal 

coal (based on % EBITDA at group level)

–  By Jan 2030, less than 10% dependent on earnings from thermal 

coal (based on % EBITDA at group level)

Entrepreneurs 
Entrepreneurs are the heart of local economies, 
creating jobs and empowering people 

 ¼ Provide $15 billion of financing to small business clients  

Jan 2020 – Dec 2024

(Business Banking)

 ¼ Provide $3 billion of financing to microfinance institutions

Jan 2020 – Dec 2024

Commerce
Trade creates jobs and contributes to economies 
by enabling people to connect across borders 

 ¼ Bank 10,000 of our clients’ international and domestic networks of 
suppliers and buyers through banking the ecosystem programmes

Jan 2020 – Dec 2024

Digital
Everyone should have access to digital banking 
products enabling safe, efficient and inclusive 
banking

 ¼ Roll out digital-only bank in a total of 12 markets and double the 

Jan 2020 – Dec 2021

number of clients we bank in Africa to 3.2 million

Impact finance
Innovative financial products and partnerships 
can help us solve global development challenges 
and improve the lives of millions in our markets

 ¼ Introduce ESG scores for equity investments for Private Banking 

Jan 2020 – Dec 2020

clients allowing them to tailor their investment choices in a 
sustainable manner

 ¼ Develop a tailored Impact Profile for all Private Bank clients, 

Jan 2020 – Dec 2024

providing a framework that enables them to understand their 
passions and harness capital market solutions to support the SDGs

 ¼ Increase the proportion of Private Bank investment solutions 
(across funds, bonds, structured products and discretionary 
mandates) with a sustainability lens from below 10% to 50%

Jan 2020 – Dec 2024

405

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pillar 2: Responsible Company

Aspirations

Targets: We will:

Target date

People
Our people are our greatest asset, and our 
diversity drives our business success 

 ¼ Conduct a feasibility analysis to incorporate a Living Wage into 

Jan 2019 – Dec 2020

agreements for all non-employed workers

 ¼ Complete disability confidence assessments for 44 of our  

Jan 2020 – Dec 2020

Environment
Reducing our own impact on the environment  
will protect our planet for the benefit of our 
communities 

larger markets

 ¼ Embed an integrated health and wellbeing strategy to support 

Jan 2020 – Dec 2021

building and re-skilling a future-ready, diverse workforce

 ¼ Support all employees to develop a personalised growth plan to 
reflect the future skills needed to respond to the changing and 
digitised nature of work 

Jan 2020 – Dec 2021

 ¼ Increase gender representation: 35% women in senior roles with  

Sept 2016 – Dec 2024

an interim target:
–  Dec 2020: 30%

 ¼ Increase our ‘Culture of Inclusion’ score to 84.5% with an interim 

Jan 2020 – Dec 2024

target:
–  Dec 2021: 80%

 ¼ Reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) to  

Jan 2019 – Dec 2030

net zero with an interim target:
–  Dec 2025: 60,000 tCO2e 

 ¼ Source all energy from renewable sources

 ¼ Join the Climate Group ‘RE100’

Jan 2020 – Dec 2030

Jan 2020 – Dec 2020

 ¼ Reduce our Scope 3 value chain emissions from business travel 

Jan 2020 – Dec 2020

by 7% 

 ¼ Introduce an emissions offset programme for Scope 3 travel 

Jan 2020 – Dec 2020

emissions

 ¼ Reduce annual office paper use by 57% to 10kg/headcount/year

Jan 2012 – Dec 2020

 ¼ Reduce waste per colleague to 40kg 

 ¼ Recycle 90% of waste

Jan 2020 – Dec 2025

Jan 2020 – Dec 2025

Conduct
Good conduct and high ethical standards  
are essential in achieving fair outcomes for  
our clients 

 ¼ Learn from risks identified through concerns raised via our  

Ongoing 

Speaking Up programme and conduct plans and publish an  
annual Threats and Themes Report

 ¼ Develop enhanced internal policies and guidelines on privacy,  

Jan 2020 – Dec 2021

data ethics and algorithmic fairness, and embed a new  
governance framework for all data-related risks

Financial crime compliance
Financial crime has serious social and  
economic consequences, harming  
individuals and communities 

 ¼ Tackle financial crimes such as illegal wildlife trade (IWT) by 

Ongoing 

developing red flags for financial flows, training frontline staff to 
identify potential suspicious transactions and participating in 
public-private partnerships to share intelligence and good practices

 ¼ Deliver at least 18 correspondent banking academies

Jan 2020 – Dec 2020

Pillar 3: Inclusive Communities

Aspirations

Targets: We will:

Target dates

Community engagement 
Health and education are vital for thriving  
and prosperous communities 

 ¼ Invest 0.75% of prior year operating profit (PYOP) in our communities

Jan 2006 – Dec 2020

 ¼ Raise $50m for Futuremakers by Standard Chartered 

Jan 2019 – Dec 2023

 ¼ Education: Reach one million girls and young women through Goal

Jan 2006 – Dec 2023

 ¼ Employability: Reach 100,000 young people 

Jan 2019 – Dec 2023

 ¼ Entrepreneurship: Reach 50,000 young people, and micro and 

Jan 2019 – Dec 2023

small businesses 

 ¼ Support the development of the Vision Catalyst Fund 

 ¼ Increase participation for employee volunteering to 55%

Jan 2019 – Dec 2020

Jan 2020 – Dec 2023

406

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationSupplementary  sustainability information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder information

Expected dividend and interest payment dates

Ordinary shares
Results and dividend announced
Ex-dividend date
Record date for dividend
Last date to amend currency election instructions for cash dividend
Dividend payment date

Final dividend
27 February 2020
5 March (UK) 4 March (HK) 2020
6 March 2020
15 April 2020
14 May 2020

Preference shares
73∕8 per cent non-cumulative irredeemable preference shares of £1 each
81∕4 per cent non-cumulative irredeemable preference shares of £1 each
6.409 per cent non-cumulative redeemable preference shares of $5 each
7.014 per cent non-cumulative redeemable preference shares of $5 each

1st half yearly dividend
1 April 2020
1 April 2020
30 January and 30 April 2020
30 January 2020

2nd half yearly dividend
1 October 2020
1 October 2020
30 July and 30 October 2020
30 July 2020

Annual General Meeting

Country-by-country reporting

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) details are as follows:

Date and time 
Wednesday 6 May 2020 
11.00am London time 
(6.00pm Hong Kong time) 

Location
etc. venues 
200 Aldersgate 
St Paul’s 
London EC1A 4HD

Details of the business to be transacted at the AGM are included in  
the Notice of AGM.

Details of voting at the Company’s AGM and of proxy votes cast 
can be found on the Company’s website at sc.com/agm

Interim results

The interim results will be announced to the London Stock Exchange, 
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, the BSE Limited 
(Bombay Stock Exchange), the National Stock Exchange of India 
Limited, and put on the Company’s website.

In accordance with the requirements of the Capital Requirements 
(country-by-country reporting) Regulations 2013, the Group will 
publish additional country-by-country information in respect of the 
year ended 31 December 2019, on or before 31 December 2020.  
We have also published our approach to tax and tax policy.

This information will be available on the Group’s website at sc.com

ShareCare

ShareCare is available to shareholders on the Company’s UK register 
who have a UK address and bank account, and allows you to hold 
your Standard Chartered PLC shares in a nominee account. Your 
shares will be held in electronic form so you will no longer have to 
worry about keeping your share certificates safe. If you join ShareCare 
you will still be invited to attend the Company’s AGM and receive any 
dividend at the same time as everyone else. ShareCare is free to join 
and there are no annual fees to pay.

If you would like to receive more information, please visit our website at  
sc.com/shareholders or contact the shareholder helpline on 0370 702 0138

Previous dividend payments (unadjusted for the impact of the 2015/2010/2008 Rights Issues)

Dividend and  
financial year
Final 2007
Interim 2008
Final 2008
Interim 2009
Final 2009
Interim 2010
Final 2010
Interim 2011
Final 2011
Interim 2012
Final 2012
Interim 2013
Final 2013
Interim 2014
Final 2014
Interim 2015
Final 2015
Interim 2016
Final 2016
Interim 2017
Final 2017
Interim 2018
Final 2018
Interim 2019

Payment date
16 May 2008
9 October 2008
15 May 2009
8 October 2009
13 May 2010
5 October 2010
11 May 2011
7 October 2011
15 May 2012
11 October 2012
14 May 2013
17 October 2013
14 May 2014
20 October 2014
14 May 2015
19 October 2015
No dividend declared
No dividend declared
No dividend declared
No dividend declared
17 May 2018
22 October 2018
16 May 2019
21 October 2019

Dividend per ordinary share
56.23c/28.33485p/HK$4.380092
25.67c/13.96133p/HK$1.995046
42.32c/28.4693p/HK$3.279597
21.23c/13.25177p/HK$1.645304
44.80c/29.54233p/HK$3.478306
23.35c/14.71618p/HK$1.811274/INR0.9841241
46.65c/28.272513p/HK$3.623404/INR1.99751701
24.75c/15.81958125p/HK$1.928909813/INR1.137971251
51.25c/31.63032125p/HK$3.9776083375/INR2.66670151
27.23c/16.799630190p/HK$2.111362463/INR1.3498039501
56.77c/36.5649893p/HK$4.4048756997/INR2.9762835751
28.80c/17.8880256p/HK$2.233204992/INR1.68131
57.20c/33.9211444p/HK$4.43464736/INR3.3546261
28.80c/17.891107200p/HK$2.2340016000/INR1.6718425601
57.20c/37.16485p/HK$4.43329/INR3.5140591
14.40c/9.3979152p/HK$1.115985456/INR0.861393721
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.00c/7.88046p/HK$0.86293/INR0.6536433401
6.00c/4.59747p/HK$0.46978/INR0.36961751
15.00c/11.569905p/HK$1.176260/INR0.9576916501
7.00c/5.676776p/HK$0.548723/INR0.4250286001

1   The INR dividend is per Indian Depository Receipt

Cost of one new ordinary share 
under share dividend scheme
£16.2420/$32.78447
£14.00/$26.0148
£8.342/$11.7405
£13.876/$22.799
£17.351/$26.252
£17.394/$27.190
£15.994/$25.649
£14.127/$23.140
£15.723/$24.634
£13.417/$21.041
£17.40/$26.28792
£15.362/$24.07379
£11.949$19.815
£12.151/$20.207
£9.797/$14.374
£8.5226/$13.34383
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
£7.7600/$10.83451
£6.7104/$8.51952
N/A
N/A

407

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Donating shares to ShareGift

Electronic communications

Shareholders who have a small number of shares often find it 
uneconomical to sell them. An alternative is to consider donating them 
to the charity ShareGift (registered charity 1052686), which collects 
donations of unwanted shares until there are enough to sell, and uses 
the proceeds to support UK charities. There is no implication for 
capital gains tax (no gain or loss) when you donate shares to charity, 
and UK taxpayers may be able to claim income tax relief on the value 
of their donation.

If you hold your shares on the UK register and in future you would like 
to receive the Annual Report electronically rather than by post, please 
register online at: investorcentre.co.uk. Then click on Register and 
follow the instructions. You will need to have your Shareholder or 
ShareCare reference number when you log on. You can find this on 
your share certificate or ShareCare statement. Once registered you 
can also submit your proxy vote and dividend election electronically, 
and change your bank mandate or address information.

Further information can be obtained from  
the Company’s registrars or from ShareGift  
on 020 7930 3737 or from sharegift.org

Bankers’ Automated Clearing System (BACS)

Dividends can be paid straight into your bank or building society 
account.

Please register online at investorcentre.co.uk  
or contact our registrar for a mandate form

Registrars and shareholder enquiries

If you have any enquiries relating to your shareholding and you  
hold your shares on the UK register, please contact our registrar 
Computershare Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater 
Road, Bristol, BS99 6ZZ or call the shareholder helpline number  
on 0370 702 0138.

If you hold your shares on the Hong Kong branch register and you 
have enquiries, please contact Computershare Hong Kong Investor 
Services Limited, 17M Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road 
East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

You can check your shareholding at  
computershare.com/hk/investors

If you hold Indian Depository Receipts and you have enquiries,  
please contact KFintech, Tower B, Plot 31-32, Selenium Building, 
Financial District, Nanakramguda, Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500032, 
Telangana, India.

Chinese translation

If you would like a Chinese version of the 2019 Annual Report please 
contact Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, 
17M Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 
Hong Kong.

本年報之中文譯本可向香港中央證券登記有限公司索取,地址:香港灣
仔皇后大道東183號合和中心17M樓

Shareholders on the Hong Kong branch register who have asked to 
receive corporate communications in either Chinese or English can 
change this election by contacting Computershare.

If there is a dispute between any translation and the English version  
of this Annual Report, the English text shall prevail.

Forward-looking statements

This document may contain ‘forward-looking statements’ that are 
based on current expectations or beliefs, as well as assumptions 
about future events. These forward-looking statements can be 
identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current 
facts. Forward-looking statements often use words such as ‘may’, 
‘could’, ‘will’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘estimate’, ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘plan’, 
‘seek’, ‘continue’ or other words of similar meaning. By their very 
nature, such statements are subject to known and unknown risks and 
uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause 
actual results, and the Group’s plans and objectives, to differ materially 
from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.

Recipients should not place reliance on, and are cautioned about 
relying on, any forward-looking statements. There are several factors 
which could cause actual results to differ materially from those 
expressed or implied in forward-looking statements. The factors that 
could cause actual results to differ materially from those described  
in the forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) 
changes in global, political, economic, business, competitive, market 
and regulatory forces or conditions, future exchange and interest 
rates, changes in tax rates, future business combinations or 
dispositions and other factors specific to the Group. Any forward- 
looking statement contained in this document is based on past  
or current trends and/or activities of the Group and should not be 
taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue  
in the future.

No statement in this document is intended to be a profit forecast or  
to imply that the earnings of the Group for the current year or future 
years will necessarily match or exceed the historical or published 
earnings of the Group. Each forward-looking statement speaks only 
as of the date of the particular statement. Except as required by any 
applicable laws or regulations, the Group expressly disclaims any 
obligation to revise or update any forward looking statement contained 
within this document, regardless of whether those statements are 
affected as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Nothing in this document shall constitute, in any jurisdiction, an offer  
or solicitation to sell or purchase any securities or other financial 
instruments, nor shall it constitute a recommendation or advice  
in respect of any securities or other financial instruments or any  
other matter.

408

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationShareholder informationMain awards and accolades 2019

MAJOR  AWARDS  2019

The Asset Triple A Awards 2019

Global Custodian 2019

Global Finance 2019

The Asset Triple A Asset 
Servicing, Institutional Investor 
and Insurance Awards
 ¼ Best Custodian – Overall

 ¼ Best Subcustodian, Global

 ¼ Best Custodian, Bond Connect-Offshore – 

China

 ¼ Best Custody Specialist, Africa

 ¼ Best Custody Specialist, Fund Managers

The Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply 
Chain and Risk Management Awards
 ¼ Best Working Capital and Trade Finance 

 ¼ Best Renminbi Bank 

 ¼ Best in Treasury and Working Capital –  

Liquidity Management

 ¼ Editors’ Triple Star* – Straight2Bank Pay

 ¼ Best in Treasury & Cash Management –  

North Asia

 ¼ Best in Treasury & Cash Management –  

South Asia

 ¼ Best in Treasury & Cash Management – MENA

 ¼ Best in Working Capital & Trade Finance – 

MENA

The Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards
 ¼ Global Sukuk Adviser of the Year 

 ¼ Best Bank for Digital Innovation

 ¼ Best Investment Bank Middle East

GTR Leaders in Trade Awards 2019

 ¼ Best Trade Finance Bank in the Middle East  

and North Africa

 ¼ Best Export Finance Bank

Flmetrix 2019

Flmetrix Distinguished  
Provider 2019
 ¼ Distinguished Provider of 

Transaction Banking Services  
for USD to USD

 ¼ Distinguished Provider of 

Transaction Banking Services  
for EUR to EUR

 ¼ Distinguished Provider of 

Transaction Banking Services  
for USD to EUR

Global Custodian’s 2019 
Leaders in Custody
 ¼ Best Bank Network Management 

Team 

 ¼ Emerging Markets Continued 

Excellence – MENA 

Global Custodian Agent Banks 
in Frontier Markets Survey 2019
Global Outperformer –  
9 Markets
 ¼ Bahrain 

 ¼ Bangladesh 

 ¼ Botswana 

 ¼ Ghana 

 ¼ Jordan 

 ¼ Kenya 

 ¼ Nigeria 

 ¼ Sri Lanka 

 ¼ Vietnam 

World’s Best Supply Chain 
Finance Providers 2019
 ¼ Global Best Supply Chain  
Finance Provider – Bank

World’s Best Trade Finance 
Providers 2019
 ¼ Global Best Bank for Export 

Finance

 ¼ Best Trade Finance Bank in 

Asia-Pacific

Treasury & Cash Management 
Awards 2019 
 ¼ Best Bank for Liquidity Management 

World’s Best Foreign Exchange Providers 
2019
 ¼ Best FX Provider For Emerging Markets 

Currencies

Transaction Banking Awards 2019 
 ¼ World’s Best Sub-Custodian Bank 

 ¼ World’s Best Sub-Custodian Bank, Middle East 

Market Outperformer – 10 Markets 
 ¼ Bangladesh 

Stars of China
 ¼ Best Foreign Bank for One Belt, One Road

 ¼ Botswana 

 ¼ Ghana 

 ¼ Jordan 

 ¼ Kenya 

 ¼ Mauritius 

 ¼ Nigeria 

 ¼ Sri Lanka 

 ¼ Vietnam 

 ¼ Zambia 

Global Custodian Agent Banks in 
Emerging Markets Survey 2019

Category Outperformer – 10 Markets 

Global Outperformer – 10 Markets
 ¼ China

 ¼ India

 ¼ Indonesia

 ¼ Malaysia

 ¼ Pakistan

 ¼ Philippines

 ¼ Qatar

 ¼ Taiwan

 ¼ Thailand

 ¼ UAE

The World’s Best Global Banks
 ¼ Best Bank for Sustainable Finance

The Banker

The Banker Deal of the Year
 ¼ Transaction Bank of the Year – Supply Chain 

Finance

 ¼ Transaction Bank of the Year – Asia Pacific

 ¼ Transaction Bank of Year – Middle East

Asiamoney 

New Silk Road Finance Awards 2019
 ¼ Best Bank for infrastructure/Project Finance  

in Middle East & Africa

Adam Smith Awards Asia 2019 

 ¼ Winner: Best working capital management 

solution – Olam International Limited (Standard 
Chartered, Citi and Rabobank).

 ¼ Winner: Treasury today asia woman of the year 

2019 – Rashmi Joshi, Castrol India Ltd

 ¼ Highly commended: Best funding solution 

– Juneyao Airlines Co., Ltd. 

 ¼ Highly commended: First class relationship 

management – Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad 
(Standard Chartered and SAP Malaysia) 

409

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportMAJOR  AWARDS  2019 
CONTINUED

DIVERSITY  AND  INCLUSION 
AWARDS

SUSTAINABILITY  INDICES

 ¼ Highly commended: Best sustainable finance 
solution – Sitc International Holding Company 
Limited. 

2019 Working Mother & Avtar Best 100 
Companies for Women in India
 ¼ Avtar – The Power of Diversity

 ¼ Highly commended: Best fintech solution 
– Digital Guangdong Co. Ltd. (Standard 
Chartered and Linklogis).

 ¼ Highly commended: Treasury Today Asia 
Woman of the Year 2019 – Latifah Mohamed 
Yusof, Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad

AsiaRisk Awards

Most Inclusive Companies in India
 ¼ Avtar – The Power of Diversity

2019 Working Mother & Avtar Best 100 
Companies for Women in India
 ¼ Avtar – The Power of Diversity

Exceptional Woman Leader of the Year  
in Nigeria 
 ¼ The Great Place to Work

 ¼ Currency Derivatives House of the Year Award

 ¼ Yemisi Lowo-Adesola – Nigeria

FinanceAsia

Achievement Awards 2019 – House 
Awards
 ¼ Project Finance House – International

 ¼ Syndicted Loan – International

The Asset

PVB
 ¼ Rising Star – Best PB for UHNW (PVB)

 ¼ Best Structured Investment Product (FM)

Euromoney

AFE – Regional
 ¼ Best Bank for Sustainable 

Finance – Africa

Asiamoney

New Silk Road Awards
 ¼ Best International Bank for BRI in Southeast 

Asia

 ¼ Best International Bank for BRI in South Asia

 ¼ Best Bank for BRI-related financing in 

South Asia

Gold Standard in the Hong Kong LGBT+ 
Inclusion Index
 ¼ The Community Business LGBT+ Inclusion 

Index

Best Private Bank – Talent Management 
and Diversity
 ¼ Wealth Briefing European Awards

100 LGBT+ Executives
 ¼ Outstanding LGBT+ Role Model 

 ¼ Alison McFadyen

Top 10 Best workplaces for women
 ¼ Great Place to Work

2019 HERoes Women Executive
 ¼ 2019 HERoes Women Role Model

 ¼ Nancy Wisniewksi

2019 HERoes Advocate Executive
 ¼ 2019 HERoes Women Role Model

 ¼ Shazad Dada – Pakistan

2019 HERoes Women Future Leader
 ¼ 2019 HERoes Women Role Model

 ¼ Joyce Adetu

2019 HERoes Women Executive
 ¼ 2019 HERoes Women Role Model

 ¼ Souad Benkredda

2019 HERoes Advocate Executive
 ¼ 2019 HERoes Women Role Model

 ¼ Osman E Faiz

2019 Equileap Gender Equality Global 
Report – Global ranking is at 44th; UK 
ranking is 5th; Kenya ranking is 1st 
 ¼ EQUILEAP

2019 Bloomberg Gender Equality Index 
recognised among one of 230 companies 
in the world promoting gender equality
 ¼ Bloomberg Gender Equality Index

Best Practice Award in Vision category 
and “Progressive” award in Benefits 
Category, Communications Category and 
Social Responsibility Category by Global 
Diversity and Inclusion Benchmark
 ¼ Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmark

50 Most Influential Women in Middle East 
Finance
 ¼ Financial Times 50 Middle East Women

50 Most Influential Women in Middle East 
Finance
 ¼ Financial Times 50 Middle East Women

 ¼ Rola Abu Manneh

Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality
 ¼ Human Rights Council Corporate Equality  

Index 2019

 ¼ Souad Benkredda

We are listed in the FTSE4Good Index.  
The FTSE4Good measures the performance 
of companies that meet globally recognised 
corporate responsibility standards.

We participate in the CDP Climate 
questionnaire.

SUSTAINABILITY  AND 
COMMUNITY  ENGAGEMENT 
AWARDS

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce –  
Best Corporate Citizen Awards
 ¼ Women Empowerment – Winner :  

Goal programme

 ¼ Best Sustainability Project – Goal programme

 ¼ Certificate of Merit – Financial Education in  
the Tea Estates (Futuremakers by Standard 
Chartered)

 ¼ Overall runners up – Best Corporate Citizen 

(Less than Rs.15bn annual turnover)

American Chamber of Commerce –  
CSR Excellence Awards (Thailand)
 ¼ Standard Chartered Bank received Gold  

Status recognising nine consecutive years of  
CSR Excellence

Global Finance – World’s Best 
Bank Awards
 ¼ World’s Best Bank for Sustainable Finance

Euromoney Awards for Excellence 
 ¼ Africa’s Best Bank for Sustainable Finance

International Business Magazine (Jordan)
 ¼ Best CSR Bank Award

International Finance
 ¼ IFM Best CSR Bank

Global Brand Magazine
 ¼ Best CSR Bank

Community Chest Awards (Singapore)
 ¼ Charity Platinum

People’s Association Community Spirit 
Awards (Singapore)
 ¼ Community Partnership Merit Award

Sustainable Development Goals Pioneer
 ¼ Global Compact Network South Africa

410

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationAwardsGlossary

AT1 or Additional Tier 1 capital
Additional Tier 1 capital consists of 
instruments other than Common Equity  
Tier 1 that meet the Capital Requirements 
Regulation (CRR) criteria for inclusion in  
Tier 1 capital.

Additional value adjustment
See Prudent valuation adjustment.

Advanced Internal Rating Based (AIRB) 
approach
The AIRB approach under the Basel 
framework is used to calculate credit  
risk capital based on the Group’s own 
estimates of prudential parameters.

Alternative performance measures
A financial measure of historical or future 
financial performance, financial position, or 
cash flows, other than a financial measure 
defined or specified in the applicable financial 
reporting framework.

ASEAN
Association of South East Asian Nations 
(ASEAN) which includes the Group’s 
operations in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, 
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and 
Vietnam.

AUM or Assets under management
Total market value of assets such as 
deposits, securities and funds held by  
the Group on behalf of the clients.

Average interest bearing liabilities
The annual average total balance of financial 
liabilities measured at amortised cost that 
incur interest expense for the Group, 
excluding liabilities used to fund the Financial 
Markets business. Average balances are 
determined using daily balances, except  
for certain categories which have been 
determined less frequently.

Average interest earning assets
The annual average total balance of financial 
assets measured at amortised cost or fair 
value through other comprehensive income 
that generate interest income for the Group. 
Average balances are determined using daily 
balances, except for certain categories which 
have been determined less frequently.

Basel II
The capital adequacy framework issued by 
the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision 
(BCBS) in June 2006 in the form of the 
International Convergence of Capital 
Measurement and Capital Standards.

Basel III
The global regulatory standards on bank 
capital adequacy and liquidity, originally 
issued in December 2010 and updated in 
June 2011. In December 2017, the BCBS 
published a document setting out the 
finalisation of the Basel III framework.  
The latest requirements issued in December 
2017 will be implemented from 2022.

BCBS or Basel Committee on  
Banking Supervision
A forum on banking supervisory matters 
which develops global supervisory standards 
for the banking industry. Its members are 
officials from 45 central banks or prudential 
supervisors from 28 countries and territories.

Basic underlying earnings per share 
(EPS)
Represents the underlying earnings divided 
by the basic weighted average number of 
shares.

Basis point (bps)
One hundredth of a per cent (0.01 per cent); 
100 basis points is 1 per cent. 

Capital-lite income
Income derived from products with low  
RWA consumption or products which are 
non-funding in nature.

CRD IV or Capital Requirements 
Directive IV
A capital adequacy legislative package 
adopted by EU member states. CRD IV 
comprises the recast Capital Requirements 
Directive and the Capital Requirements 
Regulation (CRR). The package implements 
the Basel III framework together with 
transitional arrangements for some of its 
requirements. CRD IV came into force on  
1 January 2014. CRR II and CRD V amending 
the existing package came into force in June 
2019 with most changes starting to apply 
from 28 June 2021.

Capital resources
Sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital after 
regulatory adjustments.

CGU or Cash-generating unit
The smallest identifiable group of assets  
that generates cash inflows that are largely 
independent of the cash inflows from other 
assets or groups of assets.

Cash shortfall
The difference between the cash flows that 
are due in accordance with the contractual 
terms of the instrument and the cash flows 
that the Group expects to receive over the 
contractual life of the instrument.

Clawback
An arrangement under which the an 
individual has to return ownership of an 
amount of variable remuneration paid in  
the past or which has already vested to  
the Group under certain conditions

CRE or Commercial real estate
Includes office buildings, industrial property, 
medical centres, hotels, malls, retail stores, 
shopping centres, farm land, multi-family 
housing buildings, warehouses, garages,  
and industrial properties. Commercial real 
estate loans are those backed by a package 
of commercial real estate assets.

CET1 or Common Equity Tier 1 capital
Common Equity Tier 1 capital consists of the 
common shares issued by the Group and 
related share premium, retained earnings, 
accumulated other comprehensive income 
and other disclosed reserves, eligible 
non-controlling interests and regulatory 
adjustments required in the calculation of 
Common Equity Tier 1.

CET1 ratio
A measure of the Group’s CET1 capital as a 
percentage of risk-weighted assets.

Contractual maturity
Contractual maturity refers to the final 
payment date of a loan or other financial 
instrument, at which point all the remaining 
outstanding principal and interest is due to  
be paid.

Countercyclical capital buffer
The countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) is 
part of a set of macroprudential instruments, 
designed to help counter procyclicality in the 
financial system. CCyB as defined in the 
Basel III standard provides for an additional 
capital requirement of up to 2.5 per cent of 
risk-weighted assets in a given jurisdiction. 
The Bank of England’s Financial Policy 
Committee has the power to set the CCyB 
rate for the United Kingdom. Each bank must 
calculate its ‘institution-specific’ CCyB rate, 
defined as the weighted average of the CCyB 
rates in effect across the jurisdictions in  
which it has credit exposures. The institution-
specific CCyB rate is then applied to a bank’s 
total risk-weighted assets.

Counterparty credit risk
The risk that a counterparty defaults before 
satisfying its obligations under a derivative,  
a securities financing transaction (SFT) or a 
similar contract.

411

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportCCF or Credit conversion factor
An estimate of the amount the Group expects 
a customer to have drawn further on a facility 
limit at the point of default. This is either 
prescribed by CRR or modelled by the bank. 

CDS or Credit default swaps
A credit derivative is an arrangement whereby 
the credit risk of an asset (the reference asset) 
is transferred from the buyer to the seller of 
protection. A credit default swap is a contract 
where the protection seller receives premium 
or interest-related payments in return for 
contracting to make payments to the 
protection buyer upon a defined credit event. 
Credit events normally include bankruptcy, 
payment default on a reference asset or 
assets, or downgrades by a rating agency.

Credit institutions
An institution whose business is to receive 
deposits or other repayable funds from  
the public and to grant credits for its  
own account.

Credit risk mitigation
Credit risk mitigation is a process to mitigate 
potential credit losses from any given 
account, customer or portfolio by using a 
range of tools such as collateral, netting 
agreements, credit insurance, credit 
derivatives and guarantees.

CVA or Credit valuation adjustments
An adjustment to the fair value of derivative 
contracts that reflects the possibility that  
the counterparty may default such that the  
Group would not receive the full market  
value of the contracts.

Customer accounts
Money deposited by all individuals and 
companies which are not credit institutions 
including securities sold under repurchase 
agreement (see repo/reverse repo). Such 
funds are recorded as liabilities in the Group’s 
balance sheet under customer accounts.

Days past due
One or more days that interest and/or 
principal payments are overdue based on  
the contractual terms.

DVA or Debit valuation adjustment
An adjustment to the fair value of derivative 
contracts that reflects the possibility that the 
Group may default and not pay the full market 
value of contracts.

Debt securities
Debt securities are assets on the Group’s 
balance sheet and represent certificates of 
indebtedness of credit institutions, public 
bodies or other undertakings excluding  
those issued by central banks.

Debt securities in issue
Debt securities in issue are transferrable 
certificates of indebtedness of the Group  
to the bearer of the certificate. These are 
liabilities of the Group and include certificates 
of deposits.

Default
Financial assets in default represent those 
that are at least 90 days past due in respect 
of principal or interest and/or where the 
assets are otherwise considered to be 
unlikely to pay, including those that are 
credit-impaired.

DTA or Deferred tax asset
Income taxes recoverable in future periods in 
respect of deductible temporary differences 
between the accounting and tax base of  
an asset or liability that will result in tax 
deductible amounts in future periods, the 
carry-forward of tax losses or the carry-
forward of unused tax credits.

DTL or Deferred tax liability
Income taxes payable in future periods in 
respect of taxable temporary differences 
between the accounting and tax base of  
an asset or liability that will result in taxable 
amounts in future periods.

Defined benefit obligation
The present value of expected future 
payments required to settle the obligations  
of a defined benefit scheme resulting from 
employee service.

Defined benefit scheme
Pension or other post-retirement benefit 
scheme other than a defined contribution 
scheme.

Defined contribution scheme
A pension or other post-retirement benefit 
scheme where the employer’s obligation  
is limited to its contributions to the fund.

Delinquency
A debt or other financial obligation is 
considered to be in a state of delinquency 
when payments are overdue. Loans and 
advances are considered to be delinquent 
when consecutive payments are missed. 
Also known as arrears.

Deposits by banks
Deposits by banks comprise amounts  
owed to other domestic or foreign credit 
institutions by the Group including securities 
sold under repo.

Diluted underlying earnings per share 
(EPS)
Represents the underlying earnings divided 
by the diluted weighted average number  
of shares. 

Dividend per share
Represents the entitlement of each 
shareholder in the share of the profits of the 
Company. Calculated in the lowest unit of 
currency in which the shares are quoted.

Early alert, purely and non-purely 
precautionary
A borrower’s account which exhibits risks or 
potential weaknesses of a material nature 
requiring closer monitoring, supervision,  
or attention by management. Weaknesses  
in such a borrower’s account, if left 
uncorrected, could result in deterioration of 
repayment prospects and the likelihood of 
being downgraded to credit grade 12 or 
worse. When an account is on early alert,  
it is classified as either purely precautionary 
or non-purely precautionary. A purely 
precautionary account is one that exhibits 
early alert characteristics, but these do  
not present any imminent credit concern.  
If the symptoms present an imminent credit 
concern, an account will be considered for 
classification as non-purely precautionary.

Effective tax rate
The tax on profit/ (losses) on ordinary 
activities as a percentage of profit/ (loss)  
on ordinary activities before taxation.

Encumbered assets
On-balance sheet assets pledged or used  
as collateral in respect of certain of the 
Group’s liabilities.

EU or European Union
The European Union (EU) is a political and 
economic union of 28 member states that  
are located primarily in Europe.

Eurozone
Represents the 19 EU countries that have 
adopted the euro as their common currency.

ECL or Expected credit loss
Represents the present value of expected 
cash shortfalls over the residual term of a 
financial asset, undrawn commitment or 
financial guarantee.

Expected loss
The Group measure of anticipated loss for 
exposures captured under an internal 
ratings-based credit risk approach for capital 
adequacy calculations. It is measured as the 
Group-modelled view of anticipated loss 
based on probability of default, loss given 
default and exposure at default, with a 
one-year time horizon.

Exposures
Credit exposures represent the amount lent 
to a customer, together with any undrawn 
commitments.

412

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationGlossaryEAD or Exposure at default
The estimation of the extent to which the 
Group may be exposed to a customer or 
counterparty in the event of, and at the time 
of, that counterparty’s default. At default, the 
customer may not have drawn the loan fully 
or may already have repaid some of the 
principal, so that exposure is typically less 
than the approved loan limit.

ECAI or External Credit Assessment 
Institution
External credit ratings are used to assign 
risk-weights under the standardised 
approach for sovereigns, corporates and 
institutions. The external ratings are from 
credit rating agencies that are registered or 
certified in accordance with the credit rating 
agencies regulation or from a central bank 
issuing credit ratings which is exempt from 
the application of this regulation.

FCA or Financial Conduct Authority
The Financial Conduct Authority regulates  
the conduct of financial firms and, for certain 
firms, prudential standards in the UK. It has a 
strategic objective to ensure that the relevant 
markets function well.

Forbearance
Forbearance takes place when a concession 
is made to the contractual terms of a loan in 
response to an obligor’s financial difficulties. 
The Group classifies such modified loans  
as either ‘Forborne – not impaired loans’ or 
‘Loans subject to forbearance – impaired’. 
Once a loan is categorised as either of these, 
it will remain in one of these two categories 
until the loan matures or satisfies the ‘curing’ 
conditions described in Note 8 to the financial 
statements.

Forborne – not impaired loans
Loans where the contractual terms have 
been modified due to financial difficulties of 
the borrower, but the loan is not considered 
to be impaired. See ‘Forbearance’.

Free deliveries
A transaction where a bank takes receipt  
of a debt or equity security, a commodity  
or foreign exchange without making 
immediate payment, or where a bank  
delivers a debt or equity security, a 
commodity or foreign exchange without 
receiving immediate payment.

Free funds
Free funds include equity capital, retained 
reserves, current year unremitted profits and 
capital injections net of proposed dividends.  
It does not include debt capital instruments, 
unrealised profits or losses or any non- 
cash items.

Funded/unfunded exposures
Exposures where the notional amount of  
the transaction is funded or unfunded. 
Represents exposures where a commitment 
to provide future funding is made but funds 
have been released/ not released.

FVA or Funding valuation adjustments
FVA reflects an adjustment to fair value in 
respect of derivative contracts that reflects 
the funding costs that the market participant 
would incorporate when determining an  
exit price.

G-SIBs or Global Systemically 
Important Banks
Global banking financial institutions whose 
size, complexity and systemic 
interconnectedness mean that their distress 
or failure would cause significant disruption  
to the wider financial system and economic 
activity. The list of G-SIBs is assessed under 
a framework established by the FSB and the 
BCBS. In the EU, the G-SIB framework is 
implemented via CRD IV and G-SIBs are 
referred to as Global Systemically Important 
Institutions (G-SIIs).

G-SIB buffer
A CET1 capital buffer which results from 
designation as a G-SIB. The G-SIB buffer is 
between 1 per cent and 3.5 per cent, 
depending on the allocation to one of five 
buckets based on the annual scoring. In the 
EU, the G-SIB buffer is implemented via  
CRD IV as Global Systemically Important 
Institutions (G-SII) buffer requirement.

GCNA hub
See ‘Hong Kong regional hub’.

Hong Kong regional hub
Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) 
Limited and its subsidiaries including the 
primary operating entities in China, Korea  
and Taiwan. Standard Chartered PLC is  
the ultimate parent company of Standard 
Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited.

Interest rate risk
The risk of an adverse impact on the  
Group’s income statement due to changes  
in interest rates.

IMA approach or internal model 
approach
The approach used to calculate market risk 
capital and RWA with an internal market risk 
model approved by the PRA under the terms 
of CRD IV/CRR.

IRB or internal ratings-based approach
Risk-weighting methodology in accordance 
with the Basel Capital Accord where capital 
requirements are based on a firm’s own 
estimates of prudential parameters.

IAS or International Accounting 
Standard
A standard that forms part of the International 
Financial Reporting Standards framework.

IASB or International Accounting 
Standards Board
An independent standard-setting body 
responsible for the development and 
publication of IFRS, and approving 
interpretations of IFRS standards that are 
recommended by the IFRS Interpretations 
Committee (IFRIC).

IFRIC
The IFRS Interpretations Committee  
supports the IASB in providing authoritative 
guidance on the accounting treatment of 
issues not specifically dealt with by existing 
IFRSs and IASs.

IFRS or International Financial 
Reporting Standards
A set of international accounting standards 
developed and issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board, consisting of 
principles-based guidance contained within 
IFRSs and IASs. All companies that have 
issued publicly traded securities in the EU  
are required to prepare annual and interim 
reports under IFRS and IAS standards that 
have been endorsed by the EU.

Investment grade
A debt security, treasury bill or similar 
instrument with a credit rating measured  
by external agencies of AAA to BBB.

Leverage ratio
A ratio introduced under CRD IV that 
compares Tier 1 capital to total exposures, 
including certain exposures held off-balance 
sheet as adjusted by stipulated credit 
conversion factors. Intended to be a simple, 
non-risk-based backstop measure.

Liquid asset ratio
Ratio of total liquid assets to total assets. 
Liquid assets comprise cash (less restricted 
balances), net interbank, treasury bills and 
debt securities less illiquid securities.

Liquidation portfolio
A portfolio of assets which is beyond our 
current risk appetite metrics and is held  
for liquidation.

LCR or Liquidity coverage ratio
The ratio of the stock of high-quality liquid 
assets to expected net cash outflows over 
the following 30 days. High-quality liquid 
assets should be unencumbered, liquid in 
markets during a time of stress and, ideally, 
be central bank eligible.

Loan exposure
Loans and advances to customers  
reported on the balance sheet held at 
amortised cost or FVOCI, non-cancellable 
credit commitments and cancellable  
credit commitments for credit cards  
and overdraft facilities.

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Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportLoans and advances
This represents lending made under bilateral 
agreements with customers entered into in 
the normal course of business and is based 
on the legal form of the instrument.

Loans to banks
Amounts loaned to credit institutions 
including securities bought under Reverse 
repo.

LTV or loan-to-value ratio
A calculation which expresses the amount  
of a first mortgage lien as a percentage of  
the total appraised value of real property.  
The loan-to-value ratio is used in determining 
the appropriate level of risk for the loan and 
therefore the correct price of the loan to  
the borrower.

Loans past due
Loans on which payments have been due for 
up to a maximum of 90 days including those 
on which partial payments are being made.

Loans subject to forbearance – impaired
Loans where the terms have been 
renegotiated on terms not consistent with 
current market levels due to financial 
difficulties of the borrower. Loans in this 
category are necessarily impaired. See 
‘Forbearance’.

LGD or Loss given default
The percentage of an exposure that a lender 
expects to lose in the event of obligor default.

Loss rate
Uses an adjusted gross charge-off rate, 
developed using monthly write-off and 
recoveries over the preceding 12 months  
and total outstanding balances.

Low returning clients
See ‘Perennial sub-optimal clients’.

Main bank net promoter score
‘Main bank’ is the net promoter score given 
from clients who use Standard Chartered as 
their main bank.

Malus
An arrangement that permits the Group to 
reduce the value of all or part of deferred 
variable remuneration based on ex-post risk 
adjustments before it has vested.

Master netting agreement
An agreement between two counterparties 
that have multiple derivative contracts  
with each other that provides for the net 
settlement of all contracts through a single 
payment, in a single currency, in the event  
of default on, or termination of, any one 
contract.

Mezzanine capital
Financing that combines debt and equity 
characteristics. For example, a loan that  
also confers some profit participation to  
the lender.

MREL or minimum requirement for own 
funds and eligible liabilities
A requirement under the Bank Recovery  
and Resolution Directive for EU resolution 
authorities to set a minimum requirement for 
own funds and eligible liabilities for banks, 
implementing the FSB’s Total Loss Absorbing 
Capacity (TLAC) standard. MREL is intended 
to ensure that there is sufficient equity and 
specific types of liabilities to facilitate an 
orderly resolution that minimises any impact 
on financial stability and ensures the 
continuity of critical functions and avoids 
exposing taxpayers to loss.

Network income
Income generated outside of a client  
group’s headquarter country, mainly within 
Corporate & Institutional Banking and 
Commercial Banking. 

Net asset value (NAV) per share
Ratio of net assets (total assets less total 
liabilities) to the number of ordinary shares 
outstanding at the end of a reporting period.

Net exposure
The aggregate of loans and advances to 
customers/loans and advances to banks 
after impairment provisions, restricted 
balances with central banks, derivatives (net 
of master netting agreements), investment 
debt and equity securities, and letters of 
credit and guarantees.

NII or Net interest income
The difference between interest received on 
assets and interest paid on liabilities.

NSFR or Net stable funding ratio
The ratio of available stable funding to 
required stable funding over a one-year time 
horizon, assuming a stressed scenario. It is  
a longer-term liquidity measure designed to 
restrain the amount of wholesale borrowing 
and encourage stable funding over a 
one-year time horizon.

Non-linearity
Non-linearity of expected credit loss occurs 
when the average of expected credit loss  
for a portfolio is higher than the base case 
(median) due to the fact that bad economic 
environment could have a larger impact  
on ECL calculation than good economic 
environment.

NPLs or non-performing loans
An NPL is any loan that is more than 90 days 
past due or is otherwise individually impaired. 
This excludes Retail loans renegotiated at or 
after 90 days past due, but on which there 
has been no default in interest or principal 
payments for more than 180 days since 
renegotiation, and against which no loss  
of principal is expected.

Normalised items
See ‘Underlying’ on page 265.

Operating expenses
Staff and premises costs, general and 
administrative expenses, depreciation  
and amortisation. Underlying operating 
expenses exclude expenses as described  
in ‘Underlying earnings’. A reconciliation 
between underlying and statutory earnings  
is contained in Note 2 to the financial 
statements.

Operating income or operating profit
Net interest, net fee and net trading income, 
as well as other operating income. Underlying 
operating income represents the income  
line items above, on an underlying basis.  
See ‘Underlying earnings’.

OTC or Over-the-counter derivatives
A bilateral transaction (e.g. derivatives) that is 
not exchange traded and that is valued using 
valuation models.

OCA or Own credit adjustment
An adjustment to the Group’s issued debt 
designated at fair value through profit or loss 
that reflects the possibility that the Group may 
default and not pay the full market value of 
the contracts.

Perennial sub-optimal clients
Clients that have returned below 3%  
return on risk-weighted assets for the last 
three years.

Physical risks
The risk of increased extreme weather events 
including flood, drought and sea level rise.

Pillar 1
The first pillar of the three pillars of the  
Basel framework which provides the 
approach to calculation of the minimum 
capital requirements for credit, market  
and operational risk. Minimum capital 
requirements are 8 per cent of the  
Group’s risk-weighted assets.

Pillar 2
The second pillar of the three pillars of the 
Basel framework which requires banks to 
undertake a comprehensive assessment of 
their risks and to determine the appropriate 
amounts of capital to be held against these 
risks where other suitable mitigants are  
not available.

Pillar 3
The third pillar of the three pillars of the  
Basel framework which aims to provide a 
consistent and comprehensive disclosure 
framework that enhances comparability 
between banks and further promotes 
improvements in risk practices.

Priority Banking
Priority Banking customers are individuals 
who have met certain criteria for deposits, 
AUM, mortgage loans or monthly payroll. 
Criteria varies by country.

414

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationGlossaryPrivate equity investments
Equity securities in operating companies 
generally not quoted on a public exchange. 
Investment in private equity often involves the 
investment of capital in private companies. 
Capital for private equity investment is raised 
by retail or institutional investors and used  
to fund investment strategies such as 
leveraged buyouts, venture capital, growth 
capital, distressed investments and 
mezzanine capital.

PD or Probability of default
PD is an internal estimate for each  
borrower grade of the likelihood that an 
obligor will default on an obligation over  
a given time horizon.

Probability weighted
Obtained by considering the values the 
metric can assume, weighted by the 
probability of each value occurring.

Profit (loss) attributable to ordinary 
shareholders
Profit (loss) for the year after non-controlling 
interests and dividends declared in respect  
of preference shares classified as equity.

PVA or Prudent valuation adjustment
An adjustment to CET1 capital to reflect the 
difference between fair value and prudent 
value positions, where the application of 
prudence results in a lower absolute  
carrying value than recognised in the  
financial statements.

PRA or Prudential Regulation Authority
The Prudential Regulation Authority is the 
statutory body responsible for the prudential 
supervision of banks, building societies,  
credit unions, insurers and a small number  
of significant investment firms in the UK.  
The PRA is a part of the Bank of England.

Regulatory consolidation
The regulatory consolidation of Standard 
Chartered PLC differs from the statutory 
consolidation in that it excludes Standard 
Chartered Assurance Limited and Standard 
Chartered Insurance Limited and includes the 
full consolidation of PT Bank Permata Tbk.

Repo/reverse repo
A repurchase agreement or repo is a 
short-term funding agreement, which allows 
a borrower to sell a financial asset, such as 
asset-backed securities or government 
bonds as collateral for cash. As part of the 
agreement the borrower agrees to 
repurchase the security at some later date, 
usually less than 30 days, repaying the 
proceeds of the loan. For the party on the 
other end of the transaction (buying the 
security and agreeing to sell in the future),  
it is a reverse repurchase agreement or 
reverse repo.

Residential mortgage
A loan to purchase a residential property 
which is then used as collateral to guarantee 
repayment of the loan. The borrower gives 
the lender a lien against the property, and  
the lender can foreclose on the property if  
the borrower does not repay the loan per the 
agreed terms. Also known as a home loan.

Senior debt
Debt that takes priority over other unsecured 
or otherwise more ‘junior’ debt owed by the 
issuer. Senior debt has greater seniority in the 
issuer’s capital structure after subordinated 
debt. In the event the issuer goes bankrupt, 
senior debt theoretically must be repaid 
before other creditors receive any payment.

RoRWA or Return on risk-weighted 
assets
Profit before tax for year as a percentage of 
RWA. Profit may be statutory or underlying 
and is specified where used. See ‘RWA’  
and ‘Underlying earnings’.

SICR or Significant increase in  
credit risk
Assessed by comparing the risk of default of 
an exposure at the reporting date to the risk 
of default at origination (after considering the 
passage of time).

RWA or Risk-weighted assets
A measure of a bank’s assets adjusted  
for their associated risks, expressed as  
a percentage of an exposure value in 
accordance with the applicable standardised 
or IRB approach provisions.

Risks-not-in-VaR (RNIV)
A framework for identifying and quantifying 
marginal types of market risk that are not 
captured in the Value at Risk (VaR) measure 
for any reason, such as being a far-tail risk  
or the necessary historical market data not 
being available.

Roll rate
Uses a matrix that gives average loan 
migration rate from delinquency states from 
period to period. A matrix multiplication is 
then performed to generate the final PDs  
by delinquency bucket over different  
time horizons.

Secured (fully and partially)
A secured loan is a loan in which the 
borrower pledges an asset as collateral for  
a loan which, in the event that the borrower 
defaults, the Group is able to take possession 
of. All secured loans are considered fully 
secured if the fair value of the collateral is 
equal to or greater than the loan at the time  
of origination. All other secured loans are 
considered to be partly secured.

Securitisation
Securitisation is a process by which credit 
exposures are aggregated into a pool,  
which is used to back new securities.  
Under traditional securitisation transactions, 
assets are sold to a structured entity (SE) 
which then issues new securities to investors 
at different levels of seniority (credit tranching). 
This allows the credit quality of the assets to 
be separated from the credit rating of the 
originating institution and transfers risk to 
external investors in a way that meets their 
risk appetite. Under synthetic securitisation 
transactions, the transfer of risk is achieved 
by the use of credit derivatives or guarantees, 
and the exposures being securitised remain 
exposures of the originating institution.

Solo
The solo regulatory group as defined in the 
Prudential Regulation Authority waiver letter 
dated 24 August 2017 differs from Standard 
Chartered Bank Company in that it includes 
the full consolidation of eight subsidiaries, 
namely Standard Chartered Holdings 
(International) B.V., Standard Chartered MB 
Holdings B.V, Standard chartered UK 
Holdings Limited, Standard Chartered 
Grindlays PTY Limited, SCMB Overseas 
Limited, Standard Chartered Capital 
Management (Jersey) LLC, Standard 
Chartered Debt Trading Limited and  
Cerulean Investments LP.

Sovereign exposures
Exposures to central governments and 
central government departments, central 
banks and entities owned or guaranteed by 
the aforementioned. Sovereign exposures,  
as defined by the European Banking 
Authority, include only exposures to  
central governments.

Stage 1
Assets have not experienced a significant 
increase in credit risk since origination and 
impairment recognised on the basis of  
12 months expected credit losses.

Stage 2
Assets have experienced a significant 
increase in credit risk since origination and 
impairment is recognised on the basis of 
lifetime expected credit losses.

Stage 3
Assets that are in default and considered 
credit-impaired (non-performing loans).

Standardised approach
In relation to credit risk, a method for 
calculating credit risk capital requirements 
using External Credit Assessment Institutions 
(ECAI) ratings and supervisory risk weights.  
In relation to operational risk, a method  
of calculating the operational capital 
requirement by the application of a 
supervisory defined percentage charge  
to the gross income of eight specified 
business lines.

415

Risk review and Capital reviewStrategic reportSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONFinancial statementsDirectors’ reportUnlikely to pay
Indications of unlikeliness to pay shall include 
placing the credit obligation on non-accrued 
status; the recognition of a specific credit 
adjustment resulting from a significant 
perceived decline in credit quality subsequent 
to the Group taking on the exposure; selling 
the credit obligation at a material credit-
related economic loss; the Group consenting 
to a distressed restructuring of the credit 
obligation where this is likely to result in a 
diminished financial obligation caused by the 
material forgiveness, or postponement, of 
principal, interest or, where relevant fees; filing 
for the obligor’s bankruptcy or a similar order 
in respect of an obligor’s credit obligation to 
the Group; the obligor has sought or has 
been placed in bankruptcy or similar 
protection where this would avoid or delay 
repayment of a credit obligation to the Group.

VaR or Value at Risk
A quantitative measure of market risk 
estimating the potential loss that will not  
be exceeded in a set time period at a set 
statistical confidence level.

ViU or Value-in-Use
The present value of the future expected 
cash flows expected to be derived from an 
asset or CGU.

Write-downs
After an advance has been identified as 
impaired and is subject to an impairment 
provision, the stage may be reached whereby 
it is concluded that there is no realistic 
prospect of further recovery. Write-downs will 
occur when, and to the extent that, the whole 
or part of a debt is considered irrecoverable.

XVA
The term used to incorporate credit, debit 
and funding valuation adjustments to the  
fair value of derivative financial instruments. 
See ‘CVA’, ‘DVA’ and ‘FVA’.

Structured note
An investment tool which pays a return linked 
to the value or level of a specified asset or 
index and sometimes offers capital protection 
if the value declines. Structured notes can  
be linked to equities, interest rates, funds, 
commodities and foreign currency.

Subordinated liabilities
Liabilities which, in the event of insolvency or 
liquidation of the issuer, are subordinated to 
the claims of depositors and other creditors 
of the issuer.

Tier 1 capital
The sum of Common Equity Tier 1 capital 
and Additional Tier 1 capital.

Tier 1 capital ratio
Tier 1 capital as a percentage of risk-
weighted assets.

Tier 2 capital
Tier 2 capital comprises qualifying 
subordinated liabilities and related share 
premium accounts.

TLAC or Total loss absorbing capacity
An international standard for TLAC issued  
by the FSB, which requires G-SIBs to have 
sufficient loss-absorbing and recapitalisation 
capacity available in resolution, to minimise 
impacts on financial stability, maintain the 
continuity of critical functions and avoid 
exposing public funds to loss.

Transition risks
The risk of changes to market dynamics or 
sectoral economics due to governments’ 
response to climate change.

UK bank levy
A levy that applies to certain UK banks and 
the UK operations of foreign banks. The levy 
is payable each year based on a percentage 
of the chargeable equities and liabilities on  
the Group’s consolidated balance sheet date. 
Key exclusions from chargeable equities and 
liabilities include Tier 1 capital, insured or 
guaranteed retail deposits, repos secured on 
certain sovereign debt and liabilities subject 
to netting.

Unbiased
Not overly optimistic or pessimistic, 
represents information that is not slanted, 
weighted, emphasised, de-emphasised  
or otherwise manipulated to increase the 
probability that the financial information will be 
received favourably or unfavourably by users.

416

Standard Chartered Annual Report 2019Supplementary informationGlossaryDesigned and produced by Friend 
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Belt & Road Relay
The photographs on the cover 
of this Annual Report were 
taken during the Standard 
Chartered Belt & Road Relay. 
Find out more on page 58.

Discover more sc.com/en/
banking/belt-and-road/relay/
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