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Tinkoff

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FY2017 Annual Report · Tinkoff
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RUSSIA’S BANK OF 
THE YEAR 2017

According to The Banker, a monthly international financial magazine owned by The Financial Times Group. In 
choosing Russia's Bank of the Year 2017, The Banker’s editorial team looked for strong financial performance 
and evidence of banks setting new standards for their local industries, whether it was by using new technology or 
coming up with innovative, cost-efficient ways of expanding their businesses.

CONTENTS

TCS Group is an innovative provider of online retail financial 
services in Russia operating through a high-tech branchless 
platform.

Contents

STRATEGIC REVIEW

DIRECTORS’ REVIEW

About us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Board of Directors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

2017 Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Our history  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Management team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Founder’s statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Business model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

FINANCIALS

Market context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Market position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

International Financial Reporting Standards  
Consolidated Financial Statements and Independent  
Auditor’s Report  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1

What makes us different? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

CEO strategic review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

International Financial Reporting Standards  
Separate Financial Statements and Independent  
Auditor’s Report  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-89

Our recent awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Financial review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .G-1

Asset, liability and risk management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Corporate and Social Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

INVESTOR INFORMATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-3

Employees and corporate social responsibility  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

TCS Group or Tinkoff (or the Group) are the names used in this Report 
for TCS Group Holding PLC and its group of companies operating 
under the Tinkoff brand in Russia. These include Tinkoff Bank and 
Tinkoff Insurance.
Summary of presentation of financial and other information.
All financial information in this document is derived from the financial 
statements of TCS Group Holding PLC and has been prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union and the requirements of Cyprus 
Companies Law, Cap 113, which are for the year ended 31 December 
2017 included in this document. A detailed description of the 
presentation of financial and other information is set out  
after page 59 of this document.
Market data used in this document, including statistics in respect of 
market share, have been extracted from official and industry sources 
TCS Group Holding PLC believes to be reliable and is sourced where it 
appears. Such information, data and statistics may be approximations 
or estimates. Some of the market data in this document has been 
derived from official data of Russian government agencies, including 
the CBRF, Rosstat and the FSFM. Data published by Russian federal, 
regional and local governments are substantially less complete or 
researched than those of Western countries.
Certain statements and/or other information included in this 
document may not be historical facts and may constitute “forward 

looking statements”. The words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, 
“intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “forecast”, “project”, “will”, “may”, “should” 
and similar expressions may identify forward looking statements but 
are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.
Forward looking statements include statements concerning our 
plans, expectations, projections, objectives, targets, goals, strategies, 
future events, future revenues, operations or performance, capital 
expenditures, financing needs, our plans or intentions relating to 
the expansion or contraction of our business as well as specific 
acquisitions and dispositions, our competitive strengths and 
weaknesses, our plans or goals relating to forecasted operations, 
reserves, financial position and future operations and development, 
our business strategy and the trends we anticipate in the industry 
and the political, economic, social and legal environment in which we 
operate, together with the assumptions underlying these forward 
looking statements. We do not make any representation, warranty 
or prediction that the results anticipated by such forward looking 
statements will be achieved.
Nothing in this document constitutes an invitation to invest in 
securities of TCS Group.

1

1

1

1

1

1

ENTERTAINMENT

•  Ticketing

•  Restaurant  
reservations

•  Stories

•  Travel

INSURANCE

•  Cars

•  Travel

•  Property

•  Health

•  Life

3

1

1

1

MOBILE

•  Own number

•  Own mobile network 

code

•  Own SIM cards

AUTO 

•  Fines

• 

Insurance

•  Auto loans

REAL  
ESTATE

•  Mortgage

• 

Insurance

•  Valuation

•  Legal support

•  Utility bills, taxes

•  Rent payments

LIFE-STYLE BANKING  
IN YOUR MOBILE PHONE
1mn

ACTIVE  
DAILY USERS

ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR DAILY FINANCIAL NEEDS

& INVESTMENTS
SAVINGS  

ONE  
CLICK

DAILY  
BANKING

•  Debit cards

•  Credit cards

•  Payments

•  P2P transfers

•  Public services

2

SMALL  
BUSINESS

•  Deposits

•  Securities

•  Pensions

•  Business account

• 

Investment strategy

•  Salary project

•  Overdraft

•  Business loans

•  Accounting

DOWNLOADS OF 
TINKOFF MOBILE APP

6mn

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF DRIVING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

HIGHLIGHTS
Growth

Profitability

•  Gross loans up 31% to RUB157.8bn since YE2016

•  FY2017 net income, a Group record at RUB19bn, with 3 

•  More than 1.8 mn new credit card customers acquired in 

consecutive quarters of record net income

2017 and over 1mn new debit cards issued

•  ROAE of 52.8% for FY2017

•  SME business developing rapidly, over 234,000 SME 

•  Growing contribution from non-credit business  

customers acquired

income streams

•  Customer accounts up 44% at RUB179.0bn

Key events

Credit quality

•  Ongoing focus on credit quality

• 

Introduced a new dividend policy in March 2017

•  NPLs (90d+) dropped to 8.8% at YE2017

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

In March 2017 the Group expanded and deepened its 
management long term incentive plan

•  Loan loss provision decreased to 1.26x at YE2017

in June the Group issued a USD300mn perpetual bond 
9.25% coupon with a 2022 call option

Liquidity and capitalisation

In August the Group started rolling out its own ATM net-
work, with over 200 now installed across Russia

•  Total assets up by 53.3% over 2017 at RUB268.8bn, 
with cash and treasury portfolio up at RUB95.5bn

In October the Group acquired a 55% stake in CloudPay-
ments, an innovative online payments solutions provider

•  Total equity up by 42.1% to RUB41.9bn at YE2017

•  31 December 2017 CBRF N1 statutory capital ratio of 

In December the Group successfully launched its own 
mobile virtual network operator Tinkoff Mobile

16.3% and Tier 1 up at 21.0%

•  Treasury portfolio of RUB71.7bn  

•  Moody’s upgraded long-term debt and deposit ratings of 

Tinkoff Bank to B1 from B2; outlook stable

of highly liquid CBRF  
repoable bonds

CUSTOMER  
ACCOUNTS

TOTAL  
ASSETS

NET 
PROFIT 

179RUBbn
268.8RUBbn
19.0RUBbn

4

ROE  
2017

CREDIT CARDS  
ISSUED IN 2017 

52.8%
2.4mn
16.3%

N1.0 AT THE  
END OF 2017 

2017

OUR HISTORY

Highlights of TCS Group’s innovative development

2017

•  Launch of Tinkoff Mobile

•  Roll-out of own ATM’s across Russia

•  Acquisition of a 55% stake in CloudPayments

•  Launch of Stories for mobile app

•  Launch of Tinkoff Property

•  A partnership with Skolkovo Innovation Center announced

•  Tinkoff Bank was admitted to membership in the FinTech Association

•  Launched a network of software development hubs countrywide, the first in St Petersburg

•  Joined the Russian blockchain consortium

• 

Introduced a face recognition system for scoring

•  Launched a new management long term incentive plan

•  One of the first launching Apple Pay and Samsung Pay in Russia

•  Acquired parts of Svyaznoy Bank’s credit card portfolios

•  Became Russia’s second largest credit card provider

•  Launched a range of new business lines, transitioning to online financial marketplace 

Tinkoff.ru

• 

Issued new co-branded cards

•  New brand - Tinkoff Bank

•  Launch of a series of co-branded cards

•  Launch of a number of mono mobile applications 

•  TCS Group IPO on the London Stock Exchange Main Market

•  Launch of Tinkoff Insurance 

•  Launch of cash loans

•  Minority stakes sold to Baring Vostok and Horizon

•  Launch of online POS loan programme

•  Launch of mobile banking

•  Launch of the mobile and telesales sub-channels of Tinkoff Bank online customer acquisi-

tion platform

•  Launch of online acquisition channel for credit cards

•  Launch of “smart courier” service

•  Launch of the retail deposit programme 

•  First debit card issued

•  Minority stakes sold to Goldman Sachs and Vostok Nafta

•  Launch of internet bank

•  First credit card issued

Tinkoff Credit Systems Bank was created by Oleg Tinkov

'16

'15

'14

'13

'12

'11

'10

'09

'08

'07

'06

Net loan portfolio  
growth (RUBmn)

140,245

102,912

82,067

74,580

73,962

47,784

21,359

9,643

5,254

4,117

1,593

5

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 LAST YEAR I 
WROTE IT WAS 
GOOD TO REPORT A 
RECORD NET HIGH 
INCOME RESULT 
FOR TINKOFF 
GROUP, AND I AM 
DELIGHTED TO BE 
ABLE TO DO SO 
AGAIN FOR 2017-
NET INCOME OF 
RUB19BN, ROAE 
52.8%, MUCH MORE 
BESIDES

Oleg Tinkov 
Founder and  
Controlling Shareholder

Net income & dividend  
per share/GDR

72.8%

19.0

$

0.31

6.4

$

0.17

$

0.22
+
0.18

5.0

$

0.20

4.2

11.0

3.7

3.4

2016

2017

4Q’16

1Q’17

2Q’17

3Q’17

4Q’17

Finally, I want to record my thanks to 
all those who made a telling contribu-
tion to the successes of Tinkoff in 2017; 
they know who they are (and so do I).

Oleg Tinkov

Founder and Controlling Shareholder

FOUNDER’S 
STATEMENT

Dear Stakeholders

Last year I wrote that it was good to 
report a record high net income result 
for Tinkoff Group, and I am delighted to 
be able to do so again for 2017 - net 
income of RUB19bn, ROAE 52.8%, 
much more besides. 

But beyond the headline numbers, 
great progress was made on further 
rolling out our financial supermarket, 
an advanced high-tech financial eco-
system where our customers get our 
premium quality service in buying the 
full range of financial, transactional and 
insurance services - not only Tinkoff 
branded products but those of our 
chosen partners too. While diversifying 
our business adds in new sources of 
non-credit revenue, it also enables us 
to capture an ever increasing share of 
customers’ wallets. And I am confident 
this process will continue, with new 
lines added going forward.

We have proved we can build and scale 
non-credit lines profitably. Tinkoff 
Business, Tinkoff Black and Tinkoff 
Mortgage all broke even in 2017, and 
good contributions all round, and I 
am confident we are well set for 2018 
and beyond. And while there are so 
many highlights, positive contributions, 
impressive performances I could pick 
out and it is invidious to pick just one, 
nonetheless I am going do just that.

Last year I wrote about my long-term 
support for share based compensation 
and how we introduced it at Tinkoff 
from the early days. It has always been 
a key part of building an entrepreneur-
ial spirit within the Company; now I feel 
we are making a contribution by help-
ing the entrepreneurial spirit develop 
in Russia through Tinkoff Business. 

We launched Tinkoff Business in Q4 
2016; it grew impressively from the 
outset, broke even in June 2017. 
At the end of 2016 we had around 
50,000 customers, but this grew 
five-fold in 2017 to over 240,000 SME 
customers at year end. Whether it is 
help with cash management and pay-
ments, payroll, accounting, tax returns, 
recruitment, customs and logistics 
or recruitment, or dealing with the 
State authorities, for the full range of 
issues confronting start-up businesses, 
Tinkoff is there at the coalface too with 
innovative, digital, customer-friendly 
solutions.

Of course I treasure all our custom-
ers, but I have a special regard for the 
entrepreneurs, those whose instinct 
is see an opportunity and pursue 
it, those who want to establish their 
own business and not remain where 
they are, those who believe they can 
make a difference. Doers, risk-takers, 
optimists - there can never be enough 
of them. I wish them all the determina-
tion, self-belief, persistence, powers of 
persuasion and maybe even luck they 
deserve. One day they should get the 
wider recognition, the appreciation 
they truly deserve. And maybe some 
of them will join me in my ambition to 
launch a University of Entrepreneur-
ship here in Russia. 

Equity RUBmn

41.9

29,5

2 0 0 7–2 0 1 7 CA GR: 4 9.2 %

22,9

20,6

21.0

9,1

3,8

0.8

0.5

1,1

1,3

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016 2017

6

7

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 BUSINESS 
TCS GROUP IS EVOLVING RAPIDLY INTO A UNIQUE LIFE-STYLE BANKING 
SOLUTION AND WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND THE RANGE OF PRODUCTS 
MODEL
AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF ITS CUSTOMER SERVICE

ROBUST DATA AND
RISK
MANAGEMENT

TCS Group employs a highly scientific, 
data-driven and conservative risk man-
agement approach, which underpins 
the success of the business model. All 
aspects of the client life cycle – from 
acquisition to services and collections 
– are carefully monitored and evaluat-
ed. We make loan approval decisions 
based on a range of available informa-
tion, including credit bureau data, a rig-
orous application verification process 
and proprietary scoring models.

DIVERSIFIED 
PROVIDER
OF RETAIL FINANCIAL,
INSURANCE AND
QUASI-FINANCIAL
SERVICES

Originally the first purpose built credit 
card focused lender in Russia, Tinkoff 
Bank has evolved into a focused 
online financial supermarket living in 
the cloud, providing a full range of its 
own retail financial services such as 
retail lending, transactional, savings 
products, insurance, SME, internet 
acquiring, mobile solutions as well 
as non-Tinkoff products through the 
full-cycle brokerage model where we 
started with mortgages and retail 
securities and have more to come soon. 
Tinkoff Bank continues to operate in 
the mass market segment, and focus 
on expanding the mass affluent seg-
ment by way of offering a wide range of 
financial services and targeted recom-
mendations, advice and entertainment 
features.

OPERATING 
FLEXIBILITY 

TCS Group has built an advanced 
platform that is highly suited for the 
Russian market and operating environ-
ment. The Bank’s platform is entirely 
branchless, with a low fixed cost base 
and high degree of operating flexibility. 
Cost efficiencies are enhanced by the 
best-in-class centralised IT system. 
The low level of retail financial services 
penetration in Russia, the rapid growth 
of online and mobile payments, and 
high margins and barriers to entry 
make our business model attractive 
in terms of sustainable profitability, 
growth potential and competitive edge.

1

1

PREMIUM-LEVEL
SERVICE AND BRAND

TCS Group is unusual among Russian retail 
financial services providers in offering a 
premium-level service to mass market and 
mass affluent customers. Our customers 
enjoy convenient 24 hours a day, 7 days a 
week access to their accounts and financial 
transaction services through the combina-
tion of Tinkoff Bank’s free Internet, mobile 
and call centre service platforms.

POWERFUL
DISTRIBUTION 

1

Tinkoff Bank offers remote access cus-
tomer service through its award-win-
ning Internet banking as well as 
through mobile banking and high-vol-
ume call centres. Our use of direct 
marketing channels has revolutionised 
the way customers are acquired in 
Russia. Distribution channels, which 
include online (the Internet, mobile 
services and telesales), direct mail and 
direct sales agents, allow TCS Group 
to attract new customers right across 
the country. Supporting the branchless 
platform is a “smart courier” network 
which allows next day delivery. 

HIGH LIQUIDITY AND
WELL-BALANCED
FUNDING BASE 

1

Tinkoff Bank has established a robust 
liquidity risk management framework 
that ensures it maintains sufficient 
liquidity, including a significant cushion 
of liquid assets. TCS Group’s funding 
strategy provides effective diversi-
fication in the sources and tenor of 
funding. The Group maintains strong 
relationships with market participants 
to promote effective diversification of 
funding sources.

1

1

Tinkoff Bank is an online financial supermarket offering customers the full range of financial, insurance and quasi-financial ser-
vices. Through the platform www.tinkoff.ru we offer Tinkoff-branded products – credit cards, current accounts, deposits, cash 
loans, insurance and mobile solutions, as well as non-Tinkoff products through our full-cycle brokerage model starting with 
mortgages, retail securities trading, non-Tinkoff insurance and other products coming soon. For small businesses, we offer 
current accounts, transactional services, salary projects and online merchant acquiring. We deliver premium services to mass 
market and mass affluent customers in Russia through a unique online, branchless platform.

8

9

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
 
 
 
 
 
MARKET 
CONTEXT
Credit card lending

2017 was the first year of market growth after two con-
secutive years of sharp falls. The operating environment 
in Russia significantly improved and the consumer lending 
market showed first signs of recovery, supported by stronger 
oil prices, a rebounding Rouble and continued consumer 
deleveraging as the macroeconomic environment further 
improved and by the ongoing clean-up of the market. The 
competitive environment has been and still remains slow 
with many lenders struggling to find the right distribution 
model and customer value proposition in a market that has 
changed radically over the last three years. 

Despite the fact that the credit card market showed positive 
dynamics in 2017 (RUB1.1trn versus RUB999bn a year 
before (based on CBRF 101 form)), only a few participants 
managed to grow their loan books and increase their market 
share by the year end. Tinkoff Bank is one of them. Even tak-
ing into account the CBRF’s increasing efforts to regulate the 
market, expectations are this sector should revive strongly 
as in Russia it is still underdeveloped and underpenetrated 
relative to the most developed economies as well as to cer-
tain high growth emerging economies.

Credit card market in Russia (RUBbn)

Market dynamics in 2017 (RUBbn)

999

23

23

58

19

1122

49.0

-36.5

27.8

82.9

159.6

123.1

In 2017 the credit card 
lending sector in  
Russia grew by

12.3%

Source: CBRF

MARKET 
POSITION
A leading credit 
card lender in 
Russia

In 2017 Tinkoff Bank man-
aged to further improve its 
position on the market and 
cemented its position as the 
number 2 credit card player 
in Russia with its share 
of the Russian credit card 
market at 11.6% (the sec-
ond largest non-delinquent 
credit card loan portfolio in 
Russia), thanks to tighter 
risk controls implemented in 
good time.

Tinkoff Bank credit card 
market share (%) (as of 
YE2017)

11.6

10.3

8.3

7.5

7.1

6.7

5.4

4.2

3.1

Tinkoff Black debit card  
is flying

Average  
NPS

Sector

In 2017 we brought our current accounts product to a new 
level of customer servicing and satisfaction with a Net 
Promoter Score (NPS) of 57, which is much higher than 
smartphones which came next with a NPS of 40. As a result 
the current accounts portfolio demonstrated x1.5 growth 
and allowed us to attract a very different customer base from 
our typical credit card customers. These customers spend 
more money and use internet, mobile bank and other servic-
es more frequently. They are the key target audience for the 
Tinkoff.ru platform.

Tinkoff Black: retail portfolio growing by 70-80% a year

  Saving accounts

  Debit cards

57

40

39

39

37

35

34

32

31

30

24

23

21

21

19

3

-3

Tinkoff Black

Smartphones

Auto Insurance

OnlineShopping

Laptop

Banking

Credit Cards

Supermarkets

Hotels

Online Games

Airlines

Travelwebsites

Pharmacies

Cellular Phone 
Service

Software & Apps

Cable/SatelliteTV 
Service

Internet Service

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

2016

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2017

Sberbank

Tinkoff 
Bank

Other 
banks

Total 
growth

Total 
Contraction

Market

2009

2010

2011 2012

2013

2014

2015 2016 2017

1Q’15

2Q’15

3Q’15

4Q’15

1Q’16

2Q’16

3Q’16

4Q’16

1Q’17

2Q’17

3Q’17

4Q’17

Household debt returned to growth in 2017

 Household debt/ annual income (left axis)

 Retail lending growth, yoy (right axis)

27%
25%
23%
21%
19%
17%
15%

50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
-10%

1
1
-
c
e
D

2
1
-
r
a
M

2
1
-
n
u
J

2
1
-
p
e
S

2
1
-
c
e
D

3
1
-
r
a
M

3
1
-
n
u
J

3
1
-
p
e
S

3
1
-
c
e
D

4
1
-
r
a
M

4
1
-
n
u
J

4
1
-
p
e
S

4
1
-
c
e
D

5
1
-
r
a
M

5
1
-
n
u
J

5
1
-
p
e
S

5
1
-
c
e
D

6
1
-
r
a
M

6
1
-
n
u
J

6
1
-
p
e
S

6
1
-
c
e
D

7
1
-
r
a
M

7
1
-
n
u
J

7
1
-
p
e
S

7
1
-
c
e
D

•  The capacity of households to service their debt has 

•  Banks’ underwriting standards remain tight, new vintages 

stabilized as adjusted money income started to recover in 
the second half of 2017

perform well

 Adjusted Money Income (adj MI; Dec 2011=100)

 Unemployment (right axis)

 adj MI Trend

115
110
105
100
95
90
85
80

7%
6%
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
0%

1
1
-
c
e
D

2
1
-
r
p
A

2
1
-
g
u
A

2
1
-
c
e
D

3
1
-
r
p
A

3
1
-
g
u
A

3
1
-
c
e
D

4
1
-
r
p
A

4
1
-
g
u
A

4
1
-
c
e
D

5
1
-
r
p
A

5
1
-
g
u
A

5
1
-
c
e
D

6
1
-
r
p
A

6
1
-
g
u
A

6
1
-
c
e
D

6
1
-
r
p
A

6
1
-
g
u
A

7
1
-
c
e
D

Note: Money income (MI) covers all sources of household revenue including salaries and 
pensions. MI adjusted for inflation (CPI) and seasonality.

Sources: CBRF, Rosstat 

A leader in the internet and mobile 
financial solutions in Russia

Tinkoff Bank is a widely-acknowledged leading provider of 
internet and mobile financial solutions for customers and 
continues to enhance and streamline its online platform. 
Tinkoff Mobile Bank provides a full scope of services from 
finance to entertainment to not only its existing customers 
but also to non-Tinkoff clients by way of easy authorization 
through their mobile phone number or even without it where 
the level of identification is directly linked to the scope of 
services the client may access at each stage.

In 2017 Tinkoff Bank launched Android Pay and made avail-
able the full spectrum of OS along with Apple Pay, Samsung 
Pay and Windows 10 - all are fully integrated into the Tinkoff 
mobile banking App – a touch free wireless payment solution 
for mobile devices. In 2017 Tinkoff Bank became the first 
bank anywhere in the world to introduce a Stories feature to 
its mobile app for iOS and Android, bringing new content to 
the almost 1 million people who use the Bank’s award-win-
ning app on a daily basis.

Daily active users 
of mobile app 
almost reached  
1mn at the end  
of 2017

>6 MILLION DOWNLOADS OF TINKOFF 
MOBILE BANK SINCE INCEPTION

>6mn

10

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STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY

TINKOFF’S STRATEGY IS TO BE A FULL SERVICE, ONLINE FINANCIAL 
SUPERMARKET THAT OFFERS PREMIUM QUALITY SERVICE AND CONVENIENCE.

03.

 Support business expansion using advanced 
IT systems 

Tinkoff Bank operates a low-cost, branchless model and 
seeks to outsource wherever feasible while retaining core 
functions in-house. This complementary outsourcing strat-
egy allows us to retain focus on and develop core compe-
tencies to economise on capital expenditures, to manage 
workflow and to maintain a flexible cost base with low fixed 
expenses.

The Group’s in-house IT team develops a significant part of 
the software used by Tinkoff Bank, including software used 
in its online customer acquisition and service platform. This 
enables Tinkoff Bank to regularly roll-out new products and 
services to customers or new versions with enhancements.

Tinkoff Bank intends to increase its technological advan-
tages over traditional Russian banks. In 2016 Tinkoff Bank 
announced its IT expertise expansion through a number of IT 
development centers in big cities across Russia. To further 
strengthen its IT capabilities and position as a leading IT 
company, in 2017 Tinkoff Bank set up partnerships with 
Skolkovo Innovation Center as well as became a member of 
the Association for Financial Technologies Development.

04.

High liquidity and well-balanced  
funding base 

The Group has established a robust liquidity risk man-
agement framework that ensures it maintains sufficient 
liquidity, including a significant cushion of liquid assets. Tink-
off Group’s funding strategy provides effective diversification 
in the sources and tenor of funding. The Group aims to main-
tain an on-going presence in a broad range of capital market 
segments and strong relationships with market participants 
to promote effective diversification of funding sources.

01.

Sell or cross-sell other new financial, insur-
ance and quasi-financial products 

By developing and cross-selling new products to existing 
customers, Tinkoff Bank expects to diversify its revenue 
streams, increase its revenue per customer and increase its 
customer retention rates. 

Tinkoff Insurance 

Tinkoff Insurance has developed a proprietary and ad-
vanced IT platform and leveraged the vast expertise of Tink-
off Bank to build a customised choice of insurance products, 
as well as a convenient claims settlement and sales process, 
which can be accessed online from anywhere in Russia. The 
new online insurance products are delivered to the Group’s 
traditionally high customer service standards. 

Tinkoff Insurance is currently offering personal accident 
insurance, property, travel and car insurance - KASKO and 
OSAGO. Tinkoff Insurance is rated as “A” (a high rate of 
reliability) by Expert-RA rating agency.

02.

Maintain leadership  
in customer service 

High-quality customer service has been a key driver of 
Tinkoff Bank’s rapid growth. Tinkoff Bank invests to maintain 
and improve key components, such as our simple application 
processes, convenient and 24/7 access to accounts, the 
reach of our “smart courier” service, free loan repayments 
and straightforward complaints resolution process. Through 
the launch of a new financial supermarket portal Tinkoff Bank 
is now able to serve not only its existing customers but also 
non-clients when they are allowed to make transactions with-
out full identification within the legislatively approved limit of 
15,000 Roubles. This is a strategic step for Tinkoff Bank to 
increase its exposure throughout the financial market. 

05.

 Develop and deploy transactional and pay-
ment products to acquire new customers and 
increase retention rates for existing  
customers 

The technology and experience acquired by Tinkoff Bank 
in building its high-tech online customer acquisition and 
service platform has helped it to expand its transactional and 
payment products such as current accounts, SME solutions, 
online acquiring, and mobile mono-applications. We intend 
to support the growth of these products that constitute 
an important channel for acquiring new customers and for 
cross-selling other products, particularly credit cards. These 
transactional and payment products are also being offered 
to existing customers of Tinkoff Bank, helping to boost 
retention rates. 

Tinkoff E-commerce products 

Since the end of 2013 Tinkoff has focused on the high growth 
e-commerce market. Our existing electronic online and mobile 
platforms together with attractive growth opportunities in 
this sector give us significant advantages on the market. Since 
December 2013 TCS Group has released a number of mobile 
mono applications (traffic fines payments, card-to-card trans-
fers, MoneyTalk, GoAbroad, Tinkoff SME, Tinkoff Investments) 
(and there are plans for more to follow) and established a 
network of partners available to provide loans to internet 
shoppers.

A wide range of insurance products, including car insurance, 
is also available online for customers. We have launched 
upgrades to our internet and mobile bank with additional 
features in 2017 and these initiatives have already been 
recognised and received awards from international leaders in 
this sector.

07.

Further improve cost-efficiency of Tinkoff’s 
operations 

The Group intends to further increase the cost-efficiency of 
its operations by placing an even greater emphasis on its 
Internet banking, mobile banking and Home Call Centre op-
erations and constantly seeking new ways to achieve further 
reductions in operating and customer acquisition costs. 

08.

 Develop the high-growth concept of the finan-
cial supermarket, a platform offering a choice 
of consumer lending, insurance and transac-
tional and payment services of Tinkoff Bank 
as well as non-Tinkoff branded products 

Credit card lending will remain Tinkoff Bank’s core business. 
We intend to continue to extend the range of our credit card 
products, strengthen its existing credit card distribution 
channels and develop new channels including retail partners 
with large distribution networks, affinity programmes and 
cross-selling to customers using new products such as  
co-brand and payroll programmes, insurance, and mono 
applications. Tinkoff Bank will also continue to develop 
consumer lending products, such as point-of- sale lending to 
customers making online purchases through Internet retail-
ers and cash loans to Tinkoff Bank’s existing customers.

In addition, Tinkoff Bank introduced a new concept of a 
financial space where it will act as a full-cycle broker offering 
a variety of partners’ products in addition to its own branded 
products. This will increase convenience for both existing 
and new customers by providing them with a one-stop 
financial shop, help in the retention of the customer base and 
increase Tinkoff Bank’s revenue per customer. 

Brokerage Platform 

•  New product first introduced in 2016

06.

 Effectively manage credit risk using sophisti-
cated data analysis and modelling 

•  Represents Tinkoff Bank’s investment into the rapid 

growth of Russian e-commerce

As a data-driven organisation, the Group uses a wide range 
of databases in its loan approval processes and portfolio 
management and is constantly in search of new sources of 
relevant data. We take loan approval decisions based on a 
range of available information, including credit bureau data 
and scores, proprietary scoring models, a proprietary appli-
cation verification process and sophisticated NPV models.

•  Allows customers to purchase Tinkoff partner products 

offered through the high-tech and well-known  
Tinkoff.ru platform at one click

•  Full-cycle “door-to-door” service provided by the Tinkoff 

smart courier team

Products launched through the Brokerage Platform

The Group will continue to develop credit risk management 
capabilities and to use increasingly more sophisticated data 
analysis and modelling to achieve this goal. Credit risk man-
agement remains one of the core strengths of Tinkoff and will 
remain critical to sustaining its competitive advantage.

•  Mortgages

•  Retail securities trading

•  Travel

•  Non-Tinkoff insurance 

…and other products coming soon

•  Car loans 

•  Cash loans

12

13

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
 
 
 
 
WHAT MAKES 
US DIFFERENT?

OVER RUB274BN OF 
CUSTOMER CREDIT CARD 
TRANSACTIONS IN 2017
OVER 2MN INBOUND CALLS/ 
AROUND 10MN OUTBOUND 
CALLS PER MONTH ON AVERAGE 

IN 2017

>274bn
10.0mn

Tinkoff Bank is the Online 
Financial Supermarket in the 
Cloud providing high-utility 
day-to-day retail financial 
services in Russia.

OVER 9.3MN CREDIT 
CARDS ISSUED SINCE 
INCEPTION
#2 PLAYER IN THE RUSSIAN 
CREDIT CARD MARKET WITH 
11.6% MARKET SHARE1

1 

 As of 31 December 2017  
based on CBRF data.

>9.3mn
11.6%

RUSSIA’S BANK OF THE YEAR 
20172 AND BEST MOBILE 
BANK APP3

2,000,000 APPLICATIONS 
RECEIVED OVER 
PER MONTH ON AVERAGE 
DURING 2017

>2mn

5213 2400 0000 0123

5213 2400 0000 0123

Point of destination for daily 
banking 

Tinkoff Bank is a top-2 credit card lender in Russia. In addi-
tion to our market-leading credit card offering, Tinkoff Bank 
has developed a successful online retail deposits programme, 
retail and car and other insurance, financial products in the 
fast emerging mobile payments and e-wallet segments. Lev-
eraging its innovative approach, existing infrastructure and 
customer base, Tinkoff Bank has been expanding to bring ad-
ditional partners’ products and services through its full-cycle 
brokerage platform so now we make available to Russian 
consumers mortgage programmes, retail securities trading, 
and expected soon travel services, car loans and more.

High-tech virtual platform 

Tinkoff Bank has built an advanced high-tech retail financial 
services platform that is highly suited for the Russian market 
and operating environment, particularly in underserved 
parts of the country. This platform is entirely branchless, 
with a low fixed cost base and high degree of operating flexi-
bility. This high-tech platform includes the internet bank, mo-
bile bank and a real-time voice authentication system which 
creates voice prints during the traditional Q&A verification 
process for each new caller; these voice prints are later used 
as a benchmark for verification when the customer next calls.

And we rolled out in December 2016 a face recognition 
platform, VisionLabs LUNA, to score potential clients. The 
VisionLabs LUNA face recognition system detects the face 
on an image and generates its digital template – to be used 
primarily for client verification.

2   According to The Banker  
3  According to Markswebb Rank & Report

14

15

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 WHAT MAKES 
US DIFFERENT?

5213 2400 0000 0123

AND TOWNS

DIVERSIFIED PRESENCE IN ALL REGIONS OF 
RUSSIA, INCLUDING UNDERBANKED SMALL CITIES 
52.8%

ROAE  
2017 

NETWORK OF PARTNERS (ON-
LINE, PAYMENT TERMINALS, 
RETAIL AND OTHER)

56.5% NET LOAN PORTFOLIO 
CAGR IN 2007–2017

56.5%

Powerful distribution 

Tinkoff Bank offers remote access customer service through 
its award-winning Internet banking as well as through mobile 
banking and high-volume call centres. Our use of direct 
marketing channels has transformed the way customers 
are acquired in Russia. Distribution channels, which include 
online (the Internet, mobile services and telesales), direct 
mail and direct sales agents, allow Tinkoff Bank to attract 
new customers anywhere in the country. Supporting the 
branchless platform is a “smart courier” network covering 
around 2,100 cities and towns in Russia which allows next 
day delivery. In addition, Tinkoff Bank’s online origination 
process makes extensive use of online data and behavioural 
profiles, and gives it clear advantages over competitors in 
terms of underwriting.

Creating Value in Adverse 
Markets 

Our entrepreneurial approach to products, premium-qual-
ity customer service and effective credit risk management, 
based on sophisticated data analysis and modelling, enable 
us to achieve a combination of sustainable growth and good 
returns even in a market downturn. The strong trend to adop-
tion of online and mobile consumer technology in Russia, 
together with the low penetration and growth potential in the 
country’s retail financial services, represent a tremendous 
opportunity for Tinkoff Bank to continue its success.

5213 2400 0000 0123

ALMOST 2,500 SMART COURIERS  
AND SALES AGENTS COVERING  
AROUND 2,100 CITIES AND TOWNS
ALMOST 55X INCREASE  
IN EQUITY SINCE 2007

2,500
55x

TCS group is transforming the 
Russian financial services market 
and driving a differentiated 
customer proposition.

16

17

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 I WAS PLEASED TO 
REPORT IN MARCH 
AN EXCELLENT 
SET OF RESULTS 
FOR 2017. WE 
OUTPERFORMED 
IN ALL OUR KEY 
METRICS. 2017 
HAS BEEN THE 
BEST YEAR 
TINKOFF EVER HAD

Oliver Hughes 
Chief Executive Officer

ROAE IS 52.8% AND TOTAL EQUITY 
CLIMBED TO RUB41.9BN
ROAE

52.8%

CEO STRATEGIC 
REVIEW

Dear Investors

One year ago, I presented my fifth stra-
tegic review, for FY2016. At that time I 
reported to you that, as we celebrated 
our tenth year, 2016 had been the 
best year Tinkoff had ever had. The five 
main ‘big picture’ themes I identified - 
credit fundamentals, growth machine, 
payments business, brand awareness 
and diversification of business lines, 
were the major drivers of remarkable 
financial results in 2016 and I felt con-
fident they would propel us into 2017 
and beyond.

Profitable growth

And so it has turned out. I was pleased 
to report in March an excellent set of 
results for 2017. We outperformed in 
all our key metrics. 2017 has been the 
best year Tinkoff ever had.

In 2017, we saw the resumption of cau-
tious growth in the Russian consumer 
lending market – for the first time in 
four years. This growth accelerated 
in the second half of 2017, on into 
2018. The macro-economic picture in 

2017 was good, with unemployment 
and credit risks low; we believed then, 
and still believe now, there is room 
for quality growth for players with the 
right business model, commitment and 
brand like Tinkoff.

Delivering our revenue diversification plan

2017 for Tinkoff was a year when 
everything seemed to go in the right 
direction, when the non-credit business 
lines moved more centre stage, a trend 
we confidently expect will continue, and 
the investments made in earlier years all 
came good, exceeding their targets. 

As of 1 February 2018 Tinkoff was the 
second largest credit card player in Rus-
sia with a market share of 11.7%*, acquir-
ing 1.8 million new credit card customers 
last year. It is for this that we are perhaps 
best known. There is though much more 
to Tinkoff than that - over several years, 
we have invested in the launch and roll 
out of the online supermarket, with the 
consequent diversification of our reve-
nue streams to non-credit lines. 

* Bank's analytics based on CBRF 101 form

In 2017 our strong revenue growth of 
36%, from RUB58bn to RUB79bn, came 
from two main sources: 

Behind this headline lies a back-story 
of judgment, commitment, expertise, 
professionalism and hard work. Intensive, 
focused work on:

•  the dynamic performance of our 
consumer credit businesses; and 

•  building our brand, 

•  even stronger growth in our trans-

•  expanding our product range, 

actional and servicing business lines 
(including Tinkoff Business (for SMEs), 
Tinkoff Black, Tinkoff Mortgage, Tink-
off Investment, Merchant Acquiring 
and Tinkoff Insurance). As a result, 
our non-credit business lines made a 
positive and meaningful contribution 
to Net Income, the bottom line. 

Our Net Income for 2017 grew by over 
70% year-on-year and reached a record 
RUB19bn, and a very impressive ROAE. 

•  enhancing customer experience, 

•  retaining laser-like focus on efficiency, 

tight control of risk

all the time coupled with extensive 
scaling up of the newer business lines we 
have built out and enhanced over the last 
3-4 years. 

To track our progress in building the 
Tinkoff.ru financial ecosystem, we have 
started prioritizing new retention metrics 
such as DAU/MAU in our mobile apps 
and Net Promoter Score (NPS) which is 
central to the ‘recommendation effect’ 
that drives customer acquisition. We now 

18

19

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 CONTINUED

CEO STRATEGIC 
REVIEW

have around 7 million customers. NPS 
for each of the Tinkoff Black and Tinkoff 
Business lines is close to 60 – this is a 
Tinkoff record high level for customer 
servicing and satisfaction. 

We have close to 1 million daily users of 
the mobile banking app and this number 

has doubled over the last year. As well as 
frequency of use of the app, our custom-
ers are spending more and more time in 
our interfaces to check balances, make 
transfers, pay bills, apply for products, 
book restaurant tables, buy travel servic-
es, read ‘Tinkoff Stories’ and for a wide 
range of other purposes. ‘Tinkoff Stories’ 

is a key block as we significantly step up 
our efforts to build content. Along with 
the emphasis on content and product, 
we are investing in our corporate finance 
capability (a subject I will come back to 
later on), with a view to achieving a sharp 
increase in our active customer base in 
the next few years.

A look at the business lines’ contributions

So, what drove the bottom line in 2017? 

Here is an overview of the main 
non-credit business lines: 

I will address this under two headings: 

1.  our transactional and servicing 

business lines; and 

2.  our credit business lines.

1   Transactional and 
servicing business 
lines

Our non-credit business lines grew at 
an impressive pace making a 21.2% 
contribution to the 2017 top line. As we 
scale these businesses up, our acquisi-
tion effort becomes more efficient and 
unit economics continue to improve as 
a result. 

Fee and commission income (RUBbn)

84.9%

15.5
0.7

3.2

2.4

3.6

5.5

8.4
0.7

1.3

1.8

4.5

2.1x

4.0
0.2

1.0

0.6

1.0

3.4

0.5

0.5

0.8

1.4

1.3

2.6
0.3

0.3
0.6

1.4

2.7

0.4

0.6

1.3

5.4
0.4

1.4

0.9

1.3

1.5

•  Tinkoff Business, 

•  Tinkoff Black, 

•  Tinkoff Mortgage,

•  Tinkoff Investment, and 

•  Merchant Acquiring.  

Tinkoff Business (SME services) is the 
largest driver of our fee-and-commis-
sions revenue. It broke-even in June 
2017 well ahead of targeted break even 
in H2 2017 and brought RUB830mn as 
seen in segment reporting in our 2017 
IFRS accounts. We opened 240,000 new 
accounts by year-end representing an 
almost five-fold growth year-on-year. 

   Other

   SME

   Merchant acquiring

  Debit cards

  Credit-related

We are now number two in Russia by 
number of accounts opened per month, 
averaging 20,000. We currently focus on 
the underpenetrated segment of micro 
and small business (up to 20 employees) 
and in 2017 we became the sixth largest 
player in terms of our market share of 
Individual Entrepreneurs*. We plan to ex-
pand the product range further, building 
new value-added services and adding 
lending products through our SME 
market place. An example of this is our 
proprietary cloud accounting solution for 
small businesses which is now used by 
365,000 customers. SME is emerging as 
a growing bottom line contributor.

Tinkoff Black (individual current 
accounts) ramped up with almost 1.2 
million cards issued in 2017 taking us 
to a total of over 2.8 million personal 
current accounts opened. We continue 
to see strong self-generated demand for 
Tinkoff Black which is important as this 
product is the locomotive through which 
we attract mass affluent customers into 
our ecosystem. The spend on Tinkoff 
Black debit cards doubled last year 
and as a result we are now number 4 in 
Mastercard Russia by total spend. Tinkoff 
Black became a break-even business 
(before acquisition cost) in FY 2016.

Tinkoff Mortgage (mortgage broker) 
now has increasing momentum, having 
broken-even on target in December. In 
2017 we exceeded our targets and orig-
inated over RUB10bn of mortgage loans 
for our partner-banks of whom there are 
now eleven. 

2016

2017

4Q’16

1Q’17

2Q’17

3Q’17

4Q’17

* Bank's analytics based on CBRF 101 form

Tinkoff Investment (retail securi-
ties trading platform-broker) also 
exceeded expectations with over 70,000 
brokerage accounts opened by year-end 
2017. We see growing demand for our 
product and interface, fuelled by the 
steady decline in deposit rates across 
the market. In Q42017, every fourth new 
brokerage/MOEX account in Russia was 
opened through us. From May 2018 we 
will be rolling out our own platform and 
offering brokerage accounts directly to 
customers – we received from the CBRF 
in March 2018 a professional securities 
market license to offer brokerage and de-
positary services. This business line will 
grow significantly throughout the year 
as we enrich and expand our product and 
service offering. 

Merchant Acquiring revenues have 
been growing nicely and Merchant 
Acquiring made a healthy contribution 
in 2017. Our newly-acquired subsidiary 
CloudPayments, an innovative Internet 
payments provider, will make a growing 
contribution to our bottom-line in this 
business line over time. 

As a result, the overall contribution to 
total gross revenue from all non-cred-
it-related business lines (including Tinkoff 
Insurance) doubled in 2017. Our publicly 
stated target for the end of FY2019 is to 
have 30% of net income from non-credit 

lines. By the end of FY2015, the revenue 
from non-credit lines was 10%, rising to 
15% by the end of the following year, and 
up to 23% by the end of 2017. A definite 
trend that underlines my belief our 30% 
target is achievable. I am pleased that 
we are ahead of our own projections, 
but I believe that is just the start of this 
journey as we continue to invest in new 
non-credit business lines and build out 
our ecosystem.

2   The credit business-

lines

Whilst we are excited by the results and 
potential of our non-credit business 
lines, we continue to treasure our core 
business. 

Overall, we beat our internal target, 
exceeding 36% net loan growth for 
the year. The credit card business had 
another great year as we added almost 
1.8 million new customers. Credit quality 
is good, the risk profile of incoming 
customers is stable and as a result, an-
nualised cost-of-risk was down to 5.5% 
versus 7.6% in 2016. The cost-of-bor-
rowing further decreased to 7.6% in 
2017 from 11% in 2016. Along with a 
stable cost-of-acquisition, this ensured 
good credit card economics for the year. 

Gross loans

120.4
17.5

102.9

129.4
17.9

111.5

31.0%

139.5
18.3

121.2

153.4
19.3

157.8
17.5

134.1

140.2

4Q’16

1Q’17

2Q’17

3Q’17

4Q’17

   Net loans

   LLP

In addition to credit card portfolio 
growth, we grew our personal cash loan 
business by 3.2 times from RUB2.2bn to 
RUB7bn in 2017. Most of this business 
comes through cross-selling to mass af-
fluent borrowers in our existing customer 
base. This business line gave us a strong 
positive contribution to Net Income. We 
also made strides in POS lending as we 
grew the book by 3.7 times and took this 
business line to break-even. We see good 
prospects to ramp this business up in the 
still uncrowded ‘long-tail’. 

This year we plan to launch new tests of 
car loans by leveraging the Tinkoff Bro-
ker platform that we have built for POS 
lending. We will also carry out other care-
ful tests in the secured lending space. 
Our goal is to become a full spectrum 
retail financial player using a combina-
tion of smart balance-sheet and broker 
origination for partners. 

2017 highlights

Other noteworthy events in 2017, to pick out only a few, were: 

 –

 –

the successful launch of Tinkoff 
Mobile, a mobile virtual network 
operator (MVNO) in partnership 
with Tele2, last December;

the launch of Tinkoff’s own ATM 
network in August, giving us over 
200 ATMs to date with more to 
come;

 –

a large number of awards received 
throughout the year from reputable 
international and local institutions 
-including ‘best consumer bank’, 
‘best mobile app solution’ and ‘best 
customer experience and servic-
ing’-these are featured under “Our 
recent awards” elsewhere in this 
Report; 

 –

the acquisition of a controlling 
interest in CloudPayments, an in-
novative online payment solutions 
provider, in October.

20

21

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 CONTINUED

CEO STRATEGIC 
REVIEW

The next stage of our journey

We see no shortage of opportunities, 
quite the opposite. I have alluded to just 
a few of them already. With our strong 
revenue and capital generating capacity, 
we are very well placed to take maxi-
mum advantage. Our highly professional 
management team have demonstrated 
an ability to react swiftly to change, to 
spot opportunities before others do and 
to exploit them.

In 2018 so far we have opened a devel-
opment hub at Skolkovo innovation 
centre focusing on business solutions 
based on blockchain as well as voice 
and face recognition technologies.

Tinkoff is playing a leading role in piloting 
various CBRF Fintech initiatives such as 
the beta version of the Unified Biome-
trics System (‘UBS’), developed by the 
Ministry of Communication and the 
CBRF as a digital identity authentifica-
tion platform. We are also gearing up to 
participate in the rapid retail payments 
system pilot in the coming months. 

What else then do I see coming, further 
out in 2018? I’d like to touch on two 
more factors that should have a bearing 
on Tinkoff in the rest of 2018. The first is 
additional regulation, the second M+A.

1   Regulation of our 

industry

The financial sector in Russia is now 
fairly heavily regulated, and we expect 
there will be more consumer regulation 
to come. An interventionist CBRF has 
had considerable success in avoiding 
system-wide problems in the wake of 
the failures of some of Russia’s largest 
privately- owned banks. It is also actively 
working to prevent the appearance of 
new consumer bubbles both in secured 
and unsecured consumer lending. 

The next piece of regulation in the pipe-
line relates to payment-to-income ratios 
(PTIs) for unsecured lending. We are ac-
tively engaged in the consultations with 
the CBRF and expect that this initiative 
will be announced in Spring of this year; 
that it will at first be a recommendation 
and that, after a period of monitoring and 
analysis, it will become mandatory. As 
with all new regulatory measures, this 
will require some adjustment for Tinkoff, 
but given the nature of our business and 
the small loan sizes we offer, we expect to 
navigate this with only minimal impact. 
In reality we see opportunity rather than 
threat here.

Tinkoff welcomes these additional con-
sumer protections and new regulatory 
initiatives such as possible payment 
to income ratio caps. This initiative is 
intended to have the effect of avoiding 
future consumer lending bubbles caused 
by irrational competition in the unse-
cured (and possibly in the future secured) 
lending space. Conceptually we support 
such measures and as a responsible 
lender that issues low credit limits to 
customers, we believe this should make 
the market safer for Tinkoff to operate in 
as Russia goes into the next market-wide 
growth phase and should work to the 
advantage of those lenders like Tinkoff 
who are focused on building long-term 
relationships with their customers and a 
sustainable lending business.

2  M+A

Tinkoff has traditionally grown organ-
ically. We have done very little M&A 
in the past, although we have made 
targeted small-scale asset acquisitions 
and we acquired a number of tranches 
of high quality credit card portfolios 
from Svyaznoy Bank in 2015. We are 
also continuously involved in evaluating 
acquisition proposals, some identified 
by us, others brought to us, at different 
stages to determine their fit into the 
Tinkoff ecosystem.

However, as we build our financial 
ecosystem we are entering a new phase 
and we may make moves to buy Fintech 
companies and content providers that 
are complementary to our existing 
business lines. 

The deal with CloudPayments was the 
first of these. We believe that the tem-
plate of the CloudPayments deal -where 
Tinkoff takes a controlling stake (with the 
right to buy out the balance) leaving a 
significant minority stake with the talent-
ed team of co-founders and managers to 
incentivize them to develop further the 
business they are firmly committed to, 
within the Tinkoff ecosystem- is one we 
should repeat. 

To close I should like to thank those-our 
controlling shareholder, our manage-
ment team, our business partners, our 
employees- who have made a contri-
bution to our successes in 2017 and to 
welcome on board all those who joined 
us in 2017. A special mention too for all 
our customers; we truly value you and 
appreciate your ideas, your feedback and 
your loyalty. 

Oliver Hughes

Chief Executive Officer

OUR RECENT 
AWARDS

•  Russia’s 2017 Bank of the Year

•  Best Mobile Application for iPhone, Android and Win-

•  Most Profitable CEE Bank in Central and Eastern Europe

dows and iPad tablets

•  Most effective solution for small businesses for Android 

(Tinkoff Business)

•  Best Online Deposit, Credit and Investment Product 

•  Best Mobile Application on the iOS for convenience and 

Offerings and Best inSocial Media

functionality

•  Grand prix for best overall investor relations, small cap

22

23

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 IN 2017 THE 
GROUP POSTED 
THE STRONGEST 
SET OF RESULTS 
IN ITS HISTORY. 
THESE RESULTS 
HAVE FURTHER 
CEMENTED TINKOFF 
GROUP’S PLACE 
AS THE SECOND 
LARGEST PLAYER IN 
THE RUSSIAN CREDIT 
CARD MARKET

Ilya Pisemsky 
Chief Financial Officer

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

Dear Investors

Just a year ago now, I wrote this: ‘in 
2016 the Group posted the strongest 
set of results in its history. These re-
sults have cemented Tinkoff Group’s 
place as the second largest player in 
the Russian credit card market with 
a market share of 10.3% at the close 
of 2016.’ 

One year on, in 2017 the Group 
posted the strongest set of results in 
its history. These results have further 
cemented Tinkoff Group’s place as 
the second largest player in the Rus-
sian credit card market with a market 
share of 11.6% at the close of 2017. 

The Group showed a quarterly all-
time record profit of RUB6.4bn in 
the fourth quarter and RUB19bn for 
the year which is 72.8% higher than 
in 2016. Return on average equity 
reached 63.1% in the fourth quarter 
and 52.8% for the year.

Tinkoff Group is buzzing.

In my review I will share with you 
my observations on FY2017 and our 
financial highlights and look ahead a 
little to 2018 which as I write is near-
ly three months old. Before doing so 
I would like to raise some business 
highlights from FY2017 which show 
the range of business and capital 
markets initiatives the Group execut-
ed which underpin not just last year’s 
results but we firmly believe success 
in this and following years:

• 

• 

in February Moody’s upgraded 
Tinkoff long-term local- and for -
eign-currency deposit ratings 
and local-currency senior unse-
cured debt ratings to B1 from B2, 
outlook — stable.

in March the Group adopted a 
new dividend policy, with a target 
quarterly dividend payout ratio of 
50% of the net income from the 
preceding quarter (this resulted 
in a total of USD1.08 per GDR de-
clared in dividends based on 2017 
earnings);

• 

• 

in April, Tinkoff successfully 
placed a 5 year RUB5bn bond with 
a 9.65% coupon;

in May ACRA assigned Tinkoff 
Bank an A(RU) rating, outlook 
stable;

•  the Group introduced Android Pay 

for our customers, in May;

•  also in May the Group launched 
a successful tender offer to 
buy back its USD200mn 14% 
eurobond due in 2018, resulting 
in nearly USD63mn of notes being 
accepted for purchase;

• 

• 

• 

in June the Group successfully 
launched its USD300mn perpet-
ual callable bond with a 9.25% 
coupon (a Basel III compliant 
instrument approved by the CBRF 
for inclusion into the N1.2 statuto-
ry CAR calculation);

in October the Group acquired a 
55% controlling stake in Cloud-
Payments, an innovative developer 
of online payment solutions;

in December the Group relaunched 
its Euro-Commercial Paper Pro-
gramme (ECP), with an issue of 
USD50mn at a competitive one 
year USD rate.

 Cash and cash equivalents

 Investment securities and 
REPO

  Net loans

  Other

These are just my personal choices 
but there are others described else-
where in this Report and many others 
in the pipeline, at a stage now where 
it would be premature to mention 
them. 

Let me now turn to the 2017 financial 
statements and describe some of 
the dynamics and patterns that can 
be observed in our business through 
2017. I will also discuss some of the 
implications of our move to IFRS9 
from IAS39 this year.

Assets growth RUBmn

+53.3% 13.9%

268.8

23.9

72.5

140.2

236.0

19.0

57.9

215.3

27.0

46.0

175.4

16.2

33.3

176.8

13.0

32.5

134.1

121.2

102.9

111.5

23.0

19.9

21.2

25.0

32.3

4Q’16

1Q’17

2Q’17

3Q’17

4Q’17

24

25

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
 
CONTINUED

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

Balance sheet

I will start from the balance sheet, a 
very healthy balance sheet I would add, 
as our balance-driven business re-
mained the major driver of our profits 
in 2017.

Total Assets of the Group grew by 
53.3% year-on-year with 13.9% of 
that growth coming in the fourth 
quarter. Our net loan portfolio showed 
an impressive 36.3% growth for the 
year, slightly ahead of our guidance. 
This growth was driven not only by the 
credit card part of the portfolio, but by 
Cash and POS loans as well. Besides 
the credit portfolio we saw substantial 
growth in the investment portfolio 
which grew by a factor of 2.2. The rea-
son for this dynamic is the strong pos-
itive development of the Tinkoff Black 
and SME business lines. We continue 
to maintain good quality and well-man-
aged diversification of the bonds within 
the investment portfolio.

Our gross loan book grew by a solid 
31.0% in 2017 which can be attributed 
to our average monthly credit card 
issuance rate of 200,000 as well as to 
the development of cash and POS loans 
business lines. In December the gross 
loan portfolio remained effectively flat 
because of significant increase in the 
repayment ratio but resumed its strong 
growth path in January 2018. 

The quality of loans continued to 
improve. The Non-Performing Loans 
(NPL) ratio dropped to 8.8% at the 
year-end showing a decline of 140 
basis points through the year. The 
NPL coverage ratio also declined to 
126% under IAS39. The reason behind 
this reduction was the decrease in 
the share of restructured loans to 
delinquent customers in the total loan 
portfolio. Our funding base is growing 
strongly mirroring the assets growth. 
Customer accounts remain the primary 
source of funding with the 84% share 
from current accounts growing faster 
than term deposit balances. Most of 
the current account money funds our 

Conservative credit risk policy, % of gross loan portfolio

142

144

140

134

10.2

5.0

3.3

9.6

5.3

2.4

2.0

1.9

126

8.8

  LLP/NPL

  Courts

9.4

9.4

5.5

1.9

1.9

5.9

5.0

2.1

1.7

1.8

1.7

-4.3

  180+ dpd (w/o courts) 

  90-180 dpd

  Write-offs (annualised)

-0.5

-8.8

  Sale of bad debts (annualised)

-6.6

-6.2

-0.1

-0.8

-7.4

-0.1

-0.1

4Q’16

1Q’17

2Q’17

3Q’17

4Q’17

treasury portfolio while term deposits 
fund the loan portfolio. There is a small 
overlap in this fund distribution hence 
we have small short-term portion of 
loans which is POS loans and credit 
cards in grace period. At year-end this 
overlap constituted only 4% of the 
gross loan portfolio.

We saw rapid development in the 
SME business with customer account 
balances showing 4.3 times growth 
in 2017. It is now a visible balance of 
RUB23.7bn and is shaping up to be 
the fastest growing source of funding 
in 2018. Just as with retail current 
account money, we keep these funds in 

very liquid form – either cash or debt 
securities. 

On the wholesale side the Group placed 
a RUB5bn bond in April and issued a 
USD300mn perpetual callable subor-
dinated loan at mid-year (a Basel III 
compliant instrument approved by the 
CBRF for inclusion into the N1.2 statu-
tory CAR calculation) at much the same 
time as making a significant buyback 
of our existing Tier II subordinated 
loan notes which will mature in June 
2018. Just before year end we also 
placed a USD50mn ECP tranche. The 
majority of our FX funding is converted 
to RUB through a number of long term 

cross-currency swaps with the rates 
ranging from 3.8% to 4.6%.

Our Equity showed a stable quarterly 
growth through the year adding 42.1% 
in 2017 which ensures healthy margins 
above regulatory capital requirements. 

The Basel total and Tier I capital 
adequacy ratios almost coincide at the 
year-end following the Tier II subordi-
nated debt buyback and its approach-
ing maturity. Our statutory capital 
adequacy ratios are well above their 
respective regulatory minimum levels, 

with the N1.2 ratio boosted by the per-
petual bond placed in June 2017. 

In summary a healthy balance sheet; so 
now I will turn to the Income Statement.

this category which led to RUB550mn 
pre-tax P/L effect. This is not a one-
off adjustment but rather an effect 
that otherwise should be spread out 
through the whole of 2017. There are 
two reasons for this revision in our 
view – better market conditions and 
improved collection effectiveness 
through court procedures. Finally, this 
revision placed us closer to IFRS 9 
requirements for loss-given default es-
timation that have been in place since 
the beginning of 2018.

Net interest income RUBbn

+37.3%

46.1

33.6

+39.0%

12.2

13.0

11.1

9.4

9.8

2016

2017

4Q’16

1Q’17

2Q’17

3Q’17

4Q’17

Profit and loss statement

The Group’s revenue showed a 36.1% 
increase in 2017 driven by growth of 
our core credit business as well as the 
development of the Group’s transac-
tional and servicing businesses. Now 
The share of non-credit related revenue 
makes a bigger share in the total de-
spite the solid growth in the core credit 
business, increasing from 15% in 2016 
to 23% in 2017. 

In 2017 the Group showed a 25% 
growth in interest income. Our headline 
gross interest yield on the credit port-
folio slightly decreased from 40.3% 
to 39.6%, which is a slower decline 
of gross margin than we anticipated, 
and the reason for that is higher-than-
planned portfolio growth. New loans 
with smaller-than-average balances 
give a higher yield than seasoned 
vintages. Also due to the introduction 
this year of IFRS 9 gross yield should 
slightly increase in Q1 2018 ( in the 
region of 1-1.5%), but the general long 
term reduction of gross yield into the 
35% area should continue. 

Interest expense showed a decline 
through 2017 of 6.0% on the back of 
continued decreases in deposit and 
market rates. We reduced our top line 
rate on RUB retail deposits from 8% to 
7% during the course of the year and 
we reduced our top line rate on Tinkoff 
Black current account from 7% to 6% 
during 2017. Funding that we receive 
on SME accounts is also relatively 
cheap in the area of 2-3% and this also 
had an impact on total cost of funds re-

duction. The aggregate cost of borrow-
ing dropped over the last financial year 
by 340 basis points to 7.6% as a result 
of declining retail deposit rates and 
the gradual growth of the weight of the 
individual and SME current accounts in 
the liability structure.

Net interest income increased by 
37.3% in 2017, which is higher than the 
top line growth rate, since the interest 
income grows while interest expense 
is decreasing. The net interest margin 
showed an insignificant decline from 
25.8% to 25.3% while the risk-adjust-
ed margin grew by 140 basis points to 
21.1%.

The reason for the growth of the risk 
adjusted net interest margin is the 
decrease of cost of risk during the 
year. Our cost of risk showed an annual 
decrease of 2.1% from 7.6% to 5.5% 
including a seasonal decrease in the 
fourth quarter to 2.7%. These are IAS 
39 percentages; IFRS9 percentages 
would be 1-2% higher. The average 
write-off rate for FY2017 was 6.9%.

The Group continues to maximize 
recoveries in-house by collecting 
on delinquent loans through courts, 
installment processes and field collec-
tions.

In Q4 2017 we revised our loss-given 
default expectations on non-perform-
ing loans in our portfolio, including 
loans in court. This resulted in 5.5% 
reduction in provisioning levels for 

26

27

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 CONTINUED

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

In 2017 the Group’s fee and commission income demon-
strated rapid growth of 84.9% and by 2.6 times if cred-
it-related fees are excluded-this is due to the development 
of non-credit business lines primarily debit cards, online 
acquiring and SME services. Credit related fees are not 
growing especially and their impact on our business will we 
expect reduce in the next few years. Insurance premiums 
earned also doubled in 2017 to RUB2.7bn, showing an even 
higher growth in the auto segment, though we continue to 
view a more aggressive growth in the insurance business as 
premature.

With 2.8 million customers, the Group’s current accounts 
business contributed RUB3.6bn in fee and commission 
income in 2017. We successfully introduced family banking 
and multi-currency debit cards. We continue to develop our 
product which we see as the cornerstone of our customer 
relationship, believing it as having the potential for subse-
quent cross-sell opportunities. We are intentionally keeping 
our bottom-line result on this business at break-even, seeing 
more value in customer base growth and potential syner-
getic effects with other business lines rather than a source 
of pure net income growth. Our award-winning mobile and 
internet banking applications ensure best-in-class customer 
experience.

Launched about two years ago our SME business line 
came to break-even in June 2017, emerging as a growing 
bottom line contributor. As at year-end we are serving about 
250,000 customers; in 2017 that number grew five-fold. The 
SME business line contributed RUB3.2bn in 2017 fee and 
commission income and over RUB800mn in net segment 
income. We continue to expand the range of services for SME 
customers to support the growth and improve the economics 
of this business line.

Our mortgage broker business is looking to scale up without 
excessive pressure on operating profit. The volume of mort-
gage loans originated through our mortgage broker platform 
exceeded RUB10bn in 2017 compared to RUB3bn in 2016. 
This business line became break-even in the last quarter of 
2017. Currently, we have 11 partners-two more banks have 
joined the partners’ group- and we continue to optimize 
business processes for customers.

More than 60,000 accounts were opened in 2017. About 
80,000 customers now use our Tinkoff Investments plat-
form for buying or selling securities. In the fourth quarter the 
volume of deals exceeded RUB12bn with an average ticket of 
RUB60,000. This business has shown steady growth and is 
at break-even in partnership with BCS Broker, Russia’s lead-
ing retail brokerage. Now though we are also developing our 
own brokerage solution which should push the total business 
line into small minus for 2018. 

Now some comments regarding operating expenses. Operat-
ing expenses were up by 44.4% in 2017. In the fourth quar-
ter we saw a seasonal growth which was attributed primarily 
to the salary review process and advertising campaign 
expenses. This influenced the cost-to-income ratio which 
ticked up to 45.5%. Overall, we showed a slight decline in 
cost-to-income ratio for the year from 43.9% to 43.2%.

TINKOFF BANK HAD ISSUED OVER 9.3MN CREDIT 
BY THE END OF 2017  
CREDIT CARDS

CARDS

9.3mn

DEBIT 
CARDS
TINKOFF BANK ISSUED OVER 
2.8MN DEBIT CARDS AT YE2016

>2.8mn

The Group is required to transition for this year from ac-
counting standard IAS39 to IFRS9. I will summarize what I 
see as its main impacts. The one-time downward effect on 
Equity is around RUB9.7bn, which is higher than we predict-
ed earlier, mostly for the reason of the higher growth of the 
gross loan portfolio. 

IFRS9 also requires us to introduce provisioning for custom-
ers’ unused credit limits. Instalment loans will be recognized 
as stage 3 loans. NPL calculated as 126% under IAS 39 
would increase under IFRS9 to around 157.6%. NPL cover-
age calculated as 8.8% under IAS 39 would increase under 
IFRS9 to around 11.9%.

IFRS9 also impacts cost of risk as I discussed above. 

It is important to remember that our capital adequacy re-
quirements are measured on the basis of Russian accounting 
standards that are not affected by this change in standards. 
We have been preparing for this transition for a long time. 
We continue polishing our IFRS9 accounting model for our 
loan portfolios. 

Cost of Borrowing

11%

7.6%

10.0%

8.5%

7.7%

7.7%

6.9%

2016

2017

4Q’16

1Q’17

2Q’17

3Q’17

4Q’17

In summary FY2017 was a year of dynamic growth in the 
credit business, robust credit portfolio performance allied to 
a strong contribution from our transactional and servicing 
business lines. We sustained strong positive cost of borrow-
ing and capital adequacy ratio trends, and our profitability 
was impressive. 

Overall we go on into 2018 with a lot of forward momentum.

Ilya Pisemsky

Chief Financial Officer

28

29

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 ASSET, LIABILITY AND 
RISK MANAGEMENT

THE PURPOSE OF TCS GROUP’S ASSET, LIABILITY AND RISK MANAGEMENT 
STRATEGY IS TO IDENTIFY, ASSESS, MONITOR AND MANAGE THE RISKS ARISING 
FROM ITS ACTIVITIES.

The purpose of the Group’s asset, liability and risk management (“risk management”) strategy is to evaluate, monitor and man-
age the risks arising from the Group’s activities. The main types of risk inherent in the Group’s business are credit risk, market 
risk, which includes foreign currency exchange risk, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. The Group designs its risk management 
policy to manage these risks by establishing procedures and setting limits that are monitored by the relevant departments.

Risk Management Organisational Structure

The Group’s risk management organisation is divided between policy making bodies that are responsible for establishing risk 
management policies and procedures (including the establishment of limits) and policy implementation bodies whose function 
is to implement those policies and procedures, including monitoring and controlling risks and limits.

Policy Making Bodies

The policy making level of the Group’s risk management organisation consists of the Board of Directors, and at the Tinkoff 
Bank level its Board of Directors, the Management Board, the Finance Committee, the Credit Committee and the Business 
Development Committee.

These bodies perform the following functions within the Bank:

Board of Directors

Finance Committee

The purpose of the Finance Committee is to ensure the 
long term economic effectiveness and stability of the 
Group’s operations. The Finance Committee establish-
es the Group’s policy with respect to capital adequacy 
and market risks, including market limits, manages the 
Group’s assets and liabilities, establishes the Group’s me-
dium term and long term liquidity risk management policy 
and sets interest rate policy and charges with respect to 
individual loan products. The Finance Committee must 
have at least five members (currently there are seven 
members) and the Chairman of the Management Board 
acts as the Chairman of the Finance Committee. It meets 
on a weekly basis.

The Board of Directors is responsible for the creation and 
supervision of the operations of the internal control sys-
tem of the Group and approves the Group’s credit policy 
(“Credit Policy”) and approves certain decisions that fall 
outside the scope of the Credit Committee’s authority.

Management Board

The Bank’s Management Board, which, in addition to its 
Chairman, also includes the Group’s Risk Director, Chief 
Financial Officer, Chief Accountant, Chief Legal Counsel, 
Chief Operational Officer and Head of Payment Systems, 
has overall responsibility for the Group’s asset, liability 
and risk management operations, policies and proce-
dures. The Management Board delegates individual risk 
management functions to each of the various decision 
making and execution bodies within the Group’s risk man-
agement structure. Chairman of the Management Board 
appoints members of the Finance Committee and Credit 
Committee. It meets on a weekly basis.

Credit Committee

Business Development Committee

The Credit Committee supervises and manages the 
Group’s credit risks. With respect to credit cards, the 
Credit Committee approves the consumer lending policy, 
the underwriting methodologies and the scoring models 
used for assessment of the probability of default, the 
initial credit limit assignment and subsequent account 
management strategies, provisioning rates and decisions 
to write off non-performing loans. This Committee must 
consist of at least five members (currently there are six 
members) and the Chairman of the Management Board 
acts as the Chairman of the Credit Committee. It meets 
when necessary, but at least once each month.

The Business Development Committee is responsible for 
the development, design and marketing of the Group’s 
financial products and provides recommendations to the 
Group’s risk management bodies with respect to changes 
to the Group’s lending policies and procedures and the 
pricing of the Group’s loan products. This Committee 
consists of 12 members appointed by the Management 
Board. It meets on a weekly basis.

Policy Implementation Bodies

The policy implementation level of the Group’s risk management organisation consists of the Finance Department, the Risk 
Management Department, the Collections Department and the Internal Control Service.

Collections Department

Internal Control Service 

The Collections Department 
is responsible for collection 
of amounts due but unpaid 
by delinquent the Group 
customers. The Manage-
ment Board approves the 
Group’s collections policy, 
which is then implemented 
by the Collections Depart-
ment.

The Internal Control Service 
assesses the adequacy of 
internal procedures and 
professional standards, as 
well as their compliance 
with CBRF regulations. The 
Internal Control Service is 
controlled by, and reports 
to, the Board of Directors of 
the Bank.

Risk Management Depart-
ment

The Risk Management 
Department is responsible 
for the development and im-
plementation of the Group’s 
consumer lending policy 
after the final approval of 
such policy by the Credit 
Committee. The Risk Man-
agement Department is also 
responsible for credit risk 
assessment of all proposed 
new products and related 
marketing communications, 
for approval of credit card 
applications and other loan 
products applications and 
for subsequent account 
management programmes.

Finance Department

The Finance Department is 
responsible for managing 
correspondent accounts, 
daily currency liquidity, 
money transfer control and 
daily money transfer model-
ling to support the required 
currency liquidity level for 
correspondent accounts 
and compliance with the 
CBRF’s liquidity ratios.

The Finance Department is 
also responsible for closing 
international and local 
transactions in accordance 
with the Group’s limits as 
approved by the Finance 
Committee and in compli-
ance with the CBRF’s regu-
lations, as well as for short 
term placements, currency 
hedging and interest rate 
hedging.

Management Reporting Systems

The Group has implemented an online analytical processing management reporting system based on a common SAS data 
warehouse that is updated on a daily basis. The set of daily reports includes (but is not limited to) sales reports, application 
processing reports, reports on the risk characteristics of the credit card portfolio, vintage reports, transition matrix (roll rates) 
reports, reports on pre, early and late collections activities, reports on compliance with the CBRF’s requirements, capital ade-
quacy and liquidity reports, operational liquidity forecast reports and information on intraday cash flows.

Some reports are submitted for the review of the Bank’s Board of Directors on a monthly basis. These include selected finan-
cial information based on IFRS and adjusted to meet the requirements of internal reporting, analytical reports on credit risk 
and lending, reports on the status of the Group’s credit card business accompanied by management commentary and analysis 
and reports on the Group’s performance versus budget and operational risk reports. 

30

31

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 CONTINUED

ASSET, LIABILITY AND 
RISK MANAGEMENT

Overview of principal risks

cant decline in the price of oil, ongoing 
political tension in the region, econom-
ic sanctions imposed against Russian 
individuals and companies, economic 
restrictions imposed by Russia on 
other countries, capital outflows as 
well as depreciation of the Rouble and 
a decrease in Russia’s international 
reserves. In addition emerging markets 
such as Russia are subject to great-
er risks than more mature markets, 
including significant political, economic 
and legal risks. This over-arching risk 
environment could impact one or more 
of the principal risks.

The principal activity of the Group is 
banking operations and so it is within 
this area that the Principal Risks occur. 
Management considers that those 
principal risks, are:

Credit risk;

Market risk;

Foreign currency exchange risk;

Interest rate risk;

Liquidity risk; and 

Operational risk.

These are discussed in the following 
pages.

The Group uses automated systems to evaluate an applicant’s creditworthiness 
(“scoring”). The system is regularly modified to incorporate past experience and 
new data acquired on an iterative basis. The Group performs close credit risk moni-
toring throughout the life of a loan.

Loan Approval Criteria and Procedures

The Group is primarily focused on reducing incoming credit risk at the acquisition 
stage. The Group’s Credit Committee has established general principles for lending 
to individual customers. According to these principles, the minimum requirements 
for potential customers are as follows:

Citizenship of the Russian Federation;

Aged from 18 to 70 inclusive;

Possession of a mobile phone;

Longterm current employment;

Monthly income above five thousand roubles; and

Permanent or temporary place of residence.

The Group is subject to a number of 
principal risks which might adversely 
impact its performance. 

The majority of the Group’s assets 
and all its customers are located in 
or have businesses related to Russia. 
Consequently the Group is affected 
by the state of the Russian economy 
which is itself to a significant degree 
dependent on exports of key commod-
ities such as oil, gas, iron ore and other 
raw materials, on imports of material 
amounts of consumer and other goods 
and on access to international sources 
of financing. During recent years the 
Russian economy has been signifi-
cantly and negatively impacted by a 
combination of macroeconomic and 
geopolitical factors such as a signifi-

Credit Risk

The Group is exposed to credit risk, 
which is the risk that a customer will be 
unable to pay amounts in full when due. 
Credit risk arises mainly in the context 
of the Group’s consumer lending 
activities.

The general principles of the Group’s 
credit policy are outlined in the Credit 
Policy approved by the Board of Di-
rectors of the Bank. This document 
also outlines credit risk controls and 
monitoring procedures and the Group’s 
credit risk management systems. Credit 
limits with respect to credit card appli-
cations are established by the Credit 
Committee and by officers of the Risk 
Management Department.

The Group structures the levels of its 
credit risk exposure by placing limits on 
the amount of risk accepted in relation 
to different online (Internet, mobile and 
telesales) and offline (sales through 
retailers) customer acquisition channels 
and sub-channels. Such risks are 
monitored on an ongoing basis and are 
subject to quarterly or more frequent 
review with the approval of the Manage-
ment Board.

In almost all cases, the decision to issue a credit card or other loan product to a potential customer is made automatically, based 
on the credit bureaus information, verification of the customer’s identity and credit score of the applicant calculated using one 
of the acquisition channel-specific scoring models. In very rare cases, decisions to issue credit cards to high income or high net 
worth customers are taken manually by members of the Credit Committee, but the number of loans granted under such circum-
stances is immaterial.

The decision to issue a credit card or loan to a customer is made after completion of the following steps:

Solicitation – The initial step in the underwriting process 
that applies to one-to-one marketing channels (e-mails, 
phone calls, SMS messages and direct mail) is pre-screening 
of prospective customers. At this stage, the Group’s loan of-
ficers check available information on prospective customers 
and remove potential non creditworthy customers, thereby 
reducing the cost of customer acquisition.

Service records, whether the applicant’s name appears in 
any of the Group’s proprietary databases or whether any 
application details (for example, telephone numbers or 
addresses) are identified as fraudulent in databases of other 
banks available through antifraud services provided by credit 
bureaus – Fraud Prevention Service (Equifax) and National 
Hunter (UCB). 

Validation – The purpose of this stage is to ensure the validi-
ty, completeness and quality of application data. The Group’s 
system checks the integrity of the data and, if necessary, call 
centre staff call applicants to ask them to provide additional 
information or documentation. 

Verification – At this stage, the Group’s loan officers verify 
information provided by the applicant in their application 
form. This includes confirming the applicant’s identity, for 
example through the telephone numbers from the credit 
bureau report; investigation of the applicant’s financial 
situation during a phone interview; and verification of em-
ployment details (including verification that an applicant’s 
employer is an officially registered legal entity, review of 
the employer’s website to make sure that this entity exists 
and continues to operate, confirmation of the applicant’s 
employment using telephone numbers of the legal entities 
from their registrars and, wherever possible, verification of 
the applicant’s declared income with his or her employer). As 
part of the verification process, the Group’s loan officers also 
gather as many phone numbers linked to the applicant as 
possible (land-line and mobile, personal and that of a friend 
and/or a relative) to facilitate future collection efforts.

Credit Bureaus – Subject to the prior consent of the appli-
cants, the Group sends incoming applications to the largest 
credit bureaus in Russia including Equifax, Unified Credit 
Bureau (Sberbank, Experian, Interfax) and National Bureaus 
of Credit Histories, and requests applicants’ credit histories. 
Typically, approximately 18 per cent. of applicants have no 
credit history in the credit bureaus but they are not automat-
ically rejected and can be accepted on the basis of informa-
tion provided in their application forms and other sources of 
information described below. 

Scoring Model to Identify Fraud – At this stage, the Group 
investigates whether the applicant is currently in default 
according to credit bureaus reports, whether the appli-
cant’s passport is invalid according to the Federal Migration 

Scoring Models for the Application – the Group has internal-
ly developed a set of acquisition channel-specific statistical 
models that rank all applicants according to their proba-
bility of default during the next 12 months. These models 
use, among other things, (i) demographic data from the 
application form (for example, age, gender, education and 
marital status), (ii) payment history, when available – both 
positive and negative – from the three largest credit bureaus 
in Russia, (iii) channel-specific marketing and behavioural 
information (for example, device used to fill in the application 
form, time between application and first call and the amount 
of time a web visitor spends on a website). 

Application of the NPV Model and Final Decision – the 
Group has developed acquisition channel-specific models 
that, amongst other things, estimate a potential customer’s 
net present value from one used credit card. The key compo-
nents of every NPV model are the customer’s probability of 
default, tendency to use a grace period, and other behaviour 
characteristics which are calculated using internal scoring 
models. For potential customers incoming from a particular 
acquisition channel, and taking into account such custom-
ers’ estimated behaviour characteristics, initial credit limit 
and tariff plan, the models estimate the Group’s future cash 
flows from each customer by modelling his or her behaviour 
in respect of, among others, credit limit utilisation levels, 
transactional activity, share of cash withdrawals in total card 
activity and repayment rates. The Group takes a NPV-pos-
itive approach to approval of all applications, which means 
that an application is approved only when the potential 
customer’s net present value from the use of his or her credit 
card is positive. For all NPV calculations a discount rate of 30 
per cent. is used.

The Group also maintains a flexible initial limit allocation 
system that allows it to reduce or increase the average 
initial limits in order to manage anticipated loan losses and 
liquidity.

32

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STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 CONTINUED

ASSET, LIABILITY AND 
RISK MANAGEMENT
Credit Line Management Procedures

Credit line management procedures for credit card products include the following:

Initial Credit Line Calculation

Regular Update of Credit Line

Loan Collection

The customer’s initial credit limit de-
pends primarily on such customer’s 
probability of default and his or her 
income. Lower probability of default 
and higher income have a positive 
impact on the initial credit limit. The 
initial limit cannot exceed three 
monthly salaries of the customer or 
RUB 120,000, whichever is lower.

Once the Group has received at least 
three minimum payments from a 
new customer and each six months 
thereafter, the Group reviews the 
customer’s credit limit. As part of the 
process, the Group updates credit 
bureaus reports with respect to the 
customer and re-calculates such 
customer’s probability of default 
with the help of internal behavioural 
scoring model. Based on the updated 
probability of default, the credit 
limit may be increased. For premium 
customers the credit limit may be 
increased further. 

The Group employs a multi stage 
collection process that seeks to 
achieve greater efficiency in the re-
covery of overdue credit card loans. 
Collections on loans that are overdue 
by 0 to 90 days are performed by 
the Group’s internal Collections 
Department. After 90 days of delin-
quency, when it is clear that the early 
collection efforts are unlikely to be 
effective, customer’s debt may be 
restructured into instalment loans 
(which is the option preferred by the 
Group), transferred to collections 
through courts or sold to its internal 
collection agency (Feniks) or exter-
nal collection agencies. 

The Group’s collections methodology is based on customer 
behaviour and corresponding collection scores. Under this 
approach, at initial stage of collections (pre collections and 
early collections), delinquent customers are allocated to one 
of three groups depending on their risk profile (high risk of 
default, medium risk of default and low risk of default). This 
enables the Group to apply a variety of collections tools 
and collections treatments to different groups of delinquent 
customers. 

All of the stages described below may be accelerated in 
cases where the Group has grounds to believe that the 
delinquent customer will not repay the debt voluntarily or 
that fraud has taken place. In such circumstances, the time 
periods between each collections stage are shortened or 
omitted (the respective loans are accelerated into collections 
used for non-performing loans) in order to increase the 
chances of recovery.

The Group’s management uses monthly second payment 
default rate (percentage of accounts on which payment has 
not been received within 30 days of the first due date) as 
an important measure of asset quality that provides early 
indication of how non-performing loans levels and provisions 
might change in the future. 

Pre Collections (Four Days Prior to Due Date). The Group 
sends to all customers a reminder about forthcoming pay-
ments and the amount due two to four days prior to the due 
date. The customer receives a SMS and/or an e-mail. High-
risk customers also receive a call. Pre collections calling has 
proved to be an important way to combat delinquency. 

Early Collections (0 – 30 Days). If payment is more than 
one day overdue, the customer receives reminders via SMS 
and email, as well as calls from the collections team. The 
level of contact is determined by behavioural scoring (their 
probability of default based on the customer’s previous 
history with the Group and external credit bureaus scores) to 
ensure efficient use of collections resources. 

“Soft” Collections (30 – 90 Days). Once a credit card loan 
becomes more than 30 days overdue (after the second 
payment default), the customer is switched to “soft” collec-
tions. On the 31st day of delinquency, the customer is sent a 
written notification of the missed payment and receives SMS 
and e-mail reminders at regular intervals, as well as follow up 
calls by members of the “soft” collections team. The Group’s 
objective at the “soft” collection stage is to identify and as-
sess the reasons why the customer has missed payments, to 
assist the customer in making payments, to collect payments 
and to identify early customers who should be transferred 

enhance security, given the prevalent 
risk of personal data in the age of 
social engineering.

Payment operations are generally 
secured via one-time SMS codes. Any 
operations with cash and movements 
on customer accounts are only carried 
out upon confirmation using a code 
sent via SMS and push notifications. 
IMSI system is used to check to authen-
ticate a sim card.

Unauthorised operations are prevent-
ed by fraud monitoring system, which 
is based on IBM Safer Payments solu-
tion. The system allows to effectively 
prevent fraud at various stages of a 
payment process using a cross-chan-
nel monitoring. This secures online 
banking, emission, acquiring, deposit 
withdrawals, sms-banking, operations 
on accounts of legal entities. 

The monitoring system may, inter alia, 
automatically reject or suspend a pay-
ment, block an account or send an alert 
report of a suspicious operation. Once 
a suspicious transaction is identified a 
customer may confirm such operation 
by phone, sms-bank or mobile appli-
cation

When suspicious transactions are 
identified, the Bank gives the customer 
a choice - to confirm transactions by 
phone or for cases with the presence of 
a card through the sms-bank or mobile 
application. In more than 90 per cent. 
of cases, the customer does not have 
to contact the bank by phone, which 
is especially important for customers 
abroad.

to collections used for non-performing 
loans. In rare circumstances, the Group 
provides temporary relief from credit 
card repayments for a period that 
usually does not exceed three months 
to borrowers with temporary financial 
difficulties but with a positive credit 
history. Monthly minimal payments are 
reduced to an amount that a borrower 
is able to repay during the relief period.

Non-Performing Loans Management. 
When loans are overdue by more than 
90 days, the Group collection efforts 
consists of (i) the restructuring of 
credit card debt to personal instalment 
loans, which is the preferred option of 
the Group to handle such delinquency, 
or, if customers do not agree to such 
restructuring, then either (ii) collec-
tions through courts with the enforce-
ment of judgments with the help of 
the Federal Service of Court Bailiffs of 
the Russian Federation or (iii) sales of 
non-performing loans to its internal 
collection agency (Feniks) or external 
collection agencies.

Conversion of Credit Card Debt to 
Personal Instalment Loans. Conver-
sion of credit card debt to personal 
instalment loans was first introduced 
by the Group in 2010. This programme 
is based on regular instalments paid by 
delinquent customers. After consulta-
tions with the delinquent customer, the 
Group fixes the outstanding amount of 
the debt under the credit card loan and 
offers the customer an option to repay 
his or her debt in monthly instalments 
during a period limited to 36 months. 

Recoveries through the Courts. The 
Group applies to courts through mail-
ing standardised claims rather than 
appearing before a court to enforce 
overdue loans. The Group considers 
these generally straightforward and 
quick court proceedings as a preferred 
alternative to collection agency ser-
vices in those locations in which court 
decisions can be obtained in approx-
imately three months or faster. Most 
courts in Russia are able to resolve 
court cases initiated by the Group 
within this time framework.

Sales of Non-Performing Loans to 
Collection Agencies. Typically, loans 
delinquent for more than 150 days 
and not converted into instalment 
loans or being resolved through claims 
submitted to the courts, and loans with 
court orders with low collection rate 
are sold to in-house Feniks collection 
agency. In rare circumstances limited 
loan portfolios are sold to external 
collection agencies. 

Fraud Prevention

The Group maintains a fraud preven-
tion strategy which is based on the 
identification and fraud monitoring. 

Access to customers’ accounts is se-
cured via smart identification system, 
which takes into account various cus-
tomer profile parameters, including in-
formation on a device used and session 
data, and sets an identification level. 
Depending on such identification level, 
the customer needs to acknowledge 
the entry into the account by way of a 
login and password, four-digit access 
code, fingerprint, security question 
or a password sent to the customer’s 
contact number. In securing access 
to customers’ accounts a two-factor 
identification is used.

Customer support centres use a unified 
identification manager, which allows 
to request a customer’s identification 
data and passwords without providing 
access to such data to the customer 
support service. In addition, a real-time 
voice authentication system is used 
to verify the identity of a caller. The 
system is based on the NICE Real-Time 
Voice Authentication System by Nice. 
The system is synchronised with the 
universal authentication manager 
processing customer calls to the cen-
tre. This technology enables customer 
voice identification during a regular 
phone call, reducing verification time 
from 40 seconds to 7 seconds. This 
dramatically improved customer 
experience by saving customer time 
and helped to reduce traffic costs and 

34

35

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 CONTINUED

ASSET, LIABILITY AND 
RISK MANAGEMENT
Provisioning Policy

Provisioning policy falls under the responsibility of Tinkoff Bank’s Management Board that approves internal documents regu-
lating the determination of delinquency groups and creation of allowances for potential losses in connection with the Group’s 
loan portfolio.

IFRS provisioning

The Group regularly reviews its loan portfolio to assess 
impairment. In determining whether an impairment loss 
should be recorded in profit or loss for the year, the Group’s 
management makes judgments as to whether there is any 
observable data indicating that there is a measurable de-
crease in the estimated future cash flows from a portfolio of 
loans before the decrease can be identified with an individual 
loan in that portfolio. This evidence may include observable 
data indicating that there has been an adverse change in the 
payment status of borrowers in a group, or national or local 
economic conditions that correlate with defaults on assets in 
the group. The primary factor that the Group’s management 
considers as objective evidence of impairment is the overdue 
status of the loan.

The methodology and assumptions used for estimating both 
the amount and timing of future cash flows are reviewed reg-
ularly to reduce any differences between loss estimates and 
actual loss experience. In accordance with internal methodol-
ogy for the provision estimation, the Group uses all available 

loss statistics for the whole period of its operations. Starting 
from 2010, the Group’s management uses a seven month 
horizon for assessment of probabilities of default in calculat-
ing the provision for impairment as these statistics provide 
better information to estimate and project loan losses.

CBRF Provisioning

For CBRF regulatory purposes, the Group currently applies 
a methodology based on RAS to calculate loan provisioning 
and determine expected losses. Under CBRF regulations, 
provisions for loan impairment are established following the 
borrower’s default under the loan or where there is an objec-
tive evidence of potential inability of the borrower to repay 
the loan. In the case of consumer lending, the Group creates 
provisions by reference to homogenous loan portfolios in-
cluding groups of loans consolidated on the basis of a certain 
credit risk criteria (such as type of loan product, region of 
residence, debt terms or month of issue) as well as individual 
loan products. Provisions with respect to individual loan 
products are calculated based on the borrower’s financial 
condition and debt service quality.

CBRF requires banks to classify their loans into the following five risk categories and to create provisions in the corresponding 
amount at their discretion:

Loan classification

Status of loan and loss potential

Provisioning range (in %)

Category I

Category II

Category III

Category IV

Category V

Write Off Policy

Standard loans, without credit risk

0

Non-standard loans, moderate credit risk

1-20

Doubtful loans, considerable credit risk

Problem loans, high credit risk

Bad loans

21-50

51-100

100

The Management Board makes decisions on loans to be 
written off based on information provided by the Risk 
Management Department. Generally, loans recommended to 
be written off are those in respect of which further steps to 
enforce collection are regarded as not economically viable. 
Loans sold to external collection agencies are also written off 
from the Group’s balance sheet.

Market Risk

The Group’s exposure to market risk arises from open inter-
est rate and foreign currency positions, which are exposed to 
general and specific market movements.

manages the positions through hedging, matching or con-
trolled mismatching.

The Group is generally not engaged in trading operations. It 
has mismatches in its foreign currency positions that arise 
generally due to relatively short term lending in Roubles and 
relatively long term borrowings in U.S. dollars. The Group 

The CBRF sets limits on the open currency position that may 
be accepted by the Group on a stand-alone level, which is 
monitored on a daily basis. These limits prevent the Group 
from having an open currency position in any currency ex-
ceeding five per cent. of the Group’s equity.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

The Group suffered from the rouble devaluation in November 
2008 to February 2009 and has implemented a “low foreign 
exchange risk tolerance” policy to minimise exposure to 
foreign currency exchange risks. The policy imposes neutral 
hedging that matches assets and liabilities by currency, 
foreign exchange hedging of funding received in foreign cur-

rency and prohibits foreign exchange trading for speculative 
purposes. 

Non-monetary assets are not considered to give rise to any 
material currency risk.

Interest Rate Risk

The Group’s exposure to interest rate risks arises due to 
the impact of fluctuations in the prevailing levels of market 
interest rates on its financial position and cash flows. Interest 
margins may increase as a result of such changes, but may 
also decrease or create losses in the event that unexpected 
movements arise. The Group’s management monitors on a 
daily basis and sets limits on the level of mismatch of interest 
rate repricing that may be undertaken.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that an entity will encounter difficulty 
in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities. 
The Group is exposed to daily calls on its available cash 
resources from unused limits on issued credit cards, retail 
deposits from customers, current accounts and due to banks. 
The Group does not maintain cash resources to meet all of 
these needs as experience shows that only a certain level 
of calls will take place and it can be predicted with a high 
level of certainty. Liquidity risk is managed by the Financial 
Committee of the Bank.

The Group seeks to maintain a stable funding base primarily 
consisting of amounts due to institutional investors, corpo-
rate and retail customer deposits and debt securities. Debt 
securities in issue consist of Rouble-denominated domestic 
bonds with maturities of up to five years, in particular  
RUB3bn 11.7 per cent. domestic bonds due 2021 with 18 
months put option and RUB5bn 9.65 per cent. domestic 
bonds due 2022 with a two year put option. 

The Group keeps all available cash in diversified portfolios 
of liquid instruments, such as a correspondent account with 
the CBRF and overnight placements in high rated commercial 
banks, in order to be able to respond quickly and smoothly to 
unforeseen liquidity requirements. The Group believes that 
the available cash at all times is sufficient to cover (i) debt 

The Group has no significant risk associated with variable 
interest rates on loans and advances provided to customers 
or loans received.

The Group monitors interest rates for its financial instru-
ments. 

repayments due within a month and accrued interest for one 
month ahead and (ii) a deposit liquidity cushion calculated as 
at least 15 per cent. of total retail deposits (but in practice 
usually maintained at a level between 20 and 25 per cent.). 
The Group believes that it has a proven ability to control loan 
portfolio cash flows to maintain levels of liquidity reflecting 
changing market realities. The Group also believes that its 
loan portfolio is responsive to change in inputs (such as 
stopping the issuance of any new credit cards or other loans 
and any increases in credit card limits) and that the Group 
can go from being cash-negative to being cash positive in a 
short period of time (estimated to be two weeks), as it was 
able to do in November 2008 and in September 2011.

The Group’s liquidity management requires (i) considering 
the level of liquid assets necessary to settle obligations as 
they fall due; (ii) maintaining access to a range of funding 
sources; (iii) maintaining funding contingency plans; and (iv) 
monitoring balance sheet liquidity ratios against applicable 
regulatory requirements.

36

37

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 CONTINUED

ASSET, LIABILITY AND 
RISK MANAGEMENT

Tinkoff Bank calculates liquidity ratios on a daily basis in accordance with the requirements of the CBR, based on stand-
alone RAS information of Tinkoff Bank, which is substantially different from the Group’s IFRS results. These ratios are:

 –

 –

 Instant liquidity ratio (N2), which 
is calculated as the ratio of 
highly liquid assets to liabilities 
payable on demand. The mini-
mum statutory ratio permitted 
by the CBRF is 15 per cent.

Current liquidity ratio (N3), 
which is calculated as the ratio 
of liquid assets to liabilities 
maturing within 30 calendar 
days. The minimum statutory 
ratio permitted by the CBRF is 
50 per cent. 

 –

Long term liquidity ratio (N4), 
which is calculated as the ratio of 
assets maturing after one year to 
regulatory capital and liabilities 
maturing after one year. The max-
imum statutory ratio permitted by 
the CBRF is 120 per cent. 

For purposes of managing the Group’s liquidity risk, the CFO regularly receives extensive information about the liquidi-
ty profile of the financial assets and liabilities. Monitoring of the Group’s liquidity position includes, among other things:

 – Monthly credit card loan portfolio trends monitor-

 –

ing, which covers transaction and repayment levels, 
delinquency levels, first month utilisation levels and 
backlog utilisation levels. This information allows the 
Group management to exercise control over longer-
term cash flows and portfolio size and to plan for debt 
repayments one to two years ahead;

Daily monitoring of 
transactions, repay-
ments and deposits 
with data for the day 
updated each evening;

 –

Close deposit moni-
toring through daily 
reports and periodic 
deposit portfolio/be-
havioural analysis;

 –

Daily monitoring of credit card, 
deposits and cash balances with 
a one-day lag for all balances;

 –

Daily monitoring of movements 
on CBRF and Nostro correspond-
ent accounts; and

 –

Daily monitoring of payments 
flows, which consists of tracking 
incoming and outgoing payments 
including all future payments for 
up to three days in advance.

All daily reports also include week-to-day and month-to-day 
comparisons. 

On the basis of all these reports, the CFO then ensures the 
availability of an adequate portfolio of short term liquid assets, 
made up of an amount in the correspondent account with the 
CBRF and overnight deposits with banks, to ensure that suffi-
cient liquidity is maintained within the Group as a whole. 

The Group’s assets and liabilities management and liquidity 
policy takes into account certain relatively stable character-
istics of the credit card loan portfolio, such as, among others, 
(i) regular monthly repayments of 12 to 14 per cent. of out-
standing receivables, (ii) average utilisation of approximately 
80 per cent. of the total portfolio limit, (iii) average utilisation 

of approximately 45 per cent. of the added amount within 
three months after regular credit limit upgrades; (iv) positive 
NPV on a credit card after 12 to 18 months; (v) risk profile of 
the portfolio, with decreasing delinquency rates resulting in 
increases in both repayments and transactions and (vi) sea-
sonality, with a spike in usage in December of each year and a 
slowdown in usage in January and August.

Regular liquidity stress testing under a variety of scenarios 
covering both normal and more severe market conditions and 
credit card portfolio behaviour is reviewed by the CFO.

All the investment securities available for sale are classified 
within demand and less than one month as they are easy 
repoable in the CBRF or on the open market securities and 

can provide immediate liquidity to the 
Group. All current accounts of individu-
als are classified within demand and less 
than one month.

The allocation of deposits of individuals 
considers the statistics of autoprolon-
gations and top-ups of longer deposits 
with the funds from shorter deposits 
after their expiration in case when the 

customers have more than one active 
deposit. The matching and/or controlled 
mismatching of the maturities and 
interest rates of assets and liabilities is 
fundamental to the management of the 
Group. It is unusual for banks ever to 
be completely matched since business 
transacted is often of an uncertain term 
and of different types. An unmatched 
position potentially enhances profita-

bility, but can also increase the risk of 
losses. The maturities of assets and 
liabilities and the ability to replace, at 
an acceptable cost, interest-bearing 
liabilities as they mature, are important 
factors in assessing the liquidity of the 
Group and its exposure to changes in 
interest and exchange rates.

Operational Risk

The Group is exposed to operational 
risk which is the risk of losses resulting 
from inadequate management and 
control procedures, fraud, poor business 
decisions, system errors relating to em-
ployee mistakes and abuse by employees 
of their positions, technical failures, 
settlement errors, natural disasters and 
misuse of the Group’s property. 

The Group has established internal 
control systems intended to comply 
with Basel guidelines and the CBRF’s 
requirements regarding operational 
risk. The Board of Directors of the Bank 
adopts general risk management policy, 
assesses the efficiency of risk manage-
ment, approves the Group’s management 
structure, adopts measures designed to 
ensure continuous business activities of 
the Group including measures designed 
for extraordinary and emergency situ-
ations and supervises other executive 
bodies in respect of operational risk 
management. The Management Board 
generally oversees the implementation 
of risk management processes at the 
Group including relevant internal policies, 
adopts internal regulations on the 
Group’s risk management, determines 
limits for monitoring operational risks 
and allocates duties among various 
bodies responsible for operational risk 
management. 

Regular monitoring of activities is 
intended to detect in a timely manner 
and correct deficiencies in policies 
and procedures designed to manage 
operational risk, which can reduce the 
potential frequency and/or severity 
of a loss event. Dedicated the Group 
personnel track all problems the Group 
encounters in its operations and record 
all operation errors/issues and remedial 
measures taken on a special help-desk 
system. Reports on such errors or issues 
are sent to key managers and all such 
errors are issues are recorded in incident 
log. In order to minimise operational risk, 

the Group strives to regularly improve its 
business processes and its organisation-
al structure as well as incentivise its staff. 

The Group insures against operational 
risks through several insurance policies 
that cover, among other things, property 
risks in respect of the Group’s offices, IT 
infrastructure and certain third-party 
liabilities. 

The Group has not experienced any 
material operational failures in recent 
years. In order to minimise potential 
losses from such failures, ensure 
business continuity in case of disruption 
to IT systems and provide reliable and 
continuous access to business data and 
services, the Group’s IT systems are lo-
cated in two dedicated data centres each 
connected to separate and independent 
power supply sources. Critical IT systems 
are operated in the most accessible, 
primary data centre with primary Tier-III 
facilities, while secondary systems and 
back up facilities are located in a phys-
ically separate data centre. Both data 
centres provide 24 hours a day, seven 
day a week, year round power, cooling, 
connectivity and security capabilities 
to protect mission-critical operations 
and preserve business continuity for IT 
systems. Moreover, the Group keeps 
additional hardware on its premises 
for back-up purposes and has stand-by 
servers for each key system, including 
active standby for critical systems such 
as processing and transaction author-
isation. Data connections to the data 
centres are 100 per cent. reserved via 
separate physical lines.

Anti-Money Laundering 
and Anti-Terrorist 
Financing Procedures 

As a member country of the FATF, Russia 
adopted the Anti-Money Laundering 

Law. Subsequent to the adoption of the 
Anti-Money Laundering Law, the CBRF 
promulgated a number of anti-money 
laundering regulations specifically for the 
banking sector.

The Group has adopted internal regu-
lations on anti-money laundering that 
are based on, and are in full compliance 
with, the requirements of the Russian an-
ti-money laundering regulations, related 
instructions of the CBRF and international 
standards. The supervision of the Russian 
anti-money laundering regime is shared 
by the CBRF and the FSFMT. 

The Group has created a specialised unit 
and appointed an authorised officer who 
coordinates activities aimed at preventing 
money laundering and terrorism financing. 
The Group conducts identification and 
review of its customers, customer’s rep-
resentatives, beneficiaries and beneficiary 
owners, money laundering and terrorism 
financing risk management, personnel 
training as well as daily analysis of bank-
ing operations, verifies information on 
operations that are subject to monitoring 
and sends all required information to the 
relevant state authorities. Employees 
of the Group have to take mandatory 
training on the Group’s policies and pro-
cedures for preventing money laundering 
and terrorism financing both as part of the 
initial training after being hired and as part 
of the subsequent training activities. 

Mandatory internal control checks are 
conducted by the Group’s Internal Control 
Service. External control is provided by 
the CBRF and, within an annual audit, by a 
statutory auditor. 

The Group cooperates with the FSFMT by 
timely addressing their requests regard-
ing certain entities or operations.

38

39

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 CORPORATE AND SOCIAL 
RESPONSIBILITY

Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) 

Overview 

2017 was a year of important achieve-
ments and marked a watershed in the 
history of TCS Group. We continued 
developing the Tinkoff.ru ecosystem 
and integrating innovative technolo-
gies into our operational processes, 
with the aim of ongoing enhancement 
of operating efficiency.

Aside from strong financial perfor-
mance, the Group continued to apply 
innovative technologies in product 
development and customer service in 
2017. For example, chat bots that an-
swer 20% of all the incoming queries 
without connecting customers and 
employees helped us to reduce the cost 
of service. 

All this was made possible only through 
the efforts of our talented team. 
Throughout 2017, we were hiring the 
best professionals on the market to 
support our new lines of business. 

By the end of 2017, the Group’s 
headcount totalled more than 18,000 
people, with 9,143 being permanent 
office-based employees and 8,300 
employees working remotely. Mathe-
maticians and IT specialists account 
for 60% of the total headcount at the 
Company’s headquarters. 

TCS Group average employment term 
is more than four years, with 15% of 
employees working at the Company for 
over five years. The share of vacancies 
filled internally is 15%, and the average 
period of reviewing new candidate ap-
plications ranges from three to seven 
days. According to a study by banki.
ru, Russia’s leading financial portal, 
55.2% of the Company’s employees 
post positive employee feedback.

Our team is still among the youngest 
on the market: the average age of em-
ployees Group-wide stands at 26. 

Human resources: key 
principles

TCS Group adopts an unconventional 
recruitment approach. Lack of finance 
or banking background is often viewed 
as an advantage. We hire people with 
no stereotypes who are eager to re-
shape the financial services landscape. 
People with an analytical mind and the 
ability to handle huge amounts of data 
are our first choice.

Tinkoff Bank is a general partner of the Quiksilver New Star Camp 2017 held at the Rosa Khutor alpine resort in Sochi.

The Group’s recruitment policy focus-
es on:

Recruitment and 
training

•  bringing together smart people with 

analytical experience;

•  a transparent structure with zero 
tolerance of bureaucracy or hier-
archy;

•  a smart working environment;

•  an effective learning environment;

•  encouraging initiative and taking on 

responsibility;

•  creativity and open dialogue be-

tween employees;

•  promotion of team spirit and entre-

preneurial culture;

•  broad employee capabilities and 
delegation of responsibility;

•  an environment where employees 

can experiment, make mistakes and 
learn lessons;

•  promotion of the Test and Learn 

framework.

In line with our Test and Learn ap-
proach we test many concepts and 
implement the most successful. Our 
employees are not afraid of making 
mistakes and failures: in our quest for 
the most successful models we support 
any experiments and promote open 
communication between colleagues. 

We welcome innovative ideas to 
solve challenges in many different 
ways and we believe in the idea of an 
environment granting talented people 
far-reaching authority. Greater rights 
and opportunities for our people is 
a crucial element of our success. To 
deliver on the Group’s objectives, we 
use various channels to establish 
communication between employees: 
email, online chats, meetings, etc. Any 
employee can address anyone in the 
Company regardless of their position.

We seek to recruit the best talent 
on the market using various tools 
to motivate and retain people. TCS 
Group recruits new team members 
via advertising and job sites, student 
forums, social networks and other on-
line channels. We actively look for the 
best students at the top national and 
global universities, including winners 
of contests in mathematics, physics 
and programming. We offer career 
growth and training opportunities for 
professionals at every level.

Education projects

Tinkoff Fintech School

Twice a year we recruit students and 
graduates of top-ranking universities 
for our Tinkoff Fintech School, where 
lectures and hands-on seminars 
are delivered by the Bank’s VPs and 
leading experts. They explain modern 
technology in the banking industry, 
mobile banking, social media, artificial 
intelligence, blockchain and cryptocur-
rencies. 

Education at the Fintech School is 
provided free of charge. All applicants 
pass an online exam. The educational 
course including practical sessions 
lasts three months. To date, 500 
people have completed the train-
ing. Currently, the Fintech School is 
training 250 students across Russia 
(in Moscow, St Petersburg, Nizhny 
Novgorod, and Novosibirsk).

The most promising graduates are in-
vited to a job interview at Tinkoff. Since 
the opening of the Fintech School, 79 
graduates have joined Tinkoff Bank’s 
team.

Tinkoff Bank is an official sponsor of Red 
Bull Flug Tag 2017. A challenge for the most 
courageous and creative pilots who dare to 
design and pilot self-made flying machines.

MIPT Master’s programme

In April 2017, we launched the Master’s 
programme and a department at 
the Moscow Institute of Physics and 
Technology (MIPT). The first admission 
round took place last summer and 
saw 22 students enrolled. The MIPT 
Master’s programme is a basic Finan-
cial Technologies Department in the 
Phystech School of Applied Mathemat-
ics and Informatics at the Moscow In-
stitute of Physics and Technology. Key 
Tinkoff Bank employees hold professo-
rial positions at the department. To be 
admitted to the Master’s programme, 
candidates need to pass an internal 
examination and interview at Tink-
off, as well as MIPT admission exams. 
The department provides two-year 
education free of charge. Graduates 
receive diplomas from the Department 
of Control and Applied Mathematics 
and the Department of Innovation and 
High Technology. The course schedule 
enables students to study and work at 
the same time.

Specialised courses at the Moscow 
State University’s Department of 
Mechanics and Mathematics (MSU 
Mech-Maths)

In December 2017, Tinkoff Bank 
started collaborating with the MSU 
Mech-Maths’ corporate Department of 
Mathematical and Computer Meth-
ods of Analysis. Tinkoff Bank’s senior 
executives and analysts developed 
specialised courses for the Universi-
ty’s curriculum incorporating real-life 
business cases from Tinkoff Bank. 
The course curriculum gives students 
advanced training in programming, 
machine learning, business analytics, 

40

41

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
Tinkoff Bank 
development hubs

In June 2017, Tinkoff Bank launched 
development hubs in Yekaterinburg, 
Novosibirsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan 
(Innopolis) and Rostov-on-Don. By 
that time the project had already been 
launched in St Petersburg. 

Hub employees work on developing a 
universal financial platform and finan-
cial services such as online banking, 
personal investment management, 
insurance, etc. The hub is also tasked 
with developing mobile apps for indi-
viduals and expanding the ecosystem 
of SME applications.

The regional hubs help the Group 
source talented software developers 
across a wider territory, ensure even 
task distribution, enhance the produc-
tion cycle as employees work in differ-
ent time zones, and reduce the time to 
bring new products to market.

Sporting and other 
events

TCS Group encourages a healthy 
lifestyle and supports the cultural 
development of its employees and 
society as a whole. Tinkoff Bank takes a 
regular part in the biggest and cultural-
ly important national events related to 
music, sports, science and education.

The GrelkaFest ski festival. Two lively 
weekends at Sheregesh, with all alpine skiing 
and snowboarding entertainments gathered 
in one place.

Tinkoff Bank is the chief sponsor of the Moscow Bike Parade arranged by the Let’s Bike It! 
project aimed to promote the cycling culture and by the Moscow Department for Transport 
and Road Infrastructure Development.

In May 2017, Tinkoff Bank became the 
chief sponsor of the Moscow Cycling 
Parade arranged by the Let’s Bike It! 
project (aimed to promote cycling 
culture) and Moscow Department 
for Transport and Road Infrastruc-
ture Development. Oleg Tinkov, the 
founder of Tinkoff Bank, attended the 
opening ceremony and rode the route 
together with other cyclists. The big 
Moscow Cycling Parade saw 40,000 
participants occupying the entire 
Garden Ring Road at the start. In July 
2017, there was a Night Cycling Parade 
sponsored by Tinkoff Bank. Its goal was 
to support the cycling infrastructure 
development and road safety. The 
Night Cycling Parade, which started at 
10 pm on Frunzenskaya Embankment, 
was attended by 10,000 participants. 
The route length was 14 kilometres. 
Group employees are keen to support 

the Bank’s corporate values related 
to a healthy lifestyle, and are highly 
proactive and willing to personally 
participate in cycling parades and other 
sporting events.

Also in July 2017, 16 top European 
and Russian teams gathered at Tinkoff 
Moscow Open – a basketball tour-
nament within a FIBA international 
challenge. The event was attended by 
450 amateur teams from Russia. All 
in all, 15,000 people took part in the 
tournament. Tinkoff Moscow Open was 
part of the Day of Sports programme 
hosted by the Luzhniki Stadium. About 
100,000 people attended the event 
during the two days.

CONTINUED

EMPLOYEES AND CORPORATE 
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

big data fundamentals, etc. Admissions 
will start in September 2018. The 
course is 2-3 years and provided free 
of charge. 

Tinkoff Bank also actively cooperates 
with other leading national universities: 
Bank employees deliver specialised 
courses at the Bauman Moscow State 
Technical University, the Faculty of 
Computer Science of the Higher School 
of Economics, and MIPT. They also 
participate in careers fairs. 

ship centre of Tinkoff Development Hub.

Under the agreement, Tinkoff Bank 
employees will participate in R&D 
conferences and other public events 
held by Skolkovo. Such events will give 
the Foundation’s resident startups an 
opportunity to receive feedback on 
their products and mentoring from 
Tinkoff Bank’s experts, and to partner 
with the Company.

Paid summer internships 

Partnership project with the Skolko-
vo Foundation 

In 2017, Tinkoff Bank became a partner 
of the Skolkovo Foundation. The collab-
oration includes R&D projects run at 
the Foundation’s facilities by a partner-

Analysts and developers, first to fifth-
year students and recent graduates, 
are welcome to enrol in annual summer 
internship at Tinkoff Bank each year 
and work on real-life projects. The 
duration of the programme is 1–2 
months. During this period, students 

are familiarised with the banking in-
dustry and choose their further career 
path. A total of 50 students in Moscow 
and eight in St Petersburg participated 
in the summer internship in 2017. 

Online contests

We launch online projects on a regular 
basis: computer vision contests, math-
ematical games, programmer contests, 
analyst days, machine learning com-
petitions, etc. To date, almost 45,000 
people across the globe have par-
ticipated. In November 2017, Tinkoff 
Bank held an online contest in satellite 
imaging recognition. The event was 
open to anyone interested in computer 
vision and remote sensing. The panel of 
judges selected four winners to receive 
prizes of RUB150,000, RUB100,000 
and two of RUB50,000. The best per-
forming participants were invited to a 
job interview at Tinkoff Bank.

FinTech Youth Day at Finopolis 
Forum

In the autumn of 2017, Tinkoff Bank 
became a general partner of the first 
FinTech Youth Day at Finopolis, a forum 
of innovative financial technologies. 
The event was attended by students of 
specialised colleges and universities, 
post-graduates and recent graduates 
selected within an admission contest 
held by the Bank of Russia and the 
FinTech Association. George Chesak-
ov, CEO of the Tinkoff Mobile MVNO, 
delivered an open lecture for forum 
participants titled Three Secrets of 
a Successful FinTech (out of 20) and 
told them about the lessons learned by 
Tinkoff Bank and its team over 12 years 
of successful business development.

Free canteen for Tinkoff Bank’s employees 
with a daily offer of balanced meals and 
fresh fruits including takeaways.

42

43

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
 
 
 
CONTINUED

EMPLOYEES AND CORPORATE 
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Tinkoff Bank is also a general partner of the Quiksilver New 
Star Camp 2017 held at the Rosa Khutor alpine resort in 
Sochi. Rosa Khutor gained international acclaim during the 
Olympic Games and successfully keeps maintain its exclusive 
status. Quiksilver New Star Camp is one of the main snow-
board parks in Russia. Attendees enjoy special terms and 
offers from Tinkoff Bank at all stages of its operation. In addi-
tion to snowboarding competitions, the festival programme 
includes a series of lectures by influential speakers from the 
action sports industry, yoga workshops, snow schools for 
children, and a high altitude FMX and Snowmobile show.

Compensation and incentives

TCS Group offers its employees a unique working environ-
ment and a transparent system of career growth. We provide 
fixed-rate salaries and bonuses, regularly assess the employ-
ees’ performance against their KPIs, determine amount of 
compensation and give feedback for future career develop-
ment. TCS Group has a market-based salary structure, with 
KPI-related pay-rises and bonuses. 

On 1 February 2017, the Group announced an expansion of 
its long-term management incentive plan. The number of 
eligible employees was increased from 51 to 69 people. New 
participants will share in equity-linked compensation. The 
target equity pool for all the programme participants will 
amount to 5.6% of the Group’s issued share capital.

This plan aims to ensure that managers’ and the sharehold-
ers’ interests are aligned in order to increase the Group’s 
value. The plan is designed for four years and is subject to 
meeting annual KPIs, with each annual compensation taken 
into account during the following three years. The managers’ 
shareholding in the Group’s equity is an effective tool for 
motivating and retaining employees. 

Health and safety

TCS Group creates a safe and comfortable work environment 
for its employees in full compliance with Russia’s labour laws. 
We offer annual medical check-ups, vaccinations, voluntary 
health insurance, free membership of our in-house fitness 
gym at Tinkoff Bank’s headquarters, and other healthcare 
initiatives. TCS Group encourages a healthy lifestyle and 
regularly holds corporate competitions in football, volleyball, 
basketball, alpine skiing and chess.

Tinkoff Moscow Open 2017. A basketball tournament within a FIBA 
international challenge. About 100,000 people attended the event 
during the two days.

Quiksilver New Star Camp 2017. The festival programme includes snowboarding competitions, a series of lectures by influential speakers from 
the action sports industry, snow schools for children, and a high altitude FMX and Snowmobile show.

At the festival, Tinkoff Bank opened Galabank, a special 
children’s branch where children of different ages could make 
a bank card with their own hands. All day long, under the 
guidance of professional artists and teachers, the children 
invented and brought to life their designs, and then used the 
cards for real, buying “growing” crayons with the festival’s 
virtual currency via a specialised terminal. In just one day, 
Galabank issued more than 700 cards. 

The Big Moscow Bike Parade 2017. Tinkoff Bank’s employees believe 
in and embrace the corporate values related to a healthy lifestyle and 
are willing to personally participate in all sporting events.

Diversity and inclusion

Tinkoff Bank’s flexible business model, based on a high-tech 
contactless platform, allows individuals with disabilities to 
join our team. This helps us expand and diversify the Group’s 
staff and recruit people based on professional skills and 
merits.

In 2017, we continued developing our home call centre where 
people can work for the company at any hours and locations 
convenient for them. This working format is suitable for 
those residing in remote areas with limited access to trans-
portation as well as for those who can only work remotely 
(for example, for women on maternity leave). Such employ-
ees are trained online, and all the necessary corporate tools 
and materials are stored in a special cloud environment. 
8,300 people throughout the country worked at our home 
call centre as at the end of 2017. 

CSR

We are committed to supporting sustainable social develop-
ment, and encourage our employees and customers to con-
tribute to improving the quality of life of vulnerable groups 
in Russia. We also seek to promote various charitable funds 
among our customers, who can donate money via the Bank’s 
website or mobile app. TCS Group and its employees provide 
not only financial support but also practical assistance to 
several non-profit entities, including assisted-care facilities 
and orphanages, as well as projects for homeless people and 
those in need of medical care. Our employees have raised 
funds to be spent on repair and maintenance of facilities and 
purchase of food, essentials and medications.

TCS Group supports the charitable Galchonok Foundation, 
which helps children with organic central lesions. In Septem-
ber 2017, Tinkoff Bank took part in Galafest 2017, an annual 
inclusive festival attended by more than 7,000 guests. The 
festival is a family event, where children with special needs 
play and study with their peers on an equal footing to them.

44

45

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 BOARD 
OF DIRECTORS

Constantinos 
Economides

(42)

Chairman of the Board  
of Directors

Alexios  
Ioannides

(41)

Member of the Board  
of Directors

Constantinos Economides has been a director of TCS 
Group Holding PLC since November 2008 and Chairman 
since June 2015. 

Mr. Economides is also the Managing Director of Royal Pine 
& Associates Ltd since January 2016. He was previously 
the Managing Director of Orangefield Cyprus from October 
2006 to December 2015. Prior to 2006, he worked with 
Deloitte Ltd in Cyprus from 2003 to 2006 and Ernst & 
Young in the United Kingdom from 1999 to 2002.

Mr. Economides is a Fellow Member of the Institute of 
Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) and 
holds an MSc in Management Sciences from Warwick Busi-
ness School, United Kingdom. In addition, he is a Licensed 
Insolvency Practitioner of the Institute of Certified Public 
Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC) since October 2015.

Alexios Ioannides has been a director of TCS Group Holding 
PLC since November 2008. Mr. Ioannides previously worked 
for Deloitte from 2001 to 2008 where he trained and quali-
fied as a Chartered Accountant in 2004. Mr. Ioannides is also 
the director of AXEPT Limited since 2008 and a member of 
the Board of Directors of The Copperlink Partners Limited 
since 2015.

Mr. Ioannides is a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) and a member of the 
Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC) and 
holds a BSc. in Business Administration from the University of 
Alabama, USA.

Philippe  
(44)
Delpal

Martin  
Cocker

(58)

Member of the Board of Directors 
Non-Executive Director 
Member of the Audit Committee 
Member of the Remuneration Committee 

Member of the Board of Directors 
Independent Non-Executive Director 
Chairman of the Audit Committee 
Member of the Remuneration Committee

Directors of the Company gathered at the offices of the Company in Limassol after the Company’s  board meeting in March 2018.  
Left to right: Alexios Ioannides, Philippe Delpal, Martin Cocker, Constantinos Economides (Chairman) and Maria Trimithiotou.

Jacques Der  
Megreditchian

(58)

Member of the Board of Directors 
Independent Non-Executive Director 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
Member of the Audit Committee

Maria  
Trimithiotou

(40)

Member of the Board  
of Directors

Philippe Delpal has been a non-executive director of 
TCS Group Holding PLC since October 2013. 

Martin Cocker has been a non-executive director since Octo-
ber 2013. 

Jacques Der Megreditchian has been a non-executive 
director since October 2013. 

Maria (Mary) Trimithiotou has been a director since May 
2012.

Mr. Delpal is an Operational Partner for Financial Servic-
es in Baring Vostok Capital Partners, one of the largest 
private equity businesses in Russia. He is also currently 
serving as a non-executive director of Orient Express Bank, 
First Collection Bureau, HMS Group (Russia), Renaissance 
Insurance Group (Russia) and Komercijalna Banka AD (Ser-
bia). He has had a career in banking, most recently as chief 
executive at BNP Paribas in Moscow.

Mr. Delpal holds a degree in information technology, tel-
ecoms and economics from the Telecom Paris University, 
France.

Mr Cocker also serves on the boards of Etalon Group plc, 
Northumberland Tyne and Wear National Health Service 
Foundation Trust, Beverley Building Society, Nostrum Oil and 
Gas PLC and Headhunter Group plc. Mr. Cocker previously held 
positions at Ernst & Young, Amerada Hess, Deloitte & Touche 
and KPMG in the United Kingdom, Russia and Kazakhstan.

Mr. Cocker is a member of the ICAEW and holds a bachelor of 
science (joint honours) degree in mathematics and economics 
from the University of Keele, United Kingdom.

Mr. Der Megreditchian previously served as Chairman of 
the Exchange Council of the Moscow Exchange. Mr. Der Me-
greditchian has almost 30 years of experience in finance 
from CCF, Societe Generale and Troika Dialog where he 
held the position of Chief Business Officer. 

Mr. Der Megreditchian holds a degree in business adminis-
tration from the European Business Institute, France and 
in financial analysis from the French Center for Financial 
Analysis, France.

Mrs. Trimithiotou previously worked for Deloitte Ltd hold-
ing the position of audit manager from October 2001 to 
February 2009 and, subsequently, moved to Orangefield 
Fidelico Ltd where she held the position of Director from 
2012 until 2015. Currently, Mrs. Trimithiotou is a member 
of the Board of Directors of Royal Pine & Associates Ltd. 

Mrs. Trimithiotou is a Fellow Chartered Certified Account-
ant and a Member of the Association of Chartered Certified 
Accountants, as well as Member of the Institute of Certified 
Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC). Mrs. Trimithiotou 
is also a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner since October 
2015.

Dear stakeholders

2017 has been another remarkable, transformational year in the life 
of the Company as the financial supermarket branches out, augment-
ing the hugely successful core credit card business.  As I have men-
tioned in the past, stellar financial performance such as the Group de-
livered in FY2016 and again in FY2017 is the result of many years of 
groundwork, of informed and astute decisions taken and well target-
ed investments, allied to complete professionalism, passion for the 
Tinkoff business and devotion to serving our customers. And above 
all, true entrepreneurial instinct.

The Group’s CFO Ilya Pisemsky’s detailed  commentary on the oper-
ating and financial results is included in this Report in his ‘Financial 
review’ as is Oliver Hughes our CEO’s ‘Strategic review’ of 2017 and 
insights into what 2017 brought and what might lie ahead. I won’t at-
tempt to precis them. These two talented managers have a high pro-
file, not least in this Report but they are very ably supported by a wider 
team of core managers numbering about 50. 

Everyone appreciates that the Russian operating environment is not 
the easiest, throws out more than its fair share of challenges at man-
agers and business lines and recent months have been no exception. 
Let  us  not  forget  the  international  dimension  either.  Yet  the  Group 
has been able to thrive whatever the challenges, whatever the envi-
ronment.

Inside the Company; the work of the Board of Directors which I chair, 
continues.  We  have  sound  corporate  governance  mechanisms  in 
place, but we are always looking to upgrade them, looking at how our 
peers operate and adapting their better ideas for our entrepreneurial 
culture.  This past year has seen a number of positive developments 
within the Group’s internal audit and information security divisions, 
to mention just two. More are under active consideration. Our annual 
appraisal of the Board, its committees and individual directors, their 
individual and collective strengths and weaknesses, his, her and their 
performance and effectiveness, was conducted in-house as has been 
our practice to date, though external assessors may be introduced in 
the future. The recent appraisal in Q12018 for FY2017 found us in 
good shape- but we do not take success as a given. It threw up some 
interesting ideas; we will be looking to develop these in the near future.

I  would  like  to  express  my  particular  thanks  and  gratitude  to  our 
founder  and  controlling  shareholder  Oleg  Tinkov  for  his  vision  and 
offer my congratulations to him and all the Tinkoff management team 
for their outstanding success.

May 2018 bring more of the same!

Constantinos Economides

Chairman of the  
Board of Directors

46

47

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

THE ROLE OF THE BOARD IS TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP TO THE GROUP WITHIN 
A FRAMEWORK OF PRUDENT AND EFFECTIVE CONTROLS WHICH ENABLES RISK 
TO BE ASSESSED AND MANAGED.

GDRs of TCS Group Holding 
PLC (a Cyprus incorporated 
company), with each GDR 
issued under a deposit 
agreement dated on or about 
24th October 2013 with 
JPMorganChase Bank N.A. 
as depositary representing 
one Class A share, are listed 
(with a standard listing) on 
London Stock Exchange and 
the Company is required to 
comply with its corporate 
governance regime to the 
extent it applies to foreign 
issuers of GDRs. No shares 
of TCS Group Holding PLC are 
listed on any exchange. 

The Company has not 
adopted corporate govern-
ance measures of the same 
standard as those adopted by 
UK incorporated companies 
or companies with a Premium 
listing of equity shares 
regardless of whether they 
are incorporated in the UK or 
elsewhere. The Company’s 
Home State is Cyprus.

As the Class A shares them-
selves are not listed on the 
Cyprus Stock Exchange, the 
Cypriot corporate govern-
ance regime does not apply 
to the Company and accord-

ingly the Company does not 
monitor its compliance with 
that regime. 

A description of the terms and 
conditions of the GDRs can be 
found at ‘Terms and Condi-
tions of the Global Depositary 
Receipts’, ‘Summary of the 
Provisions relating to the 
GDRs whilst still in Master 
Form’ and ‘Description of 
Arrangements to Safeguard 
the Rights of the Holders of 
the GDRs’ in the Prospectus 
issued by the Company dated 
22 October 2013 and on the 
website at www.tinkoff.ru/eng.

Copies of the Articles of 
Association of the Company 
adopted on 21 October 2013, 
the terms of reference of the 
committees, and other cor-
porate governance-related as 
well as investor relations-re-
lated materials can also be 
found on that website, on the 
Company’s page on the Lon-
don Stock Exchange website 
and at the official site of the 
Department of Registrar of 
Companies, Cyprus 
 (http://www.mcit.gov.cy/).

The Board of Directors

The role of the Board is to provide entrepreneurial leadership to 
the Group within a framework of prudent and effective controls 
which enables risk to be assessed and managed. The Board sets 
the Group’s strategic objectives, ensures that the necessary 
financial and human resources are in place for the Group to 
meet its objectives and reviews management’s performance. 
The Board also sets the Group’s values and standards and 
ensures that its obligations towards the shareholders and other 
stakeholders are understood and met.

The Board operates under a formal schedule of matters re-
served to the Board for its decision, approved by shareholders 
in 2013.

The authorities of the members of the Board are specified by 
the Articles of Association of the Company and by law.  The 
current six strong Board of directors is comprised of three exec-
utive directors including the chairman, and three non-executive 
directors two of whom are independent. There was no change 
in the composition of the Board in 2017. The board of directors 
currently contains no Directors B. 

The longest serving director Mr Constantinos Economides took 
over the role of Chairman of the Board of directors in June 
2015.  The names of the people who served on the Board during 
2017 are listed at F-2. The Group has established two Commit-
tees of the Board. Specific responsibilities have been delegated 
to those committees as described below.

The Board is required to undertake a formal and rigorous eval-
uation annually of its own performance, that of its committees 
and of its individual directors. That review was carried out in 
early 2018, in-house, in relation to 2017, looking at overall 
performance in late 2016 and 2017. All directors completed 
detailed questionnaires on the Board’s performance. Analysis of 
the resultant feedback, which was discussed at a meeting of the 
Board of Directors in early 2018 did not show up any deficien-
cies in the performance of the Board, its committees or individ-
ual directors of a nature that required changes to be made.

The Board has not appointed a senior independent director. 
There are only two independent directors of whom at least one 
will retire each year. The role of assessing the performance of 
the Chairman for FY2017 was performed by the Chairman of 
the Audit Committee.

48

Number of directors

Unless and until otherwise determined 
by the Company in general meeting, 
the number of directors shall be no 
less than four, of whom two must be 
non-executive, and shall not exceed 
seven, so long as Class B Shares are 

Director’s powers

in issue. Thereafter there shall be no 
maximum number of directors.

The Articles of Association of the 
Company provide for the retirement 
by rotation of certain directors at each 

Annual General Meeting.  In 2017 the 
two directors who retired by rotation 
were Mr Philippe Delpal and Mr Martin 
Cocker. Both were duly reappointed by 
vote of the shareholders.

The business of the Company is 
managed by the directors, who are em-
powered to exercise all such powers of 
the Company as are not, by the Cyprus 
Companies Law or by the Articles of 
Association, required to be exercised 

by the shareholders in general meeting, 
subject nevertheless to any provisions 
of the Articles of Association, of the 
Companies Law and of any directions 
given by the general meeting by ordi-
nary resolution; but no alteration of the 

Articles of Association and no direction 
made by the Company in general meet-
ing shall invalidate any prior act of the 
directors which would have been valid 
that alteration or direction not been 
made or given.

Proceedings of the Board of Directors

The quorum necessary for the trans-
action of the business of the directors 
shall be at least four directors. 

Questions arising at any meeting of the 
board of directors shall be decided by a 
majority of votes. In the case of equal-
ity of votes, the chairman shall have a 
second or casting vote. A director may, 
and the secretary on the requisition of 
a director shall, at any time, summon a 
meeting of the directors. A resolution 
in writing signed or approved by letter, 
telex, facsimile or telegram by all direc-

tors or their alternates or in relation to 
a committee by all its directors, shall 
be as valid and effectual as if it had 
been passed at a meeting of the board 
of directors or (as the case may be) at 
a committee meeting duly convened 
and held. Any such resolution in writing 
signed may consist of several docu-
ments each signed by one or more of 
the persons described.

Any notice shall include an agenda 
identifying in reasonable detail the 
matters to be discussed at the meeting 

together with copies of any relevant 
documents. 

The directors may delegate any of their 
powers to a committee or committees 
consisting of one or more members 
of their body as they think fit; any 
committee so formed shall, in the ex-
ercise of the powers so delegated to it, 
comply with the rules which may have 
been imposed on it by the directors, 
in respect of its powers, composition, 
proceedings, quorum or any other 
matter. 

Attendance table for Board of Director and Committee meetings, FY2017

Director

Constantinos Economides 
(Chairman)

Maria Trimithiotou

Alexios Ioannides

Martin Cocker

Philippe Delpal

Jacques Der Megreditchian

Board attendance 
FY2017

AC attendance 
FY2017

RC attendance 
FY2017

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

3/4

4/4

n/a

n/a

n/a

6/6

6/6

6/6

n/a

n/a

n/a

4/4

4/4

4/4

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GOVERNANCE

Committees of the Board of directors

The Company has established two 
Committees of the Board of directors: 
the Audit Committee and the Remu-
neration Committee and their terms 

of reference are summarized below. 
Both Committees were constituted in 
October 2013. The Board reserves the 
right to amend their terms of refer-

ence and arranges a periodic review of 
each Committee’s role and activities 
and considers the appropriateness of 
additional committees.

Committees-current composition

The Audit Committee is chaired by an 
independent non executive director 
Mr Martin Cocker, and has two other 
members both non executive directors, 
one of whom is independent.

The Remuneration Committee is also 

chaired by an independent non execu-
tive director Mr Jacques Der Megre-
ditchian, and has two other members 
both non executive directors, one of 
whom is independent. Details of the 
non executive and independent non 
executive directors are set out under 

‘Board of Directors’.

The current terms of reference of both 
Committees are available to the public 
and can be found on the Company’s 
website. A short summary of both is 
set out below.

Role of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee’s primary 
purpose and responsibility is to assist 
the Board in its oversight responsibil-
ities. In executing this role the Audit 
Committee monitors the integrity of 
the financial statements of the Group 
prepared under IFRS and any formal 
announcements relating to the Group’s 
and the Company’s financial perfor-
mance, reviewing significant financial 
reporting judgments contained in 
them,  oversees the financial reporting 
controls and procedures implemented 

by the Group and monitors and assess-
es the effectiveness of the Company’s 
internal financial controls, risk manage-
ment systems  internal audit function,  
the independence and qualifications of 
the independent auditor and the effec-
tiveness of the external audit process. 
The Audit Committee is required to 
meet at appropriate times in the re-
porting and audit cycle but in practice 
meets more often as required. 

Under its terms of reference the Audit 

Committee is required at least once 
a year to review its own performance, 
constitution and terms of reference 
to ensure it is operating at maximum 
effectiveness and to recommend any 
changes it considers necessary for 
Board approval. The Audit Committee 
met this obligation in two main ways, 
through members participating in the 
main Board review described above 
in early 2018 and by arranging a 
complementary committee review on 
a rolling basis driven by the audit cycle 

Martin  
Cocker

Philippe  
Delpal

Independent Non-Executive 
Director, Chairman of the Audit 
Committee, Member of the 
Remuneration Committee.

Non-Executive Director,  
Member of the Audit Committee, 
Member of the Remuneration 
Committee.

Jacques Der 
Megreditchian

Independent Non-Executive 
Director, Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee, 
Member of the Audit 
Committee.

March to March. After consideration 
of the Audit Committee’s own review, 
no further changes to those adopted 
in the preceding year were proposed 
to the committee’s terms of reference. 
During the second half of 2016 the 
Audit Committee determined to set a 
more structured framework around 
the extensive work it had been doing 
between its quarterly meetings to 
review the financial statements by 
adding at least two additional meetings 
to its annual schedule, at least one of 
which would be held at the Bank’s head 
office in Moscow, to consider specific 
non-financial statement related areas 
within its terms of reference such as 

risk management issues including 
internal audit procedures, and the 
financial and reputational dimensions 
of cyber security measures put in place 
by the Group. Two such meetings were 
held in 2017 with a further two at least 
in 2018 planned.

In 2017 the Group reorganised its 
internal audit function, to clarify the 
demarcation between its internal audit 
and internal control (CBRF compliance 
and regulatory) functions while mate-
rially increasing the resources overall 
within the internal audit team. 

The Audit Committee has developed a 
risk matrix which constantly evolves to 
reflect new risks, the perceived impact 
of, and the Group’s appetite for, any 
given risk  and the measures taken to 
mitigate those risks. This matrix is run 
in conjunction with the internal audit 
function.

In addition a new post of chief infor-
mation security officer was created in 
2017 and filled, with additional person-
nel expert in cyber-security recruited 
to support the Group’s ever-increasing 
efforts to stay ahead of trends and 
threats in this sphere. The Committee 
met 6 times in FY2017.

Role of the Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee is 
responsible for determining and 
reviewing among other things the 
framework of remuneration of the ex-
ecutive directors, senior management 
and its overall cost and the Group’s 
remuneration policies. The objective is 
to ensure that the executive manage-
ment of the Group are provided with 
appropriate incentives to encourage 
enhanced performance and are in a 
fair and responsible manner rewarded 
for their individual contributions to the 
success of the Group.  The Remunera-
tion Committee’s Terms of Reference 
include reviewing the design and de-
termining targets for any performance 
related pay schemes and reviewing the 
design of all share incentive plans for 
approval by the Board. The Remunera-
tion Committee is required to meet at 

least twice a year but in practice meets 
more often. 

The Remuneration Committee contin-
ued work into 2017 on its ongoing re-
view of the operation of the Group’s eq-
uity based incentive and retention plan 
for key, senior and middle management 
(MLTIP) which launched in 2016 and in 
considering additional awards to both 
existing and new participants for this 
and subsequent years.

Under its terms of reference the 
Remuneration Committee is required 
at least once a year to review its own 
performance, constitution and terms 
of reference to ensure it is operating 
at maximum effectiveness and to 
recommend any changes it considers 
necessary for Board approval. The 

Remuneration Committee met this ob-
ligation through members participating 
in the main Board review (described 
above) under which detailed question-
naires were completed by all direc-
tors assessing the operation of the 
Board and both committees. Although 
earlier reviews had resulted in certain 
minor changes to the Remuneration 
Committee’s terms of reference to 
clarify certain procedural matters and 
to align them more closely with how 
the committee operated in practice, no 
further changes were felt required in 
2017 or 2018. 

The Committee continues to meet as 
required. It did not identify a need to 
schedule additional regular meetings, 
but in 2017 it convened 4 times.

Appointment, rotation and removal of directors

The directors of the Company are 
appointed by the general meeting of 
shareholders with the sanction of an 
ordinary resolution. Such an appoint-
ment may be made to fill a vacancy 
or as an additional director. But no 
director may be appointed unless 
nominated by the board of directors 
or a committee duly authorized by the 

board of directors or by a shareholder 
or shareholders together holding or 
representing shares which in aggre-
gate constitute or represent at least 
5% in number of votes carried or 
conferred by the shares giving a right 
to vote at a general meeting.

Notwithstanding that, one or more 
Directors B (a special category of 
director) may be appointed only by 
Class B shareholders, together holding 
or representing Class B shares which 
constitute or represent in aggregate 
over 50% in nominal capital paid up on 
the Class B shares upon serving notice 
to the Company. 

50

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CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

The board of directors may at any time 
appoint any person to the office of 
director either to fill a vacancy or as 
an additional director and every such 
director shall hold office only until the 
next following annual general meeting 
and shall not be taken into account in 
determining the directors who are to 
retire by rotation.

ject to giving 28 days’ notice to that 
director in accordance with the Articles 
of Association. Directors B may at any 
time be removed from office by Class B 
shareholders together holding or rep-
resenting Class B shares which consti-
tute or represent over 50% in nominal 
capital paid up on the Class B Shares 
upon giving notice to the Company.

One third of the directors (or if their 
number is not a multiple of three, 
the number nearest to three but not 
exceeding one-third) shall retire by ro-
tation at every annual general meeting. 
Directors holding an executive office 
and Directors B are excluded from 
retirement by rotation. 

Directors including Directors B may be 
removed from office by the share-
holders at a general meeting with the 
sanction of an ordinary resolution, sub-

The office of director shall be vacated if 
the director:

•  becomes bankrupt or makes any 
arrangement or composition with 
his creditors generally; or

•  becomes prohibited from being 

a director by reason of any court 
order made under Section 180 
(disqualification from holding the 
position of director on the basis of 
fraudulent or other conduct) of the 
Cyprus Companies Law; or

•  becomes, or may be, of unsound 

mind; or

•  resigns his office by notice in writing 
to the Company left at the regis-
tered office; or

• 

is absent from meetings of the 
board for six consecutive months 
without permission of the board 
of directors and his alternative 
director (if any) does not attend in 
his place and the board of directors 
resolves that his office be vacated.

At any time when Class B Shares cease 
to exist by virtue of conversion into 
Class A Shares, each Director B shall 
thereby become (undesignated) a 
director and shall remain in office until 
the next annual general meeting and 
such director will not be taken into 
account in determining the directors 
who are to retire by rotation at such 
meeting.

Share capital

As at 31 December 2017, the 
Company’s issued share capital 
is USD7,305,553 divided in to 
182,638,825 shares, each of nominal 
value of USD0.04 per share and fully 
paid. Of these 96,239,291 are Class 
A Shares and 86,399,534 Class B 
Shares, each with a nominal value of 
USD0.04 per share and fully paid. As 
of 31 December 2017, the Compa-
ny’s authorized share capital was 
USD7,619,180.

All of the Class B shares are held 
directly or indirectly by Mr Oleg Tinkov, 
the controlling shareholder. Holding 
all Class B Shares equates to a 47.3% 
economic interest in the Company and 
a voting interest of 89.98%.

Neither the Company nor any of its 
subsidiaries has any outstanding 
convertible securities, exchangeable 
securities or securities with warrants 
or any relevant acquisition rights or 
obligations over the Company’s or any 

of the subsidiaries’ authorised but 
unissued capital or undertakings to 
increase its issued share capital.

Certain rights of pre-emption are 
conferred, by the Cyprus Companies 
Law and the Articles of Association of 
the Company, on existing shareholders 
for issue of new shares to the Company 
in cash. Please refer to the section 
below on pre-emption rights for further 
information.

Articles of Association

In this section Cyprus Companies Law 
means the Companies Law, Cap. 113 
of Cyprus and any successor statute or 
as the same may from time to time be 
amended. 

The Company’s current Articles of As-
sociation were adopted on 21 October 
2013. The following is a brief summary 
of certain material provisions of the 
Articles of Association, in force as at 31 
December 2017.

Rights of shareholders

Except for the additional voting rights 
attached to Class B Shares, the right 
to requisition a general meeting of the 
shareholders and the right to appoint 
a Director B, none of the shareholders 
of the Company has any rights different 
from any other holder of shares of the 
Company. A summary of the rights 
attached to the shares of the Company 
is set out below. 

Meeting of shareholders

The Company is required to hold an an-
nual general meeting each year on such 
date and at such place as the directors 
may determine provided that not more 
than 15 months should elapse between 
annual general meetings.

The board of directors or any director 
may convene general meetings. The 
board of directors will also convene: 

(a) 

(i) 

  extraordinary general meetings 
of the Company on the requisition 
of:

 a shareholder or shareholders 
together, holding or representing 
in aggregate, shares (being shares 
of either of the Class A Shares and 
Class B Shares) which constitute 
or represent at least five per 
cent. of the total number of votes 
carried or conferred by the Class 
A Shares and Class B Shares; or

(ii)  a Class B shareholder;

(b) 

 a separate meeting of the Class A 
shareholders on the requisition 
of a Class A shareholder or Class 
A shareholders together, holding 
or representing Class A Shares 
which in aggregate constitute or 
represent at least five per cent. 
in nominal capital paid up on the 
Class A Shares; and

(c) 

 a separate meeting of the Class B 
shareholders on the requisition of 
any Class B shareholder,

and any shareholder or shareholders as 
aforesaid may add items to the agenda 
of a meeting which they are entitled to 
attend.

An annual general meeting and a meet-
ing called at which a special resolution 
will be proposed shall be called by at 
least twenty-one days’ prior written 
notice. All other general meetings may 
be convened by the board by issuing 
at least 14 days’ prior written notice. 

General meetings of the Company may 
be called by shorter notice and shall be 
deemed to have been duly called if it is 
so agreed:

• 

• 

in the case of a meeting called as the 
annual general meeting, by all the 
shareholders entitled to attend and 
vote; and

in the case of any other meeting, by 
a majority in number of the share-
holders having a right to attend and 
vote at the meeting, being a majority 
together holding not less than 95 per 
cent. in nominal value of the shares 
giving the right to attend and vote at 
the meeting.

Notice to persons 

All shareholders are entitled to attend 
the general meeting or be represent-
ed by a proxy authorised in writing. 
Subject to any rights or restrictions for 
the time being attached to any class or 
classes of shares, on a show of hands, 
every member present (if a natural 
person) in person or by proxy or, (if a 
corporation) is present by a represent-
ative not himself being a member, shall 
have one vote for each Class A Share of 
which he is a holder and shall have 10 
votes for each Class B Share of which 
he is a holder, and on a poll, every 
member shall have one vote for each 
Class A Share of which he is a holder 
and shall have 10 votes for each Class 
B Share for which he is a holder.

The quorum for a general meeting will 
consist of such number of shareholders 
holding in aggregate more than 50 per 
cent. of the issued capital. If within half 
an hour from the time appointed for 
the meeting a quorum is not present, 
the meeting shall stand adjourned to 
the same day in the following week, at 
the same time and place or to such oth-
er day and at such other time and place 
as the chairman of the general meeting 
may determine, and if at the adjourned 
meeting a quorum is not present within 
half an hour from the time appointed 
for the meeting, the shareholders 
present shall be a quorum.

The above quorum does not apply 
to every separate meeting of the 
shareholders of any class, in that any 
shareholder (present in person or by 
proxy) holding or representing shares 
of the class which in aggregate consti-
tute or represent at least one-third in 
nominal capital paid up on the shares 
of the class, shall constitute a quorum 
and a meeting.

A resolution in writing which has been 
signed by or on behalf of shareholders 
conferring in aggregate at least 75 
per cent. of the votes exercisable on 
such resolution at general meeting 
of the Company is valid and effectual 
as if the resolution were sanctioned 
by the general meeting, provided that 
a notice of the intention to propose 
the resolution together with a copy 
of the resolution, are given to all the 
shareholders conferring the right to 
vote on the resolution, at least 30 days 
prior to the date of the resolution. Such 
a resolution in writing may consist of 
several documents in the like form 
each signed by, or on behalf of, one or 
more shareholders.

Pre-emption rights

Under the Cyprus Companies Law, each 
existing shareholder has a right of 
pre-emption to subscribe for any new 
shares to be issued by the Company in 
cash, in proportion to the aggregate 
number of such shares of the share-
holder. There are no pre-emption rights 
with respect to shares issued for non-
cash consideration.

Specifically, all new shares and/or other 
securities giving rights to purchase 
shares in the Company, or which are 
convertible into shares in the Company 
that are to be issued for cash, shall be 
offered to the existing shareholders on 
a pro-rata basis to the participation of 
each shareholder in the capital of the 
Company, on a specific date fixed by the 
directors. Any such offer shall be made 
upon written notice to all the sharehold-
ers specifying the number of the shares 
and/or other securities giving rights 

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CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

to purchase shares in the Company, or 
which are convertible into shares in 
the Company, which the shareholder is 
entitled to acquire and the time periods 
(which shall not be less than 14 days 
from the [date of notification of the 
offer (or)/from the date of the dispatch 
of the written notice]), within which the 
offer, if not accepted, shall be deemed 
to have been rejected. If, until the expiry 
of the said time period, no notification 
is received from the person to whom 
the offer is addressed or to whom the 
rights have been assigned that such 
person accepts all or part of the offered 
shares or other securities giving rights 
to purchase shares in the Company, or 
which are convertible into shares of the 
Company, the directors may dispose of 
them in any manner that they deem fit.

These pre-emption rights may be dis-
applied by a resolution of the general 
meeting which is passed by a specified 
majority, being a majority in favour 
of over one half of all the votes cast 
if the attendance represents not less 
than half the issued share capital and 
a majority in favour of not less than 
two-thirds of the votes cast in all other 
cases (“Special Majority Resolution”). 
In connection with such a waiver, the 
directors have an obligation to present 
to the relevant general meeting a writ-
ten report which explains the reasons 
for the proposed disapplication of the 
pre-emption rights and justifies the 
proposed issue price of the shares. A 
dis-application of pre-emption rights 
as aforesaid is regarded as a variation 
of class rights carried by or conferred 
on the Class A holders (including the 
depositary) and Class B holders. Sepa-
rate prior consent is therefore required 
from both Class A holders and Class B 
holders.

Voting rights

Conversion rights

provided that:

Subject to any special rights or restric-
tions as to voting attached to shares, 
every holder of shares who is present (if 
a natural person) in person or by proxy 
or, (if a corporation) is present by a rep-
resentative, shall have one vote for each 
Class A Share of which he is a holder 
and shall have 10 votes for each Class B 
Share of which he is a holder.

The Class A Shares carry the right to 
one vote per Class A Share and confer 
on the Class A shareholders the right:

•  on a Hands Vote, to one vote per 

Class A shareholder; and 

•  on a Poll Vote, to one vote per Class 
A Share held by each Class A share-
holder, 

but no Class A Share carries or confers 
any right to vote, on a resolution or pro-
posed resolution for the removal from 
office of a Director B.

“Director B” means a director appointed 
or deemed to have been appointed by 
Class B shareholders in accordance with 
the Articles of Association.

Class A Shares are generally not con-
vertible into Class B Shares. 

Each Class B Share confers on its 
holder the right to convert each Class 
B Share into one Class A Share at any 
time at the absolute discretion of a rel-
evant Class B shareholder by serving a 
written notice to the Company setting 
out the number of Class B Shares the 
relevant holder is willing to convert. 
The conversion referred to above shall 
take place automatically at the expira-
tion of one Business Day from the date 
that the relevant notice is received 
by the Company. Once Class B Shares 
are converted into Class A Shares, the 
Class A Shares that result from such 
conversion shall rank pari passu in 
all respects with the existing Class A 
Shares in issue. 

Without prejudice to the rights of 
the holders of Class B Shares for the 
conversion of their shares into Class 
A Shares, Class B Shares shall be 
automatically converted into Class A 
Shares, on a one-to-one basis, in the 
following circumstances:

The Class B Shares carry the right to 10 
votes per Class B Share and confer on 
the Class B shareholders the right:

(a)  

(a) 

 on a Hands Vote, to 10 votes per 
Class B shareholder; and

(b) 

 on a Poll Vote, to 10 votes per 
Class B Share held by each Class B 
shareholder.

Every resolution put to the vote of a 
general meeting shall be decided on 
a Hands Vote unless a Poll Vote is de-
manded in accordance with the Articles 
of Association.

No shareholder shall be entitled to vote 
(either in person or by proxy) at any 
general meeting unless all calls or other 
sums presently owed by him in respect 
of those shares have been paid or the 
Board of Directors otherwise determine.

 in the event that any Class B 
Share has been transferred to, or 
is held by, a person other than a 
Qualified Person (defined below) or 
otherwise who has ceased to be a 
Qualified Person, and such person 
(the “Disqualified Holder”) does 
not become or is not re-instated 
as, a Qualified Person within 45 
days of the service on the Dis-
qualified Holder of a notice from 
the Company to that effect (the 
“Conversion Event”), each Class 
B Share held by the Disqualified 
Holder shall, with effect of the 
Conversion Event, automatically 
be re-classified and re-designated 
as a “Class A Share” ranking pari 
passu in all respects and for all 
purposes with all and each of the 
pre-existing (outstanding) Class A 
Shares:

(i) 

(ii) 

 If a Class B shareholder has no knowledge that 
such holder has become a Disqualified Holder and 
it is unreasonable to expect the Disqualified Holder 
to have such knowledge, such shareholder shall be 
deemed not to have become a Disqualified Holder 
or otherwise ceased to be a Qualified Person, un-
less or until such shareholder shall be made aware 
of this by notice in writing from the Company.

 The Company may at any time require any Class B 
shareholder to furnish the Company with any in-
formation, supported (if the Company so requires) 
by statutory declaration which the Company may 
consider necessary for the purpose of determining 
whether or not such shareholder is a Qualified 
Person.

(b) 

 Notwithstanding Paragraph (a), in the event that the 
Class B Shares constitute or represent in aggregate less 
than 10 per cent. in nominal capital paid up only on the 
Class A Shares and Class B Shares (the “Total Conver-
sion Event”), each existing (issued) Class B Share shall, 
with effect of the Total Conversion Event, automatically 
be re-classified and re-designated as a “Class A Share” 
ranking pari passu in all respects and for all purposes 
with all and each of the pre-existing (outstanding) Class 
A Shares.

(Qualified Person, for the purpose of these paragraphs 
means a Class B shareholder or a person connected with 
such Class B shareholder or a person, or persons jointly, as 
the trustee or trustees of any trust or settlement (whether 
or not conferring the trustees discretionary powers) for the 
benefit of such Class B shareholder or a relative, or relatives, 
of such Class B shareholder.)

Dividend and distribution rights

The Class A Shares and Class B Shares have the right to an 
equal share in any dividend or other distribution paid by the 
Company, and any dividend or other distribution may only be 
declared and paid by the Company to the holders of the Class 
A Shares and Class B Shares together.

Variation of rights

The special rights carried or conferred by the shares of any 
class, may, without prejudice to the rights of the share-
holders under section 70 of the Cyprus Companies Law, be 
varied or abrogated with the consent:

(a) 

(b) 

 in writing of the sole shareholder of, or the sharehold-
ers holding in aggregate at least two thirds in nominal 
capital value of, the Shares of that class; or

 of the general meeting of the shareholders of the Shares 
of that class with the sanction of a majority resolution, 
being a resolution sanctioned: 

(i)  

(ii) 

 by a majority of over one-half of the votes cast by 
the shareholders present in person or by proxy 
and entitled to vote, in the case where all the 
shareholders present in person or by proxy and 
entitled to vote, hold or represent in aggregate not 
less than 50 per cent. in nominal capital value of 
the entire issued share capital of the Company; or

 by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the 
votes cast by the shareholders present in person 
or by proxy and entitled to vote in all other cases, 
at a general meeting of which not less than 14 
days’ notice specifying the intention to propose 
the resolution as a “majority resolution” has been 
given.

Shareholders voting against the variation of that class who 
between them hold or represent not less than 15 per cent. 
of the issued shares of that class may apply to the Courts of 
Cyprus to have the variation set aside.

October 2013 Shareholders’ 
Agreement: automatic termination in 
2017

A shareholders’ agreement was made in October 2013 be-
tween Tadek Holding & Finance SA and four other companies 
controlled by Mr Oleg Tinkov, and four additional pre IPO 
investors, (1)  ELQ Investors II Limited (ELQ), an entity wholly 
owned by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (2) Vostok Emerg-
ing Finance (Cyprus) Limited (VEF) (following a reorganiza-
tion from the original party Vostok Komi (Cyprus) Limited), 
(3) Rousse Nominees Limited (BV) a nominee company 
holding interests for limited partnerships comprising Bar-
ing Vostok Private Equity Fund IV, and (4) Lorimer Ventures 
Limited (Lorimer), an entity wholly owned by Emerging 
Europe Growth Fund II LLP, managed by its general partner 
Horizon Capital GP II LLC.

Lorimer had already ceased to be a party to the Sharehold-
ers’ Agreement on disposing of its entire interest in the 
Group. While ELQ, VEF and BV remained significant share-
holders and/or GDR holders in the Group, the Shareholders’ 
Agreement automatically terminated last year (2017) when 
their aggregate holdings fell below 10%.

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TEAM

Oliver  
Hughes

(47)

Ilya  
Pisemsky

(42)

Sergei  
Pirogov

(47)

CEO,  
Chairman of the Management Board 
of Tinkoff Bank

Chief Financial Officer, 
Deputy Chairman of the Manage-
ment Board of Tinkoff Bank

Head of Corporate Finance, 
Member of the Board of Directors 
of Tinkoff Bank

Artem  
Yamanov

(36)

Stanislav  
Bliznyuk 

(37)

SVP,  
Business Development Director

Chief Operating Officer, 
Deputy Chairman of the Manage-
ment Board of Tinkoff Bank

Darya  
Ermolina 

(30)

Communications Director

Oliver oversees the strategic direction 
of Tinkoff Bank. 

He joined Tinkoff as CEO in 2007 
and has been at the helm every step 
of the way, helping Tinkoff grow 
into the world’s largest independent 
digital bank by customer base. Before 
joining Tinkoff, Oliver worked for Visa 
International for a decade, including as 
Head of Visa in Russia from 2005 until 
2007. Prior to Visa, he held various 
positions including at Reebok, Shell UK 
and the British Library.

Oliver holds a Master of Arts degree 
in International Politics from Leeds 
University and a Master’s degree 
in Information Management and 
Technology from City University in 
London. He also has a Bachelor’s (First 
Class) degree in Russian and French 
from the University of Sussex.

Ilya is responsible for financial 
management, corporate strategy and 
planning. He has been Chief Financial 
Officer at Tinkoff since July 2008 and 
Deputy Chairman of the Management 
Board since April 2010. Prior to 
joining Tinkoff, he was Deputy Chief 
Financial Officer at Bank Soyuz and 
held a managerial position at Ernst & 
Young CIS.

Ilya graduated from the Finance 
Academy under the Government of 
the Russian Federation in Moscow 
and holds an MBA from the F.W. Olin 
Graduate School of Business at Babson 
College in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Sergey has been responsible for 
capital raising and debt portfolio 
management at Tinkoff as Head of 
Corporate Finance since January 
2010. Since July 2016, he has 
served on Tinkoff Bank’s Board 
of Directors. Previously Sergey 
worked at Citigroup, where he was 
Director of Corporate Finance for 
Russia and the CIS from 2002 
to 2008. Prior to that, he was 
Programme Coordinator and Head 
of Investment Projects at IBS 
Intertraining. 

Sergey graduated from the 
Moscow State Institute for 
International Relations. He also 
holds an MBA from the Darden 
Graduate School of Business at the 
University of Virginia, USA.

Artem is in charge of business 
development at Tinkoff. He has been 
with the company every step of the 
way, starting his career as head of 
products at Tinkoff and growing with 
the company into his current role of 
senior vice president. Before joining 
Tinkoff, he held various positions at 
Russian Standard Bank and Raiffeisen 
Bank, including overseeing credit card 
operations in Russia.

Artem holds a Master’s degree in 
Applied Physics and Mathematics from 
the Moscow Institute of Physics and 
Technology.

Stanislav oversees operations at 
Tinkoff. Before being appointed Chief 
Operating Officer in June 2012, he 
was Head of Technologies at the bank 
from 2006. Prior to this, Stanislav 
worked in the banking sector, including 
as Process & Project Director at 
Raiffeisen Bank Russia.

Stanislav graduated from Moscow 
State University with a Master’s degree 
in Mathematics and Economics.

As head of communications for 
Tinkoff, Darya oversees strategic 
communications and media relations 
for the Tinkoff group of companies. 
Before joining the Tinkoff team in 
January 2014, Darya worked as a 
senior manager for international media 
relations for Rosneft Oil Company. 
Prior to Rosneft Darya worked as a 
media analyst for PBN Hill+Knowlton 
Strategies (part of WPP).

Darya graduated from the Moscow 
State University of International 
Relations (MGIMO) with a bachelor 
and a masters degree in international 
relations.

56

57

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 CONTINUED

MANAGEMENT 
TEAM

Anatoly 
Makeshin

(45)

Head of Payment Systems, 
Deputy Chairman of the Manage-
ment Board of Tinkoff Bank

Viacheslav 
Tsyganov

(42)

Chief Information Officer

Evgeny  
Ivashkevich

(47)

Risk Director, 
Deputy Chairman of the Manage-
ment Board of Tinkoff Bank

George  
Chesakov

(45)

Head of Tinkoff Mobile

Natalia  
Izyumova

(55)

Valeria 
Pavlyukova

(34)

Chief Accountant, 
Member of the Management Board of 
Tinkoff Bank

Chief Legal Officer, 
Deputy Chairman of the Management 
Board of Tinkoff Bank

Anatoly has been responsible for Tink-
off’s payments systems since 2006. 
He has also been a member of Tinkoff’s 
Management Board since September 
2012. 

Anatoly graduated from Moscow Power 
Engineering Institute and holds a PhD 
in Technical Science from the Russian 
Academy of State Service.

Viacheslav has been with Tinkoff Bank 
from the beginning of its story. He is 
in charge of information technology 
and computer systems at Tinkoff. 
Viacheslav has been Chief Information 
Officer since 2009 after transitioning 
from his role as Head of IT Architec-
ture and Development at the bank. 

Viacheslav holds a Master’s degree 
in Computer Science from Southwest 
State University.

Evgeny is in charge of risk manage-
ment at Tinkoff. He has been in his 
current role since 2007, having also 
joined Tinkoff Bank’s Management 
Board as Deputy Chairman in 2011. 
Before joining Tinkoff, he was a port-
folio manager at Renaissance Capital 
Bank and Head of Product Develop-
ment at Russian Standard Bank.

Evgeny graduated from the Moscow In-
stitute of Physics and Technology and 
obtained a PhD in Theoretical Physics 
from the Joint Institute for Nuclear 
Research.

Natalia oversees Tinkoff’s accounting. 
She stepped into her current role and 
became a member of Tinkoff Bank’s 
Management Board when she joined 
the bank in February 2011. Natalia has 
also been a member of the Financial 
Committee of Tinkoff Bank since No-
vember 2011. Prior to joining Tinkoff, 
Natalia held a number of senior-level 
positions, including that of CFO and 
Deputy Chairwoman of Dvizheniye 
Bank’s Management Committee. 

Valeria has overseen all legal matters 
at Tinkoff as Chief Legal Officer and 
Deputy Chairman of the Board since 
January 2017. Before joining the bank, 
she was Head of Legal for Sberbank’s 
international division and a Legal 
Director for InBev for/in Russia.

Valeria graduated from the Internation-
al University in Moscow and studied 
finance at Hult International Business 
School.

Natalia graduated from Moscow State 
University with a degree in Economics 
and holds a PhD in Economics from the 
Research Institute of Economy.

George Chesakov is responsible for 
Tinkoff’s mobile virtual network oper-
ator (MVNO Tinkoff Mobile) and has 
been in this role since January 2017. 
He also served as Chief Operating 
Officer and Chairman of the Manage-
ment Board from 2006 until 2011. 
Prior to his returning to Tinkoff in 
February 2016, George was President 
of OTP Bank and co-founder of Revo 
Technology. 

Prior to Tinkoff, George worked at 
McKinsey & Company, Russian Stand-
ard Bank and launched a consumer 
finance business at Investsberbank 
(now OTP Bank).

George holds a Master’s degree in 
Computer Science from Princeton 
University and a Master’s degree with 
honors in Mathematics from Moscow 
State University.

58

59

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Board of Directors  
and other officers

Board of Directors

Constantinos Economides, Chairman 
Alexios Ioannides  
Mary Trimithiotou  
Philippe Delpal  
Jacques Der Megreditchian  
Martin Robert Cocker 

All served throughout the year ended 2017 and through to the date of these consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s Articles of Association include regulations for the retirement by rotation of Directors at each annual general 
meeting. These regulations will operate in 2018 on the basis of the composition of the Board at the relevant date.

Company Secretary 
Caelion Secretarial Limited 

25 Spyrou Araouzou  
Berengaria 25, 5th floor, 
3036, Limassol, Cyprus

Registered office

25 Spyrou Araouzou  
Berengaria 25, 5th floor, 
3036, Limassol, Cyprus

31 DECEMBER 2017

TCS Group Holding PLC

International Financial Reporting Standards 
Consolidated Financial Statements and  
Independent Auditor’s Report

Contents

Board of Directors and other officers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-2

16  Debt Securities in Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-50

Consolidated Management Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-3

17  Subordinated Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-50

Independent Auditor’s Report  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-10

18  Insurance Provisions   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-51

19  Other Financial and Non-financial Liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . F-52

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

20 Share Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-52

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-19

21 Net margin  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-53

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other 
Comprehensive Income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-20

22 Fee and Commission Income and Expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . F-54

23 Customer Acquisition Expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-54

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-21

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-22

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1 

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-23

2  Operating Environment of the Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-25

3  Significant Accounting Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-25

4 

5 

 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements in Applying 
Accounting Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-37

 Adoption of New or Revised Standards 
and Interpretations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-39

24 Net Gains from Operations with Foreign Currencies . . . . F-55

25 Insurance Claims Incurred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-55

26 Administrative and Other Operating Expenses  . . . . . . . . F-55

27 Other Operating Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-56

28 Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-56

29 Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-59

30 Net Debt Reconciliation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-60

31 Segment Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-60

32 Financial Risk Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-65

33 Management of Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-76

6  New Accounting Pronouncements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-39

34 Contingencies and Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-76

7  Cash and Cash Equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-42

35 Transfers of Financial Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-78

8  Loans and Advances to Customers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-42

36 Financial Derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-79

9 

Investment Securities Available for Sale  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-45

37 Fair Value of Financial Instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-79

10  Repurchase Receivables  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-47

38  Presentation of Financial Instruments by Measurement 

11  Guarantee Deposits with Payment Systems . . . . . . . . . . . F-47

12  Tangible Fixed and Intangible Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-47

13  Other Financial and Non-financial Assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-48

14  Due to Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-49

15  Customer Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-49

Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-83

39 Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-85

40 Business Combinations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-87

41 Events after the End of the Reporting Period . . . . . . . . . . F-87

F-1

F-2

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Consolidated  
Management Report

1.  The Board of Directors presents its report together with 
the audited consolidated financial statements of TCS 
Group Holding PLC (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries 
(collectively the “Group”) for the year ended 31 Decem-
ber 2017.

it also uses Direct Sales Agents (DSA) and partnerships 
(co-brands) to acquire new customers. These customer 
acquisition models, combined with the Bank’s virtual net-
work, afford it a geographic reach across all of Russia’s 
regions resulting in a highly diversified portfolio. 

Principal activities and nature of 
operations of the Group 

7.  The key offerings of JSC “Tinkoff Insurance” are accident 
insurance, travel insurance, property insurance and 
voluntary insurance of vehicles (KASKO) and Obligatory 
Motor Third Party Liability (OMTPL). The Insurance Com-
pany focuses on online sales. 

2.  The Group’s principal activities are undertaken within 
the Russian Federation being on-line retail banking op-
erations through its subsidiary JSC “Tinkoff Bank” (the 
“Bank”) and insurance operations through its subsidiary 
JSC “Tinkoff Insurance” (the “Insurance Company”). 

8. 

3.  The Bank specialises in retail banking for individuals and 
small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) accounts and 
brokerage services. The Bank which is fully licensed by 
the Central Bank of Russia and launched its operations in 
the Summer of 2007 is a member of the Russian Deposit 
Insurance System. The Insurance Company specialises in 
providing non-life insurance coverage such as accident, 
property, travelers', financial risks and auto insurance. 
The founder and controlling shareholder of the Company 
is Oleg Tinkov. 

Changes in group structure

4.  During 2017 the Group established LLC “Tinkoff Mobile”, 

a mobile virtual network operator (“MVNO”), to provide 
mobile services for both current Group’s customers and 
others. The MVNO will have its own network code, num-
ber range and SIM cards which will be delivered across 
Russia via Group’s courier network.

5.  During 2017 the Group acquired a shareholding in LLC 
“CloudPayments” (“CloudPayments”), an innovative 
developer of online payment solutions. Together with the 
rest of the Group, CloudPayments will further develop its 
leading technology and servicing platforms. The acqui-
sition will enable the Group to enhance its merchant ac-
quiring business line as part of its growing SME offering.

Review of developments, position 
and performance of the Group’s 
business

6.  The Bank operates a flexible business model. Its virtual 

network enables it to increase business or slow down 
customer acquisition depending on the availability of 
funding and market conditions. The Bank’s primary cus-
tomer acquisition channels are Internet and Mobile, but 

In terms of financial performance the net profit of the 
Group for the year ended 31 December 2017 was RR 
19,023 million (2016: RR 11,011 million). This result is 
driven by two major continuing trends: an ongoing qual-
ity growth of the Group’s consumer finance business, a 
growing contribution from the non-credit fees-and-com-
mission business lines. Net interest income increased by 
37.3% to RR 46,076 million (2016: RR 33,556 million). 
Interest expense demonstrated a decline of 6.0% on 
the back of continued decrease in deposit and market 
rates. On 31 December 2017 total assets of the Group 
amounted to RR 268,815 million (2016: RR 175,371 
million). This growth was driven not only by the credit 
cards part of the portfolio but also by Cash and POS 
loans. The Investment Securities Available for Sale port-
folio grew by a factor of 2.2 and amounted to RR 71,676 
million (2016: RR 33,286 million). The reason for these 
dynamics is the development of debit cards and SME 
business lines. The Group continues to maintain a good 
quality and diversification of the securities portfolio. 
Gross loans and advances to customers increased by 
31.0% to RR 157,781 million (2016: RR 120,435 million) 
and the net loans and advances to customers increased 
by 36.3% to RR 140,245 million (2016: RR 102,912 
million). The quality of loans continued to improve. The 
90 days plus overdue loans ratio (NPL) reduced to 8.8% 
(2016: 10.2%). The NPL coverage ratio declined to 
126% (2016: 142%). The reason behind this reduction 
was the decrease of the share of instalment loans in the 
total loan portfolio which have the highest provision 
coverage. Customer accounts increased by 43.7% to 
RR 179,045 million (2016: RR 124,556 million). Cus-
tomer accounts remain the primary source of funding 
with an 84% share. There was a rapid development of 
SME business with customer balances showing a 4.8 
times growth during the reporting year. Net assets were 
RR 41,945 million (2016: RR 29,518 million).

Environmental matters

9.  As the Group is an online only financial institution, the 
management of the Group believe none of Company’s 
business relationships, products or services are likely 
to have any significant actual or potential significant 
environmental impacts and do not believe its operations 
are exposed to any material environmental risks. Man-
agement, in reaching this view, have taken into account 
the risk of adverse impacts that may stem from the 
Company’s own activities as well as its business relation-
ships including its supply and subcontracting chains. This 
belief is based on continuous scrutiny of the business.

Human resources

10.  The Group has a flat organizational culture. We practice 
delegation of decision making to the levels deep below 
the management team and we actively promote discus-
sion and idea generation and exchange. We believe in 
creating an environment where highly talented people 
are empowered. Empowerment is an important ingre-
dient in the success of our organization. It’s also about 
the workplace environment – having an open leader-
ship style where information can move freely – where 
ideas are constantly channeled up, down and sideways 
around the Company. We don’t have ‘a rule by committee’ 
approach. We utilize all types of forums to promote con-
tinual dialogue – using email, various online chat rooms, 
flash meetings, as well as formalized meeting structures. 
Anyone can talk to anyone and transparency is promot-
ed. The Group offers a clear far-reaching career path for 
its employees, unique work environment and fair and a 
transparent compensation.

11.  Clear performance evaluation process and fair compen-
sation are essential. Compensation is a combination of 
fixed rate salary and bonuses and is based on employee 
performance. Employees are evaluated on a regular 
basis in order to monitor their achievement against KPIs, 
to determine incentive compensation, and to provide 
feedback which can be used for their career development.

12.  Prior to its IPO in 2013, the Group set up share based 

long term incentive plans as retention and motivational 
tools for key and senior managers. In March 2016, the 
Group announced a consolidated long-term manage-
ment incentive and retention plan, covering around 50 
key, senior and middle managers. In February 2017, the 
Group announced the expansion of the plan. The number 
of participants increased to over 80. Total size of the 
MLTIP pool amounts to 5.6% of the Group’s current 
share capital. The plan is designed to align more closely 
managers’ interests with those of shareholders to grow 
the Group's value. The plan is awarded over four years 

with each such annual award vesting linearly over the 
subsequent three years. The Group believes that partic-
ipation in its share capital is an effective motivation and 
retention tool. The new management incentive and re-
tention plan now embraces more managers, for two main 
reasons: firstly, internal promotions as some employees 
were promoted to key managerial positions, and sec-
ondly, as part of its expansion and transformation into a 
financial marketplace, the Group has hired a significant 
number of new managers to develop and manage new 
business lines.

Non-Financial Information and 
Diversity Statement

13.  The Group will be publishing its first Non-Financial 

Information and Diversity Statement on the company’s 
website, www.tinkoff.ru/eng within six months after the 
balance sheet date. 

Principal risks and uncertainties

14.  The Group’s business and financial results are impacted 

by the increased uncertainties and volatility of the Russian 
economic environment that have been evident throughout 
recent years but more stable in 2016-2017. 

15.  The Group is subject to a number of principal risks which 

might adversely impact its performance. The principal activ-
ities of the Group are banking and insurance operations and 
so it is within this area that the principal risks occur. Manage-
ment considers that those principal risks are: financial risks, 
operational risks and legal risks. Financial risk comprises 
market risks (including currency risk, interest rate risk and 
other price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. 

16.  The Board has adopted a formal process to identify, evaluate 
and manage principal risks and uncertainties faced by the 
Group. The Group has established risk management program 
that focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and 
seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on the Group's 
financial performance. This is overseen by a dedicated Risk 
Management function, which works directly with the Board of 
Directors in this area. The primary objectives of the financial 
risk management function are to establish risk limits, and 
then ensure that the exposure to risks stays within these lim-
its. The operational and legal risk management functions are 
intended to ensure the proper functioning of internal policies 
and procedures to minimize operational and legal risks. Risk 
management strategy is established so as to identify, assess, 
monitor and manage the risks arising from Group's activities. 
These risks as well as other risks and uncertainties, which 
affect the Group and how these are managed, are presented 
in Notes 32 and 33 of the consolidated financial statements.

F-3

F-4

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Consolidated  
Management Report (Continued)

Future developments 

17.  The Group's strategic objective is to be a full service, on-
line financial supermarket with a broad range of financial, 
insurance and quasi-financial products, serving custom-
ers through a high-tech online and mobile platform that 
offers premium quality service and convenience. While 
maintaining high growth rates, profitability and effective 
data-driven risk management. 

18.  On 31 January 2018 the Agency for Housing Mort-

gage Lending (“AHML”) and Tinkoff Bank have signed 
an agreement to set up a joint venture to offer mortgage 
lending on a special electronic platform. The platform 
was designed to enable online acquisition of mortgage 
customers using Tinkoff Bank’s technology platform. 
It will support automated mortgage approvals based 
on AHML standards, execute loan documentation and 
issue mortgage loans, enable online registration of prop-
erty transactions with the Federal Service for State Reg-
istration, Cadastre and Cartography, and can be integrat-
ed with the systems of other Russian mortgage lenders.

Results

specifically created for the long-term incentive pro-
gramme for Management of the Group (MLTIP) (see Note 
39 for further information). 

24. In 2017 the Group repurchased 602,148 GDRs (2016: 
5,659,853 GDRs) at market price for RR 397 million 
(2016: RR 1,246 million) representing 0.3% (2016: 
3.1%) of the issued share capital for the purpose of the 
MLTIP.

25. During 2017 the Group transferred 1,351,406 GDRs 
(2016: 3,626,664 GDRs) out of treasury shares upon 
vesting under the MLTIP (2016 :MLTIP and employee 
share option plan) to retained earnings that is equivalent 
of RR 283 million (2016: RR 101 million) representing 
0.7% (2016: 2.0%) of the issued share capital.

Board of Directors

26. The members of the Board of Directors as of 31 Decem-
ber 2017 and at the date of this report are presented 
above.

27. There were no significant changes in the assignment 
of responsibilities and remuneration of the Board of 
Directors.

19.  The Group’s results for the year are set out on page F-20 
of the consolidated financial statements. Information on 
distribution of profits is presented in Note 29.

Branches

28. The Group did not operate through any branches during 

the period.

Independent auditor

29. The Independent Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers Lim-
ited, has expressed their willingness to continue in office. 
A resolution giving authority to the Board of Directors 
to fix their remuneration will be proposed at the Annual 
General Meeting.

Any important events for the Group 
that have occurred after the end of 
the financial year

20. Important events for the Group that have occurred after 
the end of the financial year are presented in Note 41.

Share capital

21.  There were no changes in issued share capital in 2017, 

except on 22 November 2017 5,745,145 class B shares 
were converted to class A shares.

Treasury shares

22. At 31 December 2017 the Group held 6,290,179 (2016: 
7,039,437) of its own GDRs that is equivalent of approxi-
mately RR 1,587 million (2016: RR 1,473 million) repre-
senting 3.4% (2016: 3.9%) of the issued share capital.

23. Treasury shares are GDRs of TCS Group Holding Plc that 

are held by the EBT, special purpose trust which has been 

Corporate Governance Statement

Overview

GDRs of TCS Group Holding PLC (a Cy-
prus company), with each GDR issued 
under a deposit agreement dated on or 
about 24th October 2013 with JPMor-
gan Chase Bank N.A. as depositary rep-
resenting one class A share, are listed 
on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) 
and the Company is required to comply 
with its corporate governance regime 
to the extent it applies to foreign issu-
ers of GDRs. No shares of TCS Group 
Holding PLC are listed on any exchange. 
As the class A shares themselves or 
the GDRs are not listed on the Cyprus 
Stock Exchange, the Cypriot corporate 
governance regime is not applicable 
for the Company and accordingly the 
Company does not monitor its com-
pliance with that regime. The rights of 
shareholders include the right to vote 
on the appointment and removal of 
Directors and to amend the Articles of 
Association.

TCS Group Holding PLC has two classes 
of ordinary shares, Class B shares 
carry or confer enhanced voting 
rights (10 votes per class B share) as 
opposed to class A (one vote per class 
A share); a detailed description of the 
Articles of Association, including the 
rights of shareholders, and the Terms 
and Conditions of the GDRs can be 
found in the Company’s October 2013 
Prospectus on the website at www.
tinkoff.ru/eng.

The Board of Directors

The role of the Board is to provide en-
trepreneurial leadership to the Group 
within a framework of prudent and 
effective controls which enables risk to 
be assessed and managed. The Board 
sets the Group’s strategic objectives, 
ensures that the necessary financial 
and human resources are in place for 
the Group to meet its objectives and 

reviews management’s performance. 
The Board also sets the Group’s values 
and standards and ensures that its 
obligations towards the shareholders 
and other stakeholders are understood 
and met.

The authorities of the members of the 
Board are specified by the Articles of 
Association of the Company and by 
law.  The current six strong Board of 
directors is comprised of three execu-
tive directors including the chairman, 
and three non-executive directors two 
of whom are independent. There was 
no change in the composition of the 
Board in 2017. The board of directors 
currently contains no Directors B. 

The longest serving director Mr Con-
stantinos Economides who became a 
director in 2008, and later took over 
the role of Chairman of the Board of 
directors in June 2015.  The names of 
the people who served on the Board 
during 2017 are listed in the Introduc-
tion Note. The Group has established 
two Committees of the Board. Specific 
responsibilities have been delegated to 
those committees as described below. 

The Board is required to undertake a 
formal and rigorous review annually of 
its own performance, that of its com-
mittees and of its individual directors. 
That review was carried out, in-house, 
in relation to 2017, looking at overall 
performance but focused mainly on 
late 2016 and 2017. All directors 
completed detailed questionnaires 
on the Board’s performance. Analysis 
of the resultant feedback, which was 
discussed at a meeting of the Board of 
Directors in early 2018 did not show 
up any deficiencies in the performance 
of the Board, its committees or individ-
ual directors of a nature that required 
changes to be made. 

Committees of the 
Board of directors

The Company has established two 
Committees of the Board of directors: 
the Audit Committee and the Remu-
neration Committee and their terms 
of reference are summarized below. 
Both Committees were constituted in 
October 2013. The Board reserves the 
right to amend their terms of refer-
ence and arranges a periodic review of 
each Committee’s role and activities 
and considers the appropriateness of 
additional committees.

Committee composition

The Audit Committee is chaired by an 
independent non-executive director 
Mr Martin Cocker, and has two other 
members both non-executive directors 
one of whom is independent.

The Remuneration Committee is also 
chaired by an independent non-execu-
tive director Mr Jacques Der Megre-
ditchian, and has two other members 
both non-executive directors one of 
whom is independent. 

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee’s primary 
purpose and responsibility is to assist 
the Board in its oversight responsibil-
ities. In executing this role the Audit 
Committee monitors the integrity of 
the financial statements of the Group 
prepared under IFRS and any formal 
announcements relating to the Group’s 
and the Company’s financial perfor-
mance, reviewing significant financial 
reporting judgments contained in 
them,  oversees the financial reporting 
controls and procedures implemented 
by the Group and monitors and assess-
es the effectiveness of the Company’s 

F-5

F-6

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Consolidated  
Management Report (Continued)

internal financial controls, risk manage-
ment systems  internal audit function,  
the independence and qualifications of 
the independent auditor and the effec-
tiveness of the external audit process. 
The Audit Committee is required to 
meet at appropriate times in the re-
porting and audit cycle but in practice 
meets more often as required. 

Under its terms of reference the Audit 
Committee is required at least once 
a year to review its own performance, 
constitution and terms of reference 
to ensure it is operating at maximum 
effectiveness and to recommend any 
changes it considers necessary for 
Board approval. The Audit Committee 
met this obligation in two main ways, 
through members participating in the 
main Board review described above in 
the second half of 2016 and by arrang-
ing a complementary committee review 
on a rolling basis driven by the audit 
cycle March to March. After consider-
ation of the Audit Committee’s own 
review, no further changes to those 
adopted in the preceding year were 
proposed to the committee’s terms of 
reference. During the second half of 
2016 the Audit Committee determined 
to set a more structured framework 
around the extensive work it had been 
doing between its quarterly meetings 
to review the financial statements by 
adding at least two additional meetings 
to its annual schedule, at least one of 
which would be held at the Bank’s head 
office in Moscow, to consider specific 
non-financial statement related areas 
within its terms of reference such as 
risk management issues including 
internal audit procedures, and the 
financial and reputational dimensions 
of cyber security measures put in place 
by the Group. Two such meetings were 
held in 2017 with a further two at least 
in 2018 planned.

The Audit Committee has developed a 
risk matrix which constantly evolves to 
reflect new risks, the perceived impact 
of, and the Group’s appetite for, any 
given risk  and the measures taken to 
mitigate those risks. This matrix is run 

in conjunction with the internal audit 
function.

existing and new participants for this 
and subsequent years.

In 2017 the Group reorganised its 
internal audit function, to clarify the 
demarcation between its internal audit 
and internal control (CBRF compliance 
and regulatory) functions while mate-
rially increasing the resources overall 
within the internal audit team. 

In addition a new post of chief infor-
mation security officer was created in 
2017 and filled, with additional person-
nel expert in cyber-security recruited 
to support the Group’s ever-increasing 
efforts to stay ahead of trends and 
threats in this sphere.

Remuneration 
Committee

The Remuneration Committee is 
responsible for determining and 
reviewing among other things the 
framework of remuneration of the ex-
ecutive directors, senior management 
and its overall cost and the Group’s 
remuneration policies. The objective is 
to ensure that the executive manage-
ment of the Group are provided with 
appropriate incentives to encourage 
enhanced performance and are in a 
fair and responsible manner rewarded 
for their individual contributions to the 
success of the Group.  The Remunera-
tion Committee’s Terms of Reference 
include reviewing the design and de-
termining targets for any performance 
related pay schemes and reviewing the 
design of all share incentive plans for 
approval by the Board. The Remunera-
tion Committee is required to meet at 
least twice a year but in practice meets 
far more often. 

The Remuneration Committee con-
tinued work into 2017 on its ongoing 
review of the operation of the Group’s 
equity based incentive and retention 
plan for key, senior and middle man-
agement (MLTIP) which launched and in 
considering additional awards to both 

Under its terms of reference the 
Remuneration Committee is required 
at least once a year to review its own 
performance, constitution and terms 
of reference to ensure it is operating 
at maximum effectiveness and to 
recommend any changes it considers 
necessary for Board approval. The 
Remuneration Committee met this ob-
ligation through members participating 
in the main Board review (described 
above) under which detailed question-
naires were completed by all direc-
tors assessing the operation of the 
Board and both committees. Although 
earlier reviews had resulted in certain 
minor changes to the Remuneration 
Committee’s terms of reference to 
clarify certain procedural matters and 
to align them more closely with how 
the committee operated in practice, no 
further changes were felt required in 
2017 and 2018. 

Significant direct/
indirect holdings

For the significant direct and indirect 
shareholdings held in the share capital 
of the Company, please refer to Note 1 
of the financial statements. 

Shareholders’ 
Agreement: additional 
rights of Minority 
Shareholders

In October 2013 Tasos Invest & Fi-
nance Inc., Tadek Holding & Finance SA, 
Maitland Commercial Inc, Norman Le-
gal S.A. and Vizer Limited (the Majority 
Shareholders, controlled by Mr Oleg 
Tinkov) and the pre IPO investors ELQ 
Investors II Ltd, Vostok Komi (Cyprus) 
Limited, Rousse Nominees Limited and 
Lorimer Ventures Limited (together the 
Minority Shareholders) entered into a 

Diversity policy 

The Group is committed to offering 
equal opportunity to all current and 
prospective employees, such that no 
applicant or employee is discriminated 
in favour of or against on the grounds 
of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion 
or belief, disability, age or sexual 
orientation in recruitment, training, 
promotion or any other aspect of 
employment. 

Recruitment, training and promotion 
are exclusively based on merit. All 
the Group employees involved in the 
recruitment and management of staff 
are responsible for ensuring the policy 
is fairly applied within their areas of 
responsibility. The Group applies this 
approach throughout, at all levels. This 
includes its administrative, manage-
ment and supervisory bodies, including 
the Board of Directors of the Company.

shareholders’ agreement (the Share-
holders’ Agreement) to govern aspects 
of their relationship after the IPO. The 
Shareholders’ Agreement provided 
that the Minority Shareholders were 
entitled to nominate one director to 
the Board of directors of the Company. 
The Shareholders’ Agreement also 
contained provisions that required the 
Majority Shareholders to vote against 
certain matters unless a majority of 
the Minority Shareholders approve of 
such matters. These rights of the Mi-
nority Shareholders continue so long 
as they hold at least 10% of the issued 
share capital of the Company. The 
Shareholders' Agreement was auto-
matically terminated when the minority 
shareholders’ aggregate holdings fell 
below 10%.

Internal control and 
risk management 
systems in relation to 
the financial reporting 
process

Policies, procedures and controls exist 
around financial reporting. Management 
is responsible for executing and assess-
ing the effectiveness of these controls.

Financial reporting 
process

The Board of Directors is responsible 
for the preparation of the consolidated 
financial statements in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the European 
Union and the requirements of the 
Cyprus Companies Law, Cap.113, and 
for such internal control as the Board 
of Directors determines is necessary 
to enable the preparation of consoli-
dated financial statements that are free 
from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error. In preparing 
the consolidated financial statements, 
the Board of Directors is responsible 

for assessing the Group’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 the Board of 
Directors either intends to liquidate the 
Group or to cease operations, or has 
no realistic alternative but to do so. 

The Board has delegated to the Audit 
Committee the responsibility for 
reviewing the financial statements to 
ensure that they are in compliance with 
the applicable framework and legisla-
tion and for recommending these to 
the Board for approval. The Audit Com-
mittee is responsible for overseeing 
the Group’s financial reporting process.

Internal Controls and 
Risk Management

Management is responsible for set-
ting the principles in relation to risk 
management. The risk management 
organisation is divided between Policy 
Making Bodies and Policy Implemen-
tation Bodies. Policy Making Bodies 
are responsible for establishing risk 
management policies and procedures, 
including the establishment of limits. 
The main Policy Making Bodies are the 
Board of Directors, the Management 
Board, the Finance Committee, the 
Credit Committee and the Business 
Development Committee. 

In addition the Group has implemented 
an online analytical processing man-
agement system based on a common 
SAS data warehouse that is updat-
ed on a daily basis. The set of daily 
reports includes but is not limited to 
sales reports, application processing 
reports, reports on the risk character-
istics of the card portfolios, vintage 
reports, transition matrix (roll rates) 
reports, reports on the pre-, early and 
late collections activities, reports on 
compliance with CBR requirements, 
capital adequacy and liquidity reports, 
operational liquidity forecast reports 
and information on intra-day cash 
flows.

F-7

F-8

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Consolidated  
Management Report (Continued)

The composition and diversity information of the Board of Directors of the Group for the year ended and as at 31 December 
2017 is set out below:

Name

Age

Male/Female

Educational/professional background

Constantinos Economides

Alexios Ioannides

Mary Trimithiotou

Philippe Delpal 

Jacques Der Megreditchian 

Martin Robert Cocker

42

41

39

44

58

58

Male

Male

FCA, MSc Management Sciences, experienced in Big 4

FCA, BsC Business Administration, experienced in Big 4

Female

FCA, Licensed Insolvency practitioner

Male

Male

Male

BSc in IT, banking executive experience in banking 

Business Administration, stock exchange and finance experience 

BSc in Maths and Economics, ACA, experience in Big 4

Further details of the corporate governance regime of the Company can be found on the website:  
https://www.tinkoff.ru/eng/investor-relations/corporate-governance/.

By Order of the Board

Constantinos Economides

Chairman of the Board 
Limassol

9 March 2018

F-9

F-10

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Consolidated Statement  
of Financial Position

Consolidated Statement of Profit or 
Loss and Other Comprehensive Income

In millions of RR

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

Mandatory cash balances with the CBRF

Due from other banks

Loans and advances to customers

Financial derivatives

Investment securities available for sale

Repurchase receivables

Current income tax assets

Guarantee deposits with payment systems

Tangible fixed assets

Intangible assets

Other financial assets

Other non-financial assets

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES
Due to banks

Customer accounts

Debt securities in issue 

Financial derivatives

Current income tax liabilities

Deferred income tax liabilities

Subordinated debt

Insurance provisions

Other financial liabilities

Other non-financial liabilities

TOTAL LIABILITIES

EQUITY
Share capital

Share premium

Treasury shares

Share-based payment reserve

Retained earnings

Revaluation reserve

Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interest

TOTAL EQUITY

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Note

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

7

8

36

9

10

11

12

12

13

13

14

15

16

36

28

17

18

19

19

20

20

20

39

40

 23,850 

 1,675 

 777 

 140,245 

 2,424 

 71,676 

 798 

 301  

 3,660 

 6,140 

3,056 

 10,969 

 3,257 

 16,197 

 1,218 

 347 

 102,912 

 2,718 

 33,286 

 -  

 702 

 2,924 

 4,656 

 1,820 

7,343

 1,248 

268,828 

175,371 

 595 

 179,045 

 10,819 

 240 

 25 

 1,479 

 22,001 

 1,840 

 8,043 

 2,796 

 489 

 124,556  

 2,986 

 -  

 24 

 785 

 11,514 

 767 

 3,112 

 1,620 

226,883 

145,853 

 188 

 8,623 

(1,587) 

 1,286 

 31,797 

1,436 

 41,743 

202 

41,945  

268,828 

188 

8,623 

(1,473) 

704 

20,885 

591 

29,518 

-

29,518 

175,371 

Approved for issue and signed on behalf of the Board of Directors on 9 March 2018.

Note

21

21

8

22

22

23

24

8

25

26

27

28

In millions of RR

Interest income

Interest expense

Expenses on deposits insurance

Net margin

Provision for loan impairment 

Net margin after provision for loan impairment

Fee and commission income

Fee and commission expense

Customer acquisition expense

Net (losses)/gains from operations with foreign currencies 

Net losses from repurchase of subordinated loan

Net gains from investment securities available for sale

Gain from sale of impaired loans

Insurance premiums earned

Insurance claims incurred

Administrative and other operating expenses 

Other operating income

Profit before tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income:

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

Investment securities available for sale and Repurchase receiv-
ables

- Net gains arising during the year, net of tax

- Net gains reclassified to profit or loss upon disposal or impair-
ment, net of tax

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Profit is attributable to:

- Shareholders of the Company

- Non-controlling interest

Total comprehensive income is attributable to:

- Shareholders of the Company

- Non-controlling interest

Constantinos Economides

Mary Trimithiotou

Director

Director

Earnings per share for profit attributable to the owners of 
the Company, basic (expressed in RR per share)

Earnings per share for profit attributable to the owners of 
the Company, diluted (expressed in RR per share)

20

20

The notes set out on pages F-23 to F-87 form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

The notes set out on pages F-23 to F-87 form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

2017

59,541 

(12,824) 

(641) 

46,076 

(7,640) 

38,436 

15,531 

(5,618) 

(9,719) 

(256) 

(619) 

270 

26 

2,735 

(815) 

(16,206)  

1,220 

24,985 

(5,962) 

19,023 

1,061 

(216) 

845  

19,868 

 19,019 

4 

 19,864 

 4 

 107.88 

 104.42 

2016

47,644 

(13,638) 

(450) 

33,556 

(8,386) 

25,170 

8,401 

(3,042) 

(6,661) 

239 

-

214 

48 

1,348 

(490) 

(11,321) 

658 

14,564 

(3,553) 

11,011  

629 

(171) 

458 

11,469 

11,011  

-

11,469 

-

 63.10 

 61.54 

F-19

F-20

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Consolidated Statement  
of Changes in Equity

Consolidated Statement  
of Cash Flows

Attributable to shareholders of the Company

l

a
t
i

p
a
c
e
r
a
h
S

e
t
o
N

m
u
i
m

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r
p
e
r
a
h
S

e
v
r
e
s
e
r

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n
e
m
y
a
p

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e
s
a
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-
e
r
a
h
S

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o

i
t
a
u

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-
a
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e
R

e
v
r
e
s
e
r

s
e
r
a
h
s

y
r
-
u
s
a
e
r
T

-
r
a
e
d
e
n
-
i
a
t
e
R

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g
n
i
n

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n
i
l
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r
t
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c
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N

t
s
e
r
e
t
n
I

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a
t
o
T

y
t
i
u
q
e

l

a
t
o
T

188

8,623

614

133

(328)

13,716 22,946

- 22,946

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

90

-

90

-

-

11,011 

11,011 

-

11,011 

458

458

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

458

-

458

11,011  11,469 

- 11,469 

(1,246)

-

(1,246)

101

664

855

-

(4,506)

(4,506)

(1,145)

(3,842)

(4,897)

-

-

-

-

(1,246)

855

(4,506)

(4,897)

188

8,623

704

591

(1,473) 20,885  29,518 

- 29,518 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-  19,019 

19,019 

4 

19,023 

- 

- 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

582 

- 

582 

- 

845 

- 

- 

845 

- 

845 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

(397) 

-

- 

- 

(397) 

- 

(397) 

- 

198 

198 

283 

172 

1,037 

- 

(8,279) 

(8,279) 

- 

- 

1,037 

(8,279) 

(114) 

(8,107) 

(7,639) 

198 

(7,441) 

188  8,623  1,286  1,436 

(1,587) 

31,797  41,743 

202  41,945 

In millions of RR

Balance at  
1 January 2016 

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive 
income:

Revaluation of in-
vestment securities 
available for sale and 
Repurchase receivables

Total comprehensive 
income for 2016

GDRs buy-back

Share-based payment 
reserve

20

20, 39

Dividends declared 

29

Total transactions 
with owners

Balance at  
31 December 2016 

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive 
income:

Revaluation of in-
vestment securities 
available for sale and 
Repurchase receivables

Total comprehensive 
income for 2017

GDRs buy-back

Business combinations

20

40

Share-based payment 
reserve

20, 39

Dividends declared

29

Total transactions 
with owners

Balance at  
31 December 2017 

Note

2017

2016

In millions of RR

Cash flows from operating activities
Interest received

Interest paid

Expenses on deposits insurance paid

Customers acquisition expenses paid

Cash (paid)/ received from trading in foreign currencies and operations 
with financial derivatives

Cash received from insurance operations

Cash received from sale of impaired loans

Fees and commissions received

Fees and commissions paid

Other operating income received

Administrative and other operating expenses paid 

Income tax paid

Cash flows from operating activities before changes in operating 
assets and liabilities
Changes in operating assets and liabilities

Net increase in CBRF mandatory reserves

Net (increase)/ decrease in due from banks

Net increase in loans and advances to customers

Net increase in guarantee deposits with payment systems

Net increase in other financial assets

Net increase in other non-financial assets

Net increase/(decrease) in due to banks

Net increase in customer accounts

Net increase in other financial liabilities

Net decrease in other non-financial liabilities

Net cash from operating activities
Cash flows used in investing activities

Acquisition of tangible fixed assets

Acquisition of intangible assets

Acquisition of investments available for sale

8

9

9

Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from perpetual loan participation notes

17,30 

Perpetual loan participation notes issued costs

Proceeds from debt securities in issue

Repayment of debt securities in issue

Repayment of subordinated debt

GDR’s buy-back

Dividends paid

Net cash from/(used) in financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

17

30

30

30

29

7

7

60,636 

(12,159) 

(593) 

(5,860)  

(267) 

2,603 

38 

15,521 

(6,099) 

902 

(6,230) 

(5,077) 

43,415  

(457) 

(176) 

46,784 

(13,565) 

(392) 

(4,237) 

6,713 

1,075 

68 

8,169 

(3,076) 

515 

(5,346) 

(4,639) 

32,069 

(542)

285 

(44,256)  

(27,668)

(815) 

(3,909)  

(2,226)  

106 

44,249  

3,488 

(29) 

39,390 

(1,702) 

(1,744)  

(67,814) 

29,610 

(41,650) 

17,109 

(256) 

7,819 

-

(6,623) 

(397) 

(7,970) 

9,682 
231 

7,653 

 16,197 

 23,850 

(109)

(4,031)

(164)

(5,683)

32,114 

2,017

-

28,288 

(3,022)

(633)

(62,804)

46,827

(19,632)

-

-

3,000

(1,885) 

(742)

(1,246)

(4,227)

(5,100) 
(1,048)

2,508  

13,689

16,197

845 

-  19,019  19,864 

4  19,868 

Proceeds from sale and redemption of investments available for sale

The notes set out on pages F-23 to F-87 form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

The notes set out on pages F-23 to F-87 form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-21

F-22

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements

1 

Introduction

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
as adopted by the European Union for the year ended 31 December 2017 for TCS Group Holding PLC (the “Company”) and 
its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group”), and in accordance with the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law, 
Cap.113. 

The Company was incorporated, and is domiciled, in Cyprus in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Law, Cap.113. 

The Board of Directors of the Company at the date of authorisation of these consolidated financial statements consists of: Con-
stantinos Economides, Alexios Ioannides, Mary Trimithiotou, Philippe Delpal, Jacques Der Megreditchian and Martin Cocker.

The Company Secretary is Caelion Secretarial Limited, 25 Spyrou Araouzou, 25 Berengaria, 5th floor, Limassol, Cyprus. 

At 31 December 2017 and 2016 the share capital of the Group is comprised of “class A” shares and “class B” shares. A “class 
A” share is an ordinary share with a nominal value of USD 0.04 per share and carrying one vote. A “class B” share is an ordi-
nary share with a nominal value of USD 0.04 per share and carrying 10 votes. As at 31 December 2017 the number of “class 
A” shares is 96,239,291 and “class B” shares is 86,399,534 (2016: “class A” shares is 90,494,146 and “class B” shares is 
92,144,679). 

On 25 October 2013 the Group completed an initial public offering of its “Class A” ordinary shares in the form of global depos-
itory receipts (GDRs) listed on the London Stock Exchange plc.

As at 31 December 2017 and 2016 the entities holding either Class A or Class B shares of the Company were:

Class of shares

31 December 
2017

31 December  
2016

Country of  
Incorporation

Tadek Holding & Finance S.A. 

Guaranty Nominees Limited 
(JP Morgan Chase Bank NA)

Rousse Nominees Limited

Vostok Emerging Finance Ltd

Tasos Invest & Finance Inc.

Vizer Limited

Maitland Commercial Inc.

Norman Legal S.A.

Altruco Trustees Limited

Total

Class B

Class A

Class A

Class A

Class A

Class B

Class B

Class B

Class B

Class A

47.31%

0.00%

50.45%

-

British Virgin Islands

50.06%

41.45%

United Kingdom

0.99%

1.64%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

2.88%

3.49%

Guernsey

Bermuda

0.00%

British Virgin Islands

0.00%

British Virgin Islands

0.00%

British Virgin Islands

0.00%

British Virgin Islands

-

1.73%

Cyprus

100.00%

100.00%

Guaranty Nominees Limited is a company holding class A shares of the Company for which global depositary receipts are 
issued under a deposit agreement made between the Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank NA signed in October 2013. 

The shareholding of Altruco Trustees Limited represents shares held under the share-based payment plan (ESOP) only.

As at 31 December 2017 and 2016 the beneficial owner of Tadek Holding & Finance S.A., Tasos Invest & Finance Inc., Vizer 
Limited, Maitland Commercial Inc and Norman Legal S.A. was Russian entrepreneur Mr. Oleg Tinkov and the beneficial owner of 
Rousse Nominees Limited was Baring Vostok Private Equity Fund IV, L.P.

1 

Introduction (Continued)

On 24 January 2018 Tadek Holding & Finance SA has transferred its entire holding of B class shares (86,399,458 B class 
shares) to Altoville Holdings Limited, another legal entity 100% beneficially owned by Mr Tinkov. As at 31 December 2017 and 
2016 the ultimate controlling party of the Company is Mr. Oleg Tinkov. Mr. Oleg Tinkov controls 89.98% of the aggregated 
voting rights attaching to the Class A and B shares as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: 91.1%).

The Group owns 100% of shares and has 100% of voting rights of each of these subsidiaries as at 31  December 2017 and 
2016 except for TCS Finance D.A.C., Tinkoff Long-Term Incentive Plan Employee Benefit Trust (“EBT”), and LLC “CloudPay-
ments” (see below). 

JSC “Tinkoff Bank” (the “Bank”) provides on-line retail banking services in Russia. The Bank specialises in issuing credit cards. 

JSC “Tinkoff Insurance” (the “Insurance Company”) provides insurance services.

LLC “Microfinance company “Т-Finans” provides micro-finance services.

TCS Finance D.A.C. is a structured entity which issued debt securities including subordinated perpetual bonds for the Group. 
The Group neither owns shares nor has voting rights in this company. However, this entity was consolidated as it was specifi-
cally set up for the purposes of the Group, and the Group has exposure to substantially all risks and rewards through outstand-
ing guarantees of the entity’s obligations. 

LLC “TCS” provides printing and distribution services to the Group.

Goward Group Ltd is an investment holding company which manages part of the Group’s assets.

LLC “Phoenix” is a debt collection agency. 

Tinkoff Software DC provides software development services to the Group.

LLC “Tinkoff Mobile” is a mobile virtual network operator set up in 2017 to provide mobile services.

LLC “CloudPayments” is a developer of online payment solutions which core business is online merchant acquiring in Russia. 
The Group owns 55% shareholding in LLC CloudPayments.

EBT is a special purpose trust which has been specifically created for the long-term incentive programme for Management of 
the Group (MLTIP).

Principal activity. The Group’s principal business activities are retail banking to private individuals, SME accounts services 
and insurance operations within the Russian Federation through the Bank and the Insurance Company. The Bank operates 
under general banking license No. 2673 issued by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (“CBRF”) on 8 December  2006. 
The Insurance Company operates under an insurance license issued by the CBRF.

The Bank participates in the state deposit insurance scheme, which was introduced by Federal Law No. 177-FZ “Deposits of 
individuals insurance in the Russian Federation” dated 23 December 2003. The State Deposit Insurance Agency guarantees 
repayment of 100% of individual deposits up to RR 1.4 million per individual in case of the withdrawal of a license of a bank or 
a CBRF-imposed moratorium on payments.

Registered address and place of business. The Company’s registered address is 25 Spyrou Araouzou, Berengaria 25, 5th 
floor, Limassol, Cyprus. The Bank’s registered address is 1-st Volokolamsky proezd, 10, building 1, 123060, Moscow, Russian 
Federation. The Insurance Company’s registered address is 2-nd Khutorskaya street, building 38A, 127287, Moscow, Russian 
Federation. The Group’s principal place of business is the Russian Federation.

Presentation currency. These consolidated financial statements are presented in millions of Russian Rubles (RR).

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STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)

2  Operating Environment of the Group

Russian Federation. The Russian Federation displays certain characteristics of an emerging market. Its economy is particu-
larly sensitive to oil and gas prices. The legal, tax and regulatory frameworks continue to develop and are subject to frequent 
changes and varying interpretations (Note 34). The Russian economy was growing in 2017 after the economic recession of 
2015, 2016 and the significant correction in the value of Russian Rouble against other major currencies at the end of 2014. 

The economy is also impacted by relatively ongoing political tension in the region and international sanctions against various 
major Russian companies and individuals.

The financial markets continue to be volatile. This operating environment has a significant impact on the Group’s operations 
and financial position. Management is taking necessary measures to maximize the stability of the Group’s operations. 

However, the future effects of the current economic situation are difficult to predict and management’s current expectations 
and estimates could differ from actual results. 

The Group actively monitors the situation in the Russian banking sector, and the activity of CBRF in response to  current and 
newly developed requirements and any sanctions against the participants who breach them. Management of the Group be-
lieves it is highly important to participate in the development of legislation in the banking sphere and supports the intention of 
the CBRF to make the finance market more transparent and disciplined.

Through to the end of 2017 management determined loan impairment provisions using the “incurred loss” model required by 
the applicable accounting standards. These standards require recognition of impairment losses that arose from past events 
and prohibit recognition of impairment losses that could arise from future events, including future changes in the economic 
environment, no matter how likely those future events are. Thus, final impairment losses from financial assets could differ sig-
nificantly from the current level of provisions. Refer to Note 4 with respect to the introduction of IFRS 9 from 2018.

3  Significant Accounting Policies

3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

voting power in an investee. In such a case, the Group assesses the size of its voting rights relative to the size and dispersion 
of holdings of the other vote holders to determine if it has de-facto power over the investee. Protective rights of other inves-
tors, such as those that relate to fundamental changes of investee’s activities or apply only in exceptional circumstances, do 
not prevent the Group from controlling an investee. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred 
to the Group, and are deconsolidated from the date on which control ceases.

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries. Identifiable assets acquired and 
liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured at their fair values at the acquisition date, 
irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interest. 

The Group measures non-controlling interest that represents present ownership interest and entitles the holder to a propor-
tionate share of net assets in the event of liquidation on a transaction by transaction basis, either at: (a) fair value, or (b) the 
non-controlling interest's proportionate share of net assets of the acquiree. Non-controlling interests that are not present 
ownership interests are measured at fair value.

The consideration transferred for the acquiree is measured at the fair value of the assets given up, equity instruments issued 
and liabilities incurred or assumed, including fair value of assets or liabilities from contingent consideration arrangements, 
but excludes acquisition related costs such as advisory, legal, valuation and similar professional services. Transaction costs 
incurred for issuing equity instruments are deducted from equity; transaction costs incurred for issuing debt are deducted 
from its carrying amount and all other transaction costs associated with the acquisition are expensed.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated; unreal-
ised losses are also eliminated unless the cost cannot be recovered. The Bank and all of its subsidiaries use uniform account-
ing policies consistent with the Group’s policies.

Non-controlling interest is that part of the net results and of the equity of a subsidiary attributable to interests which are not 
owned, directly or indirectly, by the Group. Non-controlling interest forms a separate component of the Group’s equity. 

Basis of preparation. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union (EU) and the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law 
Cap.113.

When the Group acquires a dormant company with no business operations holding an asset and this asset is the main reason 
of acquisition of the company such transaction is treated as an asset acquisition. No goodwill is recognized as a result of such 
acquisition. 

As of the date of the authorisation of the financial statements, all International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the In-
ternational Accounting Standards Board (IASB) that are effective as of 1 January 2017 have been adopted by the EU through 
the endorsement procedure established by the European Commission, with the exception of certain provisions of IAS 39 “Fi-
nancial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” relating to portfolio hedge accounting and IFRS14, “Regulatory Deferral 
Accounts first time adopters”.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the initial rec-
ognition of financial instruments based on fair value, and by revaluation of derivatives, investment securities available for sale, 
securities at fair value through profit or loss, and repurchase receivables carried at fair value. The principal accounting policies 
applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently 
applied to all the periods presented, unless otherwise stated. 

Management prepared these consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis.

Consolidated financial statements. Subsidiaries are those investees, including structured entities, that the Group controls 
because the Group (i) has power to direct relevant activities of the investees that significantly affect their returns, (ii) has 
exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investees, and (iii) has the ability to use its power over 
the investees to affect the amount of investor’s returns. The existence and effect of substantive rights, including substantive 
potential voting rights, are considered when assessing whether the Group has power over another entity. For a right to be 
substantive, the holder must have practical ability to exercise that right when decisions about the direction of the relevant ac-
tivities of the investee need to be made. The Group may have power over an investee even when it holds less than majority of 

Financial instruments – key measurement terms. Depending on their classification financial instruments are carried at fair 
value or amortised cost as described below.

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. The best evidence of fair value is price in an active market. An active market is 
one in which transactions for the asset or liability take place with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing informa-
tion on an ongoing basis. 

Fair value of financial instruments traded in an active market is measured as the product of the quoted price for the individual 
asset or liability and the quantity held by the entity. This is the case even if a market’s normal daily trading volume is not suffi-
cient to absorb the quantity held and placing orders to sell the position in a single transaction might affect the quoted price. 

The price within the bid-ask spread which management considers to be the most representative of fair value for quoted 
financial assets and liabilities is the weighted average price during the business day. A portfolio of financial derivatives or other 
financial assets and liabilities that are not traded in an active market is measured at fair value on the basis of the price that 
would be received to sell a net long position (i.e. an asset) for a particular risk exposure or paid to transfer a net short position 
(i.e. a liability) for a particular risk exposure in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. 
This is applicable for assets carried at fair value on a recurring basis if the Group: (a) manages the group of financial assets 
and financial liabilities on the basis of the entity’s net exposure to a particular market risk (or risks) or to the credit risk of a 
particular counterparty in accordance with the entity’s documented risk management or investment strategy; (b) it provides 
information on that basis about the group of assets and liabilities to the entity’s key management personnel; 

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F-26

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

and (c) the market risks, including duration of the entity’s exposure to a particular market risk (or risks) arising from the finan-
cial assets and financial liabilities is substantially the same. 

Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow models or models based on recent arm’s length transactions or considera-
tion of financial data of the investees, are used to measure fair value of certain financial instruments for which external market 
pricing information is not available.

Fair value measurements are analysed by level in the fair value hierarchy as follows: (i) level one are measurements at quoted 
prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, (ii) level two measurements are valuations techniques 
with all material inputs observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from 
prices), and (iii) level three measurements are valuations not based on solely observable market data (that is, the meas-
urement requires significant unobservable inputs). Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are deemed to have 
occurred at the end of the reporting period. Refer to Note 37.

Transaction costs are incremental costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, issue or disposal of a financial instru-
ment. An incremental cost is one that would not have been incurred if the transaction had not taken place. 

Transaction costs include fees and commissions paid to agents (including employees acting as selling agents), advisors, brokers 
and dealers, levies by regulatory agencies and securities exchanges, and transfer taxes and duties. Transaction costs do not 
include debt premiums or discounts, financing costs or internal administrative or holding costs. 

Amortised cost is the amount at which the financial instrument was recognised at initial recognition less any principal repay-
ments, plus accrued interest, and for financial assets less any write-down for incurred impairment losses. Accrued interest 
includes amortisation of transaction costs deferred at initial recognition and of any premium or discount to maturity amount 
using the effective interest method. Accrued interest income and accrued interest expense, including both accrued coupon and 
amortised discount or premium (including fees deferred at origination, if any), are not presented separately and are included in 
the carrying values of related items in the consolidated statement of financial position.

The effective interest method is a method of allocating interest income or interest expense over the relevant period, so as to 
achieve a constant periodic rate of interest (effective interest rate) on the carrying amount. 

The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts (excluding future credit 
losses) through the expected life of the financial instrument or a shorter period, if appropriate, to the net carrying amount of 
the financial instrument. 

The effective interest rate discounts cash flows of variable interest instruments to the next interest repricing date, except for 
the premium or discount which reflects the credit spread over the floating rate specified in the instrument, or other variables 
that are not reset to market rates. 

Such premiums or discounts are amortised over the whole expected life of the instrument. The present value calculation 
includes all fees paid or received between parties to the contract that are an integral part of the effective interest rate. 

Financial assets at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) have two 
sub-categories: (i) assets designated as such upon initial recognition, and (ii) those classified as held for trading. The Group 
classifies securities into assets designated at FVTPL. Management of the Group designates securities into this category only 
if (a) such classification eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise from measuring 
assets or liabilities or recognising the gains and losses on them on different bases; or (b) a group of financial assets, financial 
liabilities or both is managed and its performance is evaluated on a fair value basis, in accordance with a documented risk 
management or investment strategy, and information on that basis is regularly provided to and reviewed by the Group’s key 
management personnel. 

Initial recognition of financial instruments. Derivatives and other financial instruments at FVTPL are initially recorded at fair 
value. All other financial instruments are initially recorded at fair value plus transaction costs. Fair value at initial recognition 

3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

is best evidenced by the transaction price. A gain or loss on initial recognition is only recorded if there is a difference between 
fair value and transaction price which can be evidenced by other observable current market transactions in the same instru-
ment or by a valuation technique whose inputs include only observable data from active markets.

All purchases and sales of financial assets that require delivery within the time frame established by regulation or market 
convention (“regular way” purchases and sales) are recorded at trade date, which is the date on which the Group commits to 
deliver a financial asset.

All other purchases are recognised when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

The Group uses discounted cash flow valuation techniques to determine the fair value of currency swaps and forward contracts 
that are not traded in an active market. Differences may arise between the fair value at initial recognition, which is considered 
to be the transaction price, and the amount determined at initial recognition using a valuation technique with level 3 inputs. 
Any such differences are initially recognised within other financial assets or other financial liabilities and are subsequently 
amortised on a straight line basis over the term of the currency swaps. The differences are immediately recognised in profit or 
loss if the valuation uses only level 1 or 2 inputs.

De-recognition of financial assets. The Group derecognises financial assets when (a) the assets are redeemed or the rights 
to cash flows from the assets otherwise expired or (b) the Group has transferred the rights to the cash flows from the financial 
assets or entered into a qualifying pass-through arrangement while (i) also transferring substantially all risks and rewards 
of ownership of the assets or (ii) neither transferring nor retaining substantially all risks and rewards of ownership, but not 
retaining control. 

Control is retained if the counterparty does not have the practical ability to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third 
party without needing to impose restrictions on the sale.

Cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are items which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash 
and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Cash and cash equivalents include all interbank placements 
with original maturities of less than three months. Funds restricted for a period of more than three months on origination are 
excluded from cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at amortised cost.

The payments or receipts presented in the consolidated statement of cash flows represent transfers of cash and cash equiv-
alents by the Group, including amounts charged or credited to current accounts of the Group’s counterparties held with the 
Group, such as loan interest income or principal collected by charging the customer’s current account or interest payments 
or disbursement of loans credited to the customer’s current account, which represents cash or cash equivalent from the cus-
tomer’s perspective. The Group evaluates the quality of cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated statement of financial 
position on the basis of Fitch international ratings and in case of their absence uses Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s ratings 
adjusting them to Fitch’s categories using a reconciliation table.

Mandatory cash balances with the CBRF. Mandatory cash balances with the CBRF are carried at amortised cost and repre-
sent non-interest bearing mandatory reserve deposits which are not available to finance the Group’s day to day operations and 
hence are not considered as part of cash and cash equivalents for the purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows. 

Due from other banks. Amounts due from other banks are recorded when the Group advances money to counterparty banks 
with no intention of trading the resulting unquoted non-derivative receivable due on fixed or determinable dates. Amounts due 
from other banks are carried at amortised cost. The Group evaluates the quality of due from other banks in the consolidated 
statement of financial position on the basis of Fitch international ratings and in case of their absence uses Standard & Poor’s 
or Moody’s ratings adjusting them to Fitch’s categories using a reconciliation table.

Loans and advances to customers. Loans and advances to customers are recorded when the Group advances money to 
purchase or originate an unquoted non-derivative receivable from a customer due on fixed or determinable dates and has no 
intention of trading the receivable. Loans and advances to customers are carried at amortised cost.

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STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Impairment of financial assets carried at amortised cost. Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss for the year 
when incurred as a result of one or more events (“loss events”) that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset 
and which have an impact on the amount or timing of the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial 
assets that can be reliably estimated. If the Group determines that no objective evidence exists that impairment was incurred 
for an individually assessed financial asset, whether significant or not, it includes the asset in a group of financial assets with 
similar credit risk characteristics, and collectively assesses them for impairment.

The primary factors that the Group considers in determining whether a financial asset is impaired are its overdue status and 
realisability of related collateral, if any. 

3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Repayments of written-off loans. Recovery of amounts previously written off as uncollectible are credited directly to the pro-
visions line in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. Cash flows related to repayments 
of written-off loans are presented within interest received in the consolidated statement of cash flows since they are mainly 
represented by repayment of interest accrued.

Investment securities available for sale. This classification includes investment securities which the Group intends to hold 
for an indefinite period of time and which may be sold in response to needs for liquidity or changes in interest rates, exchange 
rates or equity prices. Investment securities available for sale are carried at fair value. Interest income on available-for-sale 
debt securities is calculated using the effective interest method, and recognised in profit or loss for the year.

The following other principal criteria are also used to determine whether there is objective evidence that an impairment loss 
has occurred:

Dividends on available-for-sale equity instruments are recognised in profit or loss for the year when the Group’s right to re-
ceive payment is established and it is probable that the dividends will be collected.

•  an instalment is overdue and the late payment cannot be attributed to a delay caused by the settlement systems;

•  the borrower experiences a significant financial difficulty as evidenced by the borrower’s financial information that the 

Group obtains;

•  the borrower considers bankruptcy or a financial reorganisation;

•  there is an adverse change in the payment status of the borrower as a result of changes in national or local economic con-

ditions that impact the borrower;

•  concession is granted by the Bank that would not have otherwise been given.

For the purposes of a collective evaluation of impairment, financial assets are grouped on the basis of similar credit risk 
characteristics. Those characteristics are relevant to the estimation of future cash flows for groups of such assets by being 
indicative of the debtors’ ability to pay all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the assets being evaluated.

Future cash flows in a group of financial assets that are collectively evaluated for impairment, are estimated on the basis of the 
contractual cash flows of the assets and the experience of management in respect of the extent to which amounts will become 
overdue as a result of past loss events and the success of recovery of overdue amounts. Past experience is adjusted on the 
basis of current observable data to reflect the effects of current conditions that did not affect past periods, and to remove the 
effects of past conditions that do not exist currently. If the terms of an impaired financial asset held at amortised cost are re-
negotiated or otherwise modified because of financial difficulties of the borrower or issuer, impairment is measured using the 
original effective interest rate before the modification of terms. The renegotiated asset is then derecognized and a new asset is 
recognized at its fair value only if the risks and rewards of the asset substantially changed. 

This is normally evidenced by a substantial difference between the present values of the original cash flows and the new ex-
pected cash flows. Impairment losses are always recognised through an allowance account to write down the asset’s carrying 
amount to the present value of expected cash flows (which exclude future credit losses that have not been incurred) discount-
ed at the original effective interest rate of the asset. 

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an 
event occurring after the impairment was recognised (such as an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the previously 
recognised impairment loss is reversed by adjusting the allowance account through profit or loss for the year. Uncollectible 
assets are written off against the related impairment loss provision after all the necessary procedures to recover the asset 
have been completed and the amount of the loss has been determined. The amount of uncollectible loan balance is estimated 
on a loan portfolio basis taking into account defaulted loans recovery statistics. In 2017 the Group refined the approach to 
determination of uncollectible loan balance as sufficient and appropriate loans recovery statistics has now been accumulated. 

Gains or losses on disposal of impaired loans are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other compre-
hensive income in the period when sale occurred.

All other elements of changes in the fair value are recognised in other comprehensive income until the investment is derecog-
nised or impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss is reclassified from other comprehensive income to profit or loss 
for the year. Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss for the year when incurred as a result of one or more events 
(“loss events”) that occurred after the initial recognition of investment securities available for sale. A significant or prolonged 
decline in the fair value of an equity security below its cost is an indicator that it is impaired.

The cumulative impairment loss – measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any 
impairment loss on that asset previously recognised in profit or loss – is reclassified from other comprehensive income to 
profit or loss for the year. Impairment losses on equity instruments are not reversed and any subsequent gains are recognised 
in other comprehensive income. If, in a subsequent period, the fair value of a debt instrument classified as available for sale 
increases and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised in profit 
or loss, the impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss for the year.

The Group evaluates the quality of debt investment securities available for sale in the consolidated statement of financial 
position on the basis of Fitch international ratings and in case of their absence uses Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s ratings 
adjusting them to Fitch’s categories using a reconciliation table.

Sale and repurchase agreements. Sale and repurchase agreements (“repo agreements”), which effectively provide a lender’s 
return to the counterparty, are treated as secured financing transactions. Securities sold under such sale and repurchase 
agreements are not derecognised. 

The securities are not reclassified in the consolidated statement of financial position unless the transferee has the right by 
contract or custom to sell or repledge the securities, in which case they are reclassified as repurchase receivables. The corre-
sponding liability is presented within amounts due to other banks or other borrowed funds. 

Securities purchased under agreements to resell (“reverse repo agreements”), which effectively provide a lender’s return to 
the Group, are recorded as due from other banks or loans and advances to customers, as appropriate. The difference between 
the sale and repurchase price, adjusted by interest and dividend income collected by the counterparty, is treated as interest 
income and accrued over the life of reverse repo agreements using the effective interest method. 

Securities lent to counterparties for a fixed fee are retained in the consolidated financial statements in their original catego-
ry in the consolidated statement of financial position unless the counterparty has the right by contract or custom to sell or 
repledge the securities, in which case they are reclassified and presented separately. 

Securities borrowed for a fixed fee are not recorded in the consolidated financial statements, unless these are sold to third par-
ties, in which case the purchase and sale are recorded in profit or loss for the year within gains less losses arising from trading 
securities. The obligation to return the securities is recorded at fair value in other borrowed funds.

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STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Guarantee deposits with payment systems. Amounts of guarantee deposits with payment systems are recorded when the 
Group advances money to payment systems with no intention of trading the resulting unquoted non-derivative receivable due 
on fixed or determinable dates. Amounts of guarantee deposits with payment systems are carried at amortised cost.

At each reporting date management assesses whether there is any indication of impairment of intangible assets with an indefi-
nite useful life. If any such indication exists, management estimates the recoverable amount, which is determined as the higher 
of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. 

Credit related commitments. The Group issues financial commitments to provide credit cards loans within credit cards limits. 
Commitments to provide a loan are initially recognised at their fair value, which is normally evidenced by the amount of fees 
received. 

This amount is amortised on a straight line basis over the life of the commitment, except for commitments to originate loans if 
it is probable that the Group will enter into a specific lending arrangement and does not expect to sell the resulting loan shortly 
after origination; such loan commitment fees are deferred and included in the carrying value of the loan on initial recognition.

At each reporting date, the commitments are measured at the higher of (i) the remaining unamortised balance of the amount 
at initial recognition and (ii) the best estimate of expenditure required to settle the commitment at the end of each reporting 
period.

The carrying amount is reduced to the recoverable amount and the impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss. An impair-
ment loss recognised for an asset in prior years is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine 
the asset’s value in use or fair value less costs to sell. Intangible assets including goodwill with indefinite useful life are tested 
annually for impairment.

Operating leases. Where the Group is a lessee in a lease which does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards 
incidental to ownership from the lessor to the Group, the total lease payments are charged to profit or loss for the year (rental 
expense within administrative and other operating expenses) on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. 

Due to other banks. Amounts due to banks are recorded when money or other assets are advanced to the Group by counter-
party banks. Non-derivative liability is carried at amortised cost. 

Tangible fixed assets. Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and provision for impairment, 
where required. 

Customer accounts. Customer accounts are non-derivative liabilities to corporate entities and individuals and are carried at 
amortised cost. 

Costs of minor repairs and day-to-day maintenance are expensed when incurred. Costs of replacing major parts or compo-
nents of premises and equipment items are capitalised, and the replaced part is retired. 

At the end of each reporting period management assesses whether there is any indication of impairment of tangible fixed 
assets. If any such indication exists, management estimates the recoverable amount, which is determined as the higher of an 
asset’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. The carrying amount is reduced to the recoverable amount and the im-
pairment loss is recognised in profit or loss for the year. An impairment loss recognised for an asset in prior years is reversed 
if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s value in use or fair value less costs to sell.

Gains and losses on disposals determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount are recognised in profit or loss for the 
year (within other operating income or expenses).

Depreciation. Depreciation of each item of tangible fixed assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate its cost 
to its residual value over its estimated useful life as follows:

Building

Equipment

Vehicles

Useful lives in years

99

3 to 10

5

Leasehold improvements

Shorter of their useful economic life and the term of the underlying lease

The residual value of an asset is an estimated amount that the Group would currently obtain from disposal of the asset less the 
estimated costs of disposal, if the asset was already of the age and in the condition expected at the end of its useful life. The 
assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

Intangible assets. The Group’s intangible assets other than insurance license have definite useful life and include capitalised 
acquired computer software and internally developed software.

Computer software licenses acquired are capitalised on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific 
software. All other costs associated with computer software, e.g. its maintenance, are expensed when incurred. Capitalised 
computer software is amortised on a straight line basis over expected useful lives of 1 to 10 years.

Debt securities in issue. Debt securities are stated at amortised cost. If the Group purchases its own debt securities in issue, 
they are removed from the consolidated statement of financial position and the difference between the carrying amount of the 
liability and the consideration paid is included in a separate line of consolidated statement of profit or loss and other compre-
hensive income as gains/losses from repurchase of debt securities in issue.

Subordinated debt. Recognition and measurement of this category is consistent with the above policy for debt securities in 
issue.

Financial derivatives. Financial derivatives represented by forwards and foreign currency swaps are carried at their fair value. 
Derivatives are carried as assets when fair value is positive and as liabilities when fair value is negative. Changes in the fair 
value of financial derivatives are recorded within losses less gains from operations with foreign currencies. The Group does not 
apply hedge accounting. 

Income taxes. Income taxes have been provided for in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with Russian 
legislation and Cyprus legislation enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. The income tax charge 
comprises current tax and deferred tax and is recognised in profit or loss for the year except if it is recognised in other com-
prehensive income or directly in equity because it relates to transactions that are also recognised, in the same or a different 
period, in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.

Current tax is the amount expected to be paid to or recovered from the taxation authorities in respect of taxable profits or 
losses for the current and prior periods. Taxable profits or losses are based on estimates if the consolidated financial state-
ments are authorised prior to filing relevant tax returns. Taxes other than on income are recorded within administrative and 
other operating expenses.

Deferred income tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method for tax loss carry forwards and temporary differences 
arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. In accordance 
with the initial recognition exemption, deferred taxes are not recorded for temporary differences on initial recognition of an asset 
or a liability in a transaction other than a business combination if the transaction, when initially recorded, affects neither account-
ing nor taxable profit. Deferred tax balances are measured at tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the end of reporting 
period which are expected to apply to the period when the temporary differences will reverse or the tax loss carry forwards will 
be utilised. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are netted only within the individual companies of the Group. Deferred tax assets for 
deductible temporary differences and tax loss carry forwards are recorded only to the extent that it is probable that future taxa-
ble profit will be available against which the deductions can be utilised. Deferred income tax is not recognised on post acquisition 
retained earnings and other post acquisition movements in reserves of subsidiaries, where the Group controls the subsidiary’s 
dividend policy and it is probable that the difference will not reverse through dividends or otherwise in the foreseeable future.

F-31

F-32

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Uncertain tax positions. The Group's uncertain tax positions are assessed by management at the end of each reporting period. 
Liabilities are recorded for income tax positions that are determined by management as more likely than not to result in addition-
al taxes being levied if the positions were to be challenged by the tax authorities. The assessment is based on the interpretation 
of tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the end of reporting period and any known court or other rulings 
on such issues. Liabilities for penalties, interest and taxes other than on income are recognised based on management’s best 
estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligations at the end of the reporting period. 

Provisions for liabilities and charges. Provisions for liabilities and charges are non-financial liabilities of uncertain timing or 
amount. They are accrued when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable 
that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the 
amount of the obligation can be made.

Trade and other payables. Trade payables are accrued when the counterparty has performed its obligations under the con-
tract and are carried at amortised cost. 

Levies and charges, such as taxes other than income tax or regulatory fees based on information related to a period before the 
obligation to pay arises, are recognised as liabilities when the obligating event that gives rise to pay a levy occurs, as identified 
by the legislation that triggers the obligation to pay the levy. 

If a levy is paid before the obligating event, it is recognised as a prepayment.

Share capital. Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are 
shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. 

Share premium. Share premium is the difference between the fair value of the consideration receivable for the issue of shares 
and the nominal value of the shares. The share premium account can only be resorted to for limited purposes, which do not 
include the distribution of dividends, and is otherwise subject to the provisions of the Cyprus Companies Law on reduction of 
share capital.

Treasury shares. Where the Company or its subsidiaries purchase the Company’s equity instruments, the consideration paid, 
including any directly attributable incremental external costs, net of income taxes, is deducted from equity attributable to the 
owners of the Company until the equity instruments are reissued, disposed of or cancelled. Where such shares are subse-
quently disposed of or reissued, any consideration received is included in equity. The value of GDRs transferred out of treasury 
shares for the purposes of the long-term incentive programme for management of the Group are determined based on the 
weighted average cost.

Dividends. Dividends are recorded in equity in the period in which they are declared. Any dividends declared after the end 
of the reporting period and before the consolidated financial statements are authorised for issue, are disclosed in the Note 
“Events after the End of the Reporting Period”. The statutory accounting reports of the Group entities are the basis for profit 
distribution and other appropriations. The separate financial statements of the Company prepared in accordance with IFRS as 
adopted by the EU and in accordance with Cyprus Companies Law is the basis of available reserves for distribution.

Income and expense recognition. Interest income and expense are recorded for all debt instruments on an accruals basis us-
ing the effective interest method. This method defers, as part of interest income or expense, all fees paid or received between 
the parties to the contract that are an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and all other premiums 
or discounts. Fees integral to the effective interest rate include origination fees received or paid by the entity relating to the 
creation or acquisition of a financial asset or issuance of a financial liability, for example fees for evaluating creditworthiness, 
negotiating the terms of the instrument, for servicing of account, and cash withdrawals. Commitment fees received by the 
Group to originate loans at market interest rates are integral to the effective interest rate if it is probable that the Group will 
enter into a specific lending arrangement and does not expect to sell the resulting loan shortly after origination. The Group 
does not designate loan commitments as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss.

3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

When loans and other debt instruments become doubtful of collection, they are written down to present value of expected 
cash inflows and interest income is thereafter recorded for the unwinding of the present value discount based on the asset’s 
original effective interest rate which was used to measure the impairment loss.

Customer acquisition expenses represented by the costs incurred by the Group on services related to attraction of the credit 
card borrowers, mailing of advertising materials, processing of responses etc. Those costs, which can be directly attributed 
to the acquisition of a particular client, are included in the effective interest rate of the originated financial instruments; the 
remaining costs are expensed on the basis of the actual services provided.

All other fees, commissions and other income and expense items are generally recorded on an accruals basis by reference to 
completion of the specific transaction assessed on the basis of the actual service provided as a proportion of the total services 
to be provided.

Commissions and fees arising from negotiating, or participating in the negotiation of a transaction for a third party, such as 
the acquisition of loans, shares or other securities or the purchase or sale of businesses, which are earned on execution of the 
underlying transaction are recorded on its completion.

Insurance contracts. Insurance contracts are those contracts that transfer significant insurance risk. Insurance risk exists 
when the Group has uncertainty in respect of at least one of the following matters at inception of the contract: occurrence of 
insurance event, date of occurrence of the insurance event, and the claim value in respect of the occurred insurance event. 
Such contracts may also transfer financial risk.

Non-life insurance (short-term insurance). The below items from the consolidated statement of financial position of the 
Group are accounted within Other financial assets and Other financial liabilities lines, the below items from the consolidated 
statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income of these consolidated financial statements are accounted within 
Income from insurance operations and Insurance claims incurred lines.

•  Premiums written. Premiums (hereafter – “premiums” or “insurance premiums”) under insurance contracts are recorded 
as written upon inception of a contract and are earned on a pro-rata basis over the term of the related contract coverage. 
Reduction of premium written in subsequent periods (under amendments to the signed original contacts, for example) is 
accounted by debiting of premiums written in current period. 

•  Claims. Claims are charged to the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income as compensa-

tion is paid to policyholders (beneficiaries) or third parties. 

•  Claims handling expenses. Claims handling expenses are recognised in profit or loss for the period as incurred and include 
direct expenses related to negotiations and subsequent claims handling, as well as indirect expenses, including expenses of 
claims handling department and administrative expenses directly related to activities of this department.

•  Reinsurance. The Group assumes and cedes reinsurance in the normal course of business. Ceded reinsurance contracts do 

not relieve the Group from its obligations to the policyholders under insurance contract.

Amounts due from reinsurers are measured consistently with the amounts associated with the direct insurance contracts and 
in accordance with the terms of each reinsurance contract. Reinsurance assets arising from outward reinsurance contracts 
include reinsurers share in paid claims, including claims handling expenses. Liabilities under outward reinsurance operations 
are obligations of the Group for payment of premiums to reinsurers. Reinsurance assets include premiums ceded to the Group 
under inward reinsurance contracts. 

The Group's liabilities under inward reinsurance contracts are obligations to compensate the Group's share in paid claims, 
including claims handling expenses to reinsurers.

The Group assesses its reinsurance assets for impairment on a regular basis. If there is objective evidence that the reinsur-
ance asset is impaired, the Group reduces the carrying amount of the reinsurance asset to its recoverable amount and recog-
nises that impairment loss in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. The Group gathers 
the evidence that a reinsurance asset is impaired using the same process adopted for financial assets carried at amortised 
cost. The impairment loss is also calculated following the same method used for the financial assets carried at amortised cost.

F-33

F-34

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

•  Subrogation income. The Group has a right to pursue third parties responsible for loss for payment of some or all costs 

related to the claims settlement process of the Group (subrogation). Reimbursements are recognised as income only if the 
Group is confident in receipt of these amounts from these third parties. Under inward reinsurance contracts, amounts of re-
imbursement due to the Group as a result of settlement of reinsurer's subrogation claims are treated as the Group's income 
as at the date of acceptance of the invoice received from the reinsurer and including calculation of the Group's share in the 
subrogation claim.

•  Deferred acquisition costs. Deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) are calculated (for non-life insurance contracts) separately 
for each insurance product. Acquisition costs include remuneration to agents for concluding agreements with corporate 
clients and individuals and brokerage fees for underwriting of assumed reinsurance agreements. They vary with and fully 
depend on the premium earned under acquired or renewed insurance policies. These acquisition costs are deferred and 
amortised over the period in which the related written premiums are earned. They are reviewed by line of business at the 
time of the policy issue and at the end of each accounting period to ensure they are recoverable based on future estimates. 
For the insurance contracts with duration of less than one month and with automatic prolongation condition amortisation 
of one-off acquisition costs occurs over the period determined based on statistical assessment of duration of the insurance 
contract taking into account all of the expected future prolongations.

•  Insurance agency fee. In cases when the Group acts as an agent and attracts clients for the third-party insurance com-

panies, the Bank receives commission income, which is recognised within Fee and commission income in the consolidated 
statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income in full amount. 

Insurance provisions

•  Provision for unearned premiums. Provision for unearned premiums (UEPR) represents the proportion of premiums writ-
ten that relate to the unexpired term of policies in force as at the reporting date, calculated on a time apportionment basis. 
UEPR is recognised within liabilities on a gross basis.

•  Loss provisions. Loss provisions represent the accumulation of estimates for ultimate losses and include outstanding claims 
provision (“OCP”) and provision for losses incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”). Loss provisions are recognised within liabil-
ities on a gross basis. Estimates of claims handling expenses are included in both OCP and IBNR. OCP is provided in respect of 
claims reported, but not settled as at the reporting date. 

The estimation is made on the basis of information received by the Group during settlement of the insured event, including 
information received after the reporting date. IBNR is determined by the Group by line of business using actuarial methods, 
and includes assumptions based on prior years’ claims and claims handling experience. IBNR is calculated for each occurrence 
period as the difference between the projected maximum amount of future payments resulting from the events that occurred 
during the period and the amount of future payments resulting from the event already reported but not settled at the reporting 
date within the same period. 

The methods of determining such estimates and establishing the resulting provisions are continually reviewed and updated. Re-
sulting adjustments are reflected in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income as they arise. 

Loss provisions are estimated on an undiscounted basis due to relatively quick pattern of claims notification and payment. 

•  Unexpired risk provision. Unexpired risk provision (“URP”) is recorded when unearned premiums are insufficient to meet 

claims and expenses, which may be incurred after the end of the financial year. To estimate the unexpired risk provision the 
Group uses historical experience and forward looking assumptions of ultimate loss ratios (including claims handling expenses) 
and the level of in-force portfolio maintenance expenses. The expected claims are calculated having regard to events that 
have occurred prior to the reporting date. For the purposes of final presentation of consolidated financial statements unex-
pired risk provision is written off against deferred acquisition costs. 

•  Liability adequacy testing. As at each reporting date the adequacy of the insurance reserves is tested. Testing of insurance 
reserves for non-life insurance is performed to ensure adequacy of contract liabilities. In performing these tests, current esti-
mates of future contractual cash flows, claims handling and administration expenses are used. As a result of liability adequacy 
testing for non-life insurance, the Group sets up its URP.

3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Foreign currency translation. The functional currency of the Company and each of the Group’s consolidated entities is the 
Russian Rouble (“RR”), which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which each entity operates.

Monetary assets and liabilities are translated into each entity’s functional currency at the official exchange rate of the CBRF at 
the end of the respective reporting period. 

Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation of monetary assets 
and liabilities into each entity’s functional currency at year-end official exchange rates of the CBRF are recognised in profit or 
loss for the year (as foreign exchange translation gains less losses). 

Translation at year-end rates does not apply to non-monetary items that are measured at historical cost. 

At 31 December 2017 the rate of exchange used for translating foreign currency balances was USD 1 = RR 57.6002 (2016: 
USD 1 = RR 60.6569), and the average rate of exchange was USD 1 = RR 58.3529 (2016: USD 1 = RR 67.0508).

Offsetting. Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the consolidated statement of financial po-
sition only when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts, and there is an intention to either settle 
on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. 

Such a right of set off (a) must not be contingent on a future event and (b) must be legally enforceable in all of the following 
circumstances: (i) in the normal course of business, (ii) the event of default and (iii) the event of insolvency or bankruptcy.

Earnings per share. Earnings per share are determined by dividing the profit or loss attributable to owners of the Company by 
the weighted average number of participating shares outstanding during the reporting year, excluding treasury shares. For the 
purpose of diluted earnings per share calculation the Group considers dilutive effects of shares granted under employee share 
option plans.

Staff costs and related contributions. Wages, salaries, contributions to the Russian Federation state pension and social 
insurance funds, paid annual leave and sick leave, bonuses, and non-monetary benefits are accrued in the year in which the 
associated services are rendered by the employees of the Group. The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to make 
pension or similar benefit payments beyond the payments to the statutory defined contribution scheme. Cash flows related to 
the salaries and other contributions paid to employees of the Group are presented within net increase/(decrease) in customer 
accounts since salaries and other contributions are paid directly to the current accounts of employees with the Bank and do 
not represent cash outflow for the Group.

Segment reporting. The segment is reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Group’s chief 
operating decision maker.

Equity-settled share-based payment. The expense is recognized over the vesting period and is measured at the fair value of 
the award determined at the grant date, which is amortized over the service (vesting) period. The fair value of the equity award 
is estimated only once at the grant date and is trued up to the estimated number of instruments that are expected to vest. Div-
idends declared during the vesting period accrue and are paid to the employee together with the sale proceeds of the vested 
shares upon a liquidity event. Expected dividends (including those expected during the vesting period) are therefore included 
in the determination of fair value of the share-based payment.

Cash-settled share-based payment. The expense is recognized gradually over the vesting period and is measured at the fair 
value of the liability at each end of the reporting period. The fair value of the liability reflects all vesting conditions, except for 
the requirement of employee to stay in service which is reflected through  the amortization schedule. The liability is measured, 
initially and at the end of each reporting period until settled, at fair value, taking into account the terms and conditions on 
which the instruments were granted and the extent to which the employees have rendered service to date.

F-35

F-36

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Modification of cash-settled share-based payment to equity-settled. At the date of modification the full carrying amount of 
the liability is transferred to equity as this represents the settlement provided by the employees for the equity instruments 
granted to them. Modification only in the manner of settlement with other terms and conditions of the new arrangement re-
maining unchanged do not give rise to immediate impact on the profit or loss at the date of change in classification.

Amendments of the consolidated financial statements after issue. The Board of Directors of the Company has the power to 
amend the consolidated financial statements after issue. 

Changes in presentation. During the year ended 31 December 2017 the management of the Group made a detailed review of 
the components that make up commission expense and using improved technical reports identified the part of payment sys-
tems commission expense which has more characteristics of being an effective interest rate rather than commission expense. 

As a result the reclassification was made in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income 
between Fee and commission income, Fee and commission expense, Interest expense and Interest income as detailed in the 
table below:

In millions of RR

Interest income

Interest expense

Fee and commission expense

As originally presented

Reclassification

47,824

 (13,348)

 (3,512)

 (180)

 (290)

 470 

The effect of reclassifications on amounts in the consolidated statement of cash flows was as follows:

In millions of RR

Interest received

Interest paid

Fee and commission paid

As originally presented

Reclassification

46,964 

(13,275) 

(3,546) 

 (180)

 (290)

 470 

As reclassified at  
31 Decmber 2016

 47,644 

 (13,638)

 (3,042)

As reclassified at 
31 Decmber 2016

 46,784 

 (13,565)

 (3,076)

4 

 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements in Applying 
Accounting Policies

The Group makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements and 
the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluat-
ed and are based on management’s experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to 
be reasonable under the circumstances. Management also makes certain judgements, apart from those involving estimations, 
in the process of applying the accounting policies. Judgements that have the most significant effect on the amounts recog-
nized in the consolidated financial statements and estimates that can cause a significant adjustment to the carrying amount of 
assets and liabilities within the next financial year include:

Impairment losses on loans and advances. The Group regularly reviews its loan portfolio to assess impairment. In determin-
ing whether an impairment loss should be recorded in profit or loss for the period, the Group makes judgments as to whether 
there is any observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows from a portfolio 
of loans before the decrease can be identified with an individual loan in that portfolio. This evidence may include observable 
data indicating that there has been an adverse change in the payment status of borrowers in a group, or national or local 

4 

 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements in Applying 
Accounting Policies (Continued)

economic conditions that correlate with defaults on assets in the group. The primary factor that the Group considers as objec-
tive evidence of impairment is the overdue status of the loan. 

In general, loans where there are no breaches in loan servicing are considered to be unimpaired. Given the nature of the 
borrowers and the loans it is the Group’s view and experience that there is a very short time lag between a possible loss event 
that could lead to impairment and the non or under payment of a monthly instalment. Management uses estimates based on 
historical loss experience for assets with credit risk characteristics and objective evidence of impairment similar to those in 
the portfolio when estimating its future cash flows. 

The methodology and assumptions used for estimating both the amount and timing of future cash flows are reviewed regularly 
to reduce any differences between loss estimates and actual loss experience.

In accordance with the internal methodology for the provision estimation the Group uses its historical retail loan loss statistics 
for assessment of probabilities of default. The last twelve months of historical loss data are given the most weight in calculat-
ing the provision for impairment. This allows the Group to apply its most recent data to estimate losses on loans to individuals 
as the latest trends are accounted for. The loan loss provision is calculated after adjustment for the expected future recovery 
of impaired loans based on conservative sampling of historical data. 

As at 31 December 2017 the positive effect of the above adjustment for expected recoveries from impaired loans on the total 
provision for loan impairment is approximately RR 1,115 million (2016: RR 492 million). Such increase in the adjustment is 
explained by the higher recoveries expected by the Group. To the extent that the incurred losses as at 31 December 2017 
resulting from future cash flows vary by 1.0% (2016: 1.0%) from the calculated estimate, the profit would be approximately 
RR 1,578 million (2016: RR 1,204 million) higher or lower.

Perpetual subordinated bonds. A perpetual subordinated bond issue in June 2017 was initially recognised in the amount 
of USD 295.8 million (RR 16.9 billion) represented by the funds received from investors less issuance costs. Subsequent 
measurement of this instrument is consistent with the accounting policy for debt securities in issue. Interest expense on the 
instrument is calculated using the effective interest rate method and recognised in profit or loss for the year. 

In the event that an interest payment on the instrument is cancelled, the reversal of accrued interest payable is made through 
equity, as any cancelled interest payments are not liable to be paid in the future. Foreign exchange translation gains and losses 
on the bond are recognised in profit or loss for the period. The Group has taken into consideration that there are genuine 
contingent settlement provisions that could arise and as such has classified the perpetual subordinated bond instrument in its 
entirety as a liability, rather than equity, on the basis of terms of issue which stipulate the possible redemption of the instru-
ment in several cases other than liquidation of the issuer. If the Group had recognized this instrument as equity, then interest 
expense would only have been recognized when it was paid and not accrued as for a debt instrument.

The Group has invested in perpetual subordinated bonds issued by third parties. The Group has taken into consideration that 
there are genuine contingent settlement provisions that could arise and as such has classified the investments in perpetual 
subordinated bonds as investments in debt securities on the basis of terms of issue which stipulate the possible redemption 
of the instrument in several cases other than liquidation of the issuer. The investments in the instruments were classified as 
investments in securities available-for-sale. Investments in these instruments are carried at fair value. Interest income is 
accrued using the effective interest method and recognised in profit or loss for the year.

Interest income recognition. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method which incorporates significant 
assumptions around loan expected lives as well as judgements of type of fees and costs that are included in interest income as 
part of the effective interest method. Refer to Note 3.

Fair value of financial derivatives. The description of valuation techniques and the description of the inputs used in the fair 
value measurement of financial derivatives are disclosed in Note 36.

Tax legislation. Russian and Cypriot tax, currency and customs legislation are subject to varying interpretations. Refer to Note 34.

F-37

F-38

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
 
31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)

5 

 Adoption of New or Revised Standards and Interpretations 

6  New Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

The following amended standards became effective for the Group from 1 January 2017, but did not have any material impact on 
the Group: 

The finally calculated impact upon adoption will be reported in the Group's consolidated condensed interim financial informa-
tion for the three months ended 31 March 2018.

•  Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses – Amendment to IAS 12 (issued on 19 January 2016 and effec-

tive for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017). 

•  Amendments to IFRS 12 included in Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 Cycle (issued on 8 December 2016 and 

effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017).

In accordance with the amendments to IAS 7 which became effective for the Group from 1 January 2017 the new disclosures are 
presented in Note 30.

6  New Accounting Pronouncements

Certain new standards and interpretations have been issued that are mandatory for the annual periods beginning on or after 
1 January 2018 or later, and which the Group has not early adopted. 

IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” (amended in July 2014 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 
2018). Key features of the new standard are:

•  Financial assets are required to be classified into three measurement categories: those to be measured subsequently at 

amortised cost, those to be measured subsequently at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) and those 
to be measured subsequently at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL). 

•  Classification for debt instruments is driven by the entity’s business model for managing the financial assets and whether 

the contractual cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI). If a debt instrument is held to collect, 
it may be carried at amortised cost if it also meets the SPPI requirement. Debt instruments that meet the SPPI requirement 
that are held in a portfolio where an entity both holds to collect assets’ cash flows and sells assets may be classified as 
FVOCI. Financial assets that do not contain cash flows that are SPPI must be measured at FVPL (for example, derivatives). 
Embedded derivatives are no longer separated from financial assets but will be included in assessing the SPPI condition.

• 

Investments in equity instruments are always measured at fair value. However, management can make an irrevocable elec-
tion to present changes in fair value in other comprehensive income, provided the instrument is not held for trading. If the 
equity instrument is held for trading, changes in fair value are presented in profit or loss.

•  Most of the requirements in IAS 39 for classification and measurement of financial liabilities were carried forward un-

changed to IFRS 9. The key change is that an entity will be required to present the effects of changes in own credit risk of 
financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss in other comprehensive income. 

• 

IFRS 9 introduces a new model for the recognition of impairment losses – the expected credit losses (ECL) model. There is a 
‘three stage’ approach which is based on the change in credit quality of financial assets since initial recognition. In practice, 
the new rules mean that entities will have to record an immediate loss equal to the 12-month ECL on initial recognition of 
financial assets that are not credit impaired (or lifetime ECL for trade receivables). Where there has been a significant in-
crease in credit risk, impairment is measured using lifetime ECL rather than 12-month ECL. The model includes operational 
simplifications for lease and trade receivables.

•  Hedge accounting requirements were amended to align accounting more closely with risk management. The standard 
provides entities with an accounting policy choice between applying the hedge accounting requirements of IFRS 9 and 
continuing to apply IAS 39 to all hedges because the standard currently does not address accounting for macro hedging.

Based on the available information and current implementation status the Management currently estimates that the impact on 
1 January 2018 of adopting IFRS 9 will result in a decrease in equity attributable to shareholders' of the Company by approxi-
mately RR 9.7 billion.This impact primarily arises from an increase in provision for loan impairment on adoption of IFRS 9 less 
the related deferred tax credit. The Group continues to refine and re-calibrate its models for the latest data as well as review 
the implementation process which may change the actual impact upon adoption. 

The analysis of the contractual cash flow characteristics is expected to result in acquired perpetual bonds previously classified 
as investment securities available for sale (including those which were sold under sale and repurchase agreements) being 
reclassified as FVTPL. There will be no impact on carrying value of these bonds as at 1 January 2018 from this reclassification.

The new standard also introduces expanded disclosure requirements and changes in presentation. These are expected to 
change the nature and extent of the Group’s disclosures about its financial instruments particularly in the year of the adoption 
of the new standard.

Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation – Amendments to IFRS 9 (issued on 12 October 2017 and effective for 
annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019)*. The amendments enable measurement at amortised cost of certain 
loans and debt securities that can be prepaid at an amount below amortised cost, for example at fair value or at an amount 
that includes a reasonable compensation payable to the borrower equal to present value of an effect of increase in market 
interest rate over the remaining life of the instrument. In addition, the text added to the standard's basis for conclusion recon-
firms existing guidance in IFRS 9 that modifications or exchanges of certain financial liabilities measured at amortised cost that 
do not result in the derecognition will result in an gain or loss in profit or loss. Reporting entities will thus in most cases not be 
able to revise effective interest rate for the remaining life of the loan in order to avoid an impact on profit or loss upon a loan 
modification. The Group is currently assessing the impact of the amendments on its financial statements and the impact is not 
yet known.

IFRS 16 "Leases" (issued on 13 January 2016 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019). 
The new standard sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. All leases 
result in the lessee obtaining the right to use an asset at the start of the lease and, if lease payments are made over time, also 
obtaining financing. Accordingly, IFRS 16 eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases 
as is required by IAS 17 and, instead, introduces a single lessee accounting model. Lessees will be required to recognise: (a) 
assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value; and (b) 
depreciation of lease assets separately from interest on lease liabilities in the income statement. IFRS 16 substantially carries 
forward the lessor accounting requirements in IAS 17. 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 is currently assessing the impact of the 
new standard on its financial statements and the impact is not yet known.

IFRS 17 "Insurance Contracts" (issued on 18 May 2017 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 
2021). IFRS 17 replaces IFRS 4, which has given companies dispensation to carry on accounting for insurance contracts 
using existing practices. As a consequence, it was difficult for investors to compare and contrast the financial performance of 
otherwise similar insurance companies. IFRS 17 is a single principle-based standard to account for all types of insurance con-
tracts, including reinsurance contracts that an insurer holds. The standard requires recognition and measurement of groups 
of insurance contracts at: (i) a risk-adjusted present value of the future cash flows (the fulfilment cash flows) that incorporates 
all of the available information about the fulfilment cash flows in a way that is consistent with observable market information; 
plus (if this value is a liability) or minus (if this value is an asset) (ii) an amount representing the unearned profit in the group of 
contracts (the contractual service margin). Insurers will be recognising the profit from a group of insurance contracts over the 
period they provide insurance coverage, and as they are released from risk. If a group of contracts is or becomes loss-mak-
ing, an entity will be recognising the loss immediately. The Group is currently assessing the impact of the new standard on its 
financial statements and the impact is not yet known.

IFRIC 23 “Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments” (issued on 7 June 2017 and effective for annual periods beginning on 
or after 1 January 2019). IAS 12 specifies how to account for current and deferred tax, but not how to reflect the effects of 
uncertainty. The interpretation clarifies how to apply the recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 12 when there is 
uncertainty over income tax treatments. An entity should determine whether to consider each uncertain tax treatment sepa-
rately or together with one or more other uncertain tax treatments based on which approach better predicts the resolution of 
the uncertainty. An entity should assume that a taxation authority will examine amounts it has a right to examine and have full 
knowledge of all related information when making those examinations.

F-39

F-40

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
6  New Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

If an entity concludes it is not probable that the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment, the effect of uncer-
tainty will be reflected in determining the related taxable profit or loss, tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits or tax 
rates, by using either the most likely amount or the expected value, depending on which method the entity expects to better 
predict the resolution of the uncertainty. An entity will reflect the effect of a change in facts and circumstances or of new infor-
mation that affects the judgments or estimates required by the interpretation as a change in accounting estimate.

Examples of changes in facts and circumstances or new information that can result in the reassessment of a judgment or esti-
mate include, but are not limited to, examinations or actions by a taxation authority, changes in rules established by a taxation 
authority or the expiry of a taxation authority's right to examine or re-examine a tax treatment. The absence of agreement or 
disagreement by a taxation authority with a tax treatment, in isolation, is unlikely to constitute a change in facts and circum-
stances or new information that affects the judgments and estimates required by the Interpretation. The Group is currently 
assessing the impact of the new standard on its financial statements and the impact is not yet known.

The following other new pronouncements are not expected to have any material impact on the Group when adopted:

• 

• 

IFRS 14, Regulatory Deferral Accounts first time adopters (issued on 30 January 2014 and effective for annual periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2016)*.

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (issued on 28 May 2014 and effective for the periods beginning on or 
after 1 January 2018).

•  Amendments to IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (issued on 12 April 2016 and effective for annual peri-

ods beginning on or after 1 January 2018).

•  Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture – Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 
28 (issued on 11 September 2014 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after a date to be determined by the 
IASB) *.

•  Amendments to IFRS 2, Share-based Payment (issued on 20 June 2016 and effective for annual periods beginning on or 

after 1 January 2018) *.

•  Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts - Amendments to IFRS 4 (issued on 12 September 

2016 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018).

•  Transfers of Investment Property – Amendments to IAS 40 (issued on 8 December 2016 and effective for annual periods 

beginning on or after 1 January 2018) *.

•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 cycle — Amendments to IFRS 1 an IAS 28 (issued on 8 December 2016 and 

effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018). 

•  Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures – Amendments to IAS 28 (issued on 12 October 2017 and effective 

for annual periods beginnig on or after 1 January 2019)*.

• 

IFRIC 22 - Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration (issued on 8 December 2016 and effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018) *.

•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2015-2017 cycle - amendments to IFRS 3, IFRS 11, IAS 12 and IAS 23 (issued on 12 De-

cember 2017 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019)*.

•  Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement - Amendments to IAS 19 (issued on 7 February 2018 and effective for annual 

periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019)*.

Unless otherwise described above, the new standards and interpretations are not expected to affect significantly the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements.

7  Cash and Cash Equivalents

In millions of RR

Cash on hand

Cash balances with the CBRF (other than mandatory reserve deposits)

Placements with other banks and organizations with original maturities of less 
than three months, including:

- AA- to AA+ rated

- A- to A+ rated

- BBB- rated

- BB- to BB+ rated

- B- to B+ rated

Unrated

31 December 
2017

31 December  
2016

 2,941 

 11,201 

 856 

 377 

 7,051 

 867 

 256 

301 

26

6,178

986

-

8,164

328

2

513

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents

23,850 

16,197

Cash on hand includes cash balances with ATMs and cash balances in transit.

Cash and cash equivalents placed with unrated organizations represent the funds which are deposited with well-established 
Russian organizations with no credit rating set by Fitch international ratings, Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s ratings. There is 
no history of default of these organizations.

Placements with other banks and organizations with original maturities of less than three months include placements under 
reverse sale and repurchase agreements in the amount of RR 6,607 million as at 31  December 2017 (31 December 2016: 
RR 6,187 million).

Cash and cash equivalents are neither impaired nor past due. Refer to Note 37 for the disclosure of the fair value of cash 
and cash equivalents. Interest rate, maturity and geographical risk concentration analysis of cash and cash equivalents are 
disclosed in Note 32.

8  Loans and Advances to Customers

In millions of RR

Loans to individuals:

Credit card loans

Cash loans

Instalment loans

POS loans

Total loans and advances to customers before impairment

Less: Provision for loan impairment

Total loans and advances to customers

31 December 
2017

31 December  
2016

 140,190 

 110,440 

7,000 

5,907 

 4,684 

157,781 

(17,536) 

140,245 

 2,160 

 6,554 

 1,281 

 120,435 

(17,523) 

102,912 

* Denotes standards, interpretations and amendments which have not yet been endorsed by the European Union.

F-41

F-42

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
8  Loans and Advances to Customers (Continued)

Credit cards are issued to customers for cash withdrawals or payment for goods or services, within the range of limits estab-
lished by the Bank. These limits may be increased or decreased from time-to-time based on management decision. Credit card 
loans are not collateralized.

The Bank has a restructuring programme for delinquent borrowers who demonstrate a willingness to settle their debt by 
switching to fixed monthly repayments of outstanding amounts (“instalment loans”).

Cash loans represent a product for the borrowers who have a positive credit history and who do not have overdue loans in 
other banks. Cash loans are loans provided to customers via the Bank’s debit cards. These loans are available for withdrawal 
without commission.

POS (“Point of sale”) loans represent POS lending through the Bank’s programme “POS loans” (KupiVKredit). This programme 
funds online purchases through internet shops for individual borrowers. Presented below is an analysis of issued, activated 
and utilised cards based on their credit card limits as at the end of the reporting year:

In units

Credit card limits 
Up to 20 RR thousand

20-40 RR thousand

40-60 RR thousand

60-80 RR thousand

80-100 RR thousand

100-120 RR thousand

120-140 RR thousand

140-200 RR thousand

More than 200 RR thousand

Total cards

31 December 
2017

31 December  
2016

 631,207 

 458,058 

 394,543 

 361,117 

 293,372 

 252,135 

 377,207 

 155,902 

 61,761 

454,610

351,823

291,083

273,350

210,229

185,614

311,466

97,218

40,042

8  Loans and Advances to Customers (Continued)

The provision for impairment during the year ended 31 December 2017 presented in the table above differs from the amount 
presented in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the year due to RR 1,991 million, 
recovery of amounts previously written off as uncollectible. The amount of the recovery received during the year was credited 
directly to the provisions line in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

Movements in the provision for loan impairment for the year ended 31 December 2016 are as follows:

In millions of RR

Loans to individuals:

Credit card loans

Instalment loans

Cash loans

POS loans

Total provision for loan 
impairment

As at 31  
December 2015

Sales of  
impaired loans

Amounts written-
off during the 
period

Provision for 
impairment 
during the period

As at 
31 December  
2016

14,487

4,093

272

162

(950)

(80)

(3)

(4)

(7,328)

(2,181)

(158)

(134)

7,349 

1,586 

318 

94 

13,558 

3,418 

429 

118 

19,014

(1,037)

(9,801)

9,347 

17,523 

The provision for impairment during the year ended 31 December 2016 presented in the table above differs from the amount 
presented in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the year due to RR 961 million, 
recovery of amounts previously written off as uncollectible. The amount of the recovery received during the year was credited 
directly to the provisions line in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

In 2017 the Group sold impaired loans to third parties (external debt collection agencies) with a gross amount of RR 500 
million (2016: RR 1,057 million), and provision for impairment of RR 489 million (2016: RR 1,037 million). The difference be-
tween the carrying amount of these loans and the consideration received was recognised in profit or loss as gain from the sale 
of impaired loans in the amount of RR 26 million (2016: RR 48 million). 

2,985,302 

2,215,435

Analysis of loans by credit quality is as follows:

Table above only includes credit cards less than 180 days overdue.

Movements in the provision for loan impairment for the year ended 31 December 2017 are as follows:

In millions of RR

Loans to individuals:

Credit card loans

Instalment loans

Cash loans

POS loans

Total provision for 
loan impairment

As at 31 
December 2016

Sales of impaired 
loans

Amounts written-off 
during the period

Provision for 
impairment during 
the period

As at  
31 December  
2017

13,558

3,418

429

118

(418) 

(39) 

(7) 

(25) 

(7,108) 

(1,858) 

(108) 

(55) 

8,340 

14,372 

1,151 

2,672 

23 

117 

337 

155 

17,523

(489) 

(9,129) 

9,631 

17,536 

In millions of RR

Neither past due nor impaired:

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

Credit  
card loans

Instalment  
loans

Cash 
loans

POS 
loans

Credit 
cardloans

Instalment 
loans

Cash 
loans

POS 
loans

- new 

 3,824 

 -    1,595 

 1,234 

3,370

-

1,144

191

Loans collectively assessed for impairment (gross):

- non-overdue

118,193 

 4,016 

 5,051   3,304 

91,519

4,423

794

963

- less than 30 days overdue

- 30 to 90 days overdue

- 90 to 180 days overdue

- 180 to 360 days overdue

over 360 days overdue

- loans in courts

 3,097 

 2,682 

 2,340 

 941 

 1,189 

 7,924 

 360 

 302 

 239 

 543 

 73 

 70 

 66 

 64 

 447 

 81 

 37 

 25 

 24 

 42 

 18 

2,517

2,255

1,901

2,367

469

453

373

395

868

42

 -  

 -  

 -  

6,042

-

27

25

30

84

56

-

23

22

25

52

5

-

Less: Provision for loan impairment

(14,372)

(2,672)

(337)

 (155)

(13,558)

(3,418)

(429)

(118)

Total loans 

125,818 

3,235  6,663  4,529 

96,882 

 3,136 

 1,731 

 1,163 

F-43

F-44

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
8  Loans and Advances to Customers (Continued)

Loans in category “new” represent loans provided to borrowers for which the date of the first payment did not occur before 
the reporting date and thus no impairment provision is considered necessary.

Loans in courts are loans to delinquent borrowers, against which the Group has filed claims to courts in order to recover out-
standing balances.

The Group assesses non-overdue loans for impairment collectively as a homogeneous population with similar credit quality as 
disclosed above. The Group considers overdue loans as impaired. 

9 

Investment Securities Available for Sale (Continued)

The movements in investment securities available for sale for the year ended 31 December 2017 are as follows:

In millions of RR

Carrying amount at 1 January

Purchases

Redemption of investment securities available for sale

Disposal of investment securities available for sale

Refer to Note 37 for the estimated fair value of loans and advances to customers. 

Interest income accrued on investment securities available for sale (Note 21)

Interest rate, maturity and geographical risk concentration analysis of loans and advances to customers are disclosed in 
Note 32. Information on related party balances is disclosed in Note 39.

9 

Investment Securities Available for Sale

In millions of RR

Corporate bonds

Russian government bonds

Perpetual corporate bonds

Municipal bonds

31 December 
2017

31 December  
2016

 48,328 

 13,904 

5,070 

 4,374 

31,333

1,252

-

701

Interest received

Reclassification from investment securities available for sale to Repurchase receivables

Foreign exchange loss on investment securities available for sale in foreign currency

Revaluation through other comprehensive income

Carrying amount at 31 December 

The movements in investment securities available for sale for the year ended 31 December 2016 are as follows:

In millions of RR

Carrying amount at 1 January

Purchases

Total investment securities available for sale

71,676 

33,286

Redemption of investment securities available for sale

Analysis by credit quality of debt securities outstanding at 31 December 2017 is as follows:

Corporate 
bonds

Russian 
government 
bonds

Perpetual 
corporate 
bonds

Municipal 
bonds

Total

In millions of RR

Neither past due nor impaired

BBB- to BBB+ rated 

BB- to BB+ rated

B- to B+ rated

 22,158 

 13,904 

 -  

 1,862 

 37,924 

Revaluation through other comprehensive income

 25,955 

215 

 -  

 -  

 3,959 

 2,512 

 32,426 

 1,111 

 -  

 1,326 

Carrying amount at 31 December 

Disposal of investment securities available for sale

Interest income accrued on investment securities available for sale (Note 21)

Interest received

Reclassification from Repurchase receivables to investment securities available for sale

Foreign exchange loss on investment securities available for sale in foreign currency

2017

33,286

67,814 

(12,882) 

(16,728) 

3,491  

(3,434) 

(798) 

(399) 

1,326 

71,676 

2016

15,936

62,644

(38,335)

(8,492)

2,379

(2,074)

2,344

(1,902)

786

33,286

Total neither past due nor impaired invest-
ment securities available for sale

 48,328 

 13,904 

 5,070 

 4,374 

 71,676 

Analysis by credit quality of debt securities outstanding at 31 December 2016 is as follows:

In millions of RR

Neither past due nor impaired

BBB rated

BB- to BB+ rated

B- to B+ rated

Total neither past due nor impaired 
investment securities available for sale

Corporate 
bonds

Russian  
government bonds

Perpetual 
corporate bonds

Municipal 
bonds

Total

14,210

16,607

516

31,333

1,252

-

-

1,252

-

-

-

-

231

15,693

470

17,077

-

516

701

33,286

Interest rate, maturity and geographical risk concentration analysis of investment securities available for sale are disclosed in 
Note 32.

F-45

F-46

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)

10  Repurchase Receivables

Repurchase receivables represent securities sold under sale and repurchase agreements which the counterparty has the right, 
by contract or custom, to sell or repledge. The sale and repurchase agreements are short-term and mature by 10 January 
2018.

Analysis by credit quality of debt securities classified as repurchase receivables outstanding at 31 December 2017 is as 
follows:

In millions of RR

Neither past due nor impaired

B- rated

Total neither past due nor impaired debt securities classified as repurchase receivables

No debt securities were sold under sale and repurchase agreements as at 31 December 2016.

Available-for-sale securities 
Perpetual corporate bonds

798 

798 

Refer to Note 14 for the related liabilities. Interest rate, maturity and geographical risk concentration analysis of repurchase 
receivables are disclosed in Note 32.

11  Guarantee Deposits with Payment Systems

Guarantee deposits with payment systems represent funds put aside by the Group. As at 31 December 2017 and 2016 a guar-
antee deposit in favour of MasterCard was put in Barclays Bank Plc London (A  rated). As at 31 December 2017 a guarantee 
deposit in favour of Visa was put in United Overseas Bank Ltd. Singapore (AA - rated). As at 31 December 2016 a guarantee 
deposit in favour of Visa was put in Barclays Bank Plc London (A rated).

12  Tangible Fixed and Intangible Assets

In millions of RR

Building

Equipment

Leasehold 
improvements

Vehicles

Total tangible 
fixed assets

Intangible 
assets, 
including 
goodwill

Cost

At 31 December 2015

Additions

Disposals

1,564

2,452

-

898

 397 

 (10)

At 31 December 2016

 4,016 

 1,285 

Additions

Disposals

 473 

 (5)

 1,151 

 (16)

At 31 December 2017

 4,484 

 2,420 

543

 7 

 (92)

 458 

 289 

 - 

 747 

39

 - 

 - 

 39 

 2 

 - 

 41 

3,044

 2,856 

 (102)

2,184

 664 

 - 

 5,798 

 2,848 

 1,915 

 1,720 

 (21)

 (9)

 7,692 

4,559

Depreciation and amortisation 
At 31 December 2015

Charge for the period 
(Note 26)

Disposals

-

(594)

(381)

(17)

(992)

(765)

(10)

-

(157)

10

(79)

92

(6)

-

(252)

102

(263)

-

12  Tangible Fixed and Intangible Assets (Continued)

In millions of RR

Building

Equipment

Leasehold 
improvements

Vehicles

Total tangible 
fixed assets

Intangible 
assets, 
including 
goodwill

At 31 December 2016

(10)

(741)

(368)

(23)

(1,142)

(1,028)

Charge for the period  
(Note 26)

Disposals

 (38)

 - 

 (311)

 10 

 (66)

 - 

 (5)

 - 

 (420)

 (476)

 10 

 1 

At 31 December 2017

 (48)

 (1,042)

 (434)

 (28)

 (1,552)

 (1,503)

Net book value 
At 31 December 2016

 4,006 

 544 

At 31 December 2017

 4,436 

 1,378 

 90 

 313 

 16 

 13 

 4,656 

 6,140 

 1,820 

 3,056 

Intangible assets in the amount of RR 395 million acquired during the year ended 31 December 2017 represent intangible 
assets related to the acquisition of LLC “CloudPayments”, including technological platform for online payments processing, 
online merchant portfolio, online cashbox platform and goodwill arising on acquisition. Refer to note 40.

Intangible assets in the amount of RR 333 million related to the software developments made by Tinkoff Software DC during 
the year ended 31 December 2017.

Other intangible acquired during the year ended 31 December 2017 and 2016 mainly represent accounting software, retail 
banking software, insurance software, licenses and development of software. Intangible assets also include the license for 
insurance operations.

During 2017 the Group acquired more office building space for its own use for RR 473 million (2016: RR 1,932  million), VAT included.

13  Other Financial and Non-financial Assets

In millions of RR

Other Financial Assets

Settlement of operations with plastic cards

Trade and other receivables

Other 

Total Other Financial Assets

Other Non-Financial Assets

Prepaid expenses

Other

Total Other Non-Financial Assets

31 December 
2017

31 December  
2016

10,280 

 235 

 454 

10,969

3,089 

168  

3,257

6,679 

 350 

314

7,343

1,112 

136 

1,248

Settlement of operations with plastic cards represents balances due from payment agents in respect of payments made by 
borrowers to reimburse credit card loans and to be settled within 3 days. This amount includes prepayment to the payment 
systems for operations during Holiday period.

F-47

F-48

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
13  Other Financial and Non-financial Assets (Continued)

Prepaid expenses consist of prepayments for TV advertising, IT support, office rent and card issuing. Other financial assets are 
not impaired and not past due. Refer to Note 37 for the disclosure of the fair value of other financial assets. The maturity and 
geographical risk concentration analysis of amounts of other financial assets are disclosed in Note 32.

14  Due to Banks

In millions of RR

Sale and repurchase agreements with other banks

Note

10

Due to other banks

Total due to banks

31 December 
2017

31 December  
2016

591  

4

595  

-

489 

489

Refer to Note 37 for the disclosure of the fair value of amounts due to banks.

15  Customer Accounts

In millions of RR

Individuals

- Current/demand accounts 

- Term deposits 

SME

- Current/demand accounts 

Other legal entities

- Current/demand accounts

- Term deposits 

Total Customer Accounts

Note

31 December 
2017

31 December  
2016

 76,318 

 77,377 

46,729

72,018

31

 23,705 

 4,890

 533 

 1,112 

 551 

368

179,045 

124,556

Refer to Note 37 for the disclosure of the fair value of customer accounts. Interest rate, maturity and geographical risk con-
centration analysis of customer accounts amounts are disclosed in Note 32. Information on related party balances is disclosed 
in Note 39.

16  Debt Securities in Issue

In millions of RR

RR denominated bonds issued in April 2017

RR denominated bonds issued in June 2016

Date of maturity

22 April 2022

24 June 2021

Euro-Commercial Paper issued in December 2017

19 December 2018

Total Debt Securities in Issue

31 December 
2017

31 December  
2016

 5,061 

 2,989 

 2,769 

10,819 

-

2,986

-

2,986

On 28 April 2017 the Bank issued RR denominated bonds with a nominal value of RR 5,000 million at 9.65% coupon rate 
maturing on 22 April 2022.

On 30 June 2016 the Group issued RR denominated bonds with a nominal value of RR 3,000 million at 11.7% coupon rate 
maturing on 24 June 2021.

On 20 December 2017 the Group issued USD denominated Euro-Commercial Paper (ECP) with a nominal value of USD 50 mil-
lion with a discount of 4% maturing on 19 December 2018. 

All RR denominated bonds issued by the Bank are traded on OJSC Moscow Exchange. Refer to Note 37 for the disclosure of 
the fair value of debt securities in issue. Interest rate analysis of debt securities in issue are disclosed in Note 32.

17  Subordinated Debt

As at 31 December 2017 the carrying value of the subordinated debt was RR 22,001 million (31 December 2016: RR 11,514 
million). 

On 15 June 2017 the Group issued perpetual subordinated loan participation notes with a nominal value of USD 300 million 
with zero premium. The notes have no stated maturity. The Group has a right to repay the notes at its discretion starting from 
15 September 2022 and they are repayable in case of certain events other than liquidation. The notes bear a fixed interest rate 
of 9.25% p.a. payable quarterly starting from 15 September 2017. Interest payments may be cancelled by the Group at any 
time.

On 6 December 2012 and 18 February 2013 the Group issued USD denominated subordinated bonds with a nominal value of 
USD 125 million with zero premium and USD 75 million at a premium of 7.0% respectively, at 14.0% coupon rate (applicable 
to both tranches) maturing on 6 June 2018.

During the year ended 31 December 2017 the Bank repurchased USD 105 million outstanding principal amount at an average 
purchase price 110.32% of the bonds nominal value. As at 31 December 2017 USD 84 million outstanding principal amount 
remains in issue.

The net losses from repurchase of subordinated bonds in 2017 in the amount of RR 619 million are recognised in the consoli-
dated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. 

The claims of lenders against the Group in respect of the principal and interest on these bonds are subordinated to the claims 
of other creditors in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation.

The perpetual subordinated loan participation notes and subordinated bonds are traded on the Global Exchange Market and 
Main Securities Market of the Irish Stock Exchange, respectively. Interest rate, maturity and geographical risk concentration 
analysis of subordinated debt are disclosed in Note 32. Refer to Note 37 for the disclosure of the fair value of financial instru-
ments.

F-49

F-50

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
 
31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)

18  Insurance Provisions 

19  Other Financial and Non-financial Liabilities 

In millions of RR

Insurance Provisions

Provision for unearned premiums 

Loss provisions

Total Insurance Provisions

31 December 
2017

31 December  
2016

 1,117 

 723 

1,840

300

467

767

Movements in provision for unearned premiums for the year ended 31 December 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

In millions of RR

Provision for unearned premi-
ums as at 1 January

Change in provision, gross

Change in reinsurers’ share of 
provision

Provision for unearned premi-
ums as at 31 December

2017

2016

Gross 
provision

Reinsurer’s 
share of 
provision

Provision 
net of 
reinsurance

Gross 
provision

Reinsurer’s 
share of 
provision

Provision 
net of 
reinsurance

 300 

 817 

 -  

 1,117 

 -  

 -  

(1)

(1)

 300 

 817 

169

131

(1) 

-

 1,116 

300

-

-

-

-

169

131

-

300

Movements in loss provisions for the year ended 31 December 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

In millions of RR

Loss provisions as at 1 January 2016

Change in provision

Netting with deferred acquisition costs

Loss provisions as at 31 December 2016

Change in provision

Netting with deferred acquisition costs

Loss provisions as at 31 December 2017

OCP and 
IBNR

285

83

-

368

150

 -  

518

URP

28

72

(60)

40

115

(72)

83

Provision for claims 
handling expenses

Total loss 
provisions

34

25

-

59

63

-

122

347

180

(60)

467

328

(72)

723

In millions of RR

Other Financial Liabilities

Settlement of operations with plastic cards

Trade payables

Other

Total Other Financial Liabilities

Other Non-financial Liabilities

Accrued administrative expenses

Taxes payable other than income tax

Other

Total Other Non-financial Liabilities

31 December 
2017

31 December  
2016

 5,271 

 2,538 

 234 

 8,043 

1,283 

 1,008 

 505 

 2,796 

 2,031 

 1,052 

 29 

3,112 

682 

 646 

 292 

1,620 

Settlements of operations with plastic cards include funds that were spent by customers of the Bank by usage of plastic cards 
but have not yet been compensated to payment systems by the Bank. 

Accrued administrative expenses are mainly represented by accrued staff costs.

Interest rate, maturity and geographical risk concentration analysis of other financial liabilities are disclosed in Note 32. Refer 
to Note 37 for disclosure of fair value of other financial liabilities.

20  Share Capital

In millions of RR except for the 
number of shares

Number of 
authorised 
shares

Number of 
outstanding 
shares

Ordinary 
shares

Share 
premium

Treasury 
shares

Total

At 1 January 2016

190,479,500 182,638,825

188

8,623

(328)

8,483

GDRs buy-back

GDRs and shares transferred 
under MLTIP 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,246)

(1,246)

101

101

At 31 December 2016

190,479,500 182,638,825

188

8,623

(1,473)

GDRs buy-back

GDRs and shares transferred 
under MLTIP 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 (397)

7,338

 (397)

 283 

 283 

F-51

F-52

At 31 December 2017

190,479,500 182,638,825  188 

 8,623 

 (1,587)

 7,224 

As at 31 December 2017 treasury shares represent GDRs of the Group repurchased from the market for the purposes of ML-
TIP (2016: for the purposes of MLTIP and ESOP). During the year ended 31 December 2017 the Group repurchased 602,148 
GDRs at market price for RR 397 million (2016: 5,659,853 GDRs at amount of RR 1,246 million at market prices). Refer to 
Note 39.

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to owners of the Company by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding treasury shares. For the purpose of calculating diluted 
earnings per share the Group considered the effect of shares repurchased under MLTIP. Refer to Note 39.

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
20  Share Capital (Continued)

Earnings per share are calculated as follows: 

In millions of RR 

Profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company

2017

19,019

2016

11,011

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue used for basic earnings per 
ordinary share calculation (thousands) 

176,303 

 174,508

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue used for diluted earnings 
per ordinary share calculation (thousands) 

Basic earnings per ordinary share (expressed in RR per share)

Diluted earnings per ordinary share (expressed in RR per share)

182,140 

 107.88 

 104.42 

 178,937 

 63.10 

 61.54 

2017

2016

52,885

 1,083 

 793 

 711 

3,491

510

68

 42,677 

 559 

 514 

 896 

 2,379 

 577 

42

59,541  

47,644 

Information on dividends is disclosed in Note 29.

21  Net margin
In millions of RR

Interest income

Loans and advances to customers, including:

Credit card loans

Cash loans

POS loans

Instalment loans

Investment securities available for sale and repurchase receivables

Placements with other banks

Other interest income

Total Interest Income

Interest expense

Customer accounts, including:

Individuals

SME

Other legal entities

Subordinated debt

RR denominated bonds

Due to banks

Euro-Commercial Paper

Total Interest Expense

Expenses on deposit insurance

Net margin

22  Fee and Commission Income and Expense
In millions of RR

2017

2016

Fee and commission income

Credit protection fee

SME current accounts commission

Merchant acquiring commission

Interchange fee

SMS fee 

Foreign currency exchange transactions fee

Cash withdrawal fee 

Card to card commission

Placement fee 

Brokerage operations

Court fees reimbursement 

Other fees receivable

  4,211 

  3,003 

  2,416 

  1,683 

  1,341 

   992 

   606 

   555 

   167 

   87 

-

470  

3,603

150

1,256

898

898

483

225

269

112

-

232

275

Total fee and commission income

15,531 

8,401

Credit protection fee income represents fee for providing credit insurance to borrowers of the Group. SME current accounts 
commission represents commission for services to individual entrepreneurs and small to medium businesses. SMS fee income 
includes fee for sms notification to borrowers of the Group which amounted to RR 1,027 million (2016: RR 730 million).

In millions of RR

Fee and commission expense

Payment systems

Service fees 

Banking and other fees

Total fee and commission expense

2017

2016

 4,766 

726

126

5,618 

 2,537 

450 

55 

3,042 

 9,618 

 10,784 

Payment systems fees represent fees for MasterCard and Visa services. Service fees represent fees for statement printing, 
mailing services and sms services.

 421 

 65 

2,022

682

13

3

12,824 

641

46,076 

 48 

 64 

1,952

180

487

123

13,638 

450

33,556 

23  Customer Acquisition Expense
In millions of RR

Marketing and advertising

Staff costs

Credit bureaux

Telecommunication expenses

Other acquisition

Total customer acquisition expenses

2017

 5,096

3,968 

 358 

 244 

53 

9,719

2016

 3,607 

 2,631 

 269 

 144 

10

6,661

F-53

F-54

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
23  Customer Acquisition Expense (Continued)

Customer acquisition expenses represent expenses paid by the Group on services related to origination of customers. The 
Group uses a variety of different channels for the acquisition of new customers. Staff costs represent salary expenses and 
related costs of employees directly involved in customer acquisition. Included in staff costs are statutory social contributions 
to the off-budget funds in the amount of RR 949 million (2016: RR 565 million).

24  Net Gains from Operations with Foreign Currencies
In millions of RR

2017

Net gains less losses from derivative revaluation

Foreign exchange translation losses less gains

Net (losses)/gains from trading in foreign currencies

Net (losses)/gains from operations with foreign currencies

25  Insurance Claims Incurred

In millions of RR

Claims paid

Change in loss provision

Claims handling expenses

Total insurance claims incurred

Staff and administrative expenses for insurance operations are included in Note 26.

(652) 

501

(105) 

(256) 

2017

 516 

 256 

 43 

815  

26  Administrative and Other Operating Expenses
In millions of RR

Note

2017

Staff costs

Taxes other than income tax

Amortization of intangible assets

Operating lease expense for premises and equipment

Information services

Depreciation of fixed assets

Communication services

Professional services

Stationery

Security expenses

Collection expenses

Other administrative expenses

12

12

 11,430 

 1,779 

 476 

 441 

441

 420 

 324 

 212 

 187 

 134 

 63 

299  

2016

(2,347)  

2,145 

441 

239

2016

347

120

23

490

2016

 7,511 

 1,221 

 263 

 541 

 411 

 252 

 320 

 154 

 139 

 129 

40 

 340 

26  Administrative and Other Operating Expenses (Continued)

The total fees charged by the Company’s statutory auditor for the statutory audit of the annual consolidated and separate 
financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2017 amounted to RR 2.1 million (2016: RR 2.2 mln). 
The total fees charged by the Company’s statutory auditor for the year ended 31 December 2017 for other assurance services 
amounted to RR 3.8 million (2016: RR 4.0 million), for tax advisory services amounted to RR 1.1 million (2016: RR 4.3 million) 
and for other non-assurance services amounted to RR 1.7 million (2016: nil). 

Included in staff costs are statutory social contributions to the off-budget funds and share-based remuneration:

In millions of RR

Statutory social contribution to the off-budget funds

Share-based remuneration

2017

1,721

1,037

The average number of employees employed by the Group during the reporting year was 15,391 (2016: 10,217).

27  Other Operating Income
In millions of RR

Income from marketing services

Subrogation fee

Income from online acquiring services

Other 

Total other operating income

28  Income Taxes

Income tax expense comprises the following: 

In millions of RR

Current tax 

Deferred tax

Income tax expense for the year

2017

956

41

32

191

1,220

2017

5,479 

483 

5,962 

2016

1,076

855

2016

503

47

-

108

 658 

2016

4,666 

(1,113) 

3,553 

The income tax rate applicable to the majority of the Group’s income is 20% (2016: 20%). The operations of the Group are 
subject to multiple tax jurisdictions. The income tax rate applicable to the Russian subsidiaries of the Company is 20%. The 
income tax rate applicable to the Company registered in Cyprus is 12.5% (2016: 12.5%).

Total administrative and other operating expenses

16,206 

 11,321 

F-55

F-56

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
 
31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
28  Income Taxes (Continued)

A reconciliation between the expected and the actual taxation charge is provided below.

In millions of RR

Profit before tax

Theoretical tax expense at statutory rate of 20% (2016: 20%)

Tax effect of items, which are not deductible or assessable for taxation purposes:

- Non-deductible expenses

- Other including dividend tax

Utilisation of previously unrecognised tax loss carry forwards

Effects of different tax rates in other countries:

- Differences between 20% and income tax rate adopted in jurisdiction of the 
Company

Income tax expenses for the year

2017

24,985 

4,997 

370 

549 

-

46 

5,962 

2016

14,564 

2,913 

350

299

(49)

40

3,553

Differences between IFRS and taxation regulations in Russia and other countries give rise to temporary differences between 
the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their tax bases. As all of the Group’s tem-
porary differences arise in Russia, the tax effect of the movements in these temporary differences is detailed below and is 
recorded at the rate of 20% (2016: 20%).

In the context of the Group’s current structure and Russian tax legislation, tax losses and current tax assets of different group 
companies may not be offset against current tax liabilities and taxable profits of other group companies and, accordingly, taxes 
may accrue even where there is a consolidated tax loss. Therefore, deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only when they 
relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority. 

28  Income Taxes (Continued)

In millions of RR

Tax effect of deductible and taxable temporary 
differences 

Loans and advances to customers

Tangible fixed assets

Intangible assets

Revaluation of investment securities available for 
sale and repurchase receivables

Securities at fair value through profit or loss

Accrued expenses and other temporary differences

Customer accounts

Debt securities in issue

Financial derivatives

Insurance provisions

Net deferred tax liabilities

In millions of RR

Tax effect of deductible and taxable temporary 
differences 

Loans and advances to customers

Tangible fixed assets

Intangible assets

Revaluation of investment securities available for 
sale and repurchase receivables

Securities at fair value through profit or loss 

Accrued expenses and other temporary differences

Customer accounts

Debt securities in issue

Financial derivatives

Insurance provisions

Tax loss carried forward

Net deferred tax liabilities

31 December  
2016

(Charged)/credited to 
profit or loss

Charged  
to OCI

31 December  
2017

318 

(246)

(353)

(140) 

(1) 

226 

(39) 

(11)

(544)

5

(785) 

(95) 

(98) 

41 

24 

1 

(425) 

9 

(44) 

109 

(5) 

- 

- 

- 

223 

(344) 

(312) 

(211) 

(327) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(199) 

(30) 

(55) 

(435) 

- 

(483) 

(211) 

(1,479) 

31 December 
2015

(Charged)/credited to 
profit or loss

Charged 
to OCI

31 December 
2016

73 

(57)

(219)

(34) 

- 

229 

(85) 

12

(2,268)

(16)

581

(1,784) 

245 

(189)

(134)

8 

(1) 

(3) 

46 

(23)

1,724

21

(581)

1,113 

- 

-

-

318 

(246)

(353)

(114) 

(140) 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

(1) 

226 

(39) 

(11)

(544)

5

-

(114) 

(785) 

F-57

F-58

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)

29  Dividends
In millions of RR

Dividends payable at 1 January

Dividends declared during the year

Dividends paid during the year

Dividends paid under MLTIP after vesting date (31 March 2017)

Foreign exchange gain on dividends payable

Dividends payable at 31 December 

Dividends per share declared during the year (in USD)

Dividends per share paid during the year (in USD)

2017

167

 8,279 

 (7,970)

 (29)

 (70)

377

 0.77 

 0.77 

2016

-

4,506

(4,227)

-

(112)

167

0.38

0.38

On 19 November 2017 the Board of Directors of the Group declared a dividend of RR 13.12 (USD 0.22) per share/per GDR 
amounting to RR 2,396 million (USD 40.2 million). At the same date a special interim dividend of of RR 10.73 (USD 0.18) per 
share/per GDR amounting to RR 1,960 million (USD 32.9) million was declared.

On 28 August 2017 the Board of Directors of the Group declared a dividend of RR 11.83 (USD 0.20) per share/per GDR 
amounting to RR 2,161 million (USD 36.5 million) paid during the three months ended 30 September 2017. 

On 29 May 2017 the Board of Directors of the Group declared a dividend of RR 9.65 (USD 0.17) per share/per GDR amounting 
to RR 1,762 million (USD 31.05 million) paid during the three months ended 30 June 2017. 

On 16 May 2016 the Board of Directors declared a dividend of RR 11.04 (USD 0.17) per share/per GDR amounting to RR 2,016 
million (USD 31 million) due for payment on 6 June 2016. 

On 29 November 2016 the Board of Directors declared a dividend of RR 13.63 (USD 0.21) per share/per GDR amounting to 
RR 2,490 million (USD 38.5 million) due for payment on 19 December 2016.

Dividends were declared and paid in USD throughout the years ended 2016 and 2017. 

30  Net Debt Reconciliation

The table below sets out an analysis of the Group’s debt and the movements in the Group’s debt for each of the periods pre-
sented. The debt items are those that are reported as financing in the statement of cash flows.

In millions of RR

Net debt at 1 January 2016

Cash flows 

Foreign exchange adjustments 

Other non-cash movements 

Net debt at 31 December 2016 

Cash flows

Foreign exchange adjustments 

Other non-cash movements 

Liabilities from financing activities

Other borrowed 
funds 

Perpetual 
subordinated 
bonds 

Other  
subordinated  
debt 

1,905 

1,115 

- 

(34) 

2,986 

7,819 

- 

14 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

16,853 

262 

- 

14,609 

(742) 

(2,353) 

- 

11,514 

(6,623) 

(106) 

101 

4,886

Total

16,514 

373 

(2,353) 

(34) 

14,500 

18,049 

156 

115 

32,820

Net debt at 31 December 2017

10,819

17,115

31  Segment Analysis

Operating segments are components that engage in business activities that may earn revenues or incur expenses, whose op-
erating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (CODM) and for which discrete financial informa-
tion is available. The CODM is the person or group of persons who allocates resources and assesses the performance for the 
Group. The functions of CODM are performed by the Management of the Bank and the Management of the Insurance Company. 

Description of products and services from which each reportable segment derives its revenue

Dividends payable at 31 December 2017 in the amount of RR 377 million are related to treasury shares acquired under MLTIP 
and included in other non-financial liabilities (2016: RR 167 million).

The Group is organised on the basis of 3 main business segments: 

•  Retail banking – representing customer current accounts, savings, deposits, investment savings products, custody, credit 

and debit cards, consumer loans and brokerage services to individuals.

•  SME accounts services – representing customer current accounts, savings, deposits services to individual entrepreneurs 

and small to medium businesses.

• 

Insurance operations – representing insurance services provided to individuals. 

Factors that management used to identify the reportable segments

The Group’s segments are strategic business units that focus on different services to the customers of the Group. They are 
managed separately because each business unit requires different marketing strategies and represents different types of 
businesses.

Measurement of operating segment profit or loss, assets and liabilities

The CODM reviews financial information prepared based on International financial reporting standards adjusted to meet the 
requirements of internal reporting. The CODM evaluates performance of each segment based on profit before tax.

F-59

F-60

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
31  Segment Analysis (Continued)

31  Segment Analysis (Continued)

Information about reportable segment profit or loss, assets and liabilities

Segment reporting of the Group’s income and expenses for the year ended 31 December 2017 is set out below:

Segment reporting of the Group’s assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2017 is set out below:

In millions of RR

Retail  
banking

SME accounts 
services

Insurance 
operations

Eliminations

Total

Cash and cash equivalents

16,741 

6,067 

1,850 

(808) 

23,850 

Mandatory cash balances with the CBRF

Due from other banks

Loans and advances to customers

Financial derivatives

Investment securities available for sale

Repurchase receivables

Current income tax assets

1,675 

256 

140,245 

2,424 

53,974 

798 

301 

Guarantee deposits with payment systems

3,660 

Tangible fixed assets

Intangible assets

Other financial assets

Other non-financial assets

6,138 

2,391 

10,514 

3,084 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

521 

- 

- 

17,500 

202 

- 

- 

- 

- 

370 

13 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

295 

604 

208 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(162) 

(35) 

1,675 

777 

140,245 

2,424 

71,676 

798 

301 

3,660 

6,140 

3,056 

10,969 

3,257 

Total reportable segment assets

242,201 

23,950 

3,682 

(1,005) 

268,828 

Due to banks

Customer accounts

Debt securities in issue 

Financial derivatives

Current income tax liabilities

Deferred income tax liabilities

Subordinated debt

Insurance provisions

Other financial liabilities

Other non-financial liabilities

595 

- 

156,148 

23,705 

10,819 

240 

25 

1,429 

22,001 

- 

8,103 

2,808 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

50 

- 

1,840 

102 

23 

- 

595 

(808) 

179,045 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(162) 

(35) 

10,819 

240 

25 

1,479 

22,001 

1,840 

8,043 

2,796 

Total reportable segment liabilities

202,168 

23,705 

2,015 

(1,005) 

226,883 

In millions of RR

2017

External revenues

Interest income

Fee and commission income

Net gains from investment securities 
available for sale

Gain from sale of impaired loans

Insurance premiums earned

Other operating income

Total revenues 

Interest expense

Expenses on deposit insurance

Provision for loan impairment

Fee and commission expense

Customer acquisition expense

Net losses from operations with foreign 
currencies

Net losses from repurchase of subordinat-
ed loan

Insurance claims incurred

Administrative and other operating 
expenses 

Segment result

Retail 
banking

SME accounts 
services

Insurance 
operations

Eliminations

Total

58,518

12,601

945 

3,227 

270

26

- 

1,140

72,555

(12,441) 

(612) 

(7,640) 

(5,192) 

(7,770) 

(251) 

(619) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

9 

4,181

(421) 

(29) 

- 

(426) 

(1,588) 

- 

- 

- 

(14,718) 

23,312 

(879) 

838 

116 

(38) 

 59,541 

- 

- 

- 

2,742 

75 

2,933

- 

- 

- 

- 

(297) 

 15,531 

- 

- 

(7) 

(4) 

 270 

 26 

 2,735 

 1,220 

(346) 

79,323

38 

(12,824) 

- 

- 

- 

(641) 

(7,640) 

(5,618) 

(665) 

304 

(9,719) 

(5) 

- 

(815) 

(613) 

835 

- 

- 

- 

(256) 

(619) 

(815) 

4 

(16,206) 

- 

24,985 

F-61

F-62

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
31  Segment Analysis (Continued)

31  Segment Analysis (Continued)

Segment reporting of the Group’s assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2016 is set out below:

Segment reporting of the Group’s income and expenses for the year ended 31 December 2016 is set out below:

In millions of RR

Cash and cash equivalents

Mandatory cash balances with the CBRF

Due from other banks

Loans and advances to customers

Financial derivatives

Investment securities available for sale

Current income tax assets

Guarantee deposits with payment systems

Tangible fixed assets

Intangible assets

Other financial assets

Other non-financial assets

Retail  
banking

SME accounts 
services

Insurance 
operations

14,932 

1,218

-

102,912

2,718

30,068 

681

2,924

4,653

1,402 

7,163

1,094

971 

-

-

-

-

3,218 

-

-

-

108 

-

-

777 

-

347

-

-

- 

21

-

3

310 

180

229

Eliminations

Total

(483) 

16,197 

-

-

-

-

1,218

347

102,912

2,718

- 

33,286 

-

-

-

- 

-

702

2,924

4,656

1,820 

7,343

(75)

1,248

Total reportable segment assets 

169,765 

4,297 

1,867 

(558) 

175,371 

In millions of RR

Due to banks

Customer accounts

Debt securities in issue 

Current income tax liabilities

Deferred income tax liabilities

Subordinated debt

Insurance provisions

Other financial liabilities

Other non-financial liabilities

Retail 
banking

SME accounts 
services

Insurance 
operations

489

-

120,149 

4,890 

2,986

24

765

11,514

-

3,047

1,671

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Eliminations

-

Total

489

(483) 

124,556 

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,986

24

785

11,514

767

3,112

(75)

1,620

(558)  145,853 

-

- 

-

-

20

-

767

65

24

876 

Total reportable segment liabilities 

140,645 

4,890 

In millions of RR

2016

External revenues

Interest income

Fee and commission income

Net gains from operations with foreign 
currencies

Net gains from investment securities avail-
able for sale

Gain from sale of impaired loans

Insurance premiums earned

Other operating income

Total revenues 

Interest expense

Expenses on deposit insurance

Provision for loan impairment

Fee and commission expense

Customer acquisition expense

Insurance claims incurred

Administrative and other operating  
expenses 

Segment result

Retail 
banking

SME accounts 
services

Insurance 
operations

Eliminations

Total

47,439

8,494

110 

160 

239

214

48  

- 

658

57,092 

(13,590) 

(447) 

(8,386) 

(3,017) 

(5,904) 

- 

(10,471) 

15,277 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

270 

(48) 

(3) 

- 

(25) 

(487) 

- 

(300) 

(593) 

95

- 

47,644 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,348

-

(253) 

8,401 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

 239 

 214 

 48 

 1,348 

 658 

1,443 

(253) 

58,552 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(523) 

(490) 

(550) 

(120) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(13,638) 

(450) 

(8,386) 

(3,042) 

253 

(6,661) 

- 

- 

- 

(490) 

(11,321) 

14,564 

Depreciation charges for the year ended 2017 included in administrative and other operating expenses in the amount of 
RR 415 million and RR 2 million (2016: RR 247 million and RR 1 million) relate to the Bank and to the Insurance Company, 
correspondingly. Amortisation for 2017 included in the administrative and other operating expenses in the amount of RR 403 
million and RR 62 million (2016: RR 219 million and RR 44 million) relate to the Bank and to the Insurance Company, corre-
spondingly.

Reconciliation of reportable segment revenues, profit or loss, assets and liabilities

In millions of RR 

Total revenues for reportable segments

Intercompany transactions

Total consolidated revenues

2017

79,669 

(346) 

2016

58,805 

(253) 

 79,323 

 58,552 

F-63

F-64

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
31  Segment Analysis (Continued)

Total consolidated revenues comprise interest income, fee and commission income, net gains from operations with foreign 
currencies, net gains from investment securities available for sale, gain from sale of impaired loans, income from insurance 
operations and other operating income.

32  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

The Bank created a credit committee, which establishes general principles for lending to individual borrowers. According to 
these principles, the minimum requirements for potential customers are listed below:

2017

24,985 

 24,985 

2016

14,564 

14,564 

•  Citizenship of the Russian Federation; 

•  Age 18 to 70 inclusive; 

•  Availability of a cell-phone; 

•  Permanent employment; 

•  Permanent income;

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

•  Permanent or temporary place of residence.

269,833 

(1,005) 

 268,828 

175,929

(558) 

175,371

For cash loans, minimum requirements are listed below:

•  There should be no overdue loans balance in other banks according to credit bureau information; 

•  Cash loan volumes range within RR 50 thousand and RR 1,000 thousand.

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

For POS loans minimum requirements are listed below:

In millions of RR 

Total reportable segment result

Profit before tax

In millions of RR 

Total reportable segment assets

Intercompany balances

Total consolidated assets

In millions of RR 

Total reportable segment liabilities

Intercompany balances

Total consolidated liabilities

227,888 

(1,005) 

 226,883 

146,411

(558) 

145,853

32  Financial Risk Management

The risk management function within the Group is carried out in respect of financial risks, operational risks and legal risks by 
the management of the Bank and Insurance Company. Financial risk comprises market risk (including currency risk, interest 
rate risk and other price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The primary objectives of the financial risk management function 
are to establish risk limits, and then ensure that the exposure to risks stays within these limits. The operational and legal risk 
management functions are intended to ensure the proper functioning of internal policies and procedures to minimise opera-
tional and legal risks. 

Credit risk. The Group takes on exposure to credit risk, which is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a 
financial loss for the other party by failing to discharge an obligation. Exposure to credit risk arises as a result of the Group’s 
lending and other transactions with counterparties giving rise to financial assets. The Group uses a migration matrix approach 
for calculation of the loan loss provisions. The Group grants retail loans to customers across all regions of Russia, therefore 
its credit risk is broadly diversified. The recent economic crisis resulted in growth of credit risk. The management of the Group 
takes special measures to mitigate growing credit risk such as decreasing of credit limits for unreliable clients, diversifying of 
modes of work with overdue borrowers, toughening of scoring for the new borrowers etc.

The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk is reflected in the carrying amounts of financial assets on the consolidated state-
ment of financial position and within contingencies and commitments (Note 34). The impact of possible netting of assets and 
liabilities to reduce potential credit exposure is not significant.

•  The requested loan amount should exceed RR 3 thousand; 

•  The requested loan term is from 3 to 24 months; 

•  The amount of one POS loan does not exceed RR 100 thousand. 

A credit decision process includes:

•  the first step includes validation of the application data. The system checks the validity of the data provided (addresses, 

telephone numbers, age, if the applicant already uses any other products of the Bank). 

•  the second step includes phone verification of the application information about the potential customer, his/her employ-

ment, social and property status, etc. This step may be omitted for POS loans.

•  the third step includes requesting of the previous credit history of the applicant from the three largest credit bureau in 

Russia – Equifax, UCB (United Credit Bureau) and NBCH (National Bureau of Credit Histories).

•  based on all available information, the credit score of the applicant is calculated and a final decision is made about the 

approval of the credit product. 

•  finally, the approved loan amount, loan term and tariff plan are calculated depending on the score and declared income. 

When loans become unrecoverable or not economically viable to pursue further collection efforts, the Collection Department 
may decide to sell these loans to a debt collection agency. The Collection Department considers the following criteria for im-
paired loans qualifying for sale to external debt collection agencies:

a)  loans remain unpaid after all collection procedures were performed (no payment during last 4-6 months); 

b)  the debtor cannot be either reached or found for the previous 4 months; 

c)  the debtor has no assets and there is no expectation he/she will have any in the future;

d)  the debtor has died and there is no known estate or guarantor;

e)  it is determined that it is not cost effective to continue collection efforts.

F-65

F-66

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
 
 
31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
32  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

Management of the Group manages the credit risk on unused limits on credit cards in the following way:

a)  if the credit card loan is overdue for more than 7 days, its account will be blocked till repayment;

b)  if the borrower had lost his/her source of income, then borrower account might be blocked till verification of his/her new 

employment;

c)  if borrower’s loan debt burden in other banks is substantially bigger than at the time of loan origination or the credit quality 

of the borrower decreases significantly then the borrower’s limit for credit might be reduced accordingly.

When a customer experiences serious difficulties with his/her current debt servicing, he/she may be offered loan restructuring. 
In this case the Bank stops accrual of interest, commissions and fines and the debt amount is restructured according to a fixed 
instalment payment plan with not more than 36 equal monthly payments. 

Another way of working with overdue loans is initiation of the state court process. This collection option statistically gives 
greater recovery than the sale of impaired loans. Defaulted clients that could be subject to the court process are chosen by the 
Bank’s Collection Department considering the following criteria: 

a)  the client’s account balance was fixed, accrual of interest stopped;

b)  information about the client is considered to be up to date;

c)  the client denied restructuring program; 

d)  term of limitation of court actions has not expired; 

e)  court process is economically justified;

f)  other minor criteria.

Market risk. The Group takes on exposure to market risks. Market risks of the Group arise from open positions in (a) currency 
and (b) interest rate, both of which are exposed to general and specific market movements. Management sets limits on the val-
ue of risk that may be accepted, which is monitored on a daily basis. However, the use of this approach does not prevent losses 
outside of these limits in the event of more significant market movements. 

Currency risk. In respect of currency risk, the management sets limits on the level of exposure by currency and in total for 
both overnight and intra-day positions, which are monitored daily. 

The table below summarizes the Group’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk at the end of the reporting period:

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

Non-
derivative 
monetary 
financial 
assets

Non-
derivative 
monetary 
financial 
liabilities Derivatives

Non-
derivative 
monetary 
financial 
assets

Non-
derivative 
monetary 
financial 
liabilities Derivatives

Net  
position

Net  
position

220,246 

(174,842) 

(10,200) 

35,204 

140,219 

(113,892) 

(2,766) 

23,561 

26,082 

(40,046) 

13,565 

(399) 

18,182 

(23,081) 

5,966 

1,067 

6,837 

(5,851) 

(1,186) 

(200) 

5,588 

(5,264) 

(484) 

485 

(487) 

5 

3 

238 

(887) 

2 

(160) 

(647) 

253,650 

(221,226) 

2,184 

34,608 

164,227 

(143,124) 

2,718 

23,821 

In millions 
of RR

RR

USD

Euro

GBP

Total

32  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

Amounts disclosed in respect of derivatives represent the fair value, at the end of the reporting period, of the respective cur-
rency that the Group agreed to buy (positive amount) or sell (negative amount) before netting of positions and payments with 
the counterparty. The amounts by currency are presented gross as stated in Note 36. The net total represents the fair value of 
the currency derivatives. The above analysis includes only monetary assets and liabilities. 

The following table presents sensitivities of profit or loss and equity to reasonably possible changes in exchange rates applied 
at the end of the reporting period, with all other variables held constant: 

In millions of RR

USD strengthening by 20% (2016: by 20%)

USD weakening by 20% (2016: by 20%)

Euro strengthening by 20% (2016: by 20%)

Euro weakening by 20% (2016: by 20%)

GBP strengthening by 20% (2016: by 20%)

GBP weakening by 20% (2016: by 20%)

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

Impact on profit 
or loss

Impact on equity 
(pre-tax)

Impact on profit 
or loss

Impact on equity 
(pre-tax)

(80) 

80 

(40) 

40 

1 

(1) 

(80) 

80 

(40) 

40 

1 

(1) 

213 

(213) 

(32) 

32 

(129) 

129 

213 

(213) 

(32) 

32 

(129) 

129 

The exposure was calculated only for monetary balances denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the 
respective entity of the Group.

Interest rate risk. The Group takes on exposure to the effects of fluctuations in the prevailing levels of market interest rates on 
its financial position and cash flows. Interest margins may increase as a result of such changes but may reduce or create losses 
in the event that unexpected movements arise. Management monitors on a daily basis and sets limits on the level of mismatch 
of interest rate repricing that may be undertaken. 

The table below summarizes the Group’s exposure to interest rate risks. The table presents the aggregated amounts of the 
Group’s financial assets and liabilities at carrying amounts, categorized by the earlier of contractual interest repricing or 
maturity dates:

In millions of RR

31 December 2017

Demand and 
less than 
1 month

From 1 to 
6 months

From 6 to 
12 months

From 1 to 
3 years

More than 
3 years

Total

Total financial assets

 72,944 

 89,477 

 24,809 

 20,370 

 48,474 

256,074 

Total financial liabilities

(115,982) 

(44,828) 

(28,355) 

(7,040) 

(25,261) 

(221,466) 

Net interest sensitivity gap at  
31 December 2017

31 December 2016

(43,038) 

44,649 

(3,546) 

13,330 

23,213 

34,608 

Total financial assets

 44,524 

 58,434 

 22,410 

 23,356 

 18,221 

166,945 

Total financial liabilities

(69,581) 

(41,240) 

(15,969) 

(13,348) 

(2,986) 

(143,124) 

Net interest sensitivity gap at  
31 December 2016

(25,057) 

17,194 

6,441 

10,008 

15,235 

23,821 

Derivatives presented above are monetary financial assets or monetary financial liabilities, but are presented separately in 
order to show the Group’s gross exposure.

The Group has no significant risk associated with variable interest rates on credit and advances provided to customers or loans 
received.

F-67

F-68

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
32  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

At 31 December 2017, if interest rates at that date had been 200 basis points lower (2016: 200 points lower), with all other 
variables held constant, profit for the year would have been RR 692 million (2016: RR 476 million) higher, mainly as a result of 
lower interest expense on variable interest liabilities. Other components of equity would have been RR 692 million (2016: RR 
476 million) higher, mainly as a result of an increase in the fair value of fixed rate financial assets classified as available for sale. 

If interest rates had been 200 basis points higher (2016: 200 points higher), with all other variables held constant, profit 
would have been RR 692 million (2016: RR 476 million) lower, mainly as a result of higher interest expense on variable interest 
liabilities. Other components of equity would have been RR 692 million (2016: RR 476 million) lower, mainly as a result of a 
decrease in the fair value of fixed rate financial assets classified as available for sale.

The Group monitors interest rates for its financial instruments. The table below summarizes interest rates for the years 2017 
and 2016 based on reports reviewed by key management personnel. For securities, the interest rates represent yields to 
maturity based on market quotations at the reporting date:

In % p.a.

Assets

2017

2016

RR

USD

EURO

GPB

RR

USD

EURO

GPB

0.0

0.0

0.0

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and advances to customers

Due from banks

Investment Securities available for sale

0.0

45.5

6.1

8.3

 -  

 1.3 

4.7

Repurchase receivables

 -  

10.9

Liabilities

Due to banks

Customer accounts

Debt securities in issue

Subordinated debt

0.0

 6.6 

 10.8 

2.5

 1.8 

 4.2 

 -  

 11.1 

0.0

48.3

9.3

12.4

-

-

10.9

12.2

 -  

 -  

 3.4 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 1.8 

 4.5 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

0.0

0.0

0.0

-

-

5.0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3.4

3.2

3.3

-

-

14.8

-

-

-

-

The sign “-” in the table below means that the Group does not have the respective assets or liabilities in the corresponding 
currency.

Other price risk. The Group is exposed to prepayment risk through providing fixed rate loans, which give the borrower the 
right to repay the loans early. The Group’s current year profit and equity at the end of the current reporting period would not 
have been significantly impacted by changes in prepayment rates because such loans are carried at amortised cost and the 
prepayment right is at or close to the amortised cost of the loans and advances to customers (2016: no material impact).

32  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

Geographical risk concentrations. The geographical concentration of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities at 31 Decem-
ber 2017 is set out below: 

In millions of RR

Financial assets

Russia

OECD

Other 
Non-OECD

Listed

Total

Cash and cash equivalents

 22,617 

 1,233 

Mandatory cash balances with the CBRF

Due from other banks

 1,675 

 777 

Loans and advances to customers

 140,245 

 -  

 -  

 -  

Financial derivatives

 1,207 

 1,217 

Investment securities available for sale

 71,664 

Repurchase receivables

Guarantee deposits with payment systems

Other financial assets

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities

Due to banks

Customer accounts

Debt securities in issue

Financial derivatives

Subordinated debt

Insurance provisions

Other financial liabilities

 -  

 37 

 5,695 

 4 

 177,933 

 2,769 

 240 

 -  

 723 

 7,827 

 -  

 -  

 3,623 

 5,274 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 216 

 216 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 12 

 798 

 -  

 -  

 591 

 1,112 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 23,850 

 1,675 

 777 

 140,245 

 2,424 

 71,676 

 798 

 3,660 

 10,969 

 256,074 

 595 

 179,045 

 8,050 

 10,819 

 -  

 240 

 22,001 

 22,001 

 -  

 -  

 723 

 8,043 

Total financial liabilities

 189,496 

 1,703 

 30,051 

 221,466 

Unused limits on credit card loans 
(Note 34)

78,602 

-  

-  

-  

78,602 

 243,917 

 11,347 

 810 

F-69

F-70

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
32  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

The geographical concentration of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities at 31 December 2016 is set out below:

Guarantee deposits with payment systems

-

2,924

In millions of RR

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Mandatory cash balances with the CBRF

Loans and advances to customers

Due from other banks

Financial derivatives

Investment securities available for sale

Other financial assets

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities

Due to banks

Customer accounts

Debt securities in issue

Subordinated debt

Insurance provisions

Other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Russia

OECD

Other 
Non-OECD

Listed

Total

15,211

1,218

 102,912 

347

1,353

33,286

986

-

 -  

-

1,365

-

 3,846 

 3,497 

 158,173 

 8,772 

489

 124,095 

-

-

 467 

 2,782 

 127,833 

-

 -  

-

-

 -  

 330 

 330 

-

-

-

 -  

-

-

-

-

 -  

 -  

-

 461 

-

-

 -  

 -  

-

-

16,197

1,218

 -  

 102,912 

-

-

-

-

 -  

 -  

-

 -  

2,986

11,514

 -  

 -  

347

2,718

33,286

2,924

 7,343 

 166,945 

489

 124,556 

2,986

11,514

 467 

 3,112 

 461 

 14,500 

 143,124 

-

-

54,498

Unused limits on credit card loans (Note 34)

54,498

Assets, liabilities and credit related commitments have been based on the country in which the counterparty is located. Cash 
on hand has been allocated based on the country in which they are physically held. Balances with Russian counterparties actu-
ally outstanding to/from offshore companies of these Russian counterparties, are allocated to the caption “Russia”.

Other risk concentrations. Management monitors and discloses concentrations of credit risk by obtaining reports listing 
exposures to borrowers with aggregated loan balances in excess of 10% of net assets. The Group did not have any such signifi-
cant risk concentrations at 31 December 2017 and 2016.

Liquidity risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that an entity will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial 
liabilities. The Group is exposed to daily calls on its available cash resources from unused limits on issued credit cards, retail 
deposits from customers, current accounts and due to banks. The Group does not maintain cash resources to meet all of these 
needs as experience shows that only a certain level of calls will take place and it can be predicted with a high level of certainty. 
Liquidity risk is managed by the Financial Committee of the Bank. The Group seeks to maintain a stable funding base primarily 
consisting of amounts due to institutional investors, corporate and retail customer deposits and debt securities. The Group 
keeps all available cash in diversified portfolios of liquid instruments such as a correspondent account with CBRF and over-
night placements in high-rated commercial banks, in order to be able to respond quickly and smoothly to unforeseen liquidity 
requirements. The available cash at all times exceeds all accrued financing costs falling due within half a year plus two months 
of regular operating costs.

32  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

The liquidity management of the Group requires consideration of the level of liquid assets necessary to settle obligations as 
they fall due; maintaining access to a range of funding sources; maintaining funding contingency plans; and monitoring balance 
sheet liquidity ratios against regulatory requirements.

The liquidity analysis takes into account the covenant requirements and ability of the Group to waive any potential breaches 
within the grace period. The Bank calculates liquidity ratios on a daily basis in accordance with the requirements of the CBRF. 
The Bank has complied with these ratios throughout 2017 and 2016.

The CFO receives information about the liquidity profile of the financial assets and liabilities. This includes daily, weekly, month-
ly and quarterly updates on the level of credit card transactions and repayments, statistics on credit card issuance and credit 
card limit utilisation, inflow and outflow of retail deposits, changes in the investment securities portfolio, level of expected out-
flows such as operating costs and financing activities. The CFO then ensures the availability of an adequate portfolio of short-
term liquid assets, made up of an amount on the correspondent account with the CBRF and overnight deposits with banks, to 
ensure that sufficient liquidity is maintained within the Group as a whole. Regular liquidity stress testing under a variety of 
scenarios covering both normal and more severe market conditions and credit card portfolio behavior is reviewed by the CFO. 

The table below shows liabilities at 31 December 2017 by their remaining contractual maturity. The amounts of liabilities dis-
closed in the maturity table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows and gross loan commitments. Such undiscounted cash 
flows differ from the amount included in the consolidated statement of financial position because the consolidated statement 
of financial position amount is based on discounted cash flows. When the amount payable is not fixed, the amount disclosed is 
determined by reference to the conditions existing at the reporting date. 

Foreign currency payments are translated using the spot exchange rate at the end of the reporting period.

In millions of RR

Liabilities

Due to banks

Demand and 
less than 
1 month

From 1 to 
3 months

From 3 to 
6 months

From 6 to 
12 months

More than 
1 year

Total

 595 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 595 

Customer accounts

 110,655 

 19,400 

 21,635 

 27,445 

 3,250 

 182,385 

Debt securities in issue

Subordinated debt

Other financial liabilities

 72 

 197 

 8,043 

 139 

 377 

 -  

 214 

 3,211 

 8,060 

 11,696 

 5,594 

 827 

 17,156 

 24,151 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 8,043 

Financial derivatives

 19 

 104 

 3,433 

 185 

 10,075 

 13,816 

Unused limits on credit  
card loans (Note 34)

Total potential future pay-
ments for financial obliga-
tions

 78,602 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 78,602 

198,183

20,020

30,876

31,668

38,541

319,288

F-71

F-72

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Demand and 
less than 
1 month

From 1 to 
3 months

From 3 to 
6 months

From 6 to 
12 months

More than 
1 year

Total

In millions of RR

Assets

31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
32  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

The maturity analysis of financial liabilities at 31 December 2016 is as follows:

In millions of RR

Liabilities

Due to banks

489

-

-

-

-

489

Customer accounts

 66,592 

 25,034 

 17,309 

 16,621 

 1,864 

 127,420 

Debt securities in issue

Subordinated debt

Other financial liabilities

Financial derivatives

Unused limits on credit card 
loans (Note 34)

Total potential future pay-
ments for financial obliga-
tions

29

-

 3,112 

19

54,498

57

-

 -  

17

-

175

802

 -  

34

-

175

802

 -  

70

3,175

3,611

12,259

13,863

 -  

 3,112 

3,378

3,518

-

-

54,498

124,739

25,108

18,320

17,668

20,676

206,511

Financial derivatives receivable and payable are disclosed in the Note 36. The tables above present only the gross payables.

Customer accounts are classified in the above analysis based on contractual maturities. However, in accordance with the Rus-
sian Civil Code, individuals have a right to withdraw their deposits prior to maturity if they forfeit their right to accrued interest.

The Group takes on exposure to liquidity risk, which is the risk of cash surplus in case of assets-liabilities cash-flow profile 
mismatch. Exposure to liquidity risk arises as a result of the Group’s borrowing and operational activities that assume cash 
payment obligations. The Group uses daily, short-term and long-term reporting, stress-testing and forecasting practices to 
monitor and prevent potential liquidity problems. The Group is actively increasing the number of counterparties for interbank 
lending, looks for new wholesale markets, improves and creates additional debit and credit products to have more instruments 
over cash-flow management. The recent economic situation has resulted in increased liquidity risk. In response the manage-
ment of the Group preserves cash safety cushions for possible cash outflows and has planned Group’s liquidity position for the 
next year to ensure it can cover all upcoming payment obligations.

The expected maturity analysis of financial instruments at carrying amounts as monitored by management at 31 December 
2017 is presented in the table below.

32  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

Demand 
and less 
than 
1 month

From 1 to 
3 months

From 3 to 
6 months

From 6 to 
12 months

From 1 to 
5 years

Total

Cash and cash equivalents

23,041 

Mandatory cash balances with the CBRF

978 

Due from other banks

- 

809 

63 

- 

- 

80 

- 

- 

204 

401 

- 

 23,850 

350 

376 

 1,675 

 777 

Loans and advances to customers

33,420 

44,846 

34,588 

22,041 

5,350 

 140,245 

Financial derivatives

- 

Investment securities available for sale

71,676 

Repurchase receivables

798 

- 

- 

- 

Guarantee deposits with payment 
systems

872 

1,170 

Other financial assets

10,938 

5 

2,424 

- 

- 

903 

9 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

 2,424 

 71,676 

 798 

575 

12 

140 

 3,660 

5 

 10,969 

Total financial assets

 141,723 

 46,893 

 38,004 

 23,233 

 6,221 

 256,074 

Liabilities

Due to banks

595 

- 

- 

- 

- 

 595 

Customer accounts

104,562 

6,705 

8,597 

21,780 

37,401 

179,045 

Debt securities in issue

Financial derivatives

Subordinated debt

Insurance provisions

Other financial liabilities

- 

- 

- 

63 

8,043 

- 

- 

- 

124 

- 

88 

- 

4,942 

197 

- 

2,769 

7,962 

 10,819 

- 

- 

228 

- 

240 

 240 

17,059 

 22,001 

111 

 723 

- 

 8,043 

Total financial liabilities

 113,263 

 6,829 

 13,824 

 24,777 

 62,773 

221,466 

Net liquidity gap at  
31 December 2017

Cumulative liquidity gap at 31 De-
cember 2017

 28,460 

 40,064 

 24,180 

(1,544) 

(56,552) 

 34,608 

 28,460 

 68,524 

 92,704 

 91,160 

 34,608 

-

Provision for unearned premiums in the amount of RR 1,117 milllion is not included in the insurance provisions stated above. 
Refer to Note 18.

F-73

F-74

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
32  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

The expected maturity analysis of financial instruments at carrying amounts as monitored by management based on the re-
vised approach at 31 December 2016 is as follows:

In millions of RR

Assets

Demand and 
less than 
1 month

From 1 to 
3 months

From 3 to 
6 months

From 6 to 
12 months

From 1 to 
5 years

Total

Cash and cash equivalents

Mandatory cash balances with the CBRF

Due from other banks

16,086

561

244

111

88

3

-

78

100

-

123

-

-

16,197

368

1,218

-

347

Loans and advances to customers

19,697 

28,805 

25,643 

20,726 

8,041 

 102,912 

Financial derivatives

5

Investment securities available for sale

33,286

Guarantee deposits with payment 
systems

Other financial assets

Total financial assets

Liabilities

Due to banks

Customer accounts

Debt securities in issue

Subordinated debt

Insurance provisions

Other financial liabilities

-

-

819

-

-

-

729

-

-

-

2,713

2,718

-

33,286

589

228

2,924

-

-

7,343 

559

7,343 

 77,781 

 29,826 

 26,550 

 21,438 

 11,350 

 166,945 

489

-

-

-

-

489

57,438 

8,957 

8,009 

12,568 

37,584 

 124,556 

-

-

64 

3,112 

-

-

126 

- 

-

113

128 

- 

-

-

107 

- 

2,986

2,986

11,401

11,514

42 

 467 

- 

 3,112 

Total financial liabilities

 61,103 

 9,083 

 8,250 

 12,675 

 52,013 

 143,124 

Net liquidity gap at  
31 December 2016

Cumulative liquidity gap at 31 De-
cember 2016

 16,678 

 20,743 

 18,300 

8,763 

(40,663) 

 23,821 

 16,678 

 37,421 

 55,721 

 64,484 

 23,821 

-

Provision for unearned premiums in the amount of RR 300 milllion is not included in the insurance provisions stated above. 
Refer to Note 18.

All the Investment securities available for sale are classified within demand and less than one month as they are easy repoable 
in CBR or on the open market securities and can provide immediate liquidity to the Group. All current accounts of individuals 
are classified within demand and less than one month.

The allocation of deposits of individuals considers the statistics of autoprolongations and top-ups of longer deposits with the 
funds from shorter deposits after their expiration in case when the customers have more than one active deposit. The match-
ing and/or controlled mismatching of the maturities and interest rates of assets and liabilities is fundamental to the manage-
ment of the Group. 

32  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

It is unusual for banks ever to be completely matched since business transacted is often of an uncertain term and of different 
types. An unmatched position potentially enhances profitability, but can also increase the risk of losses. The maturities of 
assets and liabilities and the ability to replace, at an acceptable cost, interest-bearing liabilities as they mature, are important 
factors in assessing the liquidity of the Group and its exposure to changes in interest and exchange rates. 

Management believes that in spite of a substantial portion of customer accounts being on demand, diversification of these 
deposits by number and type of depositors, and the past experience of the Group would indicate that these customer accounts 
provide a long-term and stable source of funding for the Group.

33  Management of Capital

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are (i) for the Bank to comply with the capital requirements set by the Central 
Bank of Russian Federation (CBRF), (ii) for the Insurance Company to comply with the capital requirements set by the the legis-
lation of the Russian Federation, (iii) for the Group to comply with the financial covenants set by the terms of securities issued; 
(iv) to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. 

The Group considers total capital under management to be equity attributable to shareholders of the Company as shown in 
the consolidated statement of financial position. The amount of capital that the Group managed as of 31 December 2017 was 
RR 41,743 million (2016: RR 29,518 million). Compliance with capital adequacy ratios set by the CBRF is monitored daily and 
submitted to the CBRF monthly with reports outlining their calculation reviewed and signed by the Bank’s Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Accountant. Other objectives of capital management are evaluated annually.

The amount of regulatory capital of Tinkoff Bank calculated in accordance with the methodology set by CBRF as at 31 Decem-
ber 2017 was RR 59,640 million, and the equity capital adequacy ratio (N1.0) was 16.27% (2016: RR 27,639 million and 
11.13%). Minimum required statutory equity capital adequacy ratio (N1.0) was 8% as at 31 December 2017 (2016: 8%). 

The Group also monitors capital requirements including capital adequacy ratio under the Basel III methodology of the Basel 
Committee on Banking Supervision: international regulatory standards for more resilient banks and banking systems (herein-
after “Basel III”). The amount of total capital calculated in accordance with the methodology set by Basel Committee with cap-
ital adjustments as set out in Basel III as at 31 December 2017 was RR 56,046 million (2016: RR 30,577 million), the amount 
of Tier 1 capital as at 31 December 2017 was RR 55,802 million (2016: RR 27,698 million). Total capital adequacy ratio and 
Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio were 21.10% and 21.00% respectively (2016: 16.34% and 14.81% respectively). The Group and 
the Bank have complied with all externally imposed capital requirements throughout 2017 and 2016. 

The Insurance Company has complied with all capital requirements set by the legislation of the Russian Federation throughout 
2017 and 2016.

34  Contingencies and Commitments

Legal proceedings. From time to time and in the normal course of business, claims against the Group may be received. On the 
basis of its own estimates and internal professional advice, management is of the opinion that no material unprovided losses 
will be incurred in respect of claims. 

Tax contingencies. Russian tax legislation which was enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period, 
is subject to varying interpretations when being applied to the transactions and activities of the Group. Consequently, tax 
positions taken by management and the formal documentation supporting the tax positions may be challenged tax authorities. 
Russian tax administration is gradually strengthening, including the fact that there is a higher risk of review of tax transactions 
without a clear business purpose or with tax incompliant counterparties. Fiscal periods remain open to review by the author-
ities in respect of taxes for three calendar years preceding the year when decision about review was made. Under certain 
circumstances reviews may cover longer periods.

F-75

F-76

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
34  Contingencies and Commitments (Continued)

The Russian transfer pricing legislation is generally aligned with the international transfer pricing principles developed by the 
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), although it has specific features. This legislation provides 
for the possibility of additional tax assessment for controlled transactions (transactions between related parties and certain 
transactions between unrelated parties), if such transactions are not on an arm's length.

Tax liabilities arising from controlled transactions are determined based on their actual transaction prices. It is possible, with 
the evolution of the interpretation of transfer pricing rules, that such transfer prices could be challenged. The impact of any 
such challenge cannot be reliably estimated; however, it may be significant to the financial position and/or the overall opera-
tions of the Group.

The Group includes companies incorporated outside of Russia. The tax liabilities of the Group are determined on the as-
sumption that these companies are not subject to Russian profits tax, because they do not have a permanent establishment 
in Russia. The Company is a tax resident of Cyprus only and full beneficial owner of the Bank and Insurance Company. This 
interpretation of relevant legislation may be challenged but the impact of any such challenge cannot be reliably estimated 
currently; however, it may be significant to the financial position and/or the overall operations of the Group. The Controlled 
Foreign Company (CFC) legislation introduced Russian taxation of profits of foreign companies and non-corporate structures 
(including trusts) controlled by Russian tax residents (controlling parties). The CFC income is subject to a 20% tax rate if the 
CFC is controlled by a legal entity and a rate of 13% if it is controlled by an individual. As a result, management reassessed 
the Group’s tax positions and recognised current tax expense as well as deferred taxes that arose from the expected taxable 
manner of recovery of the relevant Group’s operations to which the CFC legislation applies to and to the extent that the Group 
(rather than its owners) is obliged to settle such taxes. Refer to Note 29.

As Russian tax legislation does not provide definitive guidance in certain areas, the Group adopts, from time to time, interpre-
tations of such uncertain areas that reduce the overall tax rate of the Group. While management currently estimates that the 
tax positions and interpretations that it has taken can probably be sustained, there is a possible risk that outflow of resources 
will be required should such tax positions and interpretations be challenged by the tax authorities. The impact of any such 
challenge cannot be reliably estimated; however, it may be significant to the financial position and/or the overall operations of 
the Group.

As at 31 December 2017 no material tax risks were identified (2016: same). 

Operating lease commitments. Where the Group is the lessee, the future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable 
operating leases are as follows:

In millions of RR

Not later than 1 year

Total operating lease commitments

2017

305 

305

2016

374

374

Compliance with covenants. The Group is subject to certain covenants related primarily to its subordinated debt. Non-com-
pliance with such covenants may result in negative consequences for the Group. Management believes that the Group was in 
compliance with all such covenants as at 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016.

Credit related commitments. The primary purpose of these instruments is to ensure that funds are available to a customer as 
required. Commitments to extend credit represent unused portions of authorizations to extend credit in the form of credit card 
loans. With respect to credit risk on commitments to extend credit, the Group is potentially exposed to loss in an amount equal 
to the total unused commitments, if the unused amounts were to be drawn down. Most commitments to extend credit are con-
tingent upon customers maintaining specific credit standards. The Group monitors the term to maturity of credit related com-
mitments because longer-term commitments generally have a greater degree of credit risk than shorter-term commitments.

34  Contingencies and Commitments (Continued)

Outstanding credit limits and related commitments are as follows:

In millions of RR

Unused limits on credit card loans 

2017

78,602 

2016

54,498 

The total outstanding contractual amount of unused limits on contingencies and commitments liability does not necessarily 
represent future cash requirements, as these financial instruments may expire or terminate without being funded. In accord-
ance with credit card service conditions the Group has a right to refuse the issuance, activation, reissuing or unblocking of a 
credit card, and is providing a credit card limit at its own discretion and without explaining its reasons. Also the Group may 
decide to increase or decrease a credit card limit using a scoring model, which is based on the client's behavior model. Credit 
related commitments are denominated in RR. Therefore, the fair value of the contractual amount of revocable unused limits on 
contingencies and commitments is close to zero.

Mandatory cash balances with the CBRF of RR 1,675 million (2016: RR 1,218 million) represent mandatory reserve deposits 
which are not available to finance the Bank's day to day operations as disclosed in Note 3.

35  Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers that did not qualify for derecognition of the financial asset in its entirety.

The Group transferred financial assets in transactions that did not qualify for derecognition in the current periods. 

Sale and repurchase transactions. At 31 December 2017, the Group has available for sale securities represented by per-
petual corporate bonds of RR 798 million (2016: none) that are subject to obligation to repurchase the securities for a fixed 
pre-determined price. Refer to Note 14 for the carrying value of obligations from these sale and repurchase transactions.

The following schedule summarises transfers where the entity continues to recognise all of the transferred financial assets. 
The analysis is provided by class of financial assets.

In millions of RR

Repurchase receivables

Total

Notes

10,14

31 December 2017

Carrying amount  
of the assets

Carrying amount of the 
associated liabilities

798

798

591 

591 

F-77

F-78

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)

36  Financial Derivatives

The table below sets out fair values, at the end of the reporting period, of currencies receivable or payable under foreign 
exchange forwards and swap contracts entered into by the Group. The table reflects gross positions before the netting of any 
counterparty positions (and payments) and covers the contracts with settlement dates after the end of the respective report-
ing period. 

2017

2016

Contracts with 
positive fair 
value

Contracts with 
negative fair 
value

Contracts with 
positive fair 
value

Contracts with 
negative fair 
value

In millions of RR

Foreign exchange forwards and swaps: fair 
values, at the end of the reporting period, of

- USD receivable on settlement (+)

- USD payable on settlement (-)

- RR payable on settlement (-)

- RR receivable on settlement (+)

- EUR receivable on settlement (+)

- EUR payable on settlement (-)

- GBP receivable on settlement (+)

5,871 

(25) 

(3,285) 

1,063 

3 

(1,203) 

- 

7,720 

(1) 

(7,979) 

1 

14 

- 

5 

6,049

(118)

(3,116)

406

-

(503)

-

35

-

(56)

-

19

-

2

-

Investment securities available 
for sale

Repurchase receivables

Total assets recurring fair 
value measurements

LiabilitIes AT FAIR VALUE

Financial derivatives

Total liabilities recurring 
fair value measurements

37  Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

(a)  Recurring fair value measurements

Recurring fair value measurements are those that the accounting standards require or permit in the consolidated statement 
of financial position at the end of each reporting period. The levels in the fair value hierarchy into which the recurring fair value 
measurements are categorised are as follows:

In millions of RR

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

Assets AT FAIR VALUE

Financial derivatives

 -  

 2,424 

 -  

 2,424 

-

2,718

-

-

-

2,718

33,286

-

71,676 

 798 

-  

 -  

-  

 -  

71,676 

33,286

 798 

-

-

-

72,474 

2,424 

-   74,898  33,286

2,718

- 36,004

 -  

 -  

 240 

 240 

 -  

 -  

240

240

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Net fair value of foreign exchange forwards 
and swaps

 2,424 

(240) 

2,718

Included in financial derivatives held by the Group as at 31 December 2017 is one outstanding swap contract with positive fair 
value of RR 1,217 million, which includes reference to the default of JSC VTB Bank, JSC Gazprom or the Russian Federation 
(31 December 2016: RR 1,365 million). There are also one outstanding swap contract with total positive fair value of RR 1,207 
million and two outstanding swaps contracts with total negative fair value of RR 240 million which include reference to the 
default of the Bank (31 December 2016: one outstanding swap contract with positive fair value RR 1,348 million). 

Where there is a reference in the swap contract to default of the entity or the country the swap contract would be cancelled 
and all of the rights and obligations are terminated in the event of an actual default of this entity or the country.

37  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value measurements are analysed by level in the fair value hierarchy as follows: (i) level one are measurements at quoted 
prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, (ii) level two measurements are valuation techniques 
with all material inputs observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from 
prices), and (iii) level three measurements are valuations not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs). 
Management applies its judgement in categorising financial instruments using the fair value hierarchy. If a fair value measure-
ment uses observable inputs that require significant adjustment, that measurement is a level 3 measurement. The significance 
of a valuation input is assessed against the fair value measurement in its entirety.

The description of valuation techniques and the description of the inputs used in the fair value measurement for level 2 meas-
urements at 31 December 2017 are as follows:

In millions of RR

Fair value

Valuation technique

Inputs used

Assets AT FAIR VALUE

Russian rouble curve.

USD Dollar Swaps Curve.

Discounted cash flows adjusted 
for counterparty credit risk.

CDS quotes assessment of coun-
terparty credit risk or reference 
entities.

Russian rouble curve.

USD Dollar Swaps Curve.

Discounted cash flows adjusted 
for counterparty credit risk.

CDS quotes assessment of coun-
terparty credit risk or reference 
entities.

Foreign exchange swaps and forwards 2,424 

Total recurring fair value measure-
ments at level 2

2,424 

Liabilities AT FAIR VALUE

Foreign exchange swaps and forwards 240

Total recurring fair value measure-
ments at level 2 

240

F-79

F-80

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
37  Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

There were no changes in the valuation techniques for level 2 recurring fair value measurements during the year ended 31 
December 2017 (2016: none). Level 2 derivatives comprise foreign exchange forwards and swaps.

The foreign exchange forwards have been fair valued using forward exchange rates that are quoted in an active market. 
Foreign exchange swaps are fair valued using forward interest rates extracted from observable yield curves. The effects of 
discounting are generally insignificant for level 2 derivatives.

37  Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

In millions of RR

-Term deposits 

SME

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Carrying 
value

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Carrying 
value

 -  

 79,694 

 -  

 77,377 

-

 74,904 

 -  

 72,018 

(b)  Assets and liabilities not measured at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed

-Current/demand accounts 

 -  

 23,705 

 -  

 23,705 

Fair values analysed by level in the fair value hierarchy and carrying value of assets not measured at fair value are as follows:

In millions of RR

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Carrying 
value

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Carrying 
value

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

FINANCIAL ASSETS CARRIED AT 
AMORTISED COST

Cash and cash equivalents 

- Cash on hand

 2,941 

 -  

 -  

 2,941 

26

-

 -  

 11,201 

 -  

 11,201 

 -  

 9,708 

 -  

 9,708 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 1,675 

 777 

 -  

 -  

 1,675 

 777 

 -   140,245 

 140,245 

 -  

 3,660 

 3,660 

 10,280 

 235 

 454 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 10,280 

 235 

 454 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

26

6,178

9,993

1,218

347

6,178

9,993

1,218

347

-  102,912 

 102,912 

-

2,924

2,924

6,679

 350 

314 

-

-

-

6,679

 350 

 314  

 2,941 

 34,330   143,905 

 181,176 

26 25,079 105,836

130,941

 -  

 595 

 -  

 595 

-

489

-

489

- Cash balances with the CBRF (other 
than mandatory reserve deposits)

- Placements with other banks with 
original maturities of less than three 
months

Mandatory cash balances with 
the CBRF

Due from other banks

Loans and advances to customers

Guarantee deposits with payment 
systems

Other financial assets 

Settlement of operations with plastic 
cards receivable

Trade and other receivables

Other financial assets

Total financial assets carried at 
amortised cost

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES CARRIED 
AT AMORTISED COST

Due to banks

Customer accounts 

Individuals

Other legal entities

-Current/demand accounts 

-Term deposits 

Debt securities in issue

RR Bonds issued on domestic 
market

 -  

 533 

 1,223 

8,213 

 -  

Euro-Commercial Paper

 -  

 2,769 

Subordinated debt

Perpetual subordinated bonds

18,389 

Subordinated bonds 

 5,115 

 -  

 -  

Other financial liabilities 

Settlement of operations with plastic 
cards

Trade payables

Other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities carried at 
amortised cost

 -  

 -  

 -  

 5,271 

 2,538 

 234 

-

-

4,890 

551 

368

 533 

 1,112 

 8,050 

3,052

 2,769 

 17,115 

-

-

 4,886 

13,695

-

-

-

-

 5,271 

 2,538 

 234 

-

-

-

 2,031 

 1,052 

 29 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,890 

551

368

2,986

-

-

11,514

 2,031 

 1,052 

 29 

142,657 

31,717  192,880 

-   220,503 

16,747  131,043 

-  

Fair value is the amount at which a financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, 
other than in a forced sale or liquidation, and is best evidenced by an active quoted market price. Where quoted market prices 
are not available, the Group used valuation techniques. The fair value of floating rate instruments that are not quoted in an 
active market was estimated to be equal to their carrying amount. 

The fair value of unquoted fixed interest rate instruments was estimated based on estimated future cash flows expected to 
be received discounted at current interest rates for new instruments with similar credit risk and remaining maturity. The fair 
value of the debt securities in issue and subordinated debt has been calculated based on quoted prices from OJSC Moscow 
Exchange MICEX-RTS and Irish Stock Exchange, where the Group’s debt securities are listed and traded (2016: OJSC Moscow 
Exchange MICEX-RTS and Irish Stock Exchange)

-Current/demand accounts 

 -  

 76,318 

 -  

 76,318 

- 46,729

-

46,729

F-81

F-82

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017      
31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)
37  Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

Weighted average discount rates used in determining fair value as of 31 December 2017 and 2016 depend on currency: 

In % p.a.

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Due from other banks

Loans and advances to customers

Investment securities available for sale

Repurchase receivables

Liabilities

Due to banks

Customer accounts

Debt securities in issue

Subordinated debt

2017

2016

0.0

5.6

45.5

5.8

10.9

2.5

5.3

8.0

6.7

0.0

9.3

48.3

10.3

-

0.0

7.7

10.1

5.2

38   Presentation of Financial Instruments by Measurement 

Category

For the purposes of measurement, IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, classifies financial assets 
into the following categories: (a) loans and receivables; (b) available-for-sale financial assets; (c) financial assets held to ma-
turity and (d) financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”). Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 
have two subcategories: (i) assets designated as such upon initial recognition, and (ii) those classified as held for trading. 

The following table provides a reconciliation of classes of financial assets with these measurement categories as of 31 Decem-
ber 2017:

Loans and 
receivables

Held for 
trading 

Assets 
designated 
at FVTPL 

Available-
for-sale 
assets

In millions of RR

Cash and cash equivalents 

- Cash on hand

- Cash balances with the CBRF (other than mandatory 
reserve deposits)

- Placements with other banks with original maturities 
of less than three months

Mandatory cash balances with the CBRF

Due from other banks

 2,941 

 11,201 

 9,708 

 1,675 

 777 

Loans and advances to customers

 140,245 

Financial derivatives

Guarantee deposits with payment systems

Investment securities available for sale

-

2,424 

 3,660 

 -

 -  

 -

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

Total

 2,941 

 11,201 

 9,708 

 1,675 

 777 

 140,245 

2,424

3,660

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -

 -  

 -  

 -

 -

 71,676 

 71,676 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -

 -  

 -  

 -

 -

 -

38   Presentation of Financial Instruments by Measurement 

Category (Continued)

In millions of RR

Repurchase receivables

Other financial assets 

- Settlement of operations with plastic cards receivable

 10,280 

- Trade and other receivables

- Other financial assets

 235 

 288 

Loans and 
receivables

Held for 
trading 

Assets 
designated 
at FVTPL 

Available-
for-sale 
assets

 -

 -

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -

 -  

 -  

 166 

Total

 798 

 798 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 10,280 

 235 

 454 

TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS

 181,010 

 2,424 

 166 

 72,474 

 256,074 

The following table provides a reconciliation of classes of financial assets with these measurement categories as of 31 Decem-
ber 2016: 

Loans and 
receivables

Held for 
trading 

Assets 
designated 
at FVTPL 

Available-
for-sale 
assets

-

-

-

-

-

-

In millions of RR

Cash and cash equivalents 

- Cash on hand

- Cash balances with the CBRF (other than mandatory 
reserve deposits)

- Placements with other banks with original maturities 
of less than three months

Mandatory cash balances with the CBRF

Due from other banks

26

6,178

9,993

1,218

347

Loans and advances to customers

102,912  

Financial derivatives

-

2,718

Guarantee deposits with payment systems

2,924

Investment securities available for sale

Repurchase receivables

Other financial assets 

-

-

- Settlement of operations with plastic cards receivable

 6,679 

- Trade and other receivables

- Other financial assets

 350 

 150 

-

-

-

-

-

-

TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS

130,777 

2,718

Total

26

6,178

9,993

1,218

347

102,912  

2,718

2,924

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

33,286

33,286

-

-

-

-

-

 6,679 

 350 

 314 

33,286

166,945 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

164

164

As of 31 December 2017 and 2016 all of the Group’s financial liabilities except derivatives were carried at amortised cost.

F-83

F-84

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)

39  Related Party Transactions

Parties are generally considered to be related if the parties are under common control or one party has the ability to control 
the other party or can exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial or operational decisions. In consid-
ering each possible related party relationship, attention is directed to the substance of the relationship, not merely the legal 
form. 

The outstanding balances with related parties were as follows:

2017

2016

Key management 
personnel

Other related 
parties

Key management 
personnel

Other related 
parties

In millions of RR

ASSETS

Gross amounts of loans and advances to 
customers (contractual interest rate: 32.07% 
(2016: 24.7%))

Other financial assets

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

21

-

21

-

-

-

20

-

20

938

-

367

-

132

132

459

-

-

Customer accounts (contractual interest rate: 
3.1% p.a. (2016: 8.01% p.a.))

Debt securities in issue (discount: 4%)

Other non-financial liabilities

     1,387 

     1,145 

-

 705 

2,769 

 -  

TOTAL LIABILITIES

EQUTY

Share-based payment reserve

 2,092 

 3,914 

1,305

459

- Management long-term incentive programme

TOTAL EQUITY

1,143 

1,143 

-

-

636

636

-

-

39  Related Party Transactions(Continued)

Customer acquisition expense represents a payment made under the sponsorship contract with the Tinkoff Cycling Team 
(“Team”). The Team was owned by the Group’s ultimate controlling party. As at 31 December 2016 the sponsorship contract 
expired.

Key management compensation is presented below:

In millions of RR

Short-term benefits:

- Salaries

- Short-term bonuses

Long-term benefits:

- Management long-term incentive programme

- Equity long term incentive plan

Total

2017

2016

 555 

 1,147 

922 

-

2,624

467

652

735

41

1,895

Management long-term incentive program. On 31 March 2016 the Group introduced a MLTIP as both a long-term incentive 
and a retention tool for the management of the Group. The maximum share capital attributable to the plan on launch was 4.1% 
of issued share capital at 31 March 2016. 

On 8 February 2017 the Group granted shares to new participants in MLTIP and also granted additional shares to certain 
existing participants which resulted in an increase in total shares granted under MLTIP to 5.27% of issued share capital of 
the Group. For the purpose of the financial statements the grant date for newly added rewards is considered to be 8 February 
2017, implementation date is by 31 March 2017.

The total number of GDRs attributable to the Management according to MLTIP is 9,628 thousand as at 31 December 2017 (31 
December 2016: 7,504 thousand). 

Participants cannot own or exercise their shareholder rights over GDRs within MLTIP directly. Participants are entitled to the 
dividends, if any. 

Other related parties in the tables above are represented by entities which are under control of the Group's ultimate con-
trolling party Oleg Tinkov.

The fair value as at recognition date of the equity-settled share-based payments (31 March 2016 and 8 February 2017) is 
determined on the basis of a market quote. 

The income and expense items with related parties were as follows:

In millions of RR

Interest income

Interest expense

Customer acquisition expense

Unrealised foreign exchange translation losses 
less gains

2017

2016

Key management 
personnel

Other related 
parties

Key management 
personnel

Other related 
parties

4 

(77) 

-

 -  

- 

(41) 

-

(13) 

3

(65)

-

-

33

(36)

(1,236)

120

The delivery dates as of which the GDRs are allowed to be sold by the participants correspond to the vesting dates at 14 April 
2016 and each subsequent 31 March until 2022 for participants joining in 2016 and 2023 for participants joining in 2017. 

Employee share option plan. In May 2011 the Group introduced ESOP as a long-term incentive and retention tool for the key 
management of the Bank. On 1 June 2016 all conditions to the third and final vesting in ESOP were fully satisfied and ESOP 
has satisfied its delivery commitment. Accumulated share based payment reserve was then transferred to Retained earnings.

Equity long-term incentive plan. In January 2011 the Group also introduced a long-term incentive plan (Equity LTIP) for 
the management of the Bank not participating in ESOP. As at 14 April 2016 after first vesting date of MLTIP, Equity LTIP was 
cancelled and accelerated expenses have been accrued. Full amount of Share-based payment reserve accumulated was then 
transferred to Retained earnings.

In 2017 the total remuneration of Directors listed in the Management Report (included in key management personnel compen-
sation above) amounted to RR 16 million (2016: RR 18 million).

F-85

F-86

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
 
31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (Continued)

40  Business Combinations

On 11 October 2017 the Group acquired a 46% shareholding in LLC “CloudPayments”, an innovative developer of online 
payment solutions. Shortly after the Group also invested directly in the share capital of this company bringing its investment 
to 55% of the share capital, and obtained control through its ability to cast a majority of votes in the general meeting of share-
holders. The acquired subsidiary will enable the Group to enhance its merchant acquiring business. The Group paid RR 290 
million to acquire its 55% shareholding. The Group has the right to acquire the remaining 45% within two years from the date 
of purchase.The consideration paid by the Group was based on results of the appraisal of the acquiree’s business taken as a 
whole. In accordance with IFRS 3 “Business Combinations”, the Group must account for acquisitions based on fair values of the 
identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed. 

Details of a 100% share of the assets and liabilities acquired including goodwill arising on acquisition are as follows:

In millions of RR

Cash and cash equivalents 

Intangible assets

Net current liabilities

Note

Attributed fair value 

12

99

395

(6)

The acquired subsidiary contributed revenue of RR 32 million and profit of RR 4 million to the Group for the period from the 
date of acquisition to 31 December 2017. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2017, Group revenue for 2017 would 
have been RR 96 million higher, and profit for 2017 would have been RR 12 million higher.

41  Events after the End of the Reporting Period

On 9 March 2018 the Board of Directors declared a regular interim dividend in line with the dividend policy of USD 0.31 per 
share/per GDR with a total amount allocated for dividend payment of around USD 56.6 million.

F-87

F-88

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Board of Directors  
and other officers

Board of Directors

Constantinos Economides, Chairman 
Alexios Ioannides  
Mary Trimithiotou  
Philippe Delpal  
Jacques Der Megreditchian  
Martin Robert Cocker 

All served throughout the year ended 2017 and through to the date of these separate financial statements.

The Company’s Articles of Association include regulations for the retirement by rotation of Directors at each annual general 
meeting. These regulations will operate in 2018 on the basis of the composition of the Board at the relevant date.

Company Secretary 
Caelion Secretarial Limited 

25 Spyrou Araouzou, 
25 Berengaria, 5th floor, 
3036, Limassol, Cyprus

Registered office

25 Spyrou Araouzou, 
25 Berengaria, 5th floor, 
3036, Limassol, Cyprus

31 DECEMBER 2017

TCS Group Holding PLC

International Financial Reporting Standards 
Separate Financial Statements and  
Independent Auditor’s Report

Contents

Board of Directors and other officers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

16  Net Gains from Operations with Foreign Currencies . . . . . 127

Management Report  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

17  Administrative and Other Operating Expenses  . . . . . . . . . 127

Independent Auditor’s Report  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-10

18  Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

SEPARATE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

20 Net Debt Reconciliation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Separate Statement of Financial Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

21 Financial Risk Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

19  Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Separate Statement of Profit or Loss and  
Other Comprehensive Income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Separate Statement of Changes in Equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Separate Statement of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

22 Contingencies and Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

23 Transfers of Financial Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

24 Financial Derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

25 Fair Value of Financial Instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

26  Presentation of Financial Instruments by Measurement 

NOTES TO THE SEPARATE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

1 

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

27 Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

2  Operating Environment of the Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

28 Events after the End of the Reporting Period . . . . . . . . . . . 142

3  Significant Accounting Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

4 

5 

 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements in Applying 
Accounting Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

 Adoption of New or Revised Standards and Interpretations 
and New Accounting Pronouncements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

6  New Accounting Pronouncements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

7  Cash and Cash Equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

8  Loans and Deposit Placement with Related Parties . . . . . 121

9 

Investment Securities Available for Sale  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

10  Repurchase Receivables  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

11  Loans Received . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

12  Debt Securities in Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

13  Other Financial and Non-financial Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

14  Share Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

15  Interest Income and Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

F-89

F-90

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Management 
Report

1.  The Board of Directors presents its report together with 
the audited separate financial statements of TCS Group 
Holding PLC (the “Company”) for the year ended 31 De-
cember 2017.

Principal activities and nature of 
operations of the Company 

2.  The principal activities of the Company are holding of 
investments in Russian Federation subsidiary compa-
nies and offering call centre services to customers and 
potential customers in Russian Federation subsequent 
to the launch of Cyprus based home call centre. The main 
subsidiaries are JSC “Tinkoff Bank” (the “Bank”), and 
JSC “Tinkoff Insurance” (the “Insurance company”) (the 
Company and its subsidiaries collectively the “Group”). 

3.  The Bank specialises in retail banking for individuals and 
small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) accounts 
and brokerage services. The Bank which is fully licensed 
by the CBRF and launched its operations in the Summer 
of 2007 is a member of the Russian Deposit Insurance 
System. The Insurance Company specialises in providing 
non-life insurance coverage such as accident, property, 
travelers’, financial risks and auto insurance. The founder 
and controlling shareholder of the Company is Oleg 
Tinkov.

4.  During 2017 the Company acquired a shareholding in 

LLC “CloudPayments” (“CloudPayments”), an innovative 
developer of online payment solutions. Together with the 
Company’s subsidiaries, CloudPayments will further de-
velop its leading technology and servicing platforms. The 
acquisition will enable the Company and its subsidiaries 
to enhance its merchant acquiring business line as part 
of its growing SME offering. 

7.  The Bank operates a flexible business model. Its virtual 

network enables it to increase business or slow down 
customer acquisition depending on the availability of 
funding and market conditions. The Bank’s primary cus-
tomer acquisition channels are Internet and Mobile, but 
it also uses Direct Sales Agents (DSA) and partnerships 
(co-brands) to acquire new customers. These customer 
acquisition models, combined with the Bank’s virtual net-
work, afford it a geographic reach across all of Russia’s 
regions resulting in a highly diversified portfolio. 

8.  The key offerings of JSC “Tinkoff Insurance” are accident 
insurance, travel insurance, property insurance and 
voluntary insurance of vehicles (KASKO) and Obligatory 
Motor Third Party Liability (OMTPL). The Insurance Com-
pany focuses on online sales.

9.  The loss of the Company for the year ended 31 Decem-
ber 2017 was RR 310 million (profit for the year ended 
31 December 2016: RR 5,130 million). On 31 December 
2017 the total assets of the Company were RR 209,667 
million (2016: RR 118,083 million) and the net assets 
were RR 197,634 million (2016: RR 116,819 million). In 
2017 the Company began investing in corporate bonds. 
The fair value of the bonds amounted to RR 65 million 
as at 31 December 2017 (2016: RR nil). Loans received 
grew to RR 7,833 million (2016: RR 772 million) in order 
to fund the Company’s operations. On 20 December 
2017 the Company issued USD denominated Euro-Com-
mercial Paper (ECP) with a nominal value of USD 50 mil-
lion with a discount of 4% maturing on 19 December 
2018. During 2017 the Company distributed dividends 
in accordance with its dividend policy in amount of RR 
8,279 million (2016: RR 4,506 million).

Environmental matters

5.  During 2017 the Group established LLC “Tinkoff Mobile”, 

10.  As the Group and by extension the Company are 

a mobile virtual network operator (“MVNO”), to provide 
mobile services for both current Group’s customers and 
others. The MVNO will have its own network code, num-
ber range and SIM cards which will be delivered across 
Russia via Group’s courier network.

Review of developments, position 
and performance of the Company’s 
business and its subsidiaries 

6. 

In 2017 the Company initiated its own home call-centre 
on Cyprus and plans to develop this business activity in 
the future both in and outside the Russian Federation. 
The Company was registered as an employer in Cyprus 
with the ‘Employers’ Register of the Social Insurance 
Services’ in Cyprus in 2017.

primarily online financial institutions, the management 
of the Company believes none of Company’s business 
relationships, products or services are likely to have any 
significant actual or potential significant environmental 
impacts and does not believe its operations are exposed 
to any material environmental risks. The management, 
in reaching this view, has taken into account the risk of 
adverse impacts that may stem from the Group’s and 
Company’s own activities as well as its business relation-
ships including its supply and subcontracting chains. This 
belief is based on continuous scrutiny of the business.

Human resources

11.  The Company and the Group whose the Company is 

Non-Financial Information and 
Diversity Statement

the holding entity has a flat organizational culture. We 
practice delegation of decision making to the levels deep 
below the management team and we actively promote 
discussion and idea generation and exchange. We believe 
in creating an environment where highly talented people 
are empowered. Empowerment is an important ingre-
dient in the success of our organization. It’s also about 
the workplace environment – having an open leader-
ship style where information can move freely – where 
ideas are constantly channeled up, down and sideways 
around the Company. We don’t have ‘a rule by committee’ 
approach. We utilize all types of forums to promote con-
tinual dialogue – using email, various online chat rooms, 
flash meetings, as well as formalized meeting structures. 
Anyone can talk to anyone and transparency is promoted. 
The Company offers a clear far-reaching career path for 
its employees, unique work environment and fair and a 
transparent compensation.

12.  Clear performance evaluation process and fair compen-
sation are essential. Compensation is a combination of 
fixed rate salary and bonuses and is based on employee 
performance. Employees are evaluated on a regular 
basis in order to monitor their achievement against KPIs, 
to determine incentive compensation, and to provide 
feedback which can be used for their career development.

13.  Prior to its IPO in 2013, the Company set up share based 

long term incentive plans as retention and motivational 
tools for key and senior managers of the Company’s 
subsidiaries. In March 2016, the Company announced a 
consolidated long-term management incentive and re-
tention plan, covering around 50 key, senior and middle 
managers. In February 2017, the Company announced 
the expansion of the plan. The number of participants in-
creased to over 80. Total size of the MLTIP pool amounts 
to 5.6% of the Company’s current share capital. The plan 
is designed to align more closely managers’ interests 
with those of shareholders to grow the Company’s value. 
The plan is awarded over four years with each such 
annual award vesting linearly over the subsequent three 
years. The Company believes that participation in its 
share capital is an effective motivation and retention tool. 
The new management incentive and retention plan now 
embraces more managers, for two main reasons: firstly, 
internal promotions as some employees were promoted 
to key managerial positions, and secondly, as part of its 
expansion and transformation into a financial market-
place, the Bank and other companies of the Group have 
hired a significant number of new managers to develop 
and manage new business lines.

14.  The Company will be publishing its first Non-Financial 

Information and Diversity Statement of the Group includ-
ing the Company on the Group’s website, www.tinkoff.ru/
eng within six months after the balance sheet date. 

Principal risks and uncertainties

15.  The Company conducts its activities in Russia through 
its subsidiaries; the Company’s business and financial 
results are impacted by the increased uncertainties and 
volatility of the Russian economic environment that have 
been evident throughout recent years but more stable in 
2016-2017. 

16.  The Company’s subsidiaries and the Company on its own 
are subject to a number of principal risks which might ad-
versely impact its performance. The principal activities 
of the Company through its subsidiaries are banking and 
insurance operations and so it is within this area that the 
principal risks occur. Management considers that those 
principal risks are: financial risks, operational risks and 
legal risks. Financial risk comprises market risks (includ-
ing currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk), 
credit risk and liquidity risk. 

17.  The Board has adopted a formal process to identify, 

evaluate and manage principal risks and uncertainties 
faced by the Company. The Company has established risk 
management programmed that focuses on the unpre-
dictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize 
potential adverse effects on the Company’s financial 
performance. This is overseen by a dedicated Risk 
Management function, which works directly with the 
Board of Directors in this area. The primary objectives of 
the financial risk management function are to establish 
risk limits, and then ensure that the exposure to risks 
stays within these limits. The operational and legal 
risk management functions are intended to ensure the 
proper functioning of internal policies and procedures to 
minimize operational and legal risks of the Group and the 
Company. Risk management strategy is established so as 
to identify, assess, monitor and manage the risks arising 
from Company’s and subsidiaries’ activities. These risks 
as well as other risks and uncertainties, which affect the 
Company and how these are managed, are presented in 
Note 21 of the separate financial statements.

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F-92

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 24. Treasury shares are GDRs of TCS Group Holding Plc that 

are held by the EBT, special purpose trust which has been 
specifically created for the long-term incentive pro-
gramme for Management of the Company’s subsidiaries 
(MLTIP) (see Note 27 for further information). 

25. In 2017 the Company repurchased 602,148 GDRs 

(2016: 5,659,853 GDRs) at market price for RR 397 
million (2016: RR 1,246 million) representing 0.3% 
(2016: 3.1%) of the issued share capital for the purpose 
of the MLTIP.

26. During 2017 the Company transferred 1,351,406 GDRs 
(2016: 3,626,664 GDRs) out of treasury shares upon 
vesting under the MLTIP (2016: MLTIP and employee 
share option plan) to revaluation reserve that is equiva-
lent of RR 283 million (2016: RR 101 million) represent-
ing 0.7% (2016: 2.0%) of the issued share capital.

Board of Directors

27. The members of the Board of Directors as of 31 Decem-
ber 2017 and at the date of this report are presented 
above. 

28. There were no significant changes in the assignment 
of responsibilities and remuneration of the Board of 
Directors.

Branches

29. The Company did not operate through any branches 

during the period.

Independent auditor

30. The Independent Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers Lim-
ited, has expressed their willingness to continue in office. 
A resolution giving authority to the Board of Directors 
to fix their remuneration will be proposed at the Annual 
General Meeting.

Management 
Report (Continued)

Future developments 

18.  Strategic objective for the Group and by extension to the 
Company is to be a full service, online financial super-
market with a broad range of financial, insurance and 
quasi-financial products, serving customers through a 
high-tech online and mobile platform that offers premi-
um quality service and convenience. While maintaining 
high growth rates, profitability and effective data-driven 
risk management. 

19.  On 31 January 2018 the Agency for Housing Mort-

gage Lending (“AHML”) and Tinkoff Bank have signed 
an agreement to set up a joint venture to offer mortgage 
lending on a special electronic platform. The platform 
was designed to enable online acquisition of mortgage 
customers using Tinkoff Bank’s technology platform. 
It will support automated mortgage approvals based 
on AHML standards, execute loan documentation and 
issue mortgage loans, enable online registration of prop-
erty transactions with the Federal Service for State Reg-
istration, Cadastre and Cartography, and can be integrat-
ed with the systems of other Russian mortgage lenders.

Results

20. The Company’s results for the year are set out on page 
F-106 of the separate financial statements. Information 
on distribution of profits is presented in Note 19 of the 
separate financial statements.

Any important events for the 
Company that have occurred after 
the end of the financial year

21.  Important events for the Company that have occurred 
after the end of the financial year are presented in Note 
28 of the separate financial statements.

Share capital

22. There were no changes in issued share capital in 2017, 
except for on 22 November 2017 5,745,145 class B 
shares were converted to class A shares.

Treasury shares

23. At 31 December 2017 the Company held 6,290,179 

(2016: 7,039,437) of its own GDRs that is equivalent of 
approximately RR 1,587 million (2016: RR 1,473 million) 
representing 3.4% (2016: 3.9%) of the issued share 
capital.

The longest serving director Mr Constantinos Economides 
who became a director in 2008, and later took over the role 
of Chairman of the Board of directors in June 2015. The 
names of the people who served on the Board during 2017 
are listed in the Introduction Note. The Company has estab-
lished two Committees of the Board. Specific responsibilities 
have been delegated to those committees as described 
below. 

The Board is required to undertake a formal and rigorous re-
view annually of its own performance, that of its committees 
and of its individual directors. That review was carried out, 
in-house, in relation to 2017, looking at overall performance 
but focused mainly on late 2016 and 2017. All directors com-
pleted detailed questionnaires on the Board’s performance. 
Analysis of the resultant feedback, which was discussed at 
a meeting of the Board of Directors in early 2018 did not 
show up any deficiencies in the performance of the Board, its 
committees or individual directors of a nature that required 
changes to be made.

Committees of the Board of directors

The Company has established two Committees of the Board 
of directors: the Audit Committee and the Remuneration 
Committee and their terms of reference are summarized be-
low. Both Committees were constituted in October 2013. The 
Board reserves the right to amend their terms of reference 
and arranges a periodic review of each Committee’s role 
and activities and considers the appropriateness of addition-
al committees.

Committee composition

The Audit Committee is chaired by an independent non-exec-
utive director Mr Martin Cocker, and has two other members 
both non-executive directors one of whom is independent.

The Remuneration Committee is also chaired by an independ-
ent non-executive director Mr Jacques Der Megreditchian, 
and has two other members both non-executive directors 
one of whom is independent.

Corporate Governance 
Statement

Overview

GDRs of TCS Group Holding PLC (a Cyprus company), with 
each GDR issued under a deposit agreement dated on or 
about 24th October 2013 with JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. 
as depositary representing one class A share, are listed 
on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and the Company is 
required to comply with its corporate governance regime to 
the extent it applies to foreign issuers of GDRs. No shares 
of TCS Group Holding PLC are listed on any exchange. As the 
class A shares themselves or the GDRs are not listed on the 
Cyprus Stock Exchange, the Cypriot corporate governance 
regime is not applicable for the Company and accordingly the 
Company does not monitor its compliance with that regime. 
The rights of shareholders include the right to vote on the 
appointment and removal of Directors and to amend the 
Articles of Association.

TCS Group Holding PLC has two classes of ordinary shares, 
Class B shares carry or confer enhanced voting rights 
(10 votes per class B share) as opposed to class A (one vote 
per class A share); a detailed description of the Articles of 
Association, including the rights of shareholders, and the 
Terms and Conditions of the GDRs can be found in the Com-
pany’s October 2013 Prospectus on the website at  
www.tinkoff.ru/eng.

The Board of Directors

The role of the Board is to provide entrepreneurial leadership 
to the Company within a framework of prudent and effective 
controls which enables risk to be assessed and managed. The 
Board sets the Company’s strategic objectives, ensures that 
the necessary financial and human resources are in place for 
the Company to meet its objectives and reviews manage-
ment’s performance. The Board also sets the Company’s val-
ues and standards and ensures that its obligations towards 
the shareholders and other stakeholders are understood and 
met.

The authorities of the members of the Board are specified 
by the Articles of Association of the Company and by law. 
The current six strong Board of directors is comprised of 
three executive directors including the chairman, and three 
non-executive directors two of whom are independent. There 
was no change in the composition of the Board in 2017. The 
board of directors currently contains no Directors B. 

F-93

F-94

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Management 
Report (Continued)

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee’s primary purpose and responsibility 
is to assist the Board in its oversight responsibilities. In ex-
ecuting this role the Audit Committee monitors the integrity 
of the financial statements of the Company prepared under 
IFRS and any formal announcements relating to the Com-
pany’s and the Company’s financial performance, reviewing 
significant financial reporting judgments contained in them, 
oversees the financial reporting controls and procedures 
implemented by the Company and monitors and assesses 
the effectiveness of the Company’s internal financial con-
trols, risk management systems internal audit function, the 
independence and qualifications of the independent auditor 
and the effectiveness of the external audit process. The Audit 
Committee is required to meet at appropriate times in the 
reporting and audit cycle but in practice meets more often as 
required. 

Under its terms of reference the Audit Committee is required 
at least once a year to review its own performance, consti-
tution and terms of reference to ensure it is operating at 
maximum effectiveness and to recommend any changes it 
considers necessary for Board approval. The Audit Commit-
tee met this obligation in two main ways, through members 
participating in the main Board review described above in 
the second half of 2016 and by arranging a complementary 
committee review on a rolling basis driven by the audit cycle 
March to March. After consideration of the Audit Commit-
tee’s own review, no further changes to those adopted in the 
preceding year were proposed to the committee’s terms of 
reference. During the second half of 2016 the Audit Commit-
tee determined to set a more structured framework around 
the extensive work it had been doing between its quarterly 
meetings to review the financial statements by adding at 
least two additional meetings to its annual schedule, at 
least one of which would be held at the Bank’s head office in 
Moscow, to consider specific non-financial statement related 
areas within its terms of reference such as risk management 
issues including internal audit procedures, and the financial 
and reputational dimensions of cyber security measures put 
in place by the Company. Two such meetings were held in 
2017 with a further two at least in 2018 planned.

The Audit Committee has developed a risk matrix which 
constantly evolves to reflect new risks, the perceived impact 
of, and the Company’s appetite for, any given risk and the 
measures taken to mitigate those risks. This matrix is run in 
conjunction with the internal audit function.

In 2017 the Company’s subsidiaries reorganised its internal 
audit function, to clarify the demarcation between its 
internal audit and internal control (CBRF compliance and reg-
ulatory) functions while materially increasing the resources 
overall within the internal audit team. 

In addition a new post of chief information security officer 
was created in 2017 and filled, with additional personnel 
expert in cyber-security recruited to support the Company’s 
ever-increasing efforts to stay ahead of trends and threats in 
this sphere.

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee is responsible for determin-
ing and reviewing among other things the framework of 
remuneration of the executive directors, senior management 
and its overall cost and the Company’s remuneration policies. 
The objective is to ensure that the executive management 
of the Company are provided with appropriate incentives 
to encourage enhanced performance and are in a fair and 
responsible manner rewarded for their individual contri-
butions to the success of the Company. The Remuneration 
Committee’s Terms of Reference include reviewing the 
design and determining targets for any performance related 
pay schemes and reviewing the design of all share incentive 
plans for approval by the Board. The Remuneration Commit-
tee is required to meet at least twice a year but in practice 
meets far more often. 

The Remuneration Committee continued work into 2017 on 
its ongoing review of the operation of the Company’s equity 
based incentive and retention plan for key, senior and middle 
management (MLTIP) which launched and in considering 
additional awards to both existing and new participants for 
this and subsequent years.

Under its terms of reference the Remuneration Committee is 
required at least once a year to review its own performance, 
constitution and terms of reference to ensure it is operating 
at maximum effectiveness and to recommend any changes it 
considers necessary for Board approval. The Remuneration 
Committee met this obligation through members participat-
ing in the main Board review (described above) under which 
detailed questionnaires were completed by all directors 
assessing the operation of the Board and both committees. 
Although earlier reviews had resulted in certain minor chang-
es to the Remuneration Committee’s terms of reference to 
clarify certain procedural matters and to align them more 
closely with how the committee operated in practice, no 
further changes were felt required in 2017 and 2018.

Significant direct/indirect holdings

For the significant direct and indirect shareholdings held in 
the share capital of the Company, please refer to Note 1 of 
the separate financial statements.

Shareholders’ Agreement: additional 
rights of Minority Shareholders

In October 2013 Tasos Invest & Finance Inc., Tadek Holding 
& Finance SA, Maitland Commercial Inc, Norman Legal S.A. 
and Vizer Limited (the Majority Shareholders, controlled by 
Mr Oleg Tinkov) and the pre IPO investors ELQ Investors II 
Ltd, Vostok Komi (Cyprus) Limited, Rousse Nominees Limited 
and Lorimer Ventures Limited (together the Minority Share-
holders) entered into a shareholders’ agreement (the Share-
holders’ Agreement) to govern aspects of their relationship 
after the IPO. The Shareholders’ Agreement provided that 
the Minority Shareholders were entitled to nominate one di-
rector to the Board of directors of the Company. The Share-
holders’ Agreement also contained provisions that required 
the Majority Shareholders to vote against certain matters 
unless a majority of the Minority Shareholders approve of 
such matters. These rights of the Minority Shareholders con-
tinue so long as they hold at least 10% of the issued share 
capital of the Company. The Shareholders’ Agreement was 
automatically terminated when the minority shareholders’ 
aggregate holdings fell below 10%.

Internal control and risk management 
systems in relation to the financial 
reporting process

Policies, procedures and controls exist around financial 
reporting. Management is responsible for executing and 
assessing the effectiveness of these controls.

Financial reporting process

The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of 
the separate financial statements in accordance with Interna-
tional Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the Euro-
pean Union and the requirements of the Cyprus Companies 
Law, Cap.113, and for such internal control as the Board of 
Directors determines is necessary to enable the preparation 
of separate financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing 
the separate financial statements, the Board of Directors is 
responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to contin-
ue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters 
related to going concern and using the going concern basis 
of accounting unless the Board of Directors either intends 
to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no 
realistic alternative but to do so. 

The Board has delegated to the Audit Committee the respon-
sibility for reviewing the financial statements to ensure that 

they are in compliance with the applicable framework and 
legislation and for recommending these to the Board for 
approval. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing 
the Company’s financial reporting process.

Internal Controls and Risk 
Management

Management is responsible for setting the principles in 
relation to risk management. The risk management organ-
isation is divided between Policy Making Bodies and Policy 
Implementation Bodies. Policy Making Bodies are responsi-
ble for establishing risk management policies and proce-
dures, including the establishment of limits. The main Policy 
Making Bodies are the Board of Directors, the Management 
Board, the Finance Committee, the Credit Committee and the 
Business Development Committee. 

In addition the Company has implemented an online analyt-
ical processing management system based on a common 
SAS data warehouse that is updated on a daily basis. The set 
of daily reports includes but is not limited to sales reports, 
application processing reports, reports on the risk charac-
teristics of the card portfolios, vintage reports, transition 
matrix (roll rates) reports, reports on the pre-, early and 
late collections activities, reports on compliance with CBR 
requirements, capital adequacy and liquidity reports, opera-
tional liquidity forecast reports and information on intra-day 
cash flows.

Diversity policy 

The Company is committed to offering equal opportunity to 
all current and prospective employees, such that no appli-
cant or employee is discriminated in favour of or against on 
the grounds of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, 
disability, age or sexual orientation in recruitment, training, 
promotion or any other aspect of employment. Recruitment, 
training and promotion are exclusively based on merit. All 
the Company’s and the Group’s employees involved in the 
recruitment and management of staff are responsible for 
ensuring the policy is fairly applied within their areas of re-
sponsibility. The Company applies this approach throughout, 
at all levels. This includes its administrative, management 
and supervisory bodies, including the Board of Directors of 
the Company.

F-95

F-96

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Management 
Report (Continued)

The composition and diversity information of the Board of Directors of the Company for the year ended and as at 31 December 
2017 is set out below:

Name

Age

Male/Female

Educational/professional background

Constantinos Economides

Alexios Ioannides

Mary Trimithiotou

Philippe Delpal 

Jacques Der Megreditchian 

Martin Robert Cocker

42

41

39

44

58

58

Male

Male

Female

Male

Male

Male

FCA, MSc Management Sciences, experienced in Big 4

FCA, BsC Business Administration, experienced in Big 4

FCA, Licensed Insolvency practitioner

BSc in IT, banking executive experience in banking 

Business Administration, stock exchange and finance 
experience 

BSc in Maths and Economics, ACA, experience in Big 4

Further details of the corporate governance regime of the Company can be found on the website:  
https://www.tinkoff.ru/eng/investor-relations/corporate-governance/.

By Order of the Board

Constantinos Economides

Chairman of the Board 
Limassol

21 March 2018

F-97

F-98

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Separate Statement of Profit or Loss 
and Other Comprehensive Income

In millions of RR

Interest income

Interest expense

Net interest expense 

(Provision for)/release of loan impairment

Net interest (expense)/income after provision for loan impairment

Dividend income

Net gains from operations with foreign currencies 

Administrative and other operating expenses 

Gain on initial recognition of liabilities at rates below market

(Loss)/Profit before tax

Income tax expense

(Loss)/Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(loss): 
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

Net gains from investment securities available for sale

Income tax (charge)/ recovery recorded directly in other comprehensive 
income

Other comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Note

2017

2016

15

15

8

16

17

141

202

(277)

(263)

(136)

(52)

(188)

(61)

116

55

-

5,668

106

130

(500)

(438)

275

52

(307)

5,467

18

(3)

(337)

(310)

5,130

89,329   75,953

(565)

100

88,764   76,053

88,454   81,183

Separate Statement 
of Financial Position

In millions of RR

Note

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and deposit placement with related parties

Financial derivatives

Investment securities available for sale

Repurchase receivables

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Loans received

Debt securities in issue

Current income tax liability

Deferred income tax liability

Other financial liabilities

Other non-financial liabilities

TOTAL LIABILITIES

EQUITY

Share capital

Share premium

Treasury shares

Share-based payment reserve

Accumulated losses

Revaluation reserve

TOTAL EQUITY

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

7

8

24

9

10

11

12

13

13

14

14

14

27

Approved for issue and signed on behalf of the Board of Directors on 21 March 2018.

385

581

4

207,899

798

209,667

7,833

2,769

1

565

395

470

12,033

188

8,623

(1,587)

1,286

(8,593)

197,717

197,634

209,667

168

713

-

117,202

-

118,083

772

-

-

-

233

259

1,264

188

8,623

(1,473)

704

(4)

108,781

116,819

118,083

Constantinos Economides

Mary Trimithiotou

Director

Director

The notes set out on pages F-109 to F-142 form an integral part of these separate financial statements.

The notes set out on pages F-109 to F-142 form an integral part of these separate financial statements.

F-105

F-106

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
 
 
Separate Statement 
of Changes in Equity

In millions of RR

Note

Share 
capital

Share pre-
mium

Reva-
luation 
reserve

Share-
based 
pay-ment

Accu-
mulated

Treasu-ry 
shares

 losses

Total

Balance at 1 January 2016

188

8,623

32,060

614

(628)

(324)

40,533

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income:

Income tax charge recorded directly 
in other comprehensive income 

Revaluation of Investment securi-
ties available for sale  

Total comprehensive income for 
2016

GDRs buy-back

Share-based payment reserve

Dividends

Total transactions with owners

14

27

19

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

100

75,953

76,053

-

-

-

-

-

-

668

90

5,130

-

-

5,130

-

-

-

-

5,130

100

75,953

81,183

-

-

(1,246)

(1,246)

97

855

-

-

(4,506)

-

(4,506)

668

90

(4,506)

(1,149)

(4,897)

Balance at 31 December 2016 

188

8,623 108,781

704

(4)

(1,473) 116,819

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income:

Revaluation of Investment securi-
ties available for sale and Repur-
chase receivables

Income tax charge recorded directly 
in other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income/
(loss) for 2017

GDRs buy-back

Share-based payment reserve

Dividends

Total transactions with owners

9

14

27

19

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

89,329  

(565)

 88,764  

-

-

-

-

 -   

-

172

582

(310)

-

-

-

-

-

(310)

89,329  

(565)

(310)  

 -   

 88,454  

-

-

(397)

(397)

283

1,037

Separate Statement 
of Cash Flows

In millions of RR

Cash flows from operating activities

Interest received

Interest paid

Administrative and other operating expenses paid 

Income tax paid

Cash flows used in operating activities before changes in operating 
assets and liabilities

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

Net decrease in loans and deposit placement with related parties

Net decrease in other non-financial liabilities

Net cash (used in)/from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Acquisition of investments available for sale

Proceeds from sale and redemption of investments available for sale

Acquisition of shareholding in subsidiaries

Dividends received net of withholding taxes

Net cash (used in)/from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

GDR buy back

Repayment of debt securities in issue

Proceeds from debt securities in issue

Loans received

Dividends paid

Net cash from/(used in) financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Note

2017

2016

116

(225)

(337)

(2)

209

(240)

(132)

(58)

(448)

(221)

102

(29)

1,670

-

(375)

2,081

(11,641)

10,800

(290)

-

(1,131)

(397)

-

2,819

7,301

(7,970)

1,753

(30)

217

168

385

-

-

-

5,385

5,385

(1,246)

(1,857)

-

632

(4,227)

(7,330)

28

164

4

168

9

9

9

14

12

12

20

19

7

7

Balance at 31 December 2017

188

8,623

197,717  

1,286  

(8,593)  

(1,587)   197,634  

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

-

-

(8,279)

-

(8,279)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

172

582

(8,279)

(114)

(7,639)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

The notes set out on pages F-109 to F-142 form an integral part of these separate financial statements.

The notes set out on pages F-109 to F-142 form an integral part of these separate financial statements.

F-107

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STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements

1 

Introduction

1 

Introduction (Continued)

These separate financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union for the year ended 31 December 2017 for TCS Group Holding PLC (the “Company”), and in 
accordance with the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap.113. The Company has also prepared and issued consoli-
dated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

The Company owns 100% of the shares and has 100% of the voting rights of its subsidiary JSC “Tinkoff Bank” (“the Bank”) at 
31 December 2017 and 2016. 

The Company owns 80.08% of shares of JSC “Tinkoff Insurance” (“the Insurance Company”) at 31 December 2017 and 2016. 

The Company was incorporated, and is domiciled, in Cyprus in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Law, Cap.113. 

The Company owns 100% of shares of LLC “Microfinance company “Т-Finans” at 31 December 2017 and 2016. 

The Board of Directors of the Company at the date of authorisation of these separate financial statements consists of: Con-
stantinos Economides, Alexios Ioannides, Mary Trimithiotou, Philippe Delpal, Jacques Der Megreditchian and Martin Cocker.

The Company Secretary is: Caelion Secretarial Limited, 25 Spyrou Araouzou, 25 Berengaria, 5th floor, Limassol, Cyprus. 

At 31 December 2017 and 2016 the share capital of the Company is comprised of “class A” shares and “class B” shares. A 
“class A” share is an ordinary share with a nominal value of USD 0.04 per share and carrying one vote. A “class B” share is an 
ordinary share with a nominal value of USD 0.04 per share and carrying 10 votes As at 31 December 2017 the number of 
“class A” shares is 96,239,291 and “class B” shares is 86,399,534 (2016: “class A” shares is 90,494,146 and “class B” shares 
is 92,144,679).

As at 31 December 2017 and 2016 the entities holding either Class A or Class B shares of the Company were:

Class of shares

31 December 
2017

31 December  
2016

Country of 
Incorporation

Tadek Holding & Finance S.A. 

Guaranty Nominees Limited 
(JP Morgan Chase Bank NA)

Rousse Nominees Limited

Vostok Emerging Finance Ltd

Tasos Invest & Finance Inc.

Vizer Limited

Maitland Commercial Inc.

Norman Legal S.A.

Altruco Trustees Limited

Total

Class B

Class A

Class A

Class A

Class A

Class B

Class B

Class B

Class B

Class A

47.31%

0.00%

50.45%

-

British Virgin Islands

50.06%

41.45%

United Kingdom

0.99%

1.64%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

2.88%

3.49%

Guernsey

Bermuda

0.00%

British Virgin Islands

0.00%

British Virgin Islands

0.00%

British Virgin Islands

0.00%

British Virgin Islands

100.00%

100.00%

Guaranty Nominees Limited is a company holding class A shares of the Company for which global depositary receipts are 
issued under a deposit agreement made between the Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank NA signed in October 2013. 

The shareholding of Altruco Trustees Limited represents shares held under the share-based payment plan (ESOP) only.

As at 31 December 2017 and 2016 the beneficial owner of Tadek Holding & Finance S.A., Tasos Invest & Finance Inc., Vizer 
Limited, Maitland Commercial Inc and Norman Legal S.A. was Russian entrepreneur Mr. Oleg Tinkov and the beneficial owner 
of Rousse Nominees Limited was Baring Vostok Private Equity Fund IV, L.P. On 24 January 2018 Tadek Holding & Finance SA 
has transferred its entire holding of B class shares (86,399,458 B class shares) to Altoville Holdings Limited, another legal en-
tity 100% beneficially owned by Mr Tinkov. As at 31 December 2017 and 2016 the ultimate controlling party of the Company 
is Mr. Oleg Tinkov. Mr. Oleg Tinkov controls 89.98% of the aggregated voting rights attaching to the Class A and B shares as at 
31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: 91.1%).

The Company owns 99% of shares of Goward Group Limited at 31 December 2017 and 2016. 

The Company owns 100% of shares of LLC TCS via subsidiary Goward Group Limited at 31 December 2017 and 2016. 

The Company owns 51% of shares of LLC “Phoenix” and 100% of shares of Tinkoff Software DC via the Bank at 31 December 
2017 and 2016. 

The Company owns 99% of shares of LLC “Тinkoff Mobile” via the Bank at 31 December 2017. 

In October 2017 the Company acquired shareholding in LLC “CloudPayments”. At 31 December 2017 the Company owns 55% 
of shares of LLC “CloudPayments”. 

Principal activity. The Company’s principal business activities are holding investments in Russian subsidiary companies and 
from launch in December 2017 offering Cyprus based home call center services to customers and potential customers outside 
of Russia. The Bank has operated under general banking license № 2673 issued by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation 
(“CBRF”) since 8 December 2006. The Insurance Company operates under an insurance license issued by the CBRF.

The Bank participates in the state deposit insurance scheme, which was introduced by Federal Law № 177-FZ “Deposits of 
individuals insurance in the Russian Federation” dated 23 December 2003. The State Deposit Insurance Agency guarantees 
repayment of 100% of individual deposits up to RR 1.4 million per individual in case of the withdrawal of a licence of a bank or 
a CBRF-imposed moratorium on payments.

The subsidiary JSC “Tinkoff Insurance” provides insurance services.

The subsidiary LLC “Microfinance company “Т-Finans” provides micro-finance services to clients. 

The subsidiary LLC “TCS” provides printing and distribution services to the Bank.

The subsidiary Goward Group Limited is an investment holding company which manages part of the Group’s assets.

The subsidiary LLC “CloudPayments” is a developer of online payment solutions which core business is online merchant ac-
quiring in Russia.

The subsidiary LLC “Phoenix” is a debt collection agency.

The subsidiary Tinkoff Software DC provides software development services to the Group.

EBT is a special purpose trust which has been specifically created for the long-term incentive programme for Management of 
the Group (MLTIP).

Registered address and place of business. The Company’s registered address is 25 Spyrou Araouzou, 25 Berengaria, 5th 
floor, Limassol, Cyprus. 

Presentation currency. These separate financial statements are presented in millions of Russian Rubles (RR).

-

1.73%

Cyprus

The subsidiary LLC  “Tinkoff Mobile” is a mobile virtual network operator set up in 2017 to provide mobile services.

F-109

F-110

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)

2  Operating Environment of the Company

Russian Federation. The Russian Federation displays certain characteristics of an emerging market. Its economy is particu-
larly sensitive to oil and gas prices. The legal, tax and regulatory frameworks continue to develop and are subject to frequent 
changes and varying interpretations (Note 22). The Russian economy was growing in 2017 after the economic recession of 
2015, 2016 and the significant correction in the value of Russian Rouble against other major currencies at the end of 2014. 
The economy is also impacted by relatively ongoing political tension in the region and international sanctions against various 
major Russian companies and individuals. The financial markets continue to be volatile. This operating environment has a 
significant impact on the Group’s operations and financial position. Management is taking necessary measures to maximize 
the stability of the Group’s operations. However, the future effects of the current economic situation are difficult to predict and 
management’s current expectations and estimates could differ from actual results.

3  Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation. These separate financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union (EU) and the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law 
Cap.113. 

As of the date of the authorisation of the separate financial statements, all International Financial Reporting Standards issued 
by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) that are effective as of 1 January 2017 have been adopted by the EU 
through the endorsement procedure established by the European Commission, with the exception of certain provisions of IAS 
39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” relating to portfolio hedge accounting and IFRS14, “Regulatory 
Deferral Accounts first time adopters”.

The Company has prepared these separate financial statements for compliance with the requirements of the Cyprus lncome 
Тах Law. The Соmраnу has also prepared consolidated financial statements in accordance with lnternational Financial Report-
ing Standards as adopted by the European Union (EU) and the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law Cap. 113 for the 
Company and its subsidiaries (“the Group”). 

The consolidated financial statements саn bе obtained from 25 Spyrou Araouzou, 25 Berengaria, 5th floor, Limassol, Cyprus 
and the website of the Company www.tinkoff.ru.

The separate financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of 
investments in subsidiaries carried at fair value. The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these sepa-
rate financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the periods presented, unless 
otherwise stated.

Management prepared these separate financial statements on a going concern basis.

Financial instruments – key measurement terms. Depending on their classification financial instruments are carried at fair 
value or amortised cost as described below.

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. The best evidence of fair value is price in an active market. An active market is 
one in which transactions for the asset or liability take place with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing informa-
tion on an ongoing basis. 

Fair value of financial instruments traded in an active market is measured as the product of the quoted price for the individual 
asset or liability and the quantity held by the entity. This is the case even if a market’s normal daily trading volume is not suffi-
cient to absorb the quantity held and placing orders to sell the position in a single transaction might affect the quoted price. 

The price within the bid-ask spread that is most representative of fair value in the circumstances was used to measure fair 
value, which management considers is the last trading price on the reporting date. The quoted market price used to value 
financial assets is the current bid price; the quoted market price for financial liabilities is the current asking price.

3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

A portfolio of financial derivatives or other financial assets and liabilities that are not traded in an active market is measured at 
fair value on the basis of the price that would be received to sell a net long position (i.e. an asset) for a particular risk exposure 
or paid to transfer a net short position (i.e. a liability) for a particular risk exposure in an orderly transaction between market 
participants at the measurement date. 

This is applicable for assets carried at fair value on a recurring basis if the Company: (a) manages the group of financial assets 
and financial liabilities on the basis of the entity’s net exposure to a particular market risk (or risks) or to the credit risk of a 
particular counterparty in accordance with the entity’s documented risk management or investment strategy; (b) it provides 
information on that basis about the group of assets and liabilities to the entity’s key management personnel; and (c) the mar-
ket risks, including duration of the entity’s exposure to a particular market risk (or risks) arising from the financial assets and 
financial liabilities is substantially the same. 

Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow models or models based on recent arm’s length transactions or considera-
tion of financial data of the investees, are used to measure fair value of certain financial instruments for which external market 
pricing information is not available. Fair value measurements are analysed by level in the fair value hierarchy as follows: (i) 
level one are measurements at quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, (ii) level two 
measurements are valuations techniques with all material inputs observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as 
prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices), and (iii) level three measurements are valuations not based on solely observ-
able market data (that is, the measurement requires significant unobservable inputs). Transfers between levels of the fair value 
hierarchy are deemed to have occurred at the end of the reporting period. Refer to Note 25.

Transaction costs are incremental costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, issue or disposal of a financial instru-
ment. An incremental cost is one that would not have been incurred if the transaction had not taken place. Transaction costs 
include fees and commissions paid to agents (including employees acting as selling agents), advisors, brokers and dealers, 
levies by regulatory agencies and securities exchanges, and transfer taxes and duties. Transaction costs do not include debt 
premiums or discounts, financing costs or internal administrative or holding costs. 

Amortised cost is the amount at which the financial instrument was recognised at initial recognition less any principal repay-
ments, plus accrued interest, and for financial assets less any write-down for incurred impairment losses. Accrued interest 
includes amortisation of transaction costs deferred at initial recognition and of any premium or discount to maturity amount 
using the effective interest method. Accrued interest income and accrued interest expense, including both accrued coupon and 
amortised discount or premium (including fees deferred at origination, if any), are not presented separately and are included in 
the carrying values of related items in the separate statement of financial position.

The effective interest method is a method of allocating interest income or interest expense over the relevant period, so as to 
achieve a constant periodic rate of interest (effective interest rate) on the carrying amount.

The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts (excluding future credit 
losses) through the expected life of the financial instrument or a shorter period, if appropriate, to the net carrying amount of 
the financial instrument. The effective interest rate discounts cash flows of variable interest instruments to the next inter-
est repricing date, except for the premium or discount which reflects the credit spread over the floating rate specified in the 
instrument, or other variables that are not reset to market rates. Such premiums or discounts are amortised over the whole 
expected life of the instrument. The present value calculation includes all fees paid or received between parties to the contract 
that are an integral part of the effective interest rate.

Initial recognition of financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recorded at fair value. All other financial instruments are 
initially recorded at fair value plus transaction costs. Fair value at initial recognition is best evidenced by the transaction price. 
A gain or loss on initial recognition is only recorded if there is a difference between fair value and transaction price which can 
be evidenced by other observable current market transactions in the same instrument or by a valuation technique whose 
inputs include only data from observable markets.

F-111

F-112

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)
3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

All purchases and sales of financial assets that require delivery within the time frame established by regulation or market 
convention (“regular way” purchases and sales) are recorded at trade date, which is the date on which the Company commits 
to deliver a financial asset. All other purchases are recognised when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions 
of the instrument.

The Company uses discounted cash flow valuation techniques to determine the fair value of currency swaps and forward 
contracts that are not traded in an active market. Differences may arise between the fair value at initial recognition, which is 
considered to be the transaction price, and the amount determined at initial recognition using a valuation technique with level 
3 inputs. Any such differences are initially recognised within other financial assets or other financial liabilities and are subse-
quently amortised on a straight line basis over the term of the currency swaps. The differences are immediately recognised in 
profit or loss if the valuation uses only level 1 or 2 inputs.

Derecognition of financial assets. The Company derecognises financial assets when (a) the assets are redeemed or the rights 
to cash flows from the assets otherwise expired or (b) the Company has transferred the rights to the cash flows from the finan-
cial assets or entered into a qualifying pass-through arrangement while (i) also transferring substantially all risks and rewards 
of ownership of the assets or (ii) neither transferring nor retaining substantially all risks and rewards of ownership, but not 
retaining control. 

Control is retained if the counterparty does not have the practical ability to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third 
party without needing to impose restrictions on the sale.

Cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are items which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash 
and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Cash and cash equivalents include all interbank placements 
with original maturities of less than three months. Funds restricted for a period of more than three months on origination are 
excluded from cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at amortised cost. 

The Company evaluates the quality of cash and cash equivalents in the separate statement of financial position on the basis of 
Fitch international ratings and in case of their absence uses Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s ratings adjusting them to Fitch’s 
categories using a reconciliation table.

Loans and deposit placement with related parties. Loans and deposit placement with related parties are recorded when the 
Company advances money to purchase or originate an unquoted non-derivative receivable from related party due on fixed 
or determinable dates and has no intention of trading the receivable. Loans and deposit placement with related parties are 
carried at amortised cost.

Impairment of financial assets carried at amortised cost. Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss for the year 
when incurred as a result of one or more events (“loss events”) that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset 
and which have an impact on the amount or timing of the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial 
assets that can be reliably estimated. If the Company determines that no objective evidence exists that impairment was in-
curred for an individually assessed financial asset, whether significant or not, it includes the asset in a group of financial assets 
with similar credit risk characteristics, and collectively assesses them for impairment. The primary factors that the Company 
considers in determining whether a financial asset is impaired are its overdue status and realisability of related collateral, if 
any. The following other principal criteria are also used to determine whether there is objective evidence that an impairment 
loss has occurred:

•  any instalment is overdue and the late payment cannot be attributed to a delay caused by the settlement systems;

•  the borrower experiences a significant financial difficulty as evidenced by the borrower’s financial information that the 

Company obtains;

•  the borrower considers bankruptcy or a financial reorganisation;

•  there is an adverse change in the payment status of the borrower as a result of changes in the national or local economic 

conditions that impact the borrower;

•  concession granted by the lender that would not have otherwise been given.

3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

For the purposes of a collective evaluation of impairment, financial assets are grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics. 
Those characteristics are relevant to the estimation of future cash flows for groups of such assets by being indicative of the debtors’ ability 
to pay all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the assets being evaluated.

Future cash flows in a group of financial assets that are collectively evaluated for impairment, are estimated on the basis of the contractual 
cash flows of the assets and the experience of management in respect of the extent to which amounts will become overdue as a result of 
past loss events and the success of recovery of overdue amounts. Past experience is adjusted on the basis of current observable data 
to reflect the effects of current conditions that did not affect past periods, and to remove the effects of past conditions that do not exist 
currently. 

If the terms of an impaired financial asset held at amortised cost are renegotiated or otherwise modified because of financial difficulties of 
the borrower or issuer, impairment is measured using the original effective interest rate before the modification of terms. The renego-
tiated asset is then derecognised and a new asset is recognised at its fair value only if the risks and rewards of the asset substantially 
changed. This is normally evidenced by a substantial difference between the present values of the original cash flows and the new expect-
ed cash flows.

Impairment losses are always recognised through an allowance account to write down the asset’s carrying amount to the present value 
of expected cash flows (which exclude future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the original effective interest rate of 
the asset.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring 
after the impairment was recognised (such as an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the previously recognised impairment loss is 
reversed by adjusting the allowance account through profit or loss for the year. Uncollectible assets are written off against the related im-
pairment loss provision after all the necessary procedures to recover the asset have been completed and the amount of the loss has been 
determined. In the course of business the Company sells impaired loans to third parties. Gains or losses on disposal of impaired loans are 
recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss in the period when sale occurred. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off 
are credited to the impairment loss account in profit or loss for the year.

Financial derivatives. Financial derivatives represented by forwards and foreign currency swaps are carried at their fair value. Deriv-
atives are carried as assets when fair value is positive and as liabilities when fair value is negative. Changes in the fair value of financial 
derivatives are recorded within losses less gains from operations with foreign currencies. The Company does not apply hedge accounting. 

Investment securities available for sale. This classification includes investment securities which the Company intends to hold for an 
indefinite period of time and which may be sold in response to needs for liquidity or changes in interest rates, exchange rates or equity 
prices. Investment securities available for sale are carried at fair value. Interest income on available-for-sale debt securities is calculated 
using the effective interest method, and recognised in profit or loss for the year.

Dividends on available-for-sale equity instruments are recognised in profit or loss for the year when the Company’s right to receive pay-
ment is established and it is probable that the dividends will be collected. 

All other elements of changes in the fair value are recognised in other comprehensive income until the investment is derecognised or im-
paired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss is reclassified from other comprehensive income to profit or loss for the year. Impairment 
losses are recognised in profit or loss for the year when incurred as a result of one or more events (“loss events”) that occurred after the 
initial recognition of investment securities available for sale. A significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of an equity security below 
its cost is an indicator that it is impaired.

The cumulative impairment loss – measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment 
loss on that asset previously recognised in profit or loss – is reclassified from other comprehensive income to profit or loss for the year. 
Impairment losses on equity instruments are not reversed and any subsequent gains are recognised in other comprehensive income.

If, in a subsequent period, the fair value of a debt instrument classified as available for sale increases and the increase can be objectively 
related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised in profit or loss, the impairment loss is reversed through profit or 
loss for the year.

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STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)
3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

The Company evaluates the quality of debt investment securities available for sale in the separate statement of financial position on 
the basis of Fitch international ratings and in case of their absence uses Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s ratings adjusting them to Fitch’s 
categories using a reconciliation table.

Sale and repurchase agreements. Sale and repurchase agreements (“repo agreements”), which effectively provide a lender’s return 
to the counterparty, are treated as secured financing transactions. Securities sold under such sale and repurchase agreements are not 
derecognised. 

The securities are not reclassified in the separate statement of financial position unless the transferee has the right by contract or custom 
to sell or repledge the securities, in which case they are reclassified as repurchase receivables. The corresponding liability is presented 
within amounts loans received.

Securities lent to counterparties for a fixed fee are retained in the separate financial statements in their original category in the separate 
statement of financial position unless the counterparty has the right by contract or custom to sell or repledge the securities, in which case 
they are reclassified and presented separately. 

The Company evaluates the quality of repo agreements in the separate statement of financial position on the basis of Fitch international 
ratings and in case of their absence uses Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s ratings adjusting them to Fitch’s categories using a reconciliation 
table.

Investment in subsidiaries. Investments in subsidiaries are carried in accordance with IAS 39 as assets available for sale and are 
carried at fair value. Dividends on these equity instruments are recognised in profit or loss for the year when the Company’s right to 
receive payment is established and it is probable that the dividends will be collected. All other elements of changes in the fair value are 
recognised in other comprehensive income until the investment is derecognised or impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss is 
reclassified from other comprehensive income to profit or loss for the year.

Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss for the year when incurred as a result of one or more events (“loss events”) that oc-
curred after the initial recognition of investment. A significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of an equity security below its cost is 
an indicator that it is impaired. 

The cumulative impairment loss- measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment 
loss on that asset previously recognised in profit or loss – is reclassified from other comprehensive income to profit or loss for the year. 
Impairment losses on equity instruments are not reversed and any subsequent gains are recognised in other comprehensive income.

Debt securities in issue. Debt securities are stated at amortised cost. If the Company purchases its own debt securities in issue, they 
are removed from the separate statement of financial position and the difference between the carrying amount of the liability and the 
consideration paid is included in interest expense.

Loans received. Loans received are non-derivative financial liabilities to corporate entities and are carried at amortised cost. 

Other liabilities. Other liabilities are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business 
from suppliers. Other liabilities are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method.

Income taxes. Income taxes have been provided for in the separate financial statements in accordance with Cyprus legislation enacted 
or substantively enacted as of the end of reporting period. The income tax (charge)/credit comprises current tax and deferred tax and is 
recognised in profit or loss for the year except if it is recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity because it relates to 
transactions that are also recognised, in the same or a different period, in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.

Current tax is the amount expected to be paid to or recovered from the taxation authorities in respect of taxable profits or losses for the 
current and prior periods. Taxes other than on income are recorded within administrative and other operating expenses.

3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Deferred income tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method for tax loss carry forwards and temporary differences arising 
between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. In accordance with the initial 
recognition exemption, deferred taxes are not recorded for temporary differences on initial recognition of an asset or a liability in a trans-
action other than a business combination if the transaction, when initially recorded, affects neither accounting nor taxable profit. Deferred 
tax balances are measured at tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period which are expected to apply 
to the period when the temporary differences will reverse or the tax loss carry forwards will be utilised. Deferred tax assets for deductible 
temporary differences and tax loss carry forwards are recorded only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be avail-
able against which the deductions can be utilised. 

Deferred income tax is not recognised on post acquisition retained earnings and other post acquisition movements in reserves of subsidi-
aries where the Company controls the subsidiary’s dividend policy, and it is probable that the difference will not reverse through dividends 
or otherwise in the foreseeable future. Provision for deferred tax on the undistributed profits of the Company’s subsidiaries is made when 
the dividend payment is probable to be made out of economic resources of the subsidiaries at the balance sheet date and is recognised in 
other comprehensive income. Withholding taxes incurred on actual dividend distributions by subsidiaries are recognised in profit or loss 
once the right of dividend income is established.

Uncertain tax positions. The Company’s uncertain tax positions are assessed by management at the end of each reporting period. 
Liabilities are recorded for income tax positions that are determined by management as more likely than not to result in additional taxes 
being levied if the positions were to be challenged by the tax authorities. The assessment is based on the interpretation of tax laws that 
have been enacted or substantively enacted at the end of reporting period and any known court or other rulings on such issues. Liabilities 
for penalties, interest and taxes other than on income are recognised based on management’s best estimate of the expenditure required 
to settle the obligations at the end of the reporting period. 

Provisions for liabilities and charges. Provisions for liabilities and charges are non-financial liabilities of uncertain timing or amount. 
They are accrued when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow 
of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation 
can be made. 

Share capital. Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown in 
equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

Treasury shares. Where the Company purchases the Company’s equity instruments, the consideration paid, including any directly 
attributable incremental external costs, net of income taxes, is deducted from equity attributable to the owners of the Company until the 
equity instruments are reissued, disposed of or cancelled. Where such shares are subsequently disposed of or reissued, any considera-
tion received is included in equity. The value of GDRs transferred out of treasury shares for the purposes of the long-term incentive pro-
gramme for management of the Group are determined based on the weighted average cost. The Company’s equity instruments acquired 
by employee share trust entity are treated as a treasury shares when the Company retains the majority of the risks and rewards relating 
to the funding arrangement for the trust entity.

Share premium. Share premium is the difference between the fair value of the consideration receivable for the issue of shares and the 
nominal value of the shares. Share premium account can only be resorted to for limited purposes, which do not include the distribution of 
dividends, and is otherwise subject to the provisions of the Cyprus Companies Law on reduction of share capital.

Share-based payments. The Company grants equity settled share based payments to employees of its subsidiary. No share-based 
payment charge is recognised as no employees are providing services to the Company. The Company records a debit to the investment 
in the subsidiaries as a capital contribution from the parent to the subsidiary and a credit to share-based payment reserve within equity. 
When the rewards granted under share-based payment programs vest the Company reclassifies accumulated share based payment 
reserve to revaluation reserve.

Dividends. Dividends are recorded in equity in the period in which they are declared. Any dividends declared after the end of the 
reporting period and before the separate financial statements are authorised for issue, are disclosed in the subsequent events note. The 
separate financial statements of the Company prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and in accordance with Cyprus 
Companies Law are the basis of available reserves for distribution. Management considers the Revaluation Reserve to be a distributable 
reserve.

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STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)
3  Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Income and expense recognition. Interest income and expense are recorded in the separate statement of profit or loss and 
other comprehensive income for all debt instruments on an accrual basis using the effective interest method. This method 
defers, as part of interest income or expense, all fees paid or received between the parties to the contract that are an integral 
part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and all other premiums or discounts.

Fees integral to the effective interest rate include origination fees received or paid by the entity relating to the creation or 
acquisition of a financial asset or issuance of a financial liability, for example fees for evaluating creditworthiness, evaluating 
and recording guarantees or collateral, negotiating the terms of the instrument and for processing transaction documents. 
Commitment fees received by the Company to originate loans at market interest rates are integral to the effective interest rate 
if it is probable that the Company will enter into a specific lending arrangement and does not expect to sell the resulting loan 
shortly after origination.

All other fees, commissions and other income and expense items are generally recorded on an accrual basis by reference to 
completion of the specific transaction assessed on the basis of the actual service provided as a proportion of the total services 
to be provided.

When loans and other debt instruments become doubtful of collection, they are written down to present value of expected 
cash inflows and interest income is thereafter recorded for the unwinding of the present value discount based on the asset’s 
original effective interest rate which was used to measure the impairment loss.

Gain on initial recognition of liabilities at rates below market. Gain on initial recognition of liabilities at rates below market 
represents the difference between transaction price of instrument received from subsidiary Bank at non market terms and its 
fair value that is determined as present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at rates which are observable.

Foreign currency translation. The functional currency of the Company is the national currency of the Russian Federation, 
Russian Rouble (“RR”), as, based on the principles of the International Accounting Standards IAS 21 “The Effects of Changes 
in Foreign Exchange Rates”, this currency reflects the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances of the 
Company. The Russian Ruble is also the presentation currency of the Company.

At 31 December 2017 the rate of exchange used for translating foreign currency balances was USD 1 = RR 57.6002 (2016: 
USD 1 = RR 60.6569), and the average rate of exchange was USD 1 = RR 58.3529 (2016: USD 1 = RR 67.0508). 

Offsetting. Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the separate statement of financial posi-
tion only when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts, and there is an intention to either settle on 
a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Financial guarantees. Financial guarantees represent irrevocable assurances to make payments in the event that a customer 
cannot meet its obligations to third parties, and carry the same credit risk as loans. Financial guarantees are initially recog-
nised at their fair value, which is normally evidenced by the amount of fees received. This amount is amortised on a straight 
line basis over the life of the guarantee. At the end of each reporting period, the guarantees are measured at the higher of 
(i) the remaining unamortised balance of the amount at initial recognition and (ii) the best estimate of expenditure required to 
settle the guarantee at the end of each reporting period.

Amendments of the separate financial statements after issue. Any further changes to these separate financial statements 
require approval of the Company’s Board of Directors who authorised these separate financial statements for issue.

4 

 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements in Applying 
Accounting Policies

The Company makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts recognised in the separate financial statements and 
the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluat-
ed and are based on management’s experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to 
be reasonable under the circumstances. Management also makes certain judgements, apart from those involving estimations, 
in the process of applying the accounting policies. Judgements that have the most significant effect on the amounts recog-
nised in the separate financial statements and estimates that can cause a significant adjustment to the carrying amount of 
assets and liabilities within the next financial year include:

Investments in subsidiaries. The estimated fair value of investments in subsidiaries recognises that the majority of the value 
of TCS Group Holding PLC resides in its main operating subsidiaries namely the Bank and the Insurance company. Thus in esti-
mating the fair value of the subsidiaries the primary input is the market quote of the Company’s GDRs which are traded on the 
London Stock Exchange. Other inputs include the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities held by the Company other 
than its investment in the subsidiaries. Refer to Note 25.

Initial recognition of related party transactions. In the normal course of business the Company enters into transactions with 
its related parties. IAS 39 requires initial recognition of financial instruments based on their fair values. Judgement is applied 
in determining if transactions are priced at market or non-market interest rates, where there is no active market for such 
transactions. The basis for judgement is pricing for similar types of transactions with unrelated parties and effective interest 
rate analysis. Terms and conditions of related party balances are disclosed in Note 27.

Determination of functional currency. The Company follows the guidance of IAS 21 “The Effects and Changes in Foreign 
Exchange Rates” for the determination of the functional currency of the Company. The Company’s functional currency is RR.

Tax legislation. Cypriot and Russian tax, currency and customs legislation are subject to varying interpretations. Refer to 
Note 22.

5 

 Adoption of New or Revised Standards and Interpretations 
and New Accounting Pronouncements

The following amended standards became effective for the Company from 1 January 2017, but did not have any material 
impact on the Company: 

•  Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses – Amendment to IAS 12 (issued on 19 January 2016 and effec-

tive for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017). 

•  Amendments to IFRS 12 included in Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 Cycle (issued on 8 December 2016 and 

effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017).

In accordance with the amendments to IAS 7 which became effective for the Company from 1 January 2017 the new disclo-
sures are presented in Note 20.

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STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)

6  New Accounting Pronouncements

Certain new standards and interpretations have been issued that are mandatory for the annual periods beginning on or after 
1 January 2018 or later, and which the Company has not early adopted. 

IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” (issued on 24 July 2014 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 
2018). Key features of the new standard are:

•  Financial assets are required to be classified into three measurement categories: those to be measured subsequently at 

amortised cost, those to be measured subsequently at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) and those 
to be measured subsequently at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL).

•  Classification for debt instruments is driven by the entity’s business model for managing the financial assets and whether 

the contractual cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI). If a debt instrument is held to collect, 
it may be carried at amortised cost if it also meets the SPPI requirement. Debt instruments that meet the SPPI requirement 
that are held in a portfolio where an entity both holds to collect assets’ cash flows and sells assets may be classified as 
FVOCI. Financial assets that do not contain cash flows that are SPPI must be measured at FVPL (for example, derivatives). 
Embedded derivatives are no longer separated from financial assets but will be included in assessing the SPPI condition.

• 

Investments in equity instruments are always measured at fair value. However, management can make an irrevocable elec-
tion to present changes in fair value in other comprehensive income, provided the instrument is not held for trading. If the 
equity instrument is held for trading, changes in fair value are presented in profit or loss.

•  Most of the requirements in IAS 39 for classification and measurement of financial liabilities were carried forward un-

changed to IFRS 9. The key change is that an entity will be required to present the effects of changes in own credit risk of 
financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss in other comprehensive income. 

• 

IFRS 9 introduces a new model for the recognition of impairment losses – the expected credit losses (ECL) model. There is a 
‘three stage’ approach which is based on the change in credit quality of financial assets since initial recognition. In practice, 
the new rules mean that entities will have to record an immediate loss equal to the 12-month ECL on initial recognition of 
financial assets that are not credit impaired (or lifetime ECL for trade receivables). Where there has been a significant in-
crease in credit risk, impairment is measured using lifetime ECL rather than 12-month ECL. The model includes operational 
simplifications for lease and trade receivables.

•  Hedge accounting requirements were amended to align accounting more closely with risk management. The standard 
provides entities with an accounting policy choice between applying the hedge accounting requirements of IFRS 9 and 
continuing to apply IAS 39 to all hedges because the standard currently does not address accounting for macro hedging.

Based on an analysis of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities as at 31 December 2017 and on the basis of 
the facts and circumstances that exist at that date, the Management of the Company does not expect significant impact from 
implementation of this standard on equity of the Company.

The analysis of the contractual cash flow characteristics is expected to result in acquired perpetual bonds previously classified 
as investment securities available for sale (including those which were sold under sale and repurchase agreements) being 
reclassified as FVTPL. There will be no impact on carrying value of these bonds as at 1 January 2018 from this reclassification. 
The Company used the option to classify investments in subsidiaries as FVOCI under IFRS 9.The new standard also introduces 
expanded disclosure requirements and changes in presentation. These are expected to change the nature and extent of the 
Company’s disclosures about its financial instruments particularly in the year of the adoption of the new standard.

Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation – Amendments to IFRS 9 (issued on 12 October 2017 and effective for 
annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019)*. The amendments enable measurement at amortised cost of certain 
loans and debt securities that can be prepaid at an amount below amortised cost, for example at fair value or at an amount 
that includes a reasonable compensation payable to the borrower equal to present value of an effect of increase in market 
interest rate over the remaining life of the instrument.

6  New Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

In addition, the text added to the standard’s basis for conclusion reconfirms existing guidance in IFRS 9 that modifications or 
exchanges of certain financial liabilities measured at amortised cost that do not result in the derecognition will result in an gain 
or loss in profit or loss. Reporting entities will thus in most cases not be able to revise effective interest rate for the remaining 
life of the loan in order to avoid an impact on profit or loss upon a loan modification. The Company is currently assessing the 
impact of the amendments on its financial statements and the impact is not yet known.

IFRIC 23 “Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments” (issued on 7 June 2017 and effective for annual periods beginning 
on or after 1 January 2019). IAS 12 specifies how to account for current and deferred tax, but not how to reflect the effects 
of uncertainty. The interpretation clarifies how to apply the recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 12 when there 
is uncertainty over income tax treatments. An entity should determine whether to consider each uncertain tax treatment sep-
arately or together with one or more other uncertain tax treatments based on which approach better predicts the resolution 
of the uncertainty. An entity should assume that a taxation authority will examine amounts it has a right to examine and have 
full knowledge of all related information when making those examinations. If an entity concludes it is not probable that the 
taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment, the effect of uncertainty will be reflected in determining the related 
taxable profit or loss, tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits or tax rates, by using either the most likely amount or 
the expected value, depending on which method the entity expects to better predict the resolution of the uncertainty. An entity 
will reflect the effect of a change in facts and circumstances or of new information that affects the judgments or estimates 
required by the interpretation as a change in accounting estimate.

Examples of changes in facts and circumstances or new information that can result in the reassessment of a judgment or esti-
mate include, but are not limited to, examinations or actions by a taxation authority, changes in rules established by a taxation 
authority or the expiry of a taxation authority’s right to examine or re-examine a tax treatment. The absence of agreement or 
disagreement by a taxation authority with a tax treatment, in isolation, is unlikely to constitute a change in facts and circum-
stances or new information that affects the judgments and estimates required by the Interpretation. The Company is currently 
assessing the impact of the new standard on its financial statements and the impact is not yet known.

The following other new pronouncements are not expected to have any material impact on the Company when adopted:

• 

• 

IFRS 14, Regulatory Deferral Accounts first time adopters (issued on 30 January 2014 and effective for annual periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2016)*.

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (issued on 28 May 2014 and effective for the periods beginning on or 
after 1 January 2018).

• 

IFRS 16 “Leases” (issued on 13 January 2016 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019).

• 

IFRS 17 “Insurance Contracts” (issued on 18 May 2017 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 
2021).

•  Amendments to IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (issued on 12 April 2016 and effective for annual peri-

ods beginning on or after 1 January 2018).

•  Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture – Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 
28 (issued on 11 September 2014 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after a date to be determined by the 
IASB) *.

•  Amendments to IFRS 2, Share-based Payment (issued on 20 June 2016 and effective for annual periods beginning on or 

after 1 January 2018) *.

•  Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts – Amendments to IFRS 4 (issued on 12 September 

2016 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018).

•  Transfers of Investment Property – Amendments to IAS 40 (issued on 8 December 2016 and effective for annual periods 

beginning on or after 1 January 2018) *.

•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 cycle – Amendments to IFRS 1 an IAS 28 (issued on 8 December 2016 and 

effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018). 

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STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)
6  New Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

8  Loans and Deposit Placement with Related Parties (Continued)

•  Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures – Amendments to IAS 28 (issued on 12 October 2017 and effective 

for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019)*.

At 31 December 2017 the deposit placements with subsidiary Bank with a nominal value of RR 131 million at 13% per annum 
maturing on 14 September 2019.

• 

IFRIC 22 – Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration (issued on 8 December 2016 and effective for annu-
al periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018) *.

As at 31 December 2017 loans to subsidiary had a contractual maturity on 27 May 2018 and nominal interest rate of 0.1% p.a.

•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2015-2017 cycle – amendments to IFRS 3, IFRS 11, IAS 12 and IAS 23 (issued on 12 De-

Movements in the provision for loan impairment for the year ended 31 December 2017 are as follows:

cember 2017 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019)*.

•  Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement – Amendments to IAS 19 (issued on 7 February 2018 and effective for annual 

periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019)*.

Unless otherwise described above, the new standards and interpretations are not expected to affect significantly the Compa-
ny’s separate financial statements.

* Denotes standards, interpretations and amendments which have not yet been endorsed by the European Union.

7  Cash and Cash Equivalents

In millions of RR

2017

2016

Placements with other banks with original maturities of less than three months

- placements with UK Bank (A rated)

- placements with subsidiary Bank (B+ rated)

- placements with European bank (B rated)

- placements with Russian banks (B rated)

Total cash and cash equivalents

377

6

2

-

167

-

-

1

In millions of RR

Loans to subsidiary

Total provision for loan impairment

As at 31 December 
2016

Provision for impairment 
during the period

As at 31 December  
2017

20

20

52

52

72

72

Movements in the provision for loan impairment for the year ended 31 December 2016 are as follows:

In millions of RR

Loans to subsidiary

Total provision for loan impairment

As at 31 December 
2015

Recovery of impairment 
during the period

As at 31 December  
2016

136

136

(116)

(116)

20

20

Refer to Note 25 for the estimated fair value of each class of loans and deposit placement with related party. Interest rate 
analysis of loans and deposit placements with related party is disclosed in Note 21. The information on related party balances 
is disclosed in Note 27.

385

168

9 

Investment Securities Available for Sale

Cash and cash equivalents are not impaired and not past due. Refer to Note 25 for the disclosure of the fair value of cash and 
cash equivalents.

Interest rate, maturity and geographical risk concentration analysis of cash and cash equivalents is disclosed in Note 21. Infor-
mation on related party balances is disclosed in Note 27.

8  Loans and Deposit Placement with Related Parties

In millions of RR

Subordinated loans to subsidiary Bank (B+ rated)

Deposit placements with subsidiary Bank (B+ rated)

Loans to subsidiary 

Total loans and deposit placement with related parties before impairment

Less: Provision for loan impairment

Total loans and deposit placement with related parties

2017

450

131

72

653

(72)

581

2016

452

9

272

733

(20)

713

On 29 May 2012 the Company issued RR denominated subordinated loan with a nominal value of RR 450 million at 14.4% per 
annum maturing on 29 May 2022.

In millions of RR

Corporate bonds (B- to B+ rated)

Perpetual corporate bonds (B- to B+ rated)

Total debt securities

Investments in subsidiaries

Total investment securities available for sale

2017

2016

12

53

65

-

-

-

207,834  

207,899  

117,202

117,202

As at 31 December 2017 investment securities available for sale were neither past due nor impaired.

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Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)

9 

Investment Securities Available for Sale (Continued)

9 

Investment Securities Available for Sale (Continued)

The movements in debt investment securities available for sale for the period ended 31 December 2017 are as follows:

The movements in investments in subsidiaries for the period ended 31 December 2016 are as follows:

In millions of RR

Carrying amount at 1 January

Purchases

Redemption of investment securities available for sale

Disposal of investment securities available for sale

Interest income accrued on investment securities available for sale and Repurchase receivables (Note 
15)

Interest received

Reclassification from investment securities available for sale to Repurchase receivables

Foreign exchange loss on investment securities available for sale in foreign currency

Revaluation through other comprehensive income

Carrying amount at 31 December 

2017

-

11,641

(6,399)

(4,401)

36

(35)

(798)

(3)

24

65

In millions of RR

Carrying amount at 1 January 

Revaluation of investment in subsidiaries

Share-based payment

Carrying amount at 31 December 

2016

40,394

75,953

855

117,202

Interest rate, maturity and geographical risk concentration analysis of investment securities available for sale are disclosed in 
Note 21. Refer to Note 25 for the disclosure of the fair value of investments securities available for sale.

10  Repurchase Receivables

Repurchase receivables represent securities sold under sale and repurchase agreements which the counterparty has the right, 
by contract or custom, to sell or repledge. The sale and repurchase agreements are short-term and mature by 10 January 
2018.

Investments in subsidiaries represent investments in the share capital of the Bank, Insurance company, and LLC “CloudPay-
ments”.

Analysis by credit quality of debt securities classified as repurchase receivables outstanding at 31 December 2017 is as 
follows:

The Bank is registered in the Russian Federation and was purchased by the Company in November 2006 (Note 1). The Bank is 
100% owned and controlled by the Company. 

The Insurance Company is registered in the Russian Federation and was purchased by the Company in August 2013 (Note 1). 
The Company owns 80.08% of share capital of the Insurance Company and controls it.

In October 2017 the Company acquired a 55% shareholding in LLC “CloudPayments” with cash consideration paid of RR 290 
million (Note 1). The Company has the right to acquire the remaining 45% within two years from the date of purchase.

Investments in subsidiaries are stated at fair value at the end of each reporting period (Notes 4, 25). 

Investments of the Company in LLC “TCS”, Goward Group Limited have zero fair value. 

The movements in investments in subsidiaries for the period ended 31 December 2017 are as follows:

In millions of RR

Neither past due nor impaired

B- rated

Total neither past due nor impaired debt securities classified as repurchase 
receivables

No debt securities were sold under sale and repurchase agreements as at 31 December 2016.

Available-for-sale securities 
Perpetual corporate bonds

798

798

Refer to Note 11 for the related liabilities. Interest rate, maturity and geographical risk concentration analysis of repurchase 
receivables are disclosed in Note 21.

In millions of RR

Carrying amount at 1 January 

Acquisition of subsidiary

Revaluation of investment in subsidiaries

Share-based payment

Carrying amount at 31 December 

2017

117,202

290

89,305

1,037

207,834

11  Loans Received

In millions of RR

Loans from subsidiary Bank

Loans from other companies

Loan from the subsidiary company

Total loans received

2017

6,424

839

570

7,833

2016

772

-

-

772

As at 31 December 2017 loans from subsidiary Bank had a contractual maturity from 26 April 2018 to 20 November 2020 
and nominal interest rate from 6.5% to 7% (2016: a contractual maturity 26 April 2018 and nominal interest rate 7%).

F-123

F-124

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)
11  Loans Received (Continued)

As at 31 December 2017 loans from other companies represent liabilities of RR 591 million from sale and repurchase agree-
ments with Renaissance Securities (Cyprus) Limited and loan from a corporate in the amount of RR 248 million, which has a 
contractual maturity 20 December 2018 and nominal interest rate 4% (2016: none).

As at 31 December 2017 loan from the subsidiary company has a contractual maturity 15 March 2020 and nominal interest 
rate 7% (2016: none).

Refer to Note 25 for the disclosure of the fair value of loans received. Interest rate, maturity and geographical risk concentra-
tion analyses of loans received is disclosed in Note 21. Information on related party balances is disclosed in Note 27.

12  Debt Securities in Issue

In millions of RR

Euro-Commercial Paper 

Total debt securities in issue

2017

2,769

2,769

2016

-

-

On 20 December 2017 the Company issued USD denominated Euro-Commercial Paper (ECP) with a nominal value of 
USD 50 million with a discount of 4% maturing on 19 December 2018.

13  Other Financial and Non-financial Liabilities

14  Share Capital

In millions of RR except for num-
ber of shares

Number of 
authorised 
shares

Number of 
issued shares

Ordinary 
shares

Share 
premium

Treasury 
shares

At 1 January 2016

190,479,500 182,638,825

188

8,623

(324)

Total

8,487

GDRs buy-back

GDRs and shares transferred 
under MLTIP

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

At 31 December 2016

190,479,500 182,638,825

188

8,623

(1,473)

GDRs buy-back

GDRs and shares transferred 
under MLTIP

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,246)

(1,246)

97

(397)

97

7,338

(397)

283

283

At 31 December 2017

190,479,500 182,638,825

188

8,623

(1,587)

7,224

As at 31 December 2017 treasury shares represent GDRs of the Group repurchased from the market for the purposes of ML-
TIP (2016: for the purposes of MLTIP and ESOP).

During the year ended 31 December 2017 the Group repurchased 602,148 GDRs at market price for RR 397 million (2016: 
5,659,853 GDRs at amount of RR 1,246 million at market prices). Refer to Note 27. Information on dividends is disclosed in 
Note 19.

2017

2016

15  Interest Income and Expense

In millions of RR

Other Financial Liabilities

Enhanced exclusivity agreement payable

Accrued audit and accountancy fees

Total Other Financial Liabilities

Other Non-financial Liabilities

Dividends payable under GDRs repurchased for MLTIP purposes

Other provision

Total Other Non-financial Liabilities

380

15

395

377

93

470

220

13

233

167

92

259

The enhanced exclusivity agreement payable represents amounts due to the beneficiary shareholder under a Relationship 
Agreement dated 22 October 2013.

In millions of RR

Interest income

Loans and deposit placement with related parties, including:

Subordinated loans to subsidiary Bank

Loan to subsidiary

Deposit placement with subsidiary Bank

Loan to other related party

Investment securities available for sale and Repurchase receivables

Total interest income

Interest expense

Loans from subsidiary Bank

Loans from subsidiary company 

Euro-Commercial Papers

Other loans received

Total interest expense

Net interest expense

2017

2016

65

24

9

7

36

141

243

30

3

1

277

(136)

65

14

123

-

-

202

140

-

123

-

263

(61)

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F-126

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)

16  Net Gains from Operations with Foreign Currencies

18  Income Taxes (Continued)

In millions of RR

Foreign exchange revaluation gains less losses

Net gains from trading in foreign currencies

Net gains less losses from derivative revaluation

Total gains from operations with foreign currencies

17  Administrative and Other Operating Expenses

In millions of RR

Enhanced exclusivity agreement expense

Note

13

Legal and consulting fees

Audit and accountancy fees

Taxes other than income tax

Other provision

Other administrative expenses

2017

56

46

4

106

2017

380

77

25

15

-

3

2016

36

94

-

130

2016

257

72

23

3

81

2

Total administrative and other operating expenses

500

438

The total fees charged by the Company’s statutory auditor for the statutory audit of the annual consolidated and separate 
financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2017 amounted to RR 2.1 million (2016: RR 2.2 million). 
The total fees charged by the Company’s statutory auditor for the year ended 31 December 2017 for other assurance services 
amounted to RR 3.8 million (2016: RR 4.0 million), for tax advisory services amounted to RR 1.1 million (2016: RR 4.3 million) 
and for other non-assurance services amounted to RR 1.7 million (2016: nil).

18  Income Taxes

Income tax expense comprises the following: 

In millions of RR

Corporation tax 

Overseas tax withheld at source

Income tax expense for the year

2017

3

-

3

2016

54

283

337

The tax on the Company’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the applicable tax rates 
as follows:

In millions of RR

(Loss)/ Profit before income tax

Theoretical tax credit/(charge) at statutory rate of 12.5% (2016: 12.5%)

Tax effect of expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Underprovision of tax for prior year

Tax effect of allowances and income not subject to tax

Overseas tax withheld at source

Income tax expense for the year

2017

(307)

38

(41)

-

-

-

(3)

2016

5,467

(683)

(32)

(48)

709

(283)

(337)

Gains on disposal of qualifying titles (including shares, bonds, debentures, rights thereon etc.) are exempt from Cyprus income 
tax. At 31 December 2017 and 2016 the Company had no tax losses carried forward.

19  Dividends

In millions of RR

Dividends payable at 1 January 

Dividends declared during the year

Dividends paid during the year

Dividends paid under MLTIP after vesting date (31 March 2017)

Foreign exchange gain on dividends payable

Dividends payable at 31 December 

Dividends per share declared during the year (in USD)

Dividends per share paid during the year (in USD)

2017

167

8,279

(7,970)

(29)

(70)

377

0.77

0.77

2016

-

4,506

(4,227)

-

(112)

167

0.38

0.38

On 19 November 2017 the Board of Directors declared a dividend of RR 13.12 (USD 0.22) per share/per GDR amounting to 
RR 2,396 million (USD 40.2 million). At the same date a special interim dividend of RR 10.73 (USD 0.18) per share/per GDR 
amounting to RR 1,960 million (USD 32.9) million was declared.

On 28 August 2017 the Board of Directors declared a dividend of RR 11.83 (USD 0.20) per share/per GDR amounting to RR 
2,161 million (USD 36.5 million) paid during the three months ended 30 September 2017. 

On 29 May 2017 the Board of Directors declared a dividend of RR 9.65 (USD 0.17) per share/per GDR amounting to RR 1,762 
million (USD 31.05 million) paid during the three months ended 30 June 2017. 

On 16 May 2016 the Board of Directors declared a dividend of RR 11.04 (USD 0.17) per share/per GDR amounting to RR 2,016 
million (USD 31 million) due for payment on 6 June 2016. 

On 29 November 2016 the Board of Directors declared a dividend of RR 13.63 (USD 0.21) per share/ per GDR amounting to 
RR 2,490 million (USD 38.5 million) due for payment on 19 December 2016. 

Dividends were declared and paid in USD throughout the years ended 2016 and 2017. Dividends payable at 31 December 
2017 in the amount of RR 377 million are related to treasury shares acquired under MLTIP and included in other non-financial 
liabilities (2016: RR 167 million).

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STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)

20  Net Debt Reconciliation

The table below sets out an analysis of the Company’s debt and the movements in the Company’s debt for each of the periods 
presented. The debt items are those that are reported as financing in the statement of cash flows.

Liabilities from financing activities

In millions of RR

Debt securities in issue

Loans received

Net debt at 1 January 2016

Cash flows 

Foreign exchange adjustments 

Other non-cash movements 

Net debt at 31 December 2016 

1,877

(1,857)

(20)

-

-

195

632

-

(55)

772

Total

2,072

-

(1,225)

(20)

(55)

772

In millions of RR

Cash flows

Foreign exchange adjustments 

Other non-cash movements 

Net debt at 31 December 2017

Debt securities in issue

Loans received

2,819

(50)

-

2,769

7,301

(9)

(231)

7,833

Total

10,120

(59)

(231)

10,602

Liabilities from financing activities

21  Financial Risk Management

The risk management function within the Company is carried out in respect of financial risks (credit, market, currency, liquidity 
and interest rate), operational risks and legal risks. The primary objectives of the financial risk management function are to es-
tablish risk limits, and then ensure that exposure to risks stays within these limits. The operational and legal risk management 
functions are intended to ensure proper functioning of internal policies and procedures to minimise operational and legal risks.

Credit risk. The Company takes on exposure to credit risk which is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a 
financial loss for the other party by failing to discharge an obligation. Exposure to credit risk arises as a result of the repur-
chase receivables, cash and cash equivalents and Company’s lending and other transactions with counterparties giving rise to 
financial assets.

The Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk is reflected in the carrying amounts of financial assets on the separate 
statement of financial position. The impact of possible netting of assets and liabilities to reduce potential credit exposure is 
not significant. The credit risk is controlled by management of the Company, by approving limits on the level of credit risk by 
borrowers.

Market risk. The Company takes on exposure to market risks. Market risks arise from open positions in (a) currency, (b) inter-
est rate and (c) equity products, all of which are exposed to general and specific market movements. Management sets limits 
on the value of risk that may be accepted, which are monitored on a daily basis. However, the use of this approach does not 
prevent losses outside of these limits in the event of more significant market movements. 

Currency risk. In respect of currency risk, the management sets limits on the level of exposure by currency and in total for 
both overnight and intra-day positions, which are monitored daily. 

21  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

The table below summarises the Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk at the end of the reporting period:

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

Non-
derivative 
monetary 
financial 
assets

Non-
derivative 
monetary 
financial 
liabilities

Net balance 
sheet 
position

Deriva-
tives

587  

(6,994)  

(2,772)  

(9,179)  

In millions 
of RR

RR

US Dollars

1,241  

(3,608)  

2,776  

EUR

Total

1  

(395)  

1,829  

(10,997)  

-  

4  

409  

(394)  

Non-
derivative 
monetary 
financial 
assets

714

167

-

Non-
derivative 
monetary 
financial 
liabilities

(1,003)

-

(2)

(9,164)  

881

(1,005)

Net balance 
sheet 
position

Deriva-
tives

-

-

-

-

(289)

167

(2)

(124)

The above analysis includes only monetary assets and liabilities. Non-monetary assets are not considered to give rise to any 
material currency risk.

The following table presents sensitivities of profit or loss and equity to reasonably possible changes in exchange rates applied 
at the end of the reporting period, with all other variables held constant:

In millions of RR

USD strengthening by 20% (2016: by 20%)

USD weakening by 20% (2016: by 20%)

EUR strengthening by 20% (2016: by 20%)

EUR weakening by 20% (2016: by 20%)

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

Pre-tax impact 
on profit or loss Impact on equity

Pre-tax impact 
on profit or loss Impact on equity

82  

(82)  

(79)  

79  

82  

(82)  

79  

(79)  

33

(33)

(0)

0

33

(33)

0

(0)

Interest rate risk. The Company takes on exposure to the effects of fluctuations in the prevailing levels of market interest rates 
on its financial position and cash flows. Interest margins may increase as a result of such changes but may reduce or create 
losses in the event of unexpected movements. Management monitors on a daily basis and sets limits on the level of mismatch 
of interest rate repricing that may be undertaken. The table below summarises the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk. 
The table presents the aggregated amounts of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities at carrying amounts, categorised 
by the earlier of contractual interest repricing or maturity dates.

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STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)
21  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

In millions of RR

31 December 2017

Total financial assets

Total financial liabilities

Net interest sensitivity gap at 
31 December 2017

31 December 2016

Total financial assets

Total financial liabilities

Net interest sensitivity gap at 
31 December 2016

On demand 
and less than 
1 month

From  
1 to 6  
months

From  
6 to 12 
months

More than 
1 year

Non-interest 
bearing 
financial 
instruments

Total

389

(591)

-

-

1,444

 207,834  

 209,667  

(1,301)

(3,017)

(6,088)

-

(10,997)

(202)

(1,301)

(3,017)

(4,644)

207,834  

198,670  

168

-

168

-

(233)

(233)

-

-

-

713

(772)

117,202

118,083

-

(1,005)

(59)

117,202

117,078

At 31 December 2017 if interest rates at that date had been 200 basis points higher/lower (2016: 200 basis points higher/
lower), with all other variables held constant, profit and equity would have been RR 179 million higher/lower (2016: RR 2 
million higher/lower).

The Company monitors interest rates for its financial instruments. The table below summarises effective interest rates set as 
at 31 December 2017 and 2016 based on reports reviewed by key management personnel:

In % p.a.

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and deposit placement with related parties

- Subordinated loan to subsidiary Bank

- Deposit placements with subsidiary Bank

- Loan to subsidiaries

Investment securities available for sale

Repurchase receivables

Liabilities

Loans received

Debt securities in issue

2017

RR

0.0

15.4

13.0

9.3

-

-

9.4

-

USD

0.0

-

-

-

10.2

10.9

4.2

4.2

2016

RR

0.0

15.4

13.0

9.3

-

-

13.6

-

USD

0.0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

The sign “-” in the table above means that the Company does not have the respective assets or liabilities in the corresponding 
currency.

21  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

Other price risk. The Company has exposure to equity price risk mainly as a result of a decrease in the fair value of invest-
ments in subsidiaries. Sensitivity analysis of investments in subsidiaries is disclosed in Note 25. 

Geographical risk concentrations. The geographical concentration of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities at 31 De-
cember 2017 is set out below:

OECD Other Non-OECD

Total

In millions of RR

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and advances to related parties

Financial derivatives

Russian 
Federation

6

581

4

Investment securities available for sale

207,887   

Repurchase receivables

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities

Loans received

Debt securities in issue

Other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

-

208,478  

377

6,994

2,769

 380  

 10,143  

-

-

 -   

 -   

In millions of RR

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and deposit placement with related 
parties

Investment in subsidiaries

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities

Loans received

Debt securities in issue

Other liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Russian 
Federation

1

713

117,202

117,916

772

-

231

1,003

Net separate statement of financial 
position

116,913

167

377

-

-

-

-

167

-

-

167

-

-

-

-

2

-

-

12

798

812

839

-

 15  

 854  

385

581

4

207,899  

798

209,667  

7,833

2,769

 395  

 10,997  

-

-

-

-

-

-

2

2

(2)

168

713

117,202

118,083

772

-

233

1,005

117,078

Net separate statement of financial 
position

 198,335  

377  

(42)  

 198,670  

The geographical concentration of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities at 31 December 2016 is set out below:

OECD Other Non-OECD

Total

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F-132

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)
21  Financial Risk Management (Continued)

Assets and liabilities have been based on the country in which the counterparty is located. Cash on hand has been allocated 
based on the country in which it is physically held. 

Other risk concentrations. Most financial assets are due from the subsidiary Bank.

Liquidity risk. Liquidity risk is defined as the risk that an entity will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with 
financial liabilities.

The table below shows liabilities at 31 December 2017 by their remaining contractual maturity. The amounts disclosed in the 
maturity table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Such undiscounted cash flows differ from the amount included in 
the separate statement of financial position because the separate statement of financial position amount is based on discount-
ed cash flows.

In millions of RR

Liabilities

Loans received

Debt securities in issue

Financial derivatives

Other financial liabilities

Total potential future pay-
ments for financial obliga-
tions

On Demand  
and less than  
1 month

From  
1 to 6  
months

From  
6 to 12 months

More than 
1 year

626

10

2,772

-

1,123

47

-

395

489

2,825

-

-

6,771

-

-

-

Total

9,009

2,882

2,772

395

3,408

1,565

3,314

6,771

15,058

The maturity analysis of financial liabilities at 31 December 2016 is as follows:

In millions of RR

Liabilities

Loans received

Other financial liabilities

Total potential future pay-
ments for financial obliga-
tions

On Demand  
and less than  
1 month

From  
1 to 6  
months

From  
6 to 12 months

More than 
1 year

1

-

1

22

233

255

27

-

27

789

-

789

1,072

Total

839

233

22  Contingencies and Commitments

Legal proceedings. From time to time and in the normal course of business, claims against the Company may be received. On 
the basis of its own estimates and internal professional advice management is of the opinion that no material losses will be 
incurred in respect of any current or potential claims and accordingly no provision has been made in these separate financial 
statements.

Taxation. Cypriot tax legislation is subject to varying interpretations. There are transactions and calculations for which the 
ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company recognises liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates 
of whether additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were 
initially recorded, such differences will impact the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the period in which 
such determination is made. The Company is incorporated outside Russia. Tax liabilities of the Company are determined on 
the assumption that it is not subject to Russian profits tax because it does not have a permanent establishment in Russia. The 
Company is a tax resident of Cyprus only and full beneficial owner of the Bank and Insurance Company. This interpretation of 
relevant legislation may be challenged but the impact of any such challenge cannot be reliably estimated currently; however, it 
may be significant to the financial position and/or the overall operations of the Company.

23  Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers that did not qualify for derecognition of the financial asset in its entirety.

The Group transferred financial assets in transactions that did not qualify for derecognition in the current periods. 

Sale and repurchase transactions. At 31 December 2017, the Group has available for sale securities represented by per-
petual corporate bonds of RR 798 million (2016: none) that are subject to obligation to repurchase the securities for a fixed 
pre-determined price. Refer to Note 11 for the carrying value of obligations from these sale and repurchase transactions.

The following schedule summarises transfers where the entity continues to recognise all of the transferred financial assets. 
The analysis is provided by class of financial assets.

In millions of RR

Repurchase receivables

Total

24  Financial Derivatives

Notes

10,11

31 December 2017

Carrying amount of the 
assets

Carrying amount of the 
associated liabilities

798

798

591

591

The table below sets out fair values, at the end of the reporting period, of currencies receivable or payable under foreign ex-
change forwards contracts entered into by the Company. The table reflects gross positions before the netting of any counter-
party positions (and payments) and covers the contracts with settlement dates after the end of the respective reporting period.

In millions of RR

Foreign exchange forwards: fair values, at the 
end of the reporting period, of

- USD receivable on settlement (+)

- RR payable on settlement (-)

Net fair value of foreign exchange forwards 

2017

2016

Contracts with 
positive fair 
value

Contracts with 
negative fair 
value

Contracts with 
positive fair 
value

Contracts with 
negative fair 
value

2,776

(2,772)

4

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)

25  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value measurements are analysed by level in the fair value hierarchy as follows: (i) level one are measurements at quoted 
prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, (ii) level two measurements are valuations techniques 
with all material inputs observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from 
prices), and (iii) level three measurements are valuations not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs). 
Management applies judgement in categorising financial instruments using the fair value hierarchy. If a fair value measure-
ment uses observable inputs that require significant adjustment, that measurement is a level 3 measurement. The significance 
of a valuation input is assessed against the fair value measurement in its entirety.

(a)  Recurring fair value measurements

Recurring fair value measurements are those that the accounting standards require or permit in the separate statement of 
financial position at the end of each reporting period. 

The level in the fair value hierarchy into which the recurring fair value measurements are categorised are as follows:

In millions of RR

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

 Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE

Financial derivatives

-

4

-

4

Investment securities 
available for sale

65

207,834

- 207,899

Repurchase receivables

798

-

-

798

-

-

-

-

-

-

117,202

- 117,202

-

-

-

Total assets recurring 
fair value measurements

863

207,838

 -    208,701

- 117,202

- 117,202

Investments in subsidiary Bank and Insurance company are stated at fair value based on market valuation (2016: same). 

25  Fair Value of Financial Instruments(Continued)

The valuation technique and inputs used in the fair value measurement for level 2 measurements are as follows as at 31 De-
cember 2017

In millions of RR

Fair value

Valuation technique

Inputs used

Assets AT FAIR VALUE 

The estimated fair value of 
investments in subsidiaries 
recognises that the majority of 
the value of TCS Group holding 
plc resides in its main operating 
subsidiaries namely the Bank and 
the Insurance company. Thus in 
estimating the fair value of the 
subsidiaries the primary input is the 
market quote of the Company’s GDRs 
which are traded on the London 
Stock Exchange. Other inputs include 
the estimated fair value of the assets 
and liabilities held by the Company 
other than its investment in the 
subsidiaries.

Market quote of USD 18.85 for 1 
share at 31 December 2017;

Market interest rates.

EUR curve.

USD Dollar Swaps Curve.

Investments in subsidi-
aries

207,834

Foreign exchange forwards

Total recurring fair value 
measurements at level 2

Discounted cash flows adjusted for 
counterparty credit risk.

4

CDS quotes for assessment of 
counterparty credit risk or credit 
risk of reference entities.

207,838

F-135

F-136

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)
25  Fair Value of Financial Instruments(Continued)

The valuation technique and inputs used in the fair value measurement for level 2 measurements are as follows as at 31 De-
cember 2016:

In millions of RR

Fair value

Valuation technique

Inputs used

The estimated fair value of investments 
in subsidiaries recognises that the 
majority of the value of TCS Group 
holding plc resides in its main 
operating subsidiaries namely the 
Bank and the Insurance company. Thus 
in estimating the fair value of the 
subsidiaries the primary input is the 
market quote of the Company’s GDRs 
which are traded on the London Stock 
Exchange. Other inputs include the 
estimated fair value of the assets and 
liabilities held by the Company other 
than its investment in the subsidiaries.

Market quote of USD 10.55 for 1 
share at 31 December 2016;

Market interest rates.

Assets AT FAIR VALUE 

Investments in subsidiaries

117,202  

Total recurring fair value 
measurements at level 2

117,202  

There were no changes in valuation technique for level 2 recurring fair value measurements during the year ended 31 Decem-
ber 2017 (2016: none).

At 31 December 2017 if market quote of GDR of the Company at that date had been 54% higher/lower (2016: 80% higher/
lower), with all other variables held constant, the fair value of the investment in subsidiaries would have been RR 107,083 
million higher/lower (2016: RR 93,826 million higher/lower).

25  Fair Value of Financial Instruments(Continued)

(b)  Assets and liabilities not measured at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed

Fair values analysed by level in the fair value hierarchy and carrying value of assets not measured at fair value are as follows:

In millions of RR

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Carrying  
value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Carrying  
value

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

FINANCIAL ASSETS CARRIED 
AT AMORTISED COST

Cash and cash equivalents

Placement with Russian and UK 
banks

Placement with subsidiary bank

 Placements with European banks

Loans and deposit placement 
with related parties

Subordinated loan to subsidiary 
Bank

Deposit placement with subsidi-
ary Bank

Loan to subsidiary

Total financial assets carried at 
amortised cost

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES CAR-
RIED AT AMORTISED COST

Loans received

Debt securities in issue

Other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities carried 
at amortised cost

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

377

6

2

-

-

-

377

6

2

-

-

-

573

450

162

-

131

-

385

 735  

 966  

-

7,317

7,833

2,769

395  

-

-

2,769

395

3,164

7,317

10,997

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

168

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

168

-

-

543

452

9

250

9

252

168

802

881

-

-

-

-

794

772

-

-

233

233

1,027

1,005

F-137

F-138

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)
25  Fair Value of Financial Instruments(Continued)

Average discount rates used depend on the currency and maturity of the instrument and the credit risk of the counterparty 
and were as follows:

In % p.a.

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and advances to customers

- Subordinated loan to subsidiary Bank

- Deposit placement with subsidiary Bank

- Loan to subsidiaries

Investment securities available for sale

Repurchase receivables

Liabilities

Loans received

Debt securities in issue

2017

2016

-

-

7.6

7.6

7.6

10.2

10.9

8.0

4.2

10.1

13.0

10.1

-

-

10.8

-

The fair values in level 2 and level 3 of fair value hierarchy were estimated using the discounted cash flows valuation technique. 
The fair value of floating rate instruments that are not quoted in an active market was estimated to be equal to their carrying 
amount. The fair value of unquoted fixed interest rate instruments was estimated based on estimated future cash flows expect-
ed to be received discounted at current interest rates for new instruments with similar credit risk and remaining maturity.

26   Presentation of Financial Instruments by Measurement 

Category

For the purposes of measurement, IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, classifies financial assets 
into the following categories: (a) loans and receivables; (b) available-for-sale financial assets (“AFS”); (c) financial assets held 
to maturity and (d) financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”). Financial assets at fair value through profit or 
loss have two subcategories: (i) assets designated as such upon initial recognition, and (ii) those classified as held for trading.

The following table provides a reconciliation of classes of financial assets with these measurement categories as of 31 Decem-
ber 2017: 

Loans and 
receivables

Held  
for trading

Available-for-
sale assets 

In millions of RR

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and deposit placement with related parties:

Subordinated loan to subsidiary Bank

Deposit placement with subsidiary Bank

Loan to subsidiary

FINANCIAL ASSETS CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE

Financial derivatives

Investment securities available for sale

Repurchase receivables

Total financial assets

In millions of RR

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and deposit placement with related parties:

Subordinated loan to subsidiary Bank

Deposit placement with subsidiary Bank

Loan to subsidiaries

FINANCIAL ASSETS CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE

Investment in subsidiaries

Total financial assets

385

450

131

-

-

-

-

966

-

-

-

-

4

-

-

4

168

452

9

252

-

881

-

-

-

-

-

-

 207,899  

 207,899  

798

798

 208,697  

 209,667  

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total

385

450

131

-

4

Total

168

452

9

252

117,202

117,202

117,202

118,083

The following table provides a reconciliation of classes of financial assets with these measurement categories as of 31 Decem-
ber 2016: 

Loans and 

receivables Held for trading

Available-for-
sale assets 

F-139

F-140

As of 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016 all of the Company’s financial liabilities were carried at amortised cost.

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
31 DECEMBER 2017

Notes to the Separate 
Financial Statements (Continued)

27  Related Party Transactions

Parties are generally considered to be related if they are under common control or one party has the ability to control the oth-
er party or can exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial or operational decisions. In considering 
each possible related party relationship, attention is directed to the substance of the relationship, not merely the legal form. 

The outstanding balances with related parties were as follows:

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

Subsidiaries

Other related 
parties

Subsidiaries

Other related 
parties

In millions of RR

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents 

Loans and deposit placement with related parties 
(contractual interest rate 2017: from 0.1% to 
14.4%, 2016: from 0.1% to 14.4%)

Financial derivatives

6

581

4

Investments in subsidiaries 

207,834  

LIABILITIES

Loans from related parties (contractual interest 
rate 2017: from 4% to 7%, 2016: 7% p.a.)

Debt securities in issue (discount: 4%)

Other financial liabilities

6,994

-

-

248  

2,769

380

-

-

-

-

-

713

-

117,202

772

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

220

Other related parties in the tables above are represented by entities which are under control of the Company’s ultimate benefi-
ciary Oleg Tinkov or by himself.

Income, expenses and other comprehensive income with related parties for 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

2017

2016

Subsidiaries Other related parties

Subsidiaries

7

(4)

202

(140)

Other related 
parties

-

-

In millions of RR

Interest income

Interest expense

Enhanced exclusivity agreement 
expense

(Provision for)/release of loan 
impairment

Dividend income

Gain on initial recognition of lia-
bilities at rates below market

Net gains from operations with 
foreign currencies 

Other comprehensive income:

Revaluation of investments in 
subsidiaries

98

(273)

-

(52)

-

275

106

89,305  

(380)

-

(257)

-

-

-

-

-

116

5,668

52

75

75,953

-

-

-

-

-

27  Related Party Transactions(Continued)

In 2017 the total remuneration of Directors listed in the Management Report amounted to RR 16 million (2016: RR 18 million).

Management long-term incentive program. On 31 March 2016 the Company introduced a MLTIP as both a long-term incen-
tive and a retention tool for the management of the Company. The maximum share capital attributable to the plan on launch 
was 4.1% of issued share capital at 31 March 2016. 

On 8 February 2017 the Company granted shares to new participants in MLTIP and also granted additional shares to certain 
existing participants which resulted in an increase in total shares granted under MLTIP to 5.27% of issued share capital of the 
Company. For the purpose of the financial statements the grant date for newly added rewards is considered to be 8 February 
2017, implementation date is by 31 March 2017.

The total number of GDRs attributable to the Management according to MLTIP is 9,628 thousand as at 31 December 2017 (31 
December 2016: 7,504 thousand). 

Participants cannot own or exercise their shareholder rights over GDRs within MLTIP directly. Participants are entitled to the 
dividends, if any. 

The fair value as at recognition date of the equity-settled share-based payments (31 March 2016 and 8 February 2017) is 
determined on the basis of a market quote. 

The delivery dates as of which the GDRs are allowed to be sold by the participants correspond to the vesting dates at 14 April 
2016 and each subsequent 31 March until 2022 for participants joining in 2016 and 2023 for participants joining in 2017. 

Employee share option plan. In May 2011 the Company introduced ESOP as a long-term incentive and retention tool for the 
key management of the Bank. On 1 June 2016 all conditions to the third and final vesting in ESOP were fully satisfied and 
ESOP has satisfied its delivery commitment. Accumulated share based payment reserve was then transferred to Retained 
earnings. 

Equity long-term incentive plan. In January 2011 the Company also introduced a long-term incentive plan (Equity LTIP) for 
the management of the Bank not participating in ESOP. As at 14 April 2016 after first vesting date of MLTIP, Equity LTIP was 
cancelled and accelerated expenses have been accrued. Full amount of Share-based payment reserve accumulated was then 
transferred to Retained earnings.

28  Events after the End of the Reporting Period

On 9 March 2018 the Board of Directors declared a regular interim dividend in line with the dividend policy of USD 0.31 per 
share/per GDR with a total amount allocated for dividend payment of around USD 56.6 million.

F-141

F-142

STRATEGIC REVIEWDIRECTORS’ REVIEWFINANCIALS TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017 GLOSSARY

Anti-money laundering

Average cost of funding

Average interest rate on loans

Capital adequacy ratio

CBRF

Charge-off rate

Charge-offs

Class A share

Class B share

AML

n/a

n/a

CAR

CBRF

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Compound Annnual Growth Rate

CAGR

Compulsory car insurance programme

OSAGO

Corporate social responsibility

Cost of borrowing

Cost of risk

Cost to income ratio

Cost to income ratio (excl. acquisition 
costs)

Country by Country Reporting

CRM

Cyprus Securities and Exchange 
Commission

Days past due

Financial Conduct Authority

GIBDD

Global depositary receipt

Gross portfolio yield

Interest-earning assets

Interest-earning liabilities

International financial reporting 
standards

IPO

KASKO

CSR

n/a

n/a

C/I

n/a

CbCR

n/a

CySec

dpd

FCA

GIBDD

GDR

n/a

IEA

IEL

IFRS

n/a

Laws regulating money laundering and terrorist financing

Interest expense / Average IEL

Core revenue on loans / Average net loan portfolio

Capital/RWA

Central Bank of the Russian Federation

Loan charge-off / Average gross loans

Loans written off the balance

One share in TCSGH PLC having one vote

One share in TCSGH PLC having ten votes

n/a

n/a

n/a

Interest expense/interest bearing liabilities

Loan loss provision / Average gross loans

Operating and acquisition expense / Core revenue

Operating expense / Core revenue

Management report/consolidated 
management report

MR/CMR

Mobile virtual network operator

MVNO

n/a

n/a

N1.0

Net charge-offs

Net interest margin

Net Promoter Score

NFC

N1.0

n/a

NIM

NPS

NFC

Russian statutory capital adequacy ratio

Loan charge-offs less recoveries

Net interest income / Average IEA

n/a

Near Field Communication

Non-financial statement/consolidated 
non-financial statement

NFS/CFNS

n/a

Non-performing loans

NPV

Person discharging managerial 
responsibilities

NPLs

NPV

PDMR

PIE

Revenue

Return on average assets

Return on average equity

Public interest 
entity

n/a

ROAA

ROAE

Loans 90+ days overdue

Net present value

n/a

n/a

Operating income

Net income / Average assets

Net income / Average equity

Online customer relationship management system

Risk-adjusted net interest margin

Risk-adjusted NIM (Net interest income - PL provisions) / Average IEA

Cyprus regulator of financial markets

n/a

UK regulator of financial markets

Risk-weighted assets

Russian accounting standards

Smart Couriers

Law enforcement agency responsible for traffic

SMEs

One TCS Group Holding PLC GDR represents an interest in one 
class A share

The Group’s management long term 
incentive plan

RWA

RAS

n/a

n/a

MLTIP

Assets weighted by risk as per the CBRF methodology

n/a

The Group’s courier network, completing KYC and delivering 
cards to customers

Small and medium enterprises

n/a

Core revenue on loans /Average gross loan portfolio

Treasury portfolio

n/a

Investment securities and repos

Gross loans + interbank loans and accounts + securities + 
interest earning cash equivalents

Deposits + interbank + debt securities + subordinated loans + 
syndicated loan

n/a

Initial public offering, in the case of TCSGH plc with listing on 
the London Stock Exchange in October 2013

KASKO

Voluntary car insurance programme

Key performance indicators

Loan loss provision

London Stock Exchange

KPI

LLP

LSE

n/a

Allowance for bad loans

n/a

G-1

G-2

 TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017  
INVESTOR 
INFORMATION

Detailed below are contacts and various addresses inves-
tors may find useful. 
More up to date investor information, including the Group’s 
current and historic share prices, corporate news, latest 
operational and financial results, presentations and other 
updates, is available on the TCS Group corporate website at 
www.tinkoff.ru/eng

TCS Group Holding PLC 
(registered number HE107963)

Telephone: +357 2505 0668 
Email: administration@tcsgh.com.cy

Registered office address: 5th floor 
Berengaria 25 
Spyrou Araouzou 25 
Limassol 3036 
Cyprus 
Mail to: PO Box 56356, 3306 Limassol.

Principal business premises 
Berengaria 25  
Spyrou Araouzou 25  
Limassol 3030  
Cyprus

Enquiries from investors, shareholders, security analysts 
and investment professionals:

Larisa Chernysheva, Investor Relations 
Email: ir@tcsgh.com.cy

Media enquiries: 
Darya Ermolina, Head of PR 
Email: pr@tcsgh.com.cy

Company Secretary 
Caelion Secretarial Limited 
(registered number HE351260) 
4th floor 
Berengaria 25 
Spyrou Araouzou 25 
Limassol 3036 
Cyprus

Telephone: +357 2504 0404 
Fax: +357 2504 0415

Depositary 
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. 
P.O. Box 64504 
St. Paul, MN 55164-0854, US 
jpmorgan.adr@wellsfargo.com

General (800) 990-1135 
From outside the  
US +1 (651) 453-2128

Custodian 
HSBC Bank plc 
(acting by way of its Athens branch) 
HSBC Bank plc (Greece) 
via its department 
HSBC Securities Services, Greece 
109–111, Messoghion Ave. 
115 26 Athens 
Greece

Auditors 
PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited 
City House, 6 Karaiskakis Street 
CY-3032 Limassol 
Cyprus

G-3

 TCS GROUP HOLDING PLC | ANNUAL REPORT 2017